On a beautiful, sun-kissed day in Beaumont Texas, 40 Optimus Steel employees and their family members participated in the Julie Richardson Procter Color Rush. With employees from many different roles within the mill, we truly had the entire Optimus Steel team represented at the Julie Richardson Procter Gift of Life Color Rush.
According to information obtained via website, The Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program was established in Beaumont, Texas, in 1994 by Regina Rogers as a tribute to her mother, Julie, a breast cancer survivor, who had a double mastectomy in 1988 and who died following complications from a stroke and heart attack in 1998. Originally dedicated to providing free mammograms for medically underserved women, in the past twelve years, the organization’s services have multiplied and the agency has grown into one of the largest cancer screening initiatives of its type in the state of Texas.
In 2000, the “Gift of Life” broadened its breast cancer mission to include prostate cancer, offering free screenings and educational presentations for men.
Providing free mammograms and prostate cancer screenings along with educational outreach, the agency of “Gift of Life” has consistently integrated complementary programming into its organizational framework. Striving to investigated new avenues in cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection have remained at the forefront of their mission. Over the years, the following activities have been added to create the current slate of services:
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kick-off;
- Heightened Awareness Campaigns during Prostate and Breast Cancer Awareness Months;
- Survivors’ Celebration honoring breast and prostate cancer survivors;
- Annual Health Forum, a complimentary continuing education conference for Southeast and East Texas medical professionals that focuses on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment;
- Collaboration with BASF and TOTAL Miracle Match for Life to increase knowledge about the importance of donating blood and bone marrow and detecting cancer in its early stages, especially within African American communities;
- School-based and community-wide smoking cessation and prevention initiatives;
- Prostate Cancer Support Group;
- Testicular Cancer Outreach; and
- Acquisition of a minivan to transport clients (who lack access to a vehicle) to and from the program’s cancer screening tests and exams.
Today, the “Gift of Life” is the only organization of its type in Southeast Texas which approaches the fight against cancer in such a holistic manner, including increasing awareness about the importance of early detection; providing free cancer screenings and access to follow-up health care for medically underserved persons; educating our medical community on the latest innovations in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and providing both formal and informal support for cancer patients and survivors.
Optimus Steel is committed to being active participants in our community. We were happy to take advantage of an opportunity to give back for a worthy cause.
ERT At Optimus Steel
“At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security.”- Jodi Rell
Safety and security of our employees at the Optimus Steel Mill is always at the fore front of our minds. The ERT is the team in place to prepare, respond, and resolve to emergency safety events.
What is the ERT at OSM Steel you may ask?
The ERT team is comprised of volunteers who are specifically trained to respond to a wide variety of emergencies that can arise.
These team members are trained in Forklift, Man-lift, Confined Space, Technical Rescue, CPR/AED/First Aid, Incipient Fire Fighting and Environmental Response. These specialty skills enable the team to response and resolve many different concerns and safety events that happen within the mill.
In many events, time is of the essence and having the ERT team on site ensures that we can respond much faster than calling first responder teams. Thus making the site and our employees much safer and closer to aid in the event of an incident happening.
“Over the years the team has been provided training that keeps our knowledge and skills current and relevant. I take great pride in that I have the ability to rescue someone if the situation arises. The Emergency Response Team is a rewarding experience that I have personally enjoyed. I look forward to future training and improving as a member of the team.” Said team member Oscar Vazquez.
Currently we have around 19 active members of the ERT. In additional to those current members we have around 5 to 6 new members that have expressed interest.
Several managers are constantly available to support the team in their various areas of expertise. The members are on shift with their regular crews and serve all areas of the mill as needed.
How does having the ERT on site impact the daily life at the mill?
The team members are most experienced with the equipment and the environments that may be encountered in the course of an unexpected emergency situation. They bring an invaluable amount of knowledge and experience to the table when precious moments are most important.
It’s important for us to understand the day to day goals of the ERT in keeping our employees safe, but also to understand the long term goals and effect the team can have at the mill.
