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Pam Harris Delivers Outstanding Customer Service

Forty Year Farewell to Marian Hilt

New Products in 2017

Complete Overhaul Offers UK Customers Premium Service

Cognitos Get Smart

UK Service Invest in Weighbridge Test Units

New Weighbridge Fraud Prevention Application

India visit with Lance Read and Bob Dutzi

International Women’s Day

UK IT Updates

Spring newsletter

April 2017

CONEXPO-CON/AGG - pg 9

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Improved Efficiency at Indian Cement Plant

EDXtreme Improves Health and Safety at US Electric Company

National Farm Machinery Show

CONEXPO Event Success

KH Khoo Takes on Malaysian Powerman Championships

Zero Harm Rolled out Globally

Operation Feel Good Kicks Off

Scholarship Winners Named

Weighwhat a

to be

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“I would just like to share my appreciation for one of your employees, Pam Harris. For the many years I have worked with Pam, she’s always been supportive, communicative and willing to solve any problem! Everyone is always professional at Avery-Weigh Tronix, but Pam is outstanding!”

Outstanding Customer ServicePam Harris has worked at Avery Weigh-Tronix for almost 40 years. Over the years, Pam has seen many changes, but one thing that has never changed is her dedication to her customers! Jess Urban, HR Generalist in the US, chatted to Pam to find out more.

1. What motivates you to provide outstanding service to your customers?

Being able to listen to the customer and solve their problem is a good feeling at the end of the day. Outstanding service is normally a group effect – we are lucky to have several supportive groups under one roof – engineering, national accounts, sales, admin, quality, shipping, technicians, manufacturing employees – everyone contributes at one time or another.

2. What has your career path been with Avery Weigh-Tronix?

I started in 1977 when I was hired to set up the first service stockroom. The very first thing I learned was what a Weigh-Bar is! I remember there were almost 100 people in the entire building at that time. Over the years, my positions have included order entry, service planner, lead person, customer service admin, service manager and national account contract administrator. It took me almost

40 years to do all of those things, as you have probably done the math by now!

3. What do you like best about your job?

I enjoy working with customers daily and learning about their company, the ways they use our product and their expectations of our service. With that knowledge, I am able to better help them with their day-to-day and long range planning. Most customers are very appreciative of the work we do for them and that motivates us. And I am lucky to work with a group of hardworking, fun co-workers.

Thank you for your outstanding dedication and service to your customers Pam!

A Very Fond Farewell to Marian Hilt On 30th of December 2016, staff at Avery Weigh-Tronix in India waved a heartfelt goodbye to Mrs. Marian Hilt. Marian was definitely well known in the Indian office, but also a familiar and friendly face to many Avery Weigh-Tronix & ITW Management team members.

Marian joined Avery India in 1974, at the age of 19 years and retired after a successful journey of 42 years.

Staff gathered for a warm farewell to her. We would like to wish Marian the very best for her retirement.

ZT350 Dimensioning Device (US)

January saw the launch of the ZT350, a high precision digital tape measure, which records, stores and transmits dimensional data to a PC or other smart device via Bluetooth® connectivity.

Jeremiah Pluim, Global Product Manager for Avery Weigh Tronix, said: “With market leaders in the shipping industry now charging not only by weight but also dimensions, operations are quickly shifting towards the ‘dim weight’ model thanks to the benefits of a more effective service and increased profit margins. During 2016, there was a massive 45 percent jump in e-commerce sales, making the parcel and freight industry an increasingly high value market. Being able to calculate dim weight will be increasingly crucial for organisations dealing with parcels and freight, whether they’re operating as distributors or using logistics providers.”

Affordable and usable out of the box, the ZT350 is a great solution, while providing high precision and the ability to stream data so it can be integrated with existing systems. For more information about the ZT350, visit the Avery Weigh-Tronix website.

ZK830 Counting Scale (US)

During March 2017, Darren Waplington launched the ZK830: a high resolution Quartzell™ digital scale which can be set up as either a dedicated counting scale, dedicated checkweigher or standalone bench balance.

