PiedmontTimes Q3

201

5

this issue:Green Initiatives

ISA 2015Upcoming EventsWellness Updates

Welcome to the Family Soapbox Donation

Ellen’s Design Challenge

Enacting Environmental ExcellenceEnvironmental awareness continues to grow at Piedmont as the company and supported industries evolve. To support the environment at large, communities surrounding Piedmont locations, and Piedmont employees in their personal recycling triumphs, Piedmont has adopted an “Environmental Excellence” program focusing on conservation and recycling. The program consists of an internal committee known as “The Green Team” and is also extended to customers in Piedmont’s “Natural Solutions” concept and product lines. With the Green Team in place, employees at every branch are engaging in Piedmont’s waste reduction and recycling efforts. Each Green Team member engages employees across the organization to encourage energy reduction, increase recycling program awareness, and educate on new initiatives as well as environmental outputs created by the company. Successes achieved to-date include:

• Over six million pounds of scrap plastic waste recycled annually• Recycling programs are in place for wooden pallets, cardboard, banding,

and shrink wrap• Aluminum can, plastic bottle, glass, paper, and printer cartridges are

being recycled company-wide• Metal-halide lighting replacements are underway; many locations have

been converted to T8, T5, T3, and LED lighting• Introduction of motion sensors into office environments has produced

savings of over 227,000 kWh, a 53 percent reduction in usage, annually

In support of Piedmont’s Environmental Excellence and Green Team initiatives, employees are encouraged to introduce new ideas to further the program’s success. A recent example of the program’s implementation can be found in Piedmont’s fabrication facility, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Two employees in the value-added assembly portion of Piedmont’s business, Ying Thao and Bao Thao, identified a way to further the company’s recycling efforts by repurposing discarded plastic banding used to bind raw materials and outbound

Continued on page 6...

Fabrication Assemblers Ying Thao and Bao Thao weave baskets from discarded plastic banding. Pictured: Ying Thao.

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International Sign Expo 2015

IBEXLouisville, Kentucky

September 15-17, 2015

SGIAAtlanta, Georgia

November 4-6, 2015

ISAOrlando, Florida

April 20-23, 2016

National Sales Meeting Atlanta, Georgia

April 30-May 6, 2016

Special FeatureNearby at the Bellagio Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, a unique application of acrylic was on display. Crafted by a Piedmont Plastics customer, decorative flowers and leaves were strategically placed on a faux tree in the Bellagio conservatory. Each season, the conservatory features a new, one-of-a-kind display to attract visitors and entertain guests. This season’s installation was named “Summer Garden.” Learn more at www.bellagio.com. Hand-made acryllic leaves and flowers were featured

in Bellagio’s “Summer Garden” conservatory display.

Upcoming Events

ISA 2015 was an opportunity for Piedmont to show off its expertise in the sign and graphics markets this past April in Las Vegas, Nevada. Piedmont Sign Grade (PSG) products such as SupraFLEX banner, AluPOLY, along with many other solutions including polycarbonate, acrylic, foam PVC, foamboards, print media, wall graphics, floor graphics, window graphics, pressure sensitive vinyl, overlaminates, mounting adhesives, LEDs and more were on display. Special thanks to Fabrication for printing acrylic stands to display Piedmont’s window graphics.

• 140 leads nationwide• Well executed show from set-up to lead management• Great representation and strong show team• Excellent branch communication

Successes

Page 3Piedmont Times, Q3 2015

The year started off with distributing educational material and wellness tips about the importance of staying active, eating better and being more aware of healthy living alternatives. Wellness Champions were then selected from across the company to help promote wellness at each Piedmont location.

The next stage of Piedmont’s wellness program involves direct employee participation: August 1 through August 31, 2015, all employees are eligible to participate in a biometric screening and on-line health risk assessment. Next steps are as follows:

Step 1 | Biometric ScreeningThis is the first step toward improving personal health. It is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about their current state of health so each individual can move forward with necessary changes. Beginning August 1 through August 31, employees participating in Piedmont medical plans (PPO and HSA) will meet with a medical professional from Quest Diagnostics either at a Piedmont location or a local screening office for a ten minute, one-on-one, confidential conversation about personal health. The meeting will also include a series of tests including a blood pressure check, blood test (pin-prick), weight, and body mass index test.