In the short term, we would like to make sure that we procure the best training services for our members. We have a dedicated group that is tasked with being the best at everything we do. We want a world class team in keeping with our vision of striving for perfection in all that we do.
In the long term, we would like to expand the team to include around 40 active members. We would like to expand our training facilities onsite to include some additional training structures and equipment to better mirror some actual areas in our facility that may require rescues. We always desire our employees to be empowered to be great. We see nothing but great things in the future from this team.
“#SafetyMatters! This is important to remember not only in the work place, but in the real world as well. Our Emergency Response Team is equipped to handle real world issues in real time, with confidence and exceptional professionalism. We stand guard to response whenever the need arises.” ERT member Frank Relford said proudly.
If you or someone you know wants to be a part of the Optimus Steel Family and possibly on the ERT team, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our website, LinkedIn, or Facebook for more information on applying!
World Class and…
“World Class and bad @##”, was one of the ways a customer described our recent open house. We were excited to have a group of customers and vendors visit our mill to see how we are returning our mill to its preeminence in steel making in North America. Optimus teammates worked for weeks to get ready while making sure we produced quality wire rods, on time, every hour of every day. It is a constant strive for perfection.
Other comments included, “Thank-you again for hosting us in Houston and at your Beaumont Mill … I enjoyed the event and the opportunity to chat with your management team … You have a great team at Optimus and your drive for perfection is very apparent.”
We had the opportunity to take many smaller groups thru the mill to see our day to day operations.
“Thank you very much for hosting me in Houston and Beaumont the past two days, which was first class all the way. It was great to meet some of the ownership group and left a very favorable impression of our future partnership with Optimus. The mill tour guides were top notch; the speaker was fun and relevant; … I felt very appreciated as a customer”, said a valued partner after his tour.
Breathing new life into the mill and investing in the future of Optimus Steel has been at the forefront of our minds from the start of this venture and to have our customers and partners recognize it will continue to drive us. We were proud to showcase all the changes and improvements Optimus Steel has brought to the Beaumont Mill since purchasing it.
“Gentlemen, thank you for the excellent hospitality you extended. I can tell that Optimus has been a breath of fresh air for the plant and we wish you the best success” another customer wrote.
After the mill tours and presentations were concluded the team at Optimus Steel and our guests were able to enjoy a lunch to connect with several employees.
“Optimus Team, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for having me down to your open house. You achieved a “World Class” experience for those that attended, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the mill and your team. The takeaway that spoke loudest to me was the re-energized attitude of all your teammates. They appeared to prefer to care about the organization that they represent, and your management team has been successful in providing them support, investment, listening, and caring that they desired. Due to this I truly believe they will accomplish greatness that will exceed your expectations. Keep up the good work and I look forward to being involved in your growth.”
Another very important step in this journey is the Holiday Open House this Saturday. It will be an opportunity for our employees to show their families where they work and contribute to our success. We are expecting over three hundred employees and family members! We want to thank all the attendees and the many employees that made this a success. We know the Holiday Open House will be as good or better!
To educate everyone on the dangers of fires within homes and business across the country, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) recognizes October as Fire Prevention Month. Nation wide initiative has been made to bring safety measures and practices to the forefront. The NFPA released several helpful tips and guides for both home and business practices to help keep everyone we care about safe.
The motto of the NFPA Fire Prevention month is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. A fire can happen anywhere.”
In 1922, when the National Fire Protection Association named the second week in October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising awareness and educating families, students and communities across the United States. Fire departments go around to schools and communities to talk to kids and teach them about fire safety and what to do to keep your home safe and what to do in case of a fire.
At Optimus Steel, we wanted to keep Fire Prevention Month at the top of our minds both in the mill and in the homes of all our employees. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Ed Goettl commented on the steps that Optimus Steel has taken this month to ensure safety was at the forefront of discussions.