With its 1 billion internal count resolution and unique case design, the ZK830 makes use of our highly accurate Quartzell technology. From

micro components to larger items, the high precision Quartzell transducer counts with an accuracy not seen in other weighing scales in its class.

The ZK830’s robust design, connectivity options and flexibility make it suitable for use in a wide range of environments, from laboratories, manufacturing, engineering and production lines to shipping and warehouse areas.

For more information about the ZK830, visit the US website.

Weighbridge Software Applications (UK)

The UK team have been busy creating software applications to position Avery Weigh-Tronix at the forefront of weighbridge solutions for the waste market. › Weighbridge application software: Uses

the ZM510 indicator to control the weighbridge and its peripherals, creating a bespoke traffic management solution which can control traffic lights, barriers, positioning sensors and remote displays.

› Weighbridge Fraud Prevention Software: Used with the ZM510, this software helps to protect weighbridges from fraudulent transactions. The ZM510 can be integrated with custom-fitted sensors that verify that each vehicle has fully entered or exited the weighbridge weighing zone, highlighting abnormal - and potentially fraudulent – weighments.

TraceWaste

A waste management solution, designed to help businesses put a value on their waste and highlight where savings can be made. Can be used in numerous sectors including industrial manufacturing, food and drink, manufacturing, resource efficiency waste management facilities, by local authorities, education establishments and catering facilities.

New Products in 2017 So Far! 2017 has seen new products rolled out across various different geographies, from the ZT350 dimensioning device to the new ZK830 counting scale in the US and new weighbridge software to accompany the ZM510 in the UK.

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The UK Service team is about to add another two weighbridge test units to its fleet of eight, further increasing our lead as the largest fleet in the UK for any weighing service provider.

The ten-strong fleet will be strategically located across the UK to ensure that on average, no customer is more than an hour

away from one of our units. Jason Larkin, UK Service Director said “The addition of two new units brings added benefits of faster turnaround times for weighbridge re-verifications which is a key driver for operators of business critical weighbridges when choosing a service provider. The added capacity puts us in prime position to deliver our SLAs of guaranteed uptime for our new all-inclusive service contracts”.

A Weighty Investment: UK Service Invest in two new Weighbridge Test Units

A new application for the ZM510 indicator has been developed in the UK to target the waste and recycling industry, where weighbridge fraud is a common problem.

Fraud is a major issue for many operations and can cost a business tens of thousands of pounds a year in lost earnings. It also leaves the business open to heavy fines from HMRC for miss-declaration of goods and unpaid taxes.

The new applications use the ZM510 indicator to control peripheral

weighbridge products such as traffic lights, entry and exit barriers and vehicle positioning sensors. If a vehicle is placed incorrectly on the weighbridge and therefore not giving a true weight, the system identifies the problem and will not allow the transaction to be completed until the vehicle is repositioned. Each peripheral works together, enhancing the reliability of the weight reading and ensuring the weighbridge operator gets the most accurate weight for the product.

In addition to controlling the weighbridge peripherals, the ZM510 application also comes with the ability

to set user reminders. These reminders can indicate that the weighbridge is due for its preventative maintenance visit or for a calibration. The indicator will display a message on the screen telling the operator to make a booking with us and provide the service support telephone number. Another option is to program in regular weighbridge cleaning reminders. A weighbridge clogged with mud and debris can cause inaccuracies with weight readings so it is best practice to have the bridge cleaned regularly by a trained professional.

UK Launch New Waste Sampling Applications for Weighbridge Fraud Prevention

In May 2017, the UK will launch a brand new look to their service agreements with an offering called ‘Uptime Select™’.

Uptime Select will consist of three new service packages that have been specifically designed for core parts of our business: Weighbridges and heavy capacity scales; integrated scales and systems of medium capacity; and light capacity scales which will be brought back to base to repair.

Each package will have two options, totally all-inclusive (Care Total) or market leading standard (Care) packages. The new all-inclusive package will be the first of its kind in the market place which, backed by an uptime guarantee that, if we fail to meet, we will refund a proportion of the customer’s annual premium.

The uptime guarantee is made possible by the work that has been carried out to improve UK service business through a brand new scheduling system, site ownership for technicians and our investment in growing our weighbridge test unit fleet.