Step 2 | Health Risk AssessmentAfter receiving biometric test results, employees are instructed to visit the Blue Cross Blue Shield NC website to complete a short, confidential survey containing questions about overall personal heath and information gained from the biometric screening meeting. Anticipate 15-20 minutes for survey completion.

Why should I take time out of my day to do these things?• It is important for you, your family and your Piedmont Plastics family that you take care of yourself. Being • knowledgeable about the state of your health is the • first step. • If both steps (biometric screening and health risk • assessment) were completed before the set • deadlines (see Wellness Guide), employees will • receive a discount on medical payroll deductions • beginning January 2016. • Deduction amounts are not yet available, • however, the discount is well worth the time spent • in completing these two important steps on the road to healthy living. • Employees who completed both the biometric screening and the • health questionaire received a FitBit to kick-start their journey to wellness.

The Human Resources department is available for questions on the “Where Wellness Takes Shape” program, how to receive a biometric test, deadlines, etc. For additional information, speak with Wellness Program Manager Dianna Williams at 704-969-5341 or dcwilliams@piedmontplastics.com.

Important Notes1. For those that have yet to undertake their wellness appointments, do so as soon as possible.2. Only those employees who completed the biometric screening AND the health risk assessment will receive the 2016 medical payroll deduction discount.

Piedmont Plastics: Where Wellness Takes Shape

where wellness takes shape!

Fitbit will be available in black, slate, blue, and burgundy.

?

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WelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcome

Welcome

Reach Out And Say Hello: We’re Growing!Piedmont’s had a lot of growth in the past year. To those that are new, welcome to the family! For those who are not so new, introduce yourselves and help everyone feel at home. Welcome all!Name* Job Title Location Hire DateMusser, Juliane F.Hilliard, RichardPaprock, DanielRamirez, DanielWaldrop, MatthewComer, JeremiahLocklear, Joseph L.Sum, RobertButler, KevinDebard, AlecGraff, ChristopherBellemare, AndreCharest, JulieDostie, Henri-PaulHoward, Michael A.Larocque, HeleneMartin, AlainNazar, NadaRioux, NormandShoemaker, DanielTessier, MichelTherrien, YvonMelgarejo, OscarApplegarth, JonCisek, Laura J.Jasso, RosySamson, Alexander C.Sparks, KimRumsey, Joshua W.Stancill, Timothy D.Crandon, MichealSchlepp, NicholasAguilar, SylviaKnors, Greg K.Laird, Thomas M.Waits, Joel R.Collin, BenoitPatnode, Anthony L.James, Rebecca

Administrative Assistant Inside Sales Rep.Warehouse Worker Material Cutter / Saw Operator Outside Sales Rep.Warehouse WorkerSlitter Operator Driver/Warehouse Worker Outside Sales Rep.Inside Sales Rep.Warehouse Manager II Inside Sales Rep.Inside Sales Rep.Warehouse Worker Warehouse WorkerInside Sales Rep.Driver / Warehouse WorkerBranch AdministratorInside Sales Rep.Inside Sales Rep.Inside Sales Rep.Warehouse Manager II Driver/Warehouse WorkerInside Sales Rep.Administrative Assistant Branch AdministratorMarketing Assistant Administrative Assistant Warehouse WorkerProduction Assembler II Warehouse Worker Application Developer/Programmer Branch Administrator CNC Programmer Production Assembler Warehouse Worker Outside Sales Rep Warehouse Worker Human Resources Generalist

RaleighPhiladelphiaChicago SouthLa MiradaNew OrleansKnoxvilleFilms - MidwestLas VegasAtlantaPhiladelphiaMilwaukeeMontrealMontrealMontrealMontrealMontrealMontrealMontrealMontrealHalifaxMontrealMontrealLa MiradaChicagoPompano BeachJuarezMarketingCharlotteGreenvilleFabrication DivisionAtlantaInformation TechnologyInland EmpireColumbiaDenverAtlantaMontrealBaltimore-WashingtonHuman Resources

12/1/201412/5/201412/8/201412/8/201412/8/20141/5/20151/5/20151/7/20151/13/20151/19/20151/19/20151/19/20151/19/20151/19/20151/19/20151/19/20151/19/20151/19/20151/19/20151/19/20151/19/20151/19/20151/20/20152/3/20152/3/20152/5/20152/6/20152/9/20152/10/20152/10/20152/16/20152/16/20153/2/20153/3/20153/3/20153/3/20153/3/20153/10/20153/16/2015

