VPP Star Celebrated by Evergreen Employees

March 3, 2010

Over 50 Evergreen employees attended the VPP Star Award Ceremony for Evergreen Industrial Services held at the Doyle Convention Center in Texas City on March 3, 2010. Evergreen's outstanding achievement was recognized by naming a day for Evergreen by Galveston County and also by the City of Texas City. In the audience of 85 people, Evergreen customers, special guests and employees enjoyed the award ceremony that included the following presentations.

OSHA VPP representative Kevin Rockwell presented the VPP flag and VPP plaque to Jon Hodges, President and CEO as he explained what an elite designation this is for the company.
A letter from Texas Governor Rick Perry was read by Barbara Meeks congratulating the outstanding achievement of OSHA VPP Star Award to Evergreen Industrial Services. A Texas flag that has flown above the State Capitol was also presented to Jon Hodges.
Barbara Lewis, representing Senator Mike Jackson, read a proclamation from the State of Texas commending Evergreen on its excellent safety practices and on earning the Voluntary Protection Site Star Award.
Robert Quarles representing U.S. Congressman Pete Olson presented a plaque and a US flag that has flown above the US Capitol.
Texas City Mayor ProTem Mike Land presented a proclamation to Evergreen citing March 3, 2010 as “Evergreen Industrial Services Day” in Texas City, TX in recognition of achieving the prestigious OSHA VPP Site Star Certification.
Jon Hodges, President of Evergreen, had this message for the audience: “ This VPP Star Certification is a true testament to Evergreen Industrial Services employees. Without the hard work and dedication from all, we would not have achieved this prestigious distinction. Many thanks to all who contributed an enormous amount of effort in our journey to be VPP Star Certified. We want to take this time to say thanks and congratulations.”
Kevin Edwards, Evergreen driver and VPP committee member, made some remarks about the process of becoming VPP certified and the importance of safety by every employee.
Mark Stoffel, Texas City Branch Manager, spoke on the 18 month process of preparing for the audit for VPP Star certification. Even though Hurricane Ike blew the roof off of the Texas City office, there was always a priority to continue with the process of being qualified. A lengthy three day site audit, extensive employee interviews and submission of reams of paperwork were required in the process.
Bill Shaw, VP of Health Safety and Environmental for Evergreen, concluded the ceremony with a slide show showing Evergreen employees at work, at home, at safety auctions and other company events. Being an OSHA VPP SGE (special government employee) and VPP auditor, Bill is very aware how the culture of the company's safety practices when VPP is implemented.

After all the awards and photos were taken, everyone enjoyed a BBQ lunch to cap off an exciting event. According to Branch Administrator Paula Alexander, “ The VPP award was a big accomplishment for our branch. The drivers were very proud to see it happen, they work so hard every day and always keep a good attitude. The drivers played a big part in us getting the award. I think it was very well deserved. It made me happy.”

Mark Stoffel

Kevin Edwards

Bill Shaw

These are all Evergreen employees that work at the Texas City Branch:
Front – left to right:
Paula Alexander, Richard Showers, Tracy Clark, Mark O'Brien, Charlie Saffold, Gary Sides, Kevin Edwards, Jon Hodges (President and CEO)

Back row – left to right:
Mike Hood, Angel Cavazos, Ricardo Ayala, Simon Navarro, Quinton Redo, R.D. Russell, Oscar O'Brien, Ronald Davidson, Ricky Plair, Keith Broussard, Mark Stoffel (Texas City Branch Manager)