Pam Sheilds, UK Business Unit Manager, commented, “By streamlining the service packages we offer, we’re able to create a far better experience for the customer which meets their needs while also reflecting our position as market leader in the UK.”

Leading the re-brand Michelle Williams, Marketing Manager (Direct) said “This is a very exciting time for UK service; the new look has been designed to reflect our premium brand image in the market place and will impact everything from technician work wear and service vehicles through to our website pages.”

Complete Overhaul Offers UK Customers Premium Service

The Cognito units used by UK Service Engineers to schedule tasks and manage customer data are about to get a much needed face-lift to bring the technology up to date.

The units are used to log daily interactions with customers, access customer information, schedule customer visits and receive information from Head Office. The switch to a smart device will provide added functionality including extended battery life and the ability to take photos at site to document the condition of the scales and the work that has been carried out.

The new software is currently in development and will be trialled with the UK team over the coming months and will be a further step to supporting ‘Uptime Select™’.

Cognito Gets

SMART

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On March 8th, female staff at the offices in India gathered together to mark International Women’s day with series of cultural events and empowering speeches.

Soeaking about the day, Kanchan Gambhir commented, “International Women’s day was celebrated by all the female staff in the office. As well as cultural activities, some of the senior female staff delivered a speech on Women’s Empowerment which focussed on the role of women in the the country’s development and progress. We need to improve our vision, think broader and help every woman around us to grow so that everyday could

be celebrated as a Women’s Day by every woman. We need to give our full contribution to our family, society and country and make them feel proud of having us around them.”

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and campaigning for equal rights.

Sunita Madan added, “As well as cultural celebrations, staff also exchanged their thoughts for enriching their knowledge and on overall development which can help them to grow personally as well as professionally.”

Female staff at Avery Weigh-Tronix India gather together to mark International Women’s Day.

UK Office IT UpdateWith day to day business operations more and more reliant on technology, the UK offices are undergoing a process of updating and upgrading outdated technology.

Led by Kevin Wellings, the IT team have been managing a migration from obsolete IT infrastructure onto more modern, supported platforms for the network, server hardware and telephony, as well as new PCs and laptops. By investing in new technology, the business will save money that would have been spent on maintaining older equipment, not to mention costly the downtime incurred when things went wrong.

Improvements made so far: › The network core was replaced two years ago › IP technology is widely used for telephony, making

significant savings on international calls › BaaN server is now in-house, delivering substantial

cost savings › New windows servers have been acquired and used to

host virtual machines allowing unsupported hardware to be removed.

› Data storage has been increased to support user file growth and the upgraded backup / security mechanism

› 80 PCs (desktops / laptops) have been replaced and the field service technicians will soon be receiving new laptops

› The sales force now has a more reliable remote connection system for use with GoldMine

› A new Uninterrupted Power Supply unit has been installed in the computer room to protect key IT equipment from power failures

Throughout 2017, the team aim to: › Increase bandwidth and provide resilience for our

internet and IPVPN service › Replace obsolete network edge switches › Upgrade our anti-virus protection › Upgrade our Exchange servers to provide a

platform for migrating to the latest versions of Microsoft Office products

Unmanned Weighbridge System Improves Efficiency at Bulk Cement Corporation India

Situated at Kalamboli, in Navi Mumbai (formerly New Bombay), Bulk Cement Corporation (India) Limited – a subsidiary of ACC Limited - caters to bulk cement requirements of the city of Mumbai. The first of its kind in India, BCCI is equipped with a range of facilities including a laboratory, a fleet of specialized trucks and cement storage silos with a capacity of 5,000 tons each. The site is also capable of offering loose cement in bulk-tanker vehicles as well as packed cement in bags of varying sizes from 1 tonne down to 25 kg bags.

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Celebration of International Women’s Day at Avery Weigh-Tronix India

India visit with Lance Read and Bob Dutzi

Marking the beginning of a fresh performance year with new goals and strategies, the team in India had the opportunity to welcome Robert Dutzi – The Group President of ITW (Test & Measurement Group), along with Lance Read- VP/GM- Direct Division of Avery Weigh-Tronix, UK. The visit, which took place in early February 2017, primarily focused on the service delivery optimisation project with Basant Sandooja, Indian Business Unit Manager and Ajay Kumar, National Service Manager for India. The visit also included several customer visits in the Delhi area, including ATS Infrastructure, Steel India Authority Ltd and Hind Terminals.

