RIGHT TRACK

SUMMER 2016

PROUD TO BE IN DES MOINES

For our 2015 Iowa Baldrige application, we were recognized at the second highest level (Silver) attainable through this program.16

With the new ambulance garage doors opening, we take a look at the new structure, its team, and the decades-long history of our in-house Emergency Medical Services team. 11

EMS TEAM RUSHES TO THE RESCUE

YOUR JOURNEY. OUR PASSION.

2 Summer 2016

B A A G BRACKETS

R E S U L T S

THIS YEAR’S BAAG BRACKETS WAS ANOTHER RESOUNDING SUCCESS! OUR TEAMMATES RAISED $5,415 FOR THE ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE OF IOWA (ARL). STEPHANIE FILER OF THE ARL ATTENDED A SPECIAL LUNCHEON ON APRIL 6 AND THANKED THE VOLUNTEERS IN PERSON. “The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) receives no state, federal, or United Way funding, so we rely on individuals to help us change lives for animals and the people who love them. One dollar equals one bowl of food, so the money raised through the Firestone March Madness event will allow us to feed THOUSANDS of meals to homeless pets—giving them a new leash on life.

From the dogs who were abandoned, to the kittens who were born on the streets, to the animals whose owners had nowhere else to turn—thanks to you, the ARL will continue to be the only shelter in our area to never turn away an animal in need.”

In addition to supporting a worthy local cause, those who participated got to have a little fun. Andrew Thompson from QA was the top winner with bragging rights. A total of 40 teammates took home prizes ranging from restaurant gift cards to a set of tires, Adventureland passes, and mini iPads. Davy Adkins of Dept. 159 won a 48” SMART TV, and Robert Melgoza of Dept. 412 will be the envy of his neighbors this summer with his new CharBroil grill.

Thanks to Plant Management, Josh Snell (Division) and the many volunteers who made this awesome event possible. Plan now to be a part of the action in 2017!

Andrew Thompson Davy Adkins

CONTENTS I Summer 2016

FEATURE STORYFIRST ON THE SCENE: EMS TEAM RUSHES TO THE RESCUEWith the new ambulance garage doors opening, we take a look at the new structure, its team, and the decades-long history of our in-house Emergency Medical Services team. Pictured on cover from left to right: Mark Roney, Ryan Kelly, James Michels, Adam Wiseman, Ezekial Eggers, Sherrie Wallace, Miki Alexander, Alexander Thornton, Joshua Gideon, Charles Wallace, Ray Beaty, Scott Cross, and Pete Goshorn.

The Right Track SUMMER 2016

A newsletter for and about BAAG teammates published quarterly by

Bridgestone America Tire Operations, LLC.

Des Moines Agricultural Tire Manufacturing Plant

4600 N.W. 2nd AvenueP.O. Box 1295

Des Moines, IA 50306-1295515.243.1211

www.bfusa.com

Privacy Policy To opt out of having your name in the Birthdays

or Milestones section, send an email to TheRightTrack@bfusa.com.

Have news for us? Don’t be shy, let us know! We’re always on the lookout for new story ideas. Our stories are for you and about you. Your input matters! Send an email to: TheRightTrack@bfusa.com

16PROUD TO BE IN DES MOINES

05THE 411 ON 310

Our local 310L Next Generation Committee, chaired by Chris Tague, came up with the idea last summer called “Solidarity for Soldiers.”

10SAFETY UPDATE

Do you know what to do in the event of a fire? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to use a fire hose? Would you like to learn more lifesaving techniques to keep yourself, fellow teammates, family, and friends safe during a fire?

15GOOD IS THE WORD

In December of 2015, Bridgestone held a series of focus groups with farmers in Wisconsin and Iowa. Participants were asked to provide descriptors of Firestone agricultural tires, sort of a word-association exercise. The “word cloud” illustrates how the BOSS responded.

07FOUND A SPOTLIGHT

Amber Dennis started smoking when she was only 16 years old. She’s tried plenty of ways to quit the habit, but nothing worked. That is until she discovered BLU.

11

This publication is produced by

www.farmboyinc.com

4 Summer 2016

From the Plant Manager

“Who would have guessed 25 years ago that Des Moines would someday be cool?”

TEN GOOD THINGS Rather than spend this time like I often do writing about plant operations, sales, or warehouse inventories, I thought I would spend this time doing something a little different. I’d like to talk about the good things that we’ve got going for us at the Des Moines plant. So, I’ve put together a short list of items that I could think of. Some of the items are serious, some not; I’ll let you be the judge which is which!

1. We work for the largest rubber manufacturer in the world. In North America alone, we have over 60,000 Bridgestone teammates. That’s kind of cool.

2. Closer to home, we work in the largest agricultural tire plant in the world. I understand that BKT, one of our competitors, is building a new tire plant in India and its capacity is calculated to be around 600K pounds/day. At full capacity we can produce over 900K pounds/day.

3. We produce the best agricultural tire in the world. The Firestone agricultural tire is recognized by those in the know as the longest lasting farm tire you can buy. We are a pull brand for Bridgestone - our customers ask for us by name.

4. According to a recent Bridgestone Japan visitor, we are the most complex tire plant that Bridgestone has in the world. That’s because we can produce so many different types of tires, with weights ranging from 40 pounds/tire to 1600 pounds/tire. Whereas some plants have 40 beads codes, we have 400. Most other plants produce one basic type of tire with little weight variation.