“Our safety walks this month included the following:
· Evacuation routes and emergency response equipment including fire extinguishers and eye wash.
· Housekeeping is a leading cause of fires, so this was be a big focus. The mill looks great!
· Discuss emergency action plans with all our employees.
· Drills for local emergency responses”
Creating an emergency plan within the mill and at home is a preventative factor that can play a huge role in the loss that occurs when a fire or natural disasters happens. According to the NFPA, less than 50% of homes have an escape plan in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide. In addition to that another alarming statistic that the NFPA has reported is that in 2016 there were 352,00 home fires and of 60% of the deaths that occurred in the home fires happened where there were no smoke detectors.
“We want it to raise awareness, so employees create evacuation plans for their homes, make sure their smoke detectors have fresh batteries, and get their children to know what actions to take should something unfortunate occur. We want all employees safe at work and at home.” Said Goettl.
We hope our focus on Fire Prevention Month helped our employees both within the mill and at home to be better prepared for all types of fire, carbine dioxide, or natural disasters that can happen. Please try to discuss and plan for emergencies in your home. Nothing is more devastating than the loss of a loved one in a fire. Remember EDITH (Exit Drills In The Home) for anyone with children. If you think you are good, go set off your smoke alarm at 10 pm tonight and see what your children do.
At Optimus Steel, we take pride in participating in various events that strengthen our internal culture and give back to the local community. Our team will be taking part in a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society called Relay for Life. Across more than 20 countries, Relay for Life will facilitate more than 5,000 events to support the continued fight against many types of cancer. The events are held at campus universities, across local communities, and via virtual fundraising platforms bridging the cap with supporters and survivors. The funds raised are used to improve cancer survival, decrease the incidence of cancer, and improve the quality of life for cancer patients and those who care for them.
A survivor’s lap at a Relay for Life event in Texas
In October of 1985, the American Cancer society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (the creator of many cancer fighting drugs) partnered to establish October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Annually, there is a campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer risks, the value of screening, and early detection. The campaign helps to highlight treatment options available to women and men who are diagnosed with one of the many forms of breast cancer.
White House Illuminated pink in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2017
Breast cancer touches the life of 1 in 8 women in the US, and we want to continue to take part in spreading the critical information on detection and prevention. We do also want to show support to those that are actively fighting, and to recognize, support, and celebrate the survivors.
We want to share an amazing personal story of fighting this disease from one of our Optimus Steel team members. Karen McBride Toohey found out in 2003, after self- detection of a lump, that she had cancer. She was devastated by the fact that something was going on in her body that she had no control over. She sought out a second opinion and headed to MD Anderson Treatment Center in Houston, Texas. Karen described her treatment and time there as phenomenal.
Karen has a family history of breast cancer and had lost an aunt to the disease. Gripped with the devastating truth, Karen proceeded with treatment and faced the fear of losing her hair. She knew she had to make the best of a pretty painful situation. She glammed up with large earrings, cute caps, and changing hair color to keep her spirits high and push herself to keep fighting.
Karen expresses how fortunate she was to have her mother and the rest of her family as a support system with her through this journey. She knows her faith in God carried her through the experience. She strongly encourages everyone to understand the importance for men and women to get checked out and receive annual exams. Karen is a warrior and is currently a fifteen-and-a-half-year survivor!
This month we celebrate Karen McBride Toohey. We are thankful for her courage and willingness to give back by pushing others to care for themselves and be diligent in regular self-checks. Karen thank you for encouraging us all in ways you may not even realize.
#OurMillOurCompany
When building and creating any company you must create and execute a mission. To drive that mission forward you must have committed and engaged teammates who not only have the necessary skills but also have a passion to achieve the mission every day.
“We know that always striving for perfection is a challenging goal. However, we believe that in that journey we will always be improving, delivering on our promises today and looking for ways to get better tomorrow.” Said Optimus Steel’s CEO Jim Kerkvliet.