As a ‘Direct’ channel business, service plays a critical role and is the key driver for operational revenue. The Indian team are currently reviewing their service delivery to understand the market needs and develop a service product offering that differentiates Avery Weigh-Tronix in the Indian marketplace.

A key part of the process is gaining customer feedback and understanding customer pain points.

As part of this process, Lance Read and Basant Sandooja traveled to Mumbai to meet the team based there and to visit some key customers including ACC Cement Limited, Tata Construction Projects and Lafarge Holcim.

Speaking about the trip Lance Read said “It was great to meet some of the wider team in India and get the chance to visit such a varied number of important customers. We received positive feedback on the weighbridge design and quality as well as our automated weighbridge system. With our national team of Service Engineers, our service delivery is certainly an area that is held in high regard and we plan to further build on that to provide customers an even better class of service delivery”.

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With heavy traffic entering and leaving the site on a regular basis, BCCI needed to reduce congestion and improve efficiency. The company worked with Avery Weigh-Tronix India to install an unmanned weighbridge system, which was integrated with the company’s SAP system. The system captures the delivery order details from SAP and issues an RFID card/tag to the truck driver when he reports to the gate. The RFID tag allows the truck, driver and load to be identified immediately, speeding up the process and enabling trucks to be weighed in less than a minute.

As well as speeding up turnaround time dramatically, the system also ensures that the driver is out of his truck and that truck axles are correctly positioned on the weighbridge deck during weighing, all of which improves the accuracy of the weight reading. To further improve security and reduce the risks associated with

overloading, the system is also set up to send an e-mail/SMS in event of Truck carrying cement over the tolerance limits.

By installing a driver operated terminal and unmanned weighbridge system, BCCI has benefited from a system that can be run without a dedicated operator. As well as being ideal for 24 hour operations, the unattended terminals can help to lower operational costs. The terminals guide the driver through the weighing process through a series of on-screen prompts, collecting and storing vehicle and weight data and integrating with the BCCI back office SAP system.

The unmanned weighbridge system is now able to handle the movement of about 1000 trucks a day into the plant, increasing the efficiency and safety of the plant while also reducing running costs.

Major Electricity Company Uses EDXtreme Dynamometer to Improve Health and Safety

Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE) Company is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, the company provides natural gas and electric service to approximately 16 million people. With 141,215 circuit miles of electric distribution lines and 18,616 circuit miles of interconnected transmission lines, safety is a top priority.

When managing such a huge infrastructure of poles and lines, the company often has to use rigging to lift equipment or install it on a pole/tower, or to drag heavy items such as electricity poles into place in remote locations. It is vital that PGE have a safe and accurate way of measuring the strain on their equipment to prevent them from over stressing the rigging and causing damage to equipment or injury to workers.

Steve Sanders, Distribution Work Methods Specialist for PGE, commented: “We were looking for a load cell which would allow us to monitor the strain on equipment from a safe location. The Dillon EDXtreme Dynamometer offers us an accurate and effective way to measure the strain and features an alarm which lets us warn workers when the load limit has been reached. ”

PGE have safety at the heart of all that they do. The EDXtreme offers the convenience and added safety of remote operation and data collection and can monitor

multiple Dynamometers within the same airspace. This gives PGE the added benefit of being able to use multiple Dynamometers and gather data from all lift points to calculate the total load or to set alarms to trigger when the working load limit on the weakest rigging component has been reached. With user-defined functions and sophisticated communication options, the EDXtreme readily adapts to multi-tasking operations or multi-link systems capable of monitoring a series of critical stress points from a single location.

Steve continues, “The EDXtreme remote communicator improves safety by letting us monitor the strain from a safe location. Performing any work near power lines can be dangerous and the rigging of heavy poles and equipment is also potentially hazardous. Being able to monitor the strain from a remote location is extremely important. The EDXtreme offers an accurate, reliable and simple to use solution.”