5. We have the smartest plant manager in the world who has the strength of 10 men. Ok, so that one is not true. I was just testing you to see if you are still paying attention.

6. We are the only tire plant in the world that has received a Malcolm Baldrige award. This is a very prestigious award that uses specific criteria to judge an organization’s performance excellence. Right now we are at silver level and within striking distance of gold. No other tire plant in the world can say that.

7. In my opinion, we have the best workforce (clock card and salaried) of any Bridgestone tire plant. I’ve always said if you can be successful in Des Moines with our 71-year-old plant and extremely complex ticket that you can be successful anywhere. And, it’s the teammates here who make it happen.

8. We live in the Des Moines area, which for the past several years has received numerous awards from magazines and TV shows for being a great place to live, great place to raise a family, most vibrant downtown, best place for young professionals, wealthiest city, etc. Who would have guessed 25 years ago that Des Moines would someday be cool?

9. Being located in Iowa, we have close access to our customer base. We have tours for our customers nearly every month, which gives us a chance to show off our plant and product. And the plant is a great selling point for the product.

10. In Iowa we also get to enjoy all that our great state has to offer...including year-round warm weather, nearby beaches and mountains. Ok, so maybe that’s also not true. But that’s fine. I don’t mind snow anyway.

Greg Halford I Plant Manager

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THRU OCTOBER 29THDOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET

Recurring weekly on Saturday, check out the ‘can’t-miss,’ nationally

recognized Farmers Market of downtown Des Moines.

AUGUST 11TH - 21STIOWA STATE FAIR

“Nothing Compares” to the annual August extravaganza that inspired

the novel State Fair and is featured in the New York Times bestseller

1000 Places to See Before You Die.

THRU AUGUST 31STZOO BREW

In the summer months, Blank Park Zoo welcomes guests (21+) to enjoy their Wednesday nights with music,

food, brews, and of course, the exotic animals of the Zoo!

See a local HR Team Member to learn more about a subsidized zoo

membership.

JULY 1ST - JULY 3RDGOODGUYS HEARTLAND NATIONALS

See over 4,000 Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars and Trucks

thru ‘72!

JULY 4THHISTORIC BASEBALL GAME

Celebrate both American Independence and our favorite

past-time at Living History Farms with a ball game with rules right

from the 1870’s!

UPCOMING EVENTS

SOLIDARITY FOR SOLDIERS

THE 411 ON USW LOCAL 310:

What’s Going On at Local 310

Steve Vonk I President USW Local 310

Our local 310L Next Generation Committee, chaired by Chris Tague, came up with the idea last summer called “Solidarity for Soldiers.” Chris has spent a lot of his spare time volunteering to help the homeless and he noticed a large percentage of the homeless people in the area were indeed veterans. After talking to the Veteran’s Administration, we learned there is no government funding available that would provide homeless veterans with any of life’s basic essentials.

The VA gave us a list of much needed items such as food, clothing, blankets, toiletries, bus passes and money. This idea was pitched to the AFL-CIO affiliated Unions at the Iowa Federation of Labor convention in August. We were totally overwhelmed by the generosity of our Sisters and Brothers from the various Unions in Iowa. We supplied the VA with many truckloads of supplies as well as over $1,000 in cash donations. We plan on making this an annual fall event and we encourage all of you to think about donating to “Solidarity for Soldiers” so we may help the ones that have given so much to protect us.

6 Summer 2016

Plant NewsBSA Family Milestones

When your family celebrates a milestone, the BAAG family would like to celebrate with you! We're interested in news about births, marriages, graduations,and special honors in your immediate family--especially Bridgestone teammates' retirement parties! Send submissions to therighttrack@bfusa.com.

Lillian Abigail Althaus arrived on April 2, 2016. She weighed 8 lbs. and was 21 inches long. Her parents are David (IT) and Aimee Althaus.

Amber Dennis, Dept. 422, Ashford University, Bachelor of Arts, Organizational Management

Danielle Jones, Payroll, Upper Iowa University, Master of Business Administration, General Management emphasis

Damion Wallace, QA and Cara Harris, HR, Ashford University, Master of Business Administration, specialization in Human Resources

Julian Castillo, son of Jodi Castillo (Marketing Dept., Firestone Ag Tire), graduated from West Des Moines Valley High School on May 29. Julian was awarded a scholarship from the Bridgestone Trust Fund.

Nehad Catherine Hasna was born on February 20, 2016 to Hosen (Engineering) and Steventjie Hasna. She weighed 9 lbs. 14 oz. and was 20.5 inches long.

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Amber Dennis started smoking when she was only 16 years old. In the 14 years since, she’s tried plenty of ways to quit the habit: patches, nicotine gum, even cold turkey (the act, not the food). But nothing worked. The habit was too strong to withstand any of her efforts. That is until she was introduced to Blu. “A few years ago, I was at a bar with a friend of mine and I told her I needed to go outside for a smoke. She pulled out a Blu eCigarette and told me to try that instead,” Amber said. “The rest of the night, we never stepped outside into the cold winter because we had the eCig.” After that, Amber began to use Blu exclusively. “I never touched another cigarette again,” she said.

“I wanted to quit because of the obvious: it was killing me slowly,” she explained, emphasizing the last part. She realized she couldn’t get up a flight of stairs without getting winded.

