LIFELINE

OUR GENERAL FOREMEN
GF of the Month
July 2007
Region 472 was pleased to recognize their first General
Foreman of the Month, William “Bill” Larkey. A dinner meeting
was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to honor this July recipient.
Fellow general foremen from region 472’s New Jersey
area joined the festivities, along with Lou Nekola, Jeff Jones
and Jim Craner.
Bill was flattered to receive this prestigious designation
and his Performance Award trophy. A check for $1,000
capped off the evening.
Congratulations, Bill, on your accomplishment!
August and September 2007
Region 460 scored a big victory with two successive general
foremen receiving recognition for the months of August
and September.
Congratulations to Matt Vandergrift for being our August
2007 General Foreman of the Month, and Gary Finnicum
for achieving the September 2007 General Foreman of the
Month. Our two winners were recognized at a combined celebration
held at the Hyde Park Grill in Columbus, Ohio.
Vice president, Jeff Jones, led the evening’s festivities.
Regional manager, Guy Daines, and supervisor, John Gibson,
could not have been more proud when the time came to recognize
these gentlemen. Several other general foreman from
the region also attended the event to show their support of
their colleagues.
Both Matt and Gary received checks for $1,000 and a
Performance Award trophy. Congratulations Matt and Gary on
receiving this well-deserved honor!
From left, Bob Turner, Regional Manager, Bill Larkey, General Foreman, Scott
Palmer, Regional Safety Specialist, and Mike Turner, Supervisor
Submission offered by Bill Larkey
When I found out I’d been recognized as the GF of the Month, I
was very happy to hear that I’d won. I began to reflect on why I was
chosen and immediately started thinking of my men who always work
safely and efficiently; without them and their dedication to the job, I
simply couldn’t be successful at doing my job. They have a tremendous
work ethic and they allow me to focus on other important
aspects of my job.
I also have to thank many others at Nelson Tree Service who support
and help me. I really appreciate the folks in the Dayton office who
check my payroll and production reports to make sure they are
correct. The staff in Ashland is always helpful in providing technical
advice on equipment problems, and they are always prompt in getting
tools and supplies out.
A special thanks goes to my fellow general foremen in region 472.
These guys are always here to offer assistance whenever I need anything.
Finally, I want to give a special thanks to my regional manager,
Bob Turner Jr., and supervisor, Mike Turner. I just can’t say enough
about their knowledge and support.
I would also like to mention my family and thank them for their continued
support. I have a son who lives in Chicago and two daughters
who live nearby. They have provided me with one of the best rewards
in life, six wonderful grandchildren.
I have a terrific fiancé, Nancy, who has been with me for nine years.
Not only does she understand the long days I put in, she also helps
me with paperwork. She files and makes copies, which really helps
keep me organized.
As I consider this honor, I continue to reflect on my life and those
around me. The love of a good woman, twenty-two years in the military,
thirty years in this business, the opportunity to work with a group
of outstanding men, and everyone else at Nelson Tree who goes
above and beyond to help me … wow! That’s one heck of a recipe!
Thanks again to everyone for this honor.
From left: Regional Manager, Guy Daines, presenting Gary Finnicum, General
Foreman, with his Performance Award trophy. General Foreman, Matt Vandergrift,
receives his award from John Gibson, Supervisor.
2 9