In mid-March, Larry Behrens and Robert Noyes attended the CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show, along with RSMs Ron Teper and Marty Wilcox, to showcase our range of products for the aggregates industry.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is the international show for the construction industries, with a focus on construction, aggregates and ready mixed concrete. The event features exhibits of the latest technologies and innovations in equipment, products and services plus extensive industry-targeted education.

Robert Noyes, Product Manager for Heavy Capacity, commented, “The stand at the show was packed full of the type of products that would be used in that industry. From a BMS-P portable truck scale module, ZM405 indicators and an XR remote display, to a Weighline module, Streamline display model and an attention grabbing model rail on small tracks simulating a rail scale.”

Larry Behrens, Industrial Product Specialist, added, “The show was a great opportunity to meet some key prospects in the construction and aggregates industry and educate them about the benefits that Avery Weigh-Tronix products offer. We came away with some great leads and took orders for a number of truck scales – making the show a very worthwhile event.”

ConAg Event Success

Todd Rather, Rocky Mountain Scale Works (Platinum Distributor) stopped by the booth

Marty Wilcox and Brian Knoll (Michelli Measurement Group, Platinum Distributor) talking with potential customers

In February 2017, Travis Junkermeier attended the National Farm Machinery Show, which took place in Louisville, Kentucky.

The show is the largest indoor AG show in the USA, attracting over 300,000 visitors. The target audience for the show is ideally suited to the Ag brand, attracting large and small producers of crops as well as livestock and dairy producers. This year’s booth focused on the cattle industry showcasing Ag indicators, Endbox and Batching Systems.

Travis commented, “The show is a great networking opportunity, allowing us to engage with existing customers as well as meeting potential new customers and exploring OEM opportunities. We spoke to a number of prospects who intend to make a significant purchase in the next twelve months. Our new tradeshow banner also showcased Industrial products to help us demonstrate our capability as a full scale manufacturer, as well as the core agriculture product range.”

National Farm Machinery Show

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This year is the 7th consecutive year that the Fairmont team is taking part in the Operation Feel Good program.

As well as the group weight-loss program, Operation Feel Good is designed to help employees to live a healthier life style across the board. Jess Urban, Wellness Champion at the Fairmont location, explains, “Losing unwanted pounds is just one perk of a healthier lifestyle. One of the biggest benefits of living a healthier lifestyle is having the energy to do the things you love with those you love. Our hope is that we can give our staff the tools and motivation to be the best version of themselves they can be!”

All employees at the Fairmont location are invited to participate. The competition is team-based, with 5-6 members per team. As well as weekly weigh-ins to monitor progress, participants can look forward to sharing tips and tricks for healthy living and eating. “The competition will run for 12 weeks, from February 27th to May 19th.”

The wellness committee, consisting of Jess Urban, Maggie Malo, Jeremiah Pluim and Clay Emler are excited to gear up for 2017!

Fairmont Weight Loss Competition

Richard S. Bradley Scholarship winnersOne of the proud traditions at Avery Weigh-Tronix in the US is the annual R. S. Bradley Scholarship award.

New Jersey engineer, Richard Bradley invented the Weigh Bar® back in the 1960s, going on to start the US Weigh-Tronix arm of the business in 1971. The scholarship fund originated in 1979, when a Christmas gift of money was given by Weigh-Tronix employees to Richard Bradley to start a scholarship fund in his name. Additional employee contributions were made in 1980 and 1981. Mr. Bradley was a firm believer in higher education and the Avery Weigh-Tronix team in the US continues to support this program with annual awards.

All dependent children of Avery Weigh-Tronix employees who are attending an advanced educational program are eligible to apply for the scholarship. The program may be in a vocational or academic field and must be but be a minimum of two years and lead to a specific degree or certification.

Our Scholarship Winners for 2017 will receive $500 each towards their education costs.

They are: › Jaycie Eaton daughter of Chad Eaton in our Service Dept: Jaycie is

a sophomore at Simpson College, Indianola, IA, studying Elementary Education.