Page 5Piedmont Times, Q3 2015Welcome

WelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcome

WelcomeName* Job Title Location Hire DateTabares, Jessica A.Carsello, Brett J.Karoudi, SaidCurrie, LarryKrein II, Frank P.Arnold, Joshua M.Davis, Paul C.Lemos, Jaime J.Smith, Brent G.Taylor, Kasey E.Waddell, ElizabethWright, Alan E.El-Kailani, MohamedPelletier, YvesSigala Jr., ArturoVitale, Kenneth V.Schwartz, BruceAnderson, AmandaEslinger, Carrie L.Kittell, RichardWashington, Dujuan R.Tarantino, VincentBagby, Brooks D.Rubio, Saul G.Baker, Allan A.Jarrells, TimothySom, Judy J.Williams, Jarrod T.Ward, DarylWelton, JeanHarris Jr., Alton W.Brethauer, SusanPalacios, Jose J.Smith, LiaFincher, ReginaldMaxwell, Susan A.Young, Kathi A.Jalove, RosemarieChastain, Bradley C.Devine, ValerieMartinez, BrianRiggs, KristenField, JamesGalindo, Joshua

Administrative Assistant Outside Sales Rep.Material Cutter/Saw Operator Warehouse WorkerOutside Sales Rep.Warehouse WorkerWarehouse Manager II Branch ManagerInside Sales Rep.Marketing Specialist Sales Operations and Training SpecialistQuality Control Inspector II Warehouse Worker Outside Sales Rep.Driver/Warehouse Worker Inside Sales Rep.Outside Sales Rep.Marketing SpecialistBranch AdministratorWarehouse Assistant Manager Warehouse WorkerMaterial Cutter / Saw OperatorInside Sales Rep.Inside Sales Rep. Production Thermoformer Warehouse Worker Production Assembler Production Assembler Administrative AssistantAdministrative AssistantWarehouse Worker Branch Administrator Warehouse Worker Administrative Assistant Building Maintenance & Janitor Branch Administrator Branch Administrator Branch Administrator Warehouse Worker Accounts Payable Specialist Production Assembler Marketing Specialist Material Cutter / Saw Operator Warehouse Worker

JuarezMilwaukeeMontrealNashvilleAlbanyLa MiradaPompano BeachMassachusettsColumbusMarketingHuman ResourcesFabrication DivisionMontrealMontrealLa MiradaRichmondChicagoMarketingPortlandSan DiegoGreensboroCharlotteSan FranciscoEl PasoFabrication DivisionAtlantaFabrication DivisionFabrication DivisionScarboroughKitchenerGreensboroPittsburghSan DiegoHalifaxCorporatePhiladelphiaGreensboroChicagoAtlanta AccountingDenverMarketingMassachusetts Phoenix

3/17/20153/23/20153/23/20153/24/20153/24/20154/6/20154/13/20154/21/20154/27/20154/27/20154/27/20154/27/20154/27/20154/27/20154/28/20155/4/20155/7/20155/11/20155/11/20155/11/20155/11/20155/12/20155/18/20155/18/20155/19/20155/19/20155/19/20155/19/20155/19/20155/23/20156/2/20156/8/20156/16/20156/19/20156/22/20157/6/20157/9/20157/13/20157/14/20157/14/20157/20/20157/20/20157/27/20157/28/2015

*all hires are listed as of Tuesday, July 31, 2015.

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finished products. Ying and Bao intricately weave the plastic banding into aesthetically pleasing and durable baskets for use in the home, a skill imported from their native Laos.

Each basket takes about a day for Ying or Bao to weave and they typically use the baskets at home for storage or gift them to family and friends. Traditionally baskets are constructed of bamboo, a versatile material used to transport material, in building construction, burned as fuel, cut as piping for irrigation and used as food consumption for people and animals alike.

As a key provider of plastic sheet, rod, tube, and film solutions, Piedmont Plastics is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of the environment.

