Did you ever notice how we are never really happy?  In the heat of the summer, we can’t wait for the cool breezes of fall and in the winter we beg for some springtime sun…..

     We all know it can be very dangerous in the middle of an Arkansas summer, but our hope is that you take heed to some very simple tips to keep you safe while you’re sweltering in the heat:

            · Drink lots of water throughout the day whether you feel thirsty or not.

· Wear lightweight, light colored and loose fit clothing

· Avoid caffeine as much as possible, heavy meals, and too much alcohol.

            ·Stay out of the sun whenever possible and always remember to use sunscreen.

     Follow these few tips and you’re on your way to staying safe in our hot & muggy Arkansas summer!

     Meet Diane Hunter, our Employee of the Month for June.  Diane has worked for us at Kohler in Sheridan for the past 6 years. 

     Sonya Smith, her Area Manager, has good things to say about Diane.  “She is a very hard worker and no matter the situation or problem, Diane is always willing to help you or try to fix whatever is going on.  She never complains when asked to do extra work and she always does it with a smile”.

     Sonya goes on to say, “I could not have a better Site Supervisor than Diane.  She is a great person to work with and I hope she stays for another 6 years”!

      Meet David Roark who is our 2^nd Quarter Janus Award winner.  David has been with DOW for over 5 years now working with us at the Hot Springs Office.  David started as an Area Supervisor back in 2012 and was promoted to Office Assistant in mid 2016.  Ever since Andrew Klich took over the Hot Springs Area Manager position, David has been his right hand person.

      According to Andrew, “David is the go-to person that I am so privileged to have on my staff here at the Hot Springs Office. He helps with anything I need and runs the office when I am away. He helps with JSR’s, runs vehicles over for repairs, and assists with company paperwork, just to name a few of the things he does. In short, David is critical in helping me do my job.”

      Thank you, David, for all the things you do for DOW.  You’ve definitely earned this recognition!

     We lost one of our own recently.  Mr. Albert Smith, Jr., age 86 of Hot Springs died Sunday, May 14, 2017.  He worked his whole life and we are blessed that his last stop was with us. The former Hot Springs Area Manager, Reggie Cowan, wanted to honor “Mr. Albert” with this recognition.  “Not only was he a faithful employee, he was my friend.  I could always count on him.  He was honest, reliable, and dependable, and the staff at the Garland County Government Office Building had a fondness for him as well”. 

     Reggie goes on to say, “he worked for DOW for 16 years and 2 months.  Tax Collector Rebecca Talbert, Assessor Shannon Sharp, and DF&A Manager, Mary Robbins would ask about him after he “retired” at 84 years young due to health reasons in November 2014.

     An interesting side note to this story is that Mr. Albert’s funeral was held at the A.M.E. Church in Hot Springs that Reggie and his crew did the construction clean on last May, just in time for Mother’s Day.  Also, it’s nice to mention that his co-worker for all those years at the Garland County Government Office Building, Dorothy Hildreth, who started 8 months before Mr. Albert, is still working in the same building. 

     Reggie’s last comment about his friend is  “I will miss that twinkle in his eye and his smile.  RIP.”    

DOW’s employees are our most valuable asset.  That’s why our Safety Topic of the Month is directed at you. 

We’ve all been taught how to drive safely.  But unfortunately, we get a little laxed with some of the basics,  like yielding, tailgating, and being a patient and courteous driver.  Trust me, I know how difficult it is to follow the rules of road etiquette, but it’s always in our best interest to stay cool, calm, and collected.

There are also the most important rules of all which everyone wants to break - Texting while driving and not wearing a seat belt.  These are not an option, yet more and more you see people breaking the law.  Please don’t let one of them be you……...When driving on the job, you are a moving billboard for DOW Building Services.  Always be courteous and protect your reputation and the reputation of the company you work for.  And while you’re at it, try to follow the rules and stay safe!