“Plus, buying cigarettes was getting more and more expensive,” she said. “When I finally did quit by switching to eCigs, I slowly began to feel healthier.” Amber had more energy, she wasn’t as tired all the time, and she found she could “actually run a mile.” Even better, her senses of smell and taste improved. Naturally, her interest in and gratitude for the company was high, so she started following Blu on social media.

In the spring of 2015, Blu ran a contest on their social media platforms, asking their fans to submit a video review in exchange for cartridges. Amber submitted her video explaining why she used Blu and what she liked about it. Later that summer, the company sent her an email asking if she would be willing to travel to North Carolina for a commercial shoot. She was among 10 other users chosen to participate.

“With all expenses paid, I decided to do it. I had never been to Charlotte and I thought it would be a fun experience,” she said.

In November, Amber and her husband flew to Charlotte for a two-night stay, where they visited the NASCAR Hall of Fame and enjoyed delicious local food. At the shoot, she was treated like a star.

“I got my hair and makeup done, and then I was put in front of three cameras. It was nerve-wracking, but everyone was so nice and chill that I felt like part of the Blu family,” Amber said.

After about an hour of questions, they took even more photos and drove them to the headquarters for a tour. There, she was surprised with a year’s worth of Blu packs and cartridges.

In the end, Amber did not end up in either of the two 30-second videos, but was featured in a print advertisement that can be seen in the April 2016 editions of Cosmopolitan and Rolling Stone. “Seeing my face in such popular magazines and knowing that I traveled to another state to share my story with the world was awesome,” she said.

Her experience has only made her more of a diehard fan.

“Blu is an amazing company that is very customer-focused,” Amber said. For those who are struggling to quit, she highly recommends giving e-cigarettes a try. “There are so many misconceptions about e-cigs and most of them are media-based shenanigans,” said Amber. “Although it is a recent invention without extensive research on the long-term effects, it’s still a safer alternative to poison and tar-filled cigarettes.”

Amber has a word of advice for anyone trying to quit. “If I could give anyone trying to quit some advice, it would be to go try an ecig, even if it’s not Blu. Try a few until you like one and stick with it. Without Blu, I would still be smoking and throwing away my money on something that is killing me from the inside.”

View a video testimonial that Amber did in Charlotte at the photo shoot. http://www.blucigs.com/plus-works/

Lost a Habit, Found a Spotlight

“Although it is a recent invention without extensive research on the long-term effects, it’s still a safer alternative to poison and tar-filled cigarettes.”

8 Summer 2016

H A P P Y B I R T H D AY T E A M M AT E S

JUL SEPTEdward AckleyLarry BaughmanLavell BellJohn BentonRobert BraunschweigJohn BregarLatasha BrownStanley BurrellNou CamJohn CarricoStephen CarterTrever CarterCharles CatalfoScott ClouseArchie CooperCarol CoxMark DaltonSteven DanielsPhilip DelorieaLalm DouchCipriano Estayo JRSteven FowlerThomas Fucaloro IIIShawn FullerJames FuncheonMichael GalesEileen GauLee GebertMelinda GistChristina GloverTommy GowdyJohn GrantDavid GrassoLarry Graves IIIDennis GreenTina HalsteadDustin HartChristopher HickBrian HigginsSakda HongphaoTheodore Hubert JRDaniel Kain JRBrian KentKhampha KhambounThomas KingAbdel Karim LaafarRoy LeeCory LehmanAndrew LewisYohan LieTony Link

AUGPha LoJames MayDennis McEnanyMickey McGinleyJohn MillerCatherine MinniearYinfong MorkMichael MulvaniaStephen MunyweTimothy MurraneJeffery OgdenCraig ParkerPraseuth PhondethJames PowellSunny RaileyTrevor RandlesRandy RandolphKhamla RassavongJohn Richards IIIRodney RoffRodney RouwMaria San EliasDaryl SauerbreiRandy SchafferJody SchickKhay SeneaphayJerome SimsBryce SmithNick SnellerJohn ThomasMark TomlinsonLong VongVisith VongxayDaniel WahlRosalind WalkerJessica WallinRobert WeirRobin WheelerBen WilsonJoseph WilsonSteve WoodJustin WoodJeremy Wright

Lamen AdamsGary AdamsShaun AndersonShawn AndersonMatt BartenRaymond BeatyEmily BrannonJames BurdettDavid BuschAdam CaldwellKevin CarlbergMichael CarterBrittany ClarkAaron CooperJeredee CooperLamine DekoAshley DunbarTerry DunbarBrandon EasterJeffrey EbelZack EggersJeffrey EgglestonChris EzzioVelia FloydLisa FordDavid FreemanBryce GambrallKadi HalidouChris HallDoris HallKody HarrisChristine HatfieldLes HostetterEzekiel HowardBarty HutsonSolomon JacobMoses JargbahsonErnie JohnsonMatthew JonesKirkman JonesZachary KalvigRyan KellyKurt KeothammakhounBang KhounloDavid KillmerDavid LascheRyan LewellinJustin LewisTroy LilloMichael LongLowell LundAaron Mc DermottKevin McCants

Justin McLainEric MclainJerry MillerRay MincyVincent MoodyFrederick MorrillBrian MyersAhmed OmolTrevor OuversonTyler PaccamontiRussell PageJack ParkJerry ParkerJonathan PenningtonBrock PersingerDieu PhanDavid PierceKhambay PongxayavongVilay RassavongAnthony ReitanoDonald RhodesLaurence RivasRoy RobertsJared RouwJose SalcedoGary SchmidtBrent SherrillJoshua SmallPatrick SmithTony SouvannachitJosh StajcarShelly StrobelBrandon SummersBenjamin TarplahBrandon ThomasGregg TomlinsonScott ToneyKim VanderlindenJason VandervorstSamphone VongsaphayCharles WallaceThomas WallaceDerrick WhiteheadRosemary WilderAaron WilliamsCathi WilsonGreg WolfNicole YoderDonald ZeiserJustin Zindel