We fulfill this dedication by:

• Developing, implementing and maintaining environmental initiatives • Complying with all federal, state and local environmental laws, regulations and requirements • Proactively reducing resource consumption and waste generation • Eliminating or minimizing any adverse environmental impact that occurs as a result of our business operations • Encouraging environmentally responsible behavior and practices from suppliers and business partners • Providing eco-friendly products and services to customers • Establishing goals and objectives that continually improve the company’s performance on environmental issues

Enacting Environmental ExcellenceContinued from front cover...

Laos is a country in Southeast Asia.

Examples of hand-woven bamboo baskets made by Lao artisans.

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Green Team Member BranchEmily FryarJon MartinPaul MapstoneEddie EthridgeBrent SmithJason RiceBill WhiteJon ApplegateMike MooreScott MartinCaroline WellmanChad RobertsKasey TaylorLevi AaronLisa Pena

AkronAlbanyAtlantaBirminghamColumbusColmbusCharlotte FilmsChicagoCincinnatiColumbiaCorporateCorporateCorporateDenverEl Paso

Green Team Member BranchRobbie SchierMichelle ThompsonDaniel ShoemakerJames BroussardMike ViledaPat ThompsonMark WhitelawJanet JonesChris OrozocoEddie JiminezDavid BaierJaime LemosDenise McElhaneyJennifer SchubertBrian Hense

Grand RapidsGreenvilleHalifaxHoustonInland EmpireKnoxvilleKitchenerLa MiradaLa MiradaLa MiradaLas VegasMassachusettsMemphisMidwest FilmsMilwaukee

Green Team Member BranchGilles HudonKami DunklemanPam NastasiRaul OtrizLaura CisekRick HilliardNick DesistoMike SherryHerb BrownNancy DudnetKen VitaleRocky LaferraraRick KittellLynn Romin

MontrealNashvilleNew OrleansDaytona BeachPompano BeachPhiladelphiaPortlandPittsburghRaleighRaleighRichmondScarboroughSan DiegoSan Francisco

Green Team members are still needed for Charlotte, S. Chicago, Greensboro. Contact Pat Barrett at 704-969-5336 or pbarrett@piedmontplastics.com to sign up!

GREEN TEAM MEMBER ROSTERNAME LOCATION NAME LOCATION NAME LOCATION

Page 7Piedmont Times, Q3 2015

So what is a soap box car anyhow? It is a motorless vehicle known as a “gravity racer” or “soap box,” which is raced in a downhill competition reaching speeds in excess of 70 miles per hour. Traditionally made from wooden crates or “soap boxes,” the racers have evolved with the influx of recent technology–introducing new materials into the construction process such as aluminum, fiberglass, and plastic products.

The All-American Soap Box Derby, an international non-profit empowering youth with soap box racing competitions, recently created an enrichment program for younger children to build replica soap box cars. As a component of the replica cars, Piedmont and Vycom donated Celtec exanded PVC material that works well given the racer’s specifications. The material is lightweight, durable, and easy to work with. The cars were given away to children on July 25 at the 78th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.

Don Hakola, Inside Sales, said the PVC material will contribute to the longevity and durability of the miniature racers. “We are happy to support such an inspirational organization,” he said. “The Soap Box Derby is a wonderful way for young people of all ages to learn about math and science while building confidence and having fun.”

“We really appreciate the support of Vycom and Piedmont Plastics, which allows us to inspire younger kids with a mini car giveaway,” said Joe Mazur, President/CEO, Soap Box Derby. The mini cars are 1/13th scale replicas from three divisions: Stock, Super Stock, and Masters, which group racers by age and experience level. The soap box cars are also being used in classrooms worldwide.

The International Soap Box Derby is an international non-profit organization with a mission to build knowledge and character, and to create meaningful experiences through collaboration and fair and honest competition. The Derby’s two youth initiatives are the All-American Soap Box Derby racing program and the STEM-based Education Program, which provides educational opportunities for K-12 youth worldwide through Soap Box Derby racing. The Derby began in 1934, when the first All-American race was held in Dayton, Ohio.

To learn more about the Soap Box Derby or find a race in your area visit www.soapboxderby.org.

Donation Provides Opportunity For Youth

A soap box race at Derby Hill in Akron, Ohio.

A soap box car mid-race.