› Cameron Hainy son of Cory Hainy in our Engineering Dept: Cameron is a freshman at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology located in Rapid City, SD, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

› Marisa Nelson daughter of Kellee Nelson in our Finance Dept: Marisa is a freshman at Minnesota State University – Mankato, MN, studying nursing.

(L-R) Mary Swanson, Chad Eaton and

Carla Rock

(L-R) Mary Swanson, Cory Hainy and

Carla Rock

(L-R) Mary Swanson, Kellee Nelson and Carla Rock

Team “Pour Some Sugarless on Me” weighing in Friday, March 30th.

Every Accident is Preventable

Our Journey to Zero Harm Starts With You

We’re all familiar with ITW’s core values of integrity, respect and shared risk/ownership. As part of this, ITW has launched a renewed focus on safety, which focuses on every accident being preventable. At Avery Weigh-Tronix, we’re supporting the ITW goal by rolling out a Zero Harm initiative around the globe.

The basis of our Zero Harm campaign is that we do not accept that harm should come to any of our employees, contractors, visitors, communities or the environment. Although the initiative will differ in each of our geographies, the basic premise will remain the same, with the goal being to create a culture where Safety and Health, including minimizing our environmental footprint, is a top priority.

Look out for more information coming soon.

Zero Harm Rolled Out Globally

On 5th March this year, KH Khoo from Avery Weigh-Tronix Malaysia took part in the world’s largest duathlon race, Powerman Asia.

A duathlon race is an athletic event that consists of a running leg, followed by a cycling leg and then another running leg. The 2017 Powerman Malaysia event saw a record-breaking number of participants starting the race, breaking the Malaysia Book of Records for the ‘Largest Participation of Duathlon Championships’.

KH Khoo signed up for the Short category, which covers a very respectable distance of 5km running, followed by 30km biking and a further 5km run. KH commented, “Although the Short category looks easy, it was actually

quite tough for a greenhorn like me, who was never involved in any sport activity prior to mid 2011”

KH competed in the race for the first time in 2013 and, it would seem, enjoyed the challenge, returning to compete again in 2016 and 2017. He explains, “In 2013, it took me more than 3.5hrs to complete the race, finishing 529 out of 544 participants. With experience and better preparation, I improved my performance in 2016 and completed the race in 2.5hrs. Hopefully I will build up enough courage to take on the more challenging Classic category next year. (10km/60km/10km).”

KH Khoo Takes on Powerman Champions

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Employees at the Fairmont (US) plant are presented with Service Awards to recognize their length of service with the business. Commencing at two years, the awards are given at 5-year increments right through to retirement.

In 2016, the US and Canada had their first ever 45-year award, with a further 17 people due to hit the 40 year (or over) mark by the end of 2017!

40 years 41 years 43 years 45 yearsJoan Aust Bonnie Espeland Bob Johnson Jimmy Aust

Linda Buhmann Kip Jessen

Pam Elbers Kay Kuhl

Neil Erickson Karen Thackery

Dave Granheim

John Frerichs

Pam Harris

Deb Laue

Denise Macziewski

Kathy Petrowiak

Brian Struss

David Wright

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to Avery Weigh-Tronix!

Employees who have 40 or more years of service would have been hired while the company was still based in Armstrong, IA. When the plant opened in Fairmont in 1976, they would have been some of the first employees to turn product out of the door.

An Amazing Combined Total of 732 Years of Service

45 years - Jimmy Aust

43 years - Bob Johnson

41 years - (L-R) Bonnie Espeland, Karen Thackery, Kip Jessen and Kay Kuhl

40 years - (Front L-R) Pam Harris, Deb Laue, Joan Aust and Denise Macziewski. (Back L-R) Dave Granheim, Brian Struss, Kathy Petrowi-ak, David Wright and John Frerichs

(Front L-R) Jim Aust, Karen Thackery, Kay Kuhl and John Frerichs. (Middle L-R) Kip Jessen, Bonnie Espeland, Pam Harris, Deb Laue, Joan Aust, Denise Macziewski. (Back L-R) Dave Granheim, Brian Struss, Kathy Petrowiak, Bob Johnson and David Wright.