Adam SwangelGlenn DudleyDustin WilliamsPaul HuberBarry WoodKeith LayKevin WoodFeves BlakeEddie MyersRick McKnightThomas Crone JRFrederick FlemingHenry EndrisBrandon UmscheidTony RenteriaBritni SheederAaron TurnerTodd BielPatrick UhlVan LuongJohnny Thomas JRHoa NguyenScott PayerLeng ChanCurt ParkerRaymond ManningBryan VanbaaleWilliam BodensteinerJeff CampbellThomas PearsonJohn NashLisa WestOsman DarfoorRobert SimmonsDarlington GrearMark KendallPaul GrahamSeuang LovanJillian HavranJonathan SchmidtJames WynterSean MeusburgerRichard RossKevin PurdySteven KinnardLeah WoodKevin HickleDavid FillbachFrancisco CasianoMaggie CamposMatthew HuberVirginia SalgadoJeffrey KumsherBarbara GauleyChad VanhornDebra SheederRebekah Epley

Teri KaczinskiJeffrey CoonBrian MoodyThomas SmithKellen SchultzAlfred Hyslope JRGregory FoxVincent GoodmanCurtis SmithPerry Erickson IIBarry ZeiserBrian WorthamDanny SchulerJohn RankinRebecca BerkenboschRoss HoveWilliam CampbellDaryl HallsJohn MunsonLarry ChiriJohn BrileyScott EaslerTrever KillamAlan SkinnerFranklin SimontonRick LairdAdam FellenzAudrey BeahrAlissa RusselburgCharles GarlandAnthony Mense JRNathan FarrisRandy WireyStanley FredericksenScott VonsteinJay ManningRobert HathawayKenneth LynchCharles ShoningNathan GiffordWasittha DanielsDavid MongeEzekial EggersTimothy CooperLynn YoakumJames JensenRoy WorthingtonShane MichaelRichard FotesVictor PhongsaRodney BrownAshley StebenWayne GardnerRobert GullionCalvin AndrewsJeffery JacksonSteve SmithRichard LindermanDamlongsinh PhanouvongFloyd Goemaat IIILynn CoxDale ErbWilliam BoatwrightChien NguyenWilliam MatthewsJacob JohnsonRobert Rhoades

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEAMMATES

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M I L E S T O N E S

FROM 5 YEARS

TO 40 YEARS, THANK YOU

FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.

5 years40 years

Timothy Hunter 176 9/28/1976

Steven Gregory 831 9/28/1976

30 years

David Walker 123 7/4/1986

Laurie Chapman 123 7/8/1986

Michael Horner 426 7/15/1986

Daniel Henderson 123 7/20/1986

Thomas Griffin 146 9/7/1986

20 years

David Painter 151 7/10/1996

Keith Lay 159 7/18/1996

Jeffery Ogden 370 8/1/1996

15 years

Si Ho 139 8/1/2001

John Nelson 159 8/1/2001

Amphay Fongdara 175 8/1/2001

Anthony Short 179 8/1/2001

Luciano Gallardo III 179 8/9/2001

Christine Hatfield 269 8/16/2001

Michael Barrell 146 8/23/2001

Emily Brannon 512 8/23/2001

Praseuth Phondeth 135 8/30/2001

Scott Brannon 179 8/30/2001

William Willenborg 412 8/30/2001

Richard Swim 831 8/30/2001

Dan Hupp 169 9/6/2001

10 years

Anthony Condon 422 7/12/2006

Franklin Luogon 139 7/11/2011

Dusty Wallace 145 7/11/2011

Adam Sampson 269 7/11/2011

Contrell Burt 422 7/11/2011

Ngor Jongbaai 422 7/11/2011

Robin Wheeler 422 7/11/2011

Kabeh Browne 426 7/11/2011

Aaron Cooper 412 7/18/2011

Byron Martinez 412 7/18/2011

Benjamin Tarplah 139 8/1/2011

Joe Spiewak 151 8/1/2011

Shaun Anderson 151 8/1/2011

Elbert Cook 159 8/1/2011

Stanley Fredericksen 159 8/1/2011

Torey Wilder 159 8/1/2011

Terry Dunbar 169 8/22/2011

Vilayvanh Phetpriyavanh

169 8/22/2011

Steven Clanton 239 8/22/2011

Shelly Strobel 124 9/6/2011

David Kolpin 179 9/6/2011

Abdel Karim Laafar 239 9/6/2011

David Jones 239 9/6/2011

Ashley Steben 412 9/6/2011

Britton Bowers 954 9/12/2011

Anthony Kaplar 135 9/19/2011

Miguel Tinoko 151 9/19/2011

Danny Schuler 159 9/19/2011

Pha Lo 175 9/19/2011

Anthony Cross 179 9/19/2011

Devon Looney 179 9/19/2011

Brandt Bronnenberg 239 9/19/2011

Salomon Colunga 412 9/19/2011

10 Summer 2016

Safety Update: Fire Hose and Extinguisher Training coming this summer.Do you know what to do in the event of a fire? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to use a fire hose? Would you like to learn more lifesaving techniques to keep yourself, fellow teammates, family, and friends safe during a fire?

