Davey Tree Flipbooks

B ecoming a "well-equipped arborist," well, involves much more than tree care tools. "Knowledge is another way we equip ourselves," says Jay Maier, district manager of S&S Tree and Maier Tree. Once again, Maier organized and coordinated February's Rochester Arborist Workshop, which has occurred every year for more than a decade. Approximately 220 arborists—some of whom traveled from other states—attended the one-day workshop to not only learn how to improve their tree care and client experience skills but also how to safely respond during unfortunate situations on the job. Davey's North and South Minneapolis R/C offices, S&S Tree and Maier Tree sent 21 total employees to participate. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from well-known industry professionals and writers, such as Jeff Jepson, author of The Tree Climber's Companion, a publication Maier frequently encourages employees to reference on the job. "The event is a significant commitment, but it's worthwhile," Maier says. Although Arborists Sharpen Skills Idea submitted by: Angela Morgan, plant health coordinator, Maier Tree Rochester Arborist Workshop attendees from Davey, S&S Tree and Maier Tree, pictured left to right, front row: Daniel Jovanovich, Mike Dye, Rob Raymond, Justin Madsen, Kirk Miller, David Donnelly, Jacob Burbach, Taylor Kunkel, Eric Foley and Ryan Brick; attendees pictured left to right, back row: Justin Bence, Travis McDonald, Seth Huber, Jay Maier, Eric Larson, Wesley Full, Nick Hengel, Steve Hengel, Patrick Kelly, Josh Jobes and Jim Kelly. employees missed a day of work in the field to attend the workshop, Maier feels the content presented during the workshop will definitely benefit future productivity. I n January and March, Davey Resource Group (DRG) invited operational leaders from the Midwest/Great Lakes region to the Davey Institute in Kent, Ohio, to participate in Growing Leaders, a new training program. The program is an initiative designed to help train and mentor DRG's emerging operational leaders in project leadership, finance and business planning and effective communication. "The most beneficial aspect of the program was learning about each of the business units within DRG," says Nick Day, utility forester. Greg Snowden, project manager and Growing Leaders attendee, also appreciated the networking opportunities during the program. "Growing Leaders served as a forum to exchange ideas and evaluate how we do our jobs," he says. "I left with the desire to challenge myself to do better on a wide variety of tasks." Through the training and networking Leaders Find Room for Growth Idea submitted by: Alexandra Kluczarov, administrative assistant, DRG opportunities, participants may further develop their personal growth and improve client expe- rience and support company advancements. Employee participants included: Will Ayersman, Ashley Boyd, Jordan Brown, Nick Day, Kyle Finke, Aren Flint, Jon Hnatiuk, Jim Jenkins, Jim Kozak, Adam Maille, Nathan Post, Steve Robinson, Dave Sanders, Devin Sinnott, Greg Snowden, Ruth Ann Sobnosky, Peter Sorensen, Chris Tomanek and Allen Tyler. May/June 2015 | 15

• Cover