KSE November 2019 Updates
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Save the Date – All Hands Event
Plan to join the entire Kent Companies Southeast team on Friday, December 13th for an all-hands holiday appreciation event. We’ll have a hearty meal, holiday giveaways for everyone and company updates. More details to follow soon!
Action Required for Retirement Plan Participants
If you participate in the Kent Companies 401K Retirement Plan, you need to take action now to update your account. With recent breaches of information (Equifax etc.), Macatawa is trying to stay ahead of the security game. Employees will have 30 days to log in to their online 401K account (from the date of their first contribution). If you do not log in during that time, your account will go into locked status. This will also apply to anyone who has never logged into their account. If you have trouble accessing the website, please reach out to 616-494-1602 Option 1. This will help you to be verified and unlocked by a Macatawa representative.
Click here for website login instructions.
Thank you from RideAbility and the Carmack Family
RideAbility sent their thanks for our on-going support through the Kent Gives Back program. Kent Companies sponsors Rideability annually, and our very own Chris Carmack and his awesome son Michael (age 10) are very involved.
RideAbility serves riders with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Visual Impairments, Cognitively and Physically Challenges, Learning Disabilities, Hearing Impairments, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Emotional Disabilities, Veterans with PTSD, Paralysis, Multiple Sclerosis, Sensory Integration Issues, ADHD, and Developmental Disabilities and others.
Students can gain physical, emotional, and mental rewards from horseback riding. A person with a physical disability may experience improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength through gentle and rhythmic movements of the horse. An individual with mental or emotional disabilities may also form a unique relationship with a specific horse, which will lead to improved self-esteem and confidence. People with learning or developmental disabilities are motivated to increase their concentration, focus and attention.
Chris and Michael are pictured with Wendy Schonfeld of the Rideability Program, holding a Certificate of Appreciation for Kent Companies’ contribution. Kent’s contribution helped fund the new riding arena (pictured) as well as part of the fees for the Michael to participate in the program.
Cold Weather is Here
Submitted by Dave DeGraaf, Safety Manager
With the snow comes a much greater risk of injury, both on the job site and traveling to it. Take these precautions:
- Allow extra time for the commute – traffic will be bad, and being in a rush will only increase the chances of accidents on the way to work.
- Snow will cover and disguise many basic jobsite hazards. Properly marking trip hazards and going above and beyond spray paint may be necessary to make these items visible.
- Walk with deliberation. The chances of slips will skyrocket with ice and snow buildup, so walking slower and planning routes across sites or while carrying materials will help prevent basic incidents like slip and falls.
- Use equipment to move material whenever possible! We are paying for it to be on site, so lets get our money’s worth.
- Stretch and flex. With cold temperatures it takes much longer to get warmed up.
- Bring extra gear like gloves. It’s extremely important to keep your hands warm during work. There are a lot of options to layer; ask your foreman or team lead for ideas.
Trench Safety Classes are Underway
Last week we kicked off the first of three monthly trench safety classes. We’ve invited our customers and vendors to join our team to increase collaboration, communication and safe job site operations. Pioneer, Elzinga & Volkers, Midwest Construction and the Bradford White team were among the first guests to join us. These classes will also be offered in Charlotte, Dallas and Austin. If you’re interested in trench safety certification, contact your manager or the safety team.
HR Corner: How to Minimize Holiday Stress
Submitted by Mindy Curtiss, HR Director
With all of the extra demands and expectations we place on ourselves during the holidays, it’s easy to get “stressed out.” Follow the tips below to help ease holiday stress and help you enjoy a meaningful and happy holiday season.
- Set a financial budget for the holidays and stick to it – Not just for gift giving, but for the top-dollar amount you can afford to spend for everything including gifts, big family dinners, wrapping paper, decorations, parties, etc. Plan what you will spend in advance, to avoid “impulse buying” and overspending.
- Budget your time as well as your money – Avoid the stress of last-minute shopping and preparations. Plan ahead. Make a “To Do” list and prioritize what has to be done. Set aside some time each day to accomplish scheduled holiday tasks.
- Keep holiday plans realistic – Don’t overload yourself. It’s not necessary to attend every family, social or religious celebration that comes along. When allotting your limited time, choose quality over quantity. Learn to say “no” gently but firmly to social events that are over your limit.
Click here to read the entire list of holiday tips from the EAC.
The Employee Assistance Center is available to all KCI and KSE full time employees. To learn more about accessing these resources, click here.
Hidden Talent:
Project Manager Taylor Klein Completes Kent Companies Fine Art
Dallas Project Manager Taylor Klein recently completed a custom piece of art featuring a Multi-Family Division finisher. The photograph was taken in late Spring. The artwork is 48″x36″, acrylic on canvas. It took five sessions of two hours each to complete. The artwork will hang in Executive Vice President Angel Alvarez’s office in Lewisville.