These questions and more are answered during the annual voluntary fire hose and extinguisher training that is offered to all teammates by the Safety and Security department. This is a voluntary program.

Over the past couple of years, we have hosted fire hose and extinguisher training with continued success for teammates. The class begins with a 20-minute PowerPoint presentation that covers the proper use of a fire hose, the proper use of an extinguisher and how to keep yourself safe during a fire. In addition, you will learn about the different types of extinguishers the plant currently has on site and what types of fires they handle.

When the classroom portion is complete, the class will then move outside for the 40- minute, hands-on scenario. A demonstration of the proper use of a fire hose and extinguisher will be given by the instructors. Each attendee will be given the opportunity to feel the exhilaration and power of the fire hoses and extinguishers, with instructors on-hand to help each person with proper stance and technique.

Previous students have responded to the class with these comments:

“I feel more confident about what to do if a fire breaks out in my area!”

“It’s nice to know how to locate the type of fire equipment I might need if there is an emergency.”

“I was nervous about being put on a fire hose, now I feel more confident on what to do and feel that I can handle the task if needed.”

Sign-up sheets will be coming this summer and will be open to all teammates. Are you the type of person that would respond to a fire by trying to put it out? If so then this class will give you the knowledge needed to handle the situation safely!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Ronny Baumert I Plant Security

“In addition, you will learn about the different types of extinguishers the plant currently has on site and what types of fires they handle.”

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First on the Scene: EMS Team Rushes to the Rescue NEW AMBULANCE GARAGE DOORS OPENINGBack in the 1980s, some of the old guard of Bridgestone realized there was a need for an in-house Emergency Medical System. By 1984, Charles Wallace had been working for Bridgestone for about six years, and wanted to be a part of the effort.

“In Iowa in the eighties, prehospital care was premature, and we also knew accidents can and do happen, and people get sick. We wanted to be sure in the event of an accident or medical issue that we had certified personnel to give aid to those in need,” Wallace said.

At the time the team got started, Wallace was the Safety Team Leader, although he says that no one had special duties or titles at that time. The team met every 30 days to go over training and establish credibility for the volunteer rescue team.

“They were all willing to help, but they had to know what they were doing, too,” Wallace added.

Early training included two weeks of training to become an Advanced First Aid Instructor with the American Red Cross. Six Bridgestone teammates attended, and the team was off to a good start.

“That worked for a while, but we figured more instruction is better,” said Wallace. They looked for other training programs and found DMACC’s First Responder training. “We knew this would elevate the level of care we could provide,” Wallace said.

The team’s training hasn’t stopped evolving since then. They went from a state certification to a national certification, which means they’re better trained, have more classroom time, and hands-on demonstrations.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Wasittha DanielsTim LinnSteve LisleRick Ackerson

Shane DyerTrevor CarterAdam WisemanMatt Slocum

12 Summer 2016

There are four levels of emergency care in Iowa. The levels of care have changed and evolved over the years, but as of March 2015 there are five differentiated levels: Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), Paramedic (PM), and Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) Endorsement for Paramedic Levels.

Meet the TeamMany people play a major part in keeping the Emergency Medical Team running; Wallace is now a Training Coordinator in Department 512, and has been with the company for 38 years. He works with Scott Cross, also a Training Coordinator in the same department, who has been working for Bridgestone for 28 years. At “just” 14 years under his belt, Pete Goshorn comes in as the youngin’ of the group, and works as the Manager of the Medical Department.

“For the most part, people want to help and they want to play a part in safety,” said Cross. “I just like to help. I’ve been doing this now for 20 years, and I still enjoy doing it.”

That’s how it is for all 23 members of the volunteer medical team. There are other factors at play, too. “Early on in life I was an adrenaline junkie, and I also have a background in law enforcement, so the desire to help is undying,” Wallace explained. “We’re a union shop here and the brothers and sisters hold that close to the heart and enjoy helping each other.”

They still hit the training hard. Once every month they set aside time (ranging from two hours to half-day sessions), to train and learn. Cross lead a recent training where the team went over the airways and the adjuncts rescuers can use to maintain the open airway of a teammate in an emergency.

“We go through all the steps and processes about how to implement and keep the human airway open,” said Cross.

They also train frequently for patient assessment. Team members have the chance to perform a mock evaluation on a volunteer patient who has been instructed to act out a certain ailment. Team members will ask questions, and the volunteer patient won’t answer questions unless the students ask the right ones.

Goshorn is a major part of the team; he helps coordinate behind the scenes, secure funding, allocate time and supplies, and meets with the doctor for standing orders. Each medical responder is trained to work from standing orders that the doctor has signed off and approved.

“For the most part, people want to help and they want to play a part in safety. I just like to help. I’ve been doing this now for 20 years, and I still enjoy doing it.”

SCOTT CROSS

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All medical responders have a certification, not a license, so they can’t do anything without previously approved doctor’s orders and protocols. They spend a large amount of their training time dedicated to learning about the pre-established protocols in an emergency situation. “There are no ifs, ands, or buts about what we’re allowed to do,” said Cross.

The medical team is highly trained and has a wide variety of technicians. As one of their senior paramedics, Cross is certified and trained as a paramedic with CCP. The rest of the volunteer staff fulfills different levels of training and expertise.