Optimus Steel declares its mission is to outperform the steel industry in safety, value, quality, and innovation. This will be done in compliance with the values of Honesty, Responsibility, Excellence, Passion, and Teamwork, committed to fulfilling applicable regulations and laws for safety, quality, and the environment.
The values of Optimus Steel are on display by the employees and the leadership team. The leadership team has committed to providing the necessary resources to promote health, safety, high quality products, and environmental sustainability.
Embodying the core values is essential to joining the Optimus Steel team:
Honesty – Communicating and promoting safety with integrity. Acting ethically and challenging behaviors that go against the core values of the company.
Responsibility – Committing ourselves to our business in a way where everyone will benefit. Assuming the consequences of our actions. Understanding your duties and doing the best possible.
Excellence – Focusing on the continued improvement of the company, using our intuition, creativity, and perseverance. Overcome obstacles to meet goals. Proposing creative ideas or solutions to problems, challenges, and opportunities.
Passion – Giving our maximum effort for our company and taking pride in being a part of Optimus Steel. Persevere in the face of daily challenges and always searching for solutions.
Teamwork – Collaborating effectively and constructively with others for the achievement of common goals. Sharing the processes from other areas. Supporting and motivating coworkers to be better and more effective every day. Service before self.
Our Mill, Our Company!
Optimus Steel employees are responsible for building the culture of accountability where safety and well-being of our team is paramount, our products meet 100% of accepted requirements, and the environment is protected. All these responsibilities are carried out with the commitment of continuous improvement, giving our maximum effort and taking pride being part of the Optimus Steel team.
Community is defined as “a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and/or goals.” That is exactly the type of environment Optimus Steel is working to create. Optimus Steel has invested in a safe and efficient environment while striving to foster a sense of family and community with all employees.
Optimus Steel has also invested in offering a wide variety of community building programs and projects for the community of employees and the surrounding community as well.
This month Optimus Steel hosted a Stuffed Animal Drive to support the Buckner House. The Buckner House is in Beaumont and all donations will strongly benefit the children in this community.
“Buckner works to protect some of the most vulnerable children in our society. Children come into our care because of abuse, neglect or drugs in the home, and they are unsure of what their future holds. One of the ways we soften the transition is by giving them the comfort of a stuffed animal. Often these stuffed animals are something they keep with them into adulthood.”
On October 6th, Optimus Steel took part in the Gift of Life Julie Richardson Procter 5k Color Run. The run takes place in downtown Beaumont. The color run benefits those fighting breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers in southeast Texas. Sign up to join us at the HR office!
“Since 1994, the Gift of Life Program has helped extend the lives of more than 275 medically underserved women and men by providing free mammograms and prostate cancer screenings. In addition to the critical health care services, the organization also offers Southeast Texans extensive educational outreach programming that focuses on cancer awareness and prevention.”
Optimus Steel is also involved in sponsoring the Senior Engineering Project at Lamar University. Two Optimus Steel employees will be sharing the $5,000 sponsorship for their projects. John Ingram and Jed Andresio are the two lucky recipients of this special sponsorship!
Optimus Indoor Soccer Night was created and has been hosted throughout the month of September. The Beaumont Indoor Soccer Complex has been the setting for many team fun-filled nights. The unique mix between life-long players and new players looking to have fun with their co-workers has made for a great season so far. Next up will be will be the Optimus Basketball team! We will share updates for that season and locations as soon as possible.
In addition to all these amazing initiatives by Optimus Steel, we hosted Employee Appreciation Week last week. Even though it was a rainy day, that didn’t stop us from showing our employees what they mean to us.
To be a part of the community is always an important part of owning a business, but to create an internal community to support the values of the company is vital to its success. Optimus Steel is truly invested in being involved in both the local community and its internal community. Honesty, Responsibility, Excellence, Passion, and Teamwork are inscribed on the sign in front of Optimus Steel, but those traits are truly embodied by its employees. We are thankful for all our employees and can’t wait to continue to grow our internal community.