Davey Tree Flipbooks

4 THE DAVEY BULLETIN | May/June 2020 ASK THE CEO: Q. WHEN WILL DAVEY RETURN TO "NORMAL" OPERATIONS? states are "reopening" and easing restrictions on travel and physical distancing. Davey is in this for the long haul. We realize this situation is not going to be resolved in a few months, and you will continue to see us be cautious, science based, and safety focused in our approach to how we reopen as a company. We do recognize the need to start the process of determining when and how we ease back into getting the business back to a more "normal" state. To that end, we have prepared and distributed a companywide Davey Tree COVID-19 Policies and Procedures for Reopening – Phase 1 handbook, to provide guidance for how Davey will be resuming more pre-COVID-19 operations. With this handbook, and corresponding Learning Management System (LMS) training video, our goal was to provide guidance that encapsulates as many government policies and expert best practices as possible, so that you have a clear and consistent direction for our Company's path forward. The good news is, we have seen many states and governments come out with their interpretation of what reopening looks like, and there is significant overlap and consistency. In general, vulnerable residents should continue to shelter in place, schools will remain closed and, when people do leave their homes, everyone is strongly encouraged to continue social distancing and face covering practices. Gatherings of more than 10 people will be restricted, as will all non-essential travel. As I stated above, Davey will continue to be cautious, science based and safety focused in our approach to how we reopen as a company and will A. It has been a little over four months since the first diagnosed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. set in place the varied working conditions that we currently find ourselves operating under in both the U.S. and Canada. While the last two months have been a little bumpy at times, it feels like the hardest part is behind us, and that we have come out on the other side with much to be proud of and settling into the new ways to work, engage and provide service to our clients. I want to thank all of our Davey teammates for your flexibility, courage and willingness to redirect and rally on a moment's notice, while working through this challenging environment. It is hard to believe that it is June already. While it may seem like time stood still in some ways, to me the year has flown by and we have time-warped into new ways of doing business that many are deeming to be the "new normal." While still fluid and developing, I believe it is critical for us to recognize and understand that this "new normal" is going to be here for some time, and, that there are parts of it that may never go back to the "old" ways of doing business of a mere 10 weeks ago. At a minimum, we are likely to see months of continued emphasis on social distancing, increased hand washing, wearing face coverings and limitations on travel and interactions with clients and teammates. I encourage you to be prepared to steel yourselves mentally for this reality, and to creatively embrace the opportunities that this will create for us as people, and as a company. In addition to the reality of these new ways of doing business, we have reached the point where some Pat Covey Davey Chairman, President and CEO ASK THE CEO therefore often be less aggressive in our policies than other companies, states or locales. We will continue encouraging remote work where possible, limiting employee and in-person meetings at our facilities and restricting on-site visitors. Events with 10 or more people and company travel should be postponed or canceled until further notice. These policies will be consistently evaluated and updated to coincide with the best available information. In the past 2 months, we have proven that our jobs and business, if done in accordance with the health professionals' recommendations, can not only be performed in a safe and effective manner, but can prosper and grow in spite of the COVID-19 challenges. We have adapted exceptionally well and settled into the "new normal" created by the COVID-19 outbreak. As we transition into Phase 1 of our reopening journey, I urge you to stay the course, keep your focus on safety and maintain a positive attitude. The "OneDavey" mindset has been critical to what has made us successful to this point and is what will ultimately allow us to carry the day.

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