The team is excited to have their new garage built for the two ambulances they use in emergencies. All of their teammates have been through driver training so they know how each of the ambulances works when they have an emergency. This ensures that everyone is trained and the team is not dependent on drivers who may be out of the building on vacation or a sick day; they’re always fully staffed as needed.

Emergency 101So, how does the emergency medical team work in an actual situation? First, anyone can call the medical emergency line–it does not have to be a supervisor or manager. If you or your teammate is experiencing a medical emergency or an injury, call the number 5257. Each medical team member carries a pager which tells them the location of the emergency call. Members of the team mobilize and assist where needed.

“When I think of this team, we run it like a small town,” said Goshorn. “You have your volunteers who could be anywhere in a town with hundreds of people.” The squad might be spread out, but when the call comes in they use the ambulance and hustle to the person in need. “We bring that person back to the medical department, and we’ll figure out what that person needs,” he said.

“It can vary. Sometimes we’ll go months without getting any calls at all, and then we might have multiple calls in one day,” said Wallace. So far this year, the medical team has responded to six calls. “The majority of them are sick calls where someone will be feeling short of breath or ill, not an injury or emergency,” Wallace said.

Opening the Garage Door to Increased PotentialAs the Emergency Maintenance Manager, Adam Wiseman manages the emergency maintenance side of the facility. He and his team respond to calls on machines that are down in order to keep everything running smoothly, so the plant can make production ticket. They make all the repairs, and Adam oversees a team of four supervisors and approximately 140 technicians. As an employee of over 16 years, Wiseman has been in the Powerhouse Department, worked as a technician on the floor, and then moved into supervision.

In his role, Wiseman had the opportunity to oversee the construction of the Emergency Medical Team’s new garage. For him, it was more than an assigned project; it was also an opportunity to create something for the team he volunteers for. “We have two ambulances in the plant, and we needed a place to park those ambulances to keep them safe,” he explained.

14 Summer 2016

Prior to the project, the two vehicles were housed out in the open, where they were open and exposed to the elements of the plant. Wiseman hopes that the new garage will protect them and keep them cleaner, and provide a good place for them in the center of the plant, where they’ll be easily accessible to the members of the team.

From the beginning, Wiseman wanted to make this a project that would give teammates an opportunity to show off their skills and practice working on tasks that are outside of the usual project scope. “I wanted to use the maintenance department because I felt like it would be a good team-building project,” explained Wiseman.

The Maintenance Department is comprised of two Unions, Local 310 and Local 347, and Wiseman knew they would enjoy working on a project that would benefit all of the teammates and add value to the plant. “I felt like they would have ownership of the project, and it would give the teammates in my department the chance to showcase skills they don’t normally get to show off,” said Wiseman.

“After Bridgestone gave us the funding for it, we assembled the materials for the garage,” said Wiseman. Next came the fun part: they had to make a decision on how to construct the garage. The design stage was a group effort, a collaboration between Wiseman, Wallace, Cross, and Goshorn. Wiseman provided ideas about what they could do, and the other three provided clarity about the layout they wanted.

Wiseman himself is a volunteer EMT, and has been for about seven years. He became a First Responder through DMACC’s program, which Bridgestone put him through. After two years of acting as a First Responder, he decided he wanted to get his EMT certification.

The project kicked off at the end of January, and at the time of this writing was nearly complete. “We didn’t break barriers on it, but we picked steadily away and it’s nearly done,” explained Wiseman. The structure is 24 by 24 feet, and the exterior is Bridgestone red and black.

In the end, about 15 teammates contributed to the project. “I think they had fun with it, and they were able to learn from it. It was fun for the guys with the construction experience because they got to use their skills and learn new things. And it was fun for the ones that hadn’t done anything like this before, because they learned something new and can use those skills around the plant and at home. Wiseman enjoyed it, too. “It was a great experience and it was nice to see the progress that we’ve made over the weeks, and to get some variety from the kinds of projects we do on a daily basis.”

I believe I am the only original member of the medical team left that was formed in 1983 or ‘84. We had two serious injuries in the plant just before then and that helped to fast-track the program. I am proud that we provide a very important service to the plant. We’re dedicated, well-trained, and well-equipped.

I think it’s a great responsibility, it’s a big thrill to be part of something like this. We’re close knit, there’s a sense of family, and if something happens in the plant, I know we can count on each other.

The company is really invested in the safety of the plant. They’re on board to get us the equipment and training that we need. I’m happy and proud to work with the volunteer medical team that we have here.

I’ve been on the team for about 21 years and we’ve always had the talents and skills, but this is the largest team we’ve had. It’s great to see everyone grow and to see people get interested in what we do. We’re always looking to grow.

Sherrie Wallace Dept. 512

Mark Roney Dept. 169

Ray Beaty Dept. 169

Jim Michels Dept. 178

“I wanted to use the maintenance department because I felt like it would be a good team-building project.”

ADAM WISEMAN

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good IS

the WORDIn the Spring issue of The Right Track, we introduced the concept of the BOSS—the end user who relies on our tires to get the job done. In December of 2015, Bridgestone held a series of focus groups with farmers in Wisconsin and Iowa to gain a better understanding of what resonates with them and motivates them to buy Firestone ag tires. At one point, participants were asked to provide descriptors of Firestone agricultural tires, sort of a word-association exercise. This “word cloud” illustrates how the BOSS responded.