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Piedmont seized a unique opportunity last year with Ellen’s Design Challenge, an HGTV television series featuring an American style furniture design competition. As a donator of components/supplies, Piedmont trucks proudly delivered products showcasing supplier products. The first season, which debuted on January 25, 2015, consisted of seven episodes and has been selected for a second season. This is a great opportunity to increase brand strength and Piedmont is excited about the opportunity to positively affect the bottom line for each of its participating suppliers. In fact, as a result of Piedmont’s participation, sales to this customer group increased by 21 percent and is still growing. Danny Kohn, show producer, has promised greater exposure in the second season– Piedmont is researching having a section of the production area labeled “Piedmont Plastics” where all supplier products will be stored during the show’s production/filming.

We hope suppliers are as excited as Piedmont is about the upcoming season! Example of products used and needed:

• Clear cast and extruded acrylics 1/8” to 2”• Colored cast acrylics 1/8” to 3/4”• Makrolon clear & grey 1/8” to 3/8”• Sintra sheet both white & colors• Acrylic mirror sheet 1/8” & 1/4”• Acrylic tubes & rods & some AluPOLY sheets • (supplied by Piedmont Corporate)

Suppliers have teamed up with Piedmont in 2015 to offer Ellen's Design Challenge's talented designers access to a fantastic array of plastic materials. For questions about this project contact Carlos Bennett, Branch Manager, at 562-404-4014 or cbennett@piedmontplastics.com.

Ellen’s Design Challenge: A Win For Piedmont Suppliers

TV personality Ellen DeGeneres hosts Ellen’s Design Challenge, televised on HGTV.

Piedmont truck delivered supplier materials to the set of Ellen’s Design Challenge.

Holiday ScheduleAs a friendly reminder, all Piedmont Plastics locations will be closed on the following days:

Labour Day, Sept. 7Thanksgiving Day, Oct. 12Day After Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27Boxing Day, Dec. 24Christmas Day, Dec. 25

Labor Day, Sept. 7Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26Day After Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27Employee Appreciation Day, Dec. 24Christmas Day, Dec. 25

USA CanadaMexico

Día de Independencia, Sept. 16Día de la Revolución, Nov. 20Día de Reconocimiento Empleado, Dec. 24Navidad, Dec. 25

Page 9Piedmont Times, Q3 2015

We are always looking for newsletter stories throughout the quarter. If you have a story or suggestion you would like to see in the next newsletter, contact Kristen Riggs, Marketing Specialist, at 704-816-1961 or kriggs@piedmontplastics.com. Current and past Piedmont Times issues can be found on SharePoint in the Marketing area.

Want More?

Strategic IntentWE INTEND TO BE THE PREMIER NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTOR AND CONVERTER OF BASIC PLASTIC SHAPES AND FILM. WE INTEND TO ACCOMPLISH THIS WHILE MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF INTEGRITY IN ALL ASPECTS OF OUR ACTIVITIES, AND IN A MANNER THAT PROMOTES AN ENJOYABLE AND PROFITABLE WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR CUSTOMERS, EMPLOYEES AND SUPPLIERS.

Day Time Day Time Day Time1 20 seconds 11 60 seconds 21 150 seconds2 20 seconds 12 90 seconds 22 180 seconds3 30 seconds 13 REST 23 210 seconds4 30 seconds 14 90 seconds 24 210 seconds5 40 seconds 15 90 seconds 25 210 seconds6 REST 16 120 seconds 26 REST7 45 seconds 17 120 seconds 27 240 seconds8 45 seconds 18 150 seconds 28 240 seconds9 60 seconds 19 REST 29 270 seconds

10 60 seconds 20 150 seconds 30 5 minutes!

Who expected to be challenged to a five minute plank by Piedmont President Chip Whitfield? Piedmont continues to motivate and inspire employees to go the distance and achieve wellness by providing a host of wellness opportunities including tips, classes, and other resources. When Chip issued his planking challenge earlier this month, many branches took to the floor for a battle against the clock―check out Daytona Beach's Matt Goldys, Inside Sales, below, as he demonstrates an impressive 6+ minute plank!

Got photos? Share with Marketing for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue of the Marketing Minute, Piedmont Times, or on Piedmont social media channels. It’s not too late to join the challenge; the table below shows how to build up to a five minute plank. Be patient and consult with a physician before getting started. And don’t forget―make sure to tell Chip, "challenge accepted!"

Matt Goldys, Inside Sales, demonstrates a 6:02 plank (yes,

that's six minutes and two seconds)!