If you’re not familiar with how a word cloud works, the colors don’t matter, but the size of the word does. The larger the font size, the more often that word or phrase was given. We could put the five top choices together to make a sentence: Good quality, made in Des Moines, always hold [up]. That’s not a bad way to be known. There are some other good words that weren’t used as much, such as forever. Even the best tire won’t last forever, but maybe the perception is that Bridgestone/Firestone will be around forever (despite the inevitable ups and downs), and that’s a good thing.

Perhaps the reference to forever could be perceived as our long years of experience in manufacturing ag tires. The Des Moines plant just celebrated their 70th year in business, and the BOSS indicated that long-term commitment to agriculture is important to them. Combine that with widespread, generally positive farmer experience of the brand—our good reputation—and there is a solid foundation on which the BOSS can base their choice to purchase Firestone tires.

Trust is a value proposition that comes through loud and clear from the BOSS. First and foremost, farmers trust us because we trust ourselves, as evidenced by our warranty that tells them we’re standing behind our product. Second, widespread endorsement from their peer group (other farmers) for the Firestone brand encourages them to keep putting their trust in our product. Firestone is a legacy brand. Farmers tell us that their dad or their grandfather used nothing but Firestones, and they’re proud and committed to continue that tradition of trust.

If they’re putting their trust in our product, they’re putting their trust in each one of us: every hand that handles raw material or crafts a tire, every thought process that holds to the highest standard, every eye that inspects. Let’s do everything we can to remain worthy of that trust.

“Farmers trust us because we trust ourselves, as evidenced by our warranty that tells them we’re standing behind our product.”

16 Summer 2016

Every year, for the past four years, the Des Moines plant has submitted an application to the Iowa Baldrige program. For our 2015 application we were recognized at the second highest level (Silver) attainable through this program. The application consists of 50 pages describing our internal processes and results in response to nearly 400 criteria questions. The criteria items ask about our processes, how they are deployed, what our cycles of learning look like and how are we integrating our work across the plant. It really gives a good picture of how systems are at work (or not) inside of an organization.

As a result of the application, we receive a feedback report highlighting both our Strengths and our Opportunities. From the feedback report we prioritize the opportunities and get to work.

In addition to this work that is happening internally, we have sent many teammates to participate in the program as examiners. These examiners have the task of analyzing other organizations (and their applications) against the same set of criteria. This experience is likened to a mini MBA, as you are really looking at every facet of how an organization works. The criteria covers everything from “How Senior Leaders Lead,” “Customer Focus,” “Strategic Planning,” and “Knowledge Management,” to “Work Processes in Manufacturing and Support Areas.”

PROUD TO BE IN DES MOINES

Over the past four years we have seen some remarkable improvements in many of our processes as a result of this process and we continue to work on these items year round. This recognition is a result of the fantastic team and the determination that we see across the plant to drive improvements that set us apart.

Our hope is to continue to broaden this knowledge and opportunity across the plant. If you are interested in learning more about the Baldrige program or our journey over the past four years, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of our Continuous Improvement group how you might become more involved.

If nothing else, know that you should be proud to work here at the Des Moines plant. Despite a slow market and other challenges we may face, there are a lot of great things happening here!

“This recognition is a result of the fantastic team and the determination

that we see across the plant to drive improvements that set us apart.”

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We begin Yellow Belt Lite training with an experiential tour through Daily DMAIC, our approach to sustainable continuous improvement in the Des Moines plant. Time is then spent exploring working standards specific to each participant’s job, which is seen in action as we take a plant tour starting in the mixing department and ending on the shipping dock.

The tour is used to draw out understanding of the many customer/supplier relationships between departments, and the realization that following standards is critical to not send time-consuming rework to the

next customer in the process. Jeff Chayet (Bladders) explains, “Good to have information and understand how my work directly impacts the next guy in line.” We finish up by exploring some key continuous improvement thought processes, giving teammates a new way to look at their work and world around them with an eye for improvement.

Teaching teammates how to see problems is one thing. What separates Yellow Belt Lite from any other training I (Rich) have ever seen is we give teammates instruction and access to tools that can be used daily to drive improvement. The keys to the Maintenance Work Order and Facility Request systems are handed to teammates in training.

Need something in your workplace returned to standard? You have the power to make that happen now!

We also cover the ability to use RTM to report new ideas, escalate persistent maintenance concerns, and raise concerns where standard and actual work do not match.

We close by inviting teammates to play in the culture of continuous improvement we are nurturing with these clear expectations of both teammates and supervisors in the daily problem-solving process.

The key to the success of this training (and improving responses to our PPTW statements) is ensuring that what is taught gets applied once teammates return to their jobs.

Like Dave Wood (Curing) told us, “The tools given for us to use will help drive improvement as long as we use them.”

Training is underway in Curing and Final, and we expect Tire Room and Stock Cutting to get started this summer.

Yellow Belt Lite clears the way for ALL teammates to drive improvement, DAILY

“Teaching teammates how to see problems is one thing. What separates Yellow Belt Lite from any other training I’ve ever seen is we give teammates instruction and access to tools that can be used daily to drive improvement.”

Introduction by Jillian Havran, PPTW Champion; Story by Rich Wince, Daily DMAIC Manager

Rich Wince I Daily DMAIC Manager

As a reminder, the Des Moines plant is working to improve responses to five statements from the PPTW survey:1. Management keeps me informed about important issues

and changes

2. Management recognizes honest mistakes as a part of doing business

3. Management involves people in decisions that affect their jobs or work environment

4. Management genuinely seeks and responds to suggestions and ideas

5. Management shows appreciation for good work

These five statements were a great place to start, but now is the time for the action to start. In the last issue of The Right Track, I (Jillian) talked about our plans to address statement one, which primarily involves standardizing and improving departmental monthly meetings. In this issue, our Daily DMAIC Manager, Rich Wince, discusses how a new training program known as Yellow Belt Lite helps us address statements two through five.

“I like the way the App Launcher is easy to use for finding standards and entering requests. It’s very intuitive to use.”

Mike Maertens I Curing

Supervisor Operator

18 Summer 2016

SALES/MARKETING INITIATIVES 2016

Facts & Figures

Quick Recap of Current Programs:

• Fast Start: 83% of participating dealers (35 of 42) exceeded 105%

• Boss Events & Coupons helped create demand in a tough market

• CAD Loyalty/Volume Program Launched 3/1/16

• Get On (Firestone) Tracks, $250 Farmer Rebate 3/1/16

• Volume program with 1st Half Volume payout 6/30/16

• Four (packed) FSU classes already this year, five more scheduled

• Countless Field Clinics, Trade Shows and Dealer Customer Events

Certified Associate Dealer Program Enhancements

Firestone Ag launched enhancements to our Certified Associate Dealer program as part of our continued commitment to our dealer network.

To reward our Certified Associate Dealers’s ongoing support of the Firestone brand, we are offering a volume bonus payment to our Certified Associate Dealers for purchases of Firestone brand Agricultural and Forestry tires made between March 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016.

The volume bonus payment will be based on their total Firestone brand Agricultural & Forestry tire purchases through their designated Certified Direct Dealer during the program multiplied by a bonus payment percentage.

New Marketing Agency – Broadhead

Marketing is onboarding a new advertising agency, Broadhead, out of Minneapolis, MN. Broadhead has a rich history in agriculture, and will bring new insights and creative thinking to the Firestone Ag business. They will be working on refining the Firestone Ag brand positioning as well as launching a new campaign in the back half of 2016. Broadhead officially starts on May 1, 2016.

What We Are Learning

To better serve our dealers and end users, the marketing team conducted a farmer survey in March. The results were very positive, and support that farmers see Firestone as a brand with superior quality.

• Farmers rate Firestone superior to BKT in Tread Life, Traction, Load Capacity, Stubble Resistance, and Soil Compaction

• Firestone tires’ greatest strengths are quality, durability, and traction, followed by tread life, availability, and tread design/depth

• Farmers are significantly more likely to ask for Firestone Ag tires than Goodyear, Michelin or BKT tires; they are least likely to initially request BKT

Likelihood to Purchase Agricultural Tire Brands

“Firestone tires’ greatest strengths are quality,

durability, and traction, followed by tread

life, availability, and tread

design/depth.”

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GL BAL SLOGANWork Towards

Our Goal of

“DAN-TOTSU”Through

Effective Communication, Teamwork, &

a Sense of Ownership.

Group CEO/Group COO

O U R

We are happy to have had TEN outstanding submissions to our request for “jokes that make you wince.” Josh Snell submitted the winning joke that made Rich Wince, wince!

Why did Johnnie throw the tub of butter out the window? To see the butterfly Josh Snell, Division

Josh Snell, come on up to CI for your fabulous prize!

If you’re not wincing yet, maybe one of these will get you:

Thank you to everyone who submitted! Limit two jokes per issue, one win per calendar year for TRT contests

with Rich WinceWhy do cows have hooves instead of feet? Because they lactose. Legendairy! Jillian Havran, Dept. 512

How do you count cows? With a cowculator. Jillian Havran, Dept. 512

Chuck Norris went skydiving and his parachute failed to open, so he took it back the next day for a refund. Erik Eggland, Purchasing

Why did the blonde open the medicine cabinet very quietly? She didn’t want to wake up the sleeping pills. Joe McGill, Dept. 178

Why is April 1 always so tired? They just got through with a 31-day march. John Bregar, Dept 245

Will February march? No, but April may. John Bregar, Dept 245

A guy who always thinks about Future comes across a Saint. Future Thinker: Is there Life after Death? Saint: There is Life before Death. Enjoy it. Sai Mandiramoorthy, Engineering

Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road? Didn’t have the guts to do it. Josh Snell, Division

What does 0 say to 8? Nice belt. Josh Snell, Division

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PAIDDES MOINES, IA

PERMIT NO. 3174

Des Moines Area Community College is offering an Applied Engineering Technology (AET) program custom-tailored for the BAAG (Des Moines) plant to improve teammates’ knowledge and skill level to make them viable candidates for open Maintenance Technician positions. This is not an apprenticeship.This is a 38-credit diploma curriculum obtainable in about two years (part-time). The course of study includes Principles of Electricity, Pump Overhaul and Repair, Motor Controls, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, and more.

Tuition costs are covered at 100% by Bridgestone’s Tuition Reimbursement program for qualified Teammates with three years’ seniority, so long as Teammates comply with program requirements and meet all deadlines. Book costs are also covered through reimbursement.

SCHEDULE » Most courses are offered in the evening between 4pm – 8pm for Teammates on shifts A and B.

» As long as there is enough interest from shift C, DMACC will provide a separate morning section for classes.

FALL CLASSES begin on August 25. To reserve your spot, contact Cathi Wilson in Continuous Improvement: E-mai l wi lsoncathi@firestoneag.com or cal l 243-1211, ext . 5421