Safety Connections, Inc.

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"Life Is All About Choices" ®

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Jim Lehrke, Owner and CEO

Our Mission Statement

Safety Connections, Inc. will aid companies of all sizes in the reduction of pain and injuries in the work place. The incidental benefit is a substantial cost savings to your company in terms of employee lost time and paid claims. SCI was founded to work with employers of all sizes and in all industries to save our clients money through the comprehensive management of all aspects of your safety programs.  

When we begin a new relationship with a company, we spend one or two days on-site assessing all existing safety related issues.  It's imperative that the highest possible authority figure be involved right from the start to assure respect and acceptance by all members of your team.

We will review our observations and devise a comprehensive plan of action. The action plan will include our recommendations and requirements to operate your business at a world-class safety level.  

Custom safety plans may include training, discipline, motivation, coaching, accountability, and refinement of your mission/vision statements and will have a built-in on-going evaluation and modification structure.  These issues are important to us because we know they are important to our clients. We believe one of our greatest strengths is the ability to see the world through our clients' eyes and offer candid, objective advice that helps solve the most pressing problems.

Why work with us?  We have found that when employees are more aware of safety issues on the job, they begin incorporating those same concepts into all aspects of their lives.  This translates into overall mental and physical wellness which reduces medical costs and lost time from the work place.

We Guarantee Results!

“Life Is All About Choices”–  2108 Kohler Memorial Drive, – Sheboygan, Wisconsin - 53081 920-208-7520 www.safetyconnections.com SCI Testimonials ------------------ Jim, Safety Connections is much more than your typical consulting firm. Jim Lehrke rolls up his sleeves and goes to work. He can relate to every employee from the top manager down to a laborer. Jim opens up to people and in return, they respond to him. Jim talks about making choices. After listening to Jim’s presentation, people understand that they can make a choice. They understand that they make the decision. Everyone who has had the opportunity to meet with Jim at our plant, walked away with an improved safety attitude. Jim is extremely knowledgeable and understands people. I would recommend Safety Connections to any business in any industry if they are interested in making a positive culture change. Gary Frassetto Training Supervisor Thilmany Papers ------------------ Hey Jim, in a nut shell your seminars instill a passion and energy to make improvements to anyone’s safety program/culture. When I first started at DOWCO three years ago I took the DOWCO safety team to your “Creating a World Class Safety Culture” and your presentation did exactly what I thought. It pumped my group up to spread the word that Safety is in our control and we need to make change. Over the three years since, we have changed the culture to include job rotation, upfront communication on goals, safety priority on all maintenance work order’s, and a team approach to solving our ergonomic issues. Your seminar created energy, ideas, and positive talk about safety. Thanks Much. Kevin Kohls Production Manager DOWCO ------------------ Received e-mail on June 30,2009 From Day 1 of our existence in 1967, my parents maintained that our most valuable asset, our most important capital investment was each and every one of our employees. That same belief holds true today in 2009. However, it took a Kaizen event a couple years ago for us to realize, our most important investment was yearning for a sound, responsible safety program. Quite honestly, safety had become a flavor of the day scenario for us during much of our existence. Sure, our family cared about the well being and safety of each employee. Sure, each employee cared about each other in the same manner. However, production was the most important aspect of our business and admittedly at times, safe working conditions took a distant second to productivity. It was normal for us to form safety committees only to let them dissolve over time when ‘safety got in the way of productivity.’ However, two years ago, management made the formal decision to make safety a priority. We recognized that appointing people from within would in all likelihood, face the same demise that our previous safety experiments did. Consequently, we hired an ‘old friend,’ ‘fellow softball player,’ ‘fellow competitor,’ who we always knew was a person of passion on and off the softball field. Jim and his expert staff brought enthusiasm into our work place. Our employees enjoyed their presentations and quickly got on board with our commitment to safety. Our employees’ morale was positively affected by Safety Connections’ involvement in the development of our safety program. Not only was Safety Connections helping us develop proper procedures for our plants, but also stressing safety away from work…..something our employees appreciated greatly. Practical safety tips for the home atmosphere ‘hit home’ with our employees. Two years later, it’s not that we don’t need Jim but let’s face it, Safety Connections helped the ownership of Dutchland realize that safety is 24/7 and doesn’t take any days off. Consequently, we have a formal safety program and it runs simultaneously with production! The commitment by Dutchland is to have this department function with the direction of employees and this became possible by having an expert from the outside – Safety Connections – help us get started. Our employees, our most valuable capital investment. Safety Connections, one of the wisest investments we’ve made in 43 years. ------------------ Topic: Today’s Culture E-mail received on 6/12/09 Thank you Jim for a great job done yesterday. It must have been good because they applauded when you finished your presentation! I didn’t even need a cue card to get them to do that! Gary Collien Seneca Foods ------------------- Positive Attitude I thought I'd share this with you. (I thought of you Jim Lehrke when I read through this!). This was a power point regarding two choices of attitude Steven Jacobson Safety Manager American Dairy Brands Division of Dairy Farmers of America Plymouth, WI (920) 893-7008 ------------------- Jim, I have seen your program a couple of times and continue to be amazed at your ability to obtain involvement from all in attendance. Additionally, I have seen first hand the "Want" you can create among all levels of employees which is what ultimately leads to a better environment for everyone. Your passion comes out in your words and actions and I am proud to be associated with your company. Daniel J. Miske Attorney at Law Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. 555 East Wells Street, Suite 1900 Milwaukee, WI 53202-3819 : (414) 978-5311 direct : (414) 333-6224 cell : (414) 223-5000 fax : dmiske@whdlaw.com ------------------- Here at Pemco Inc., safety has always been an important part of our culture. In 2007 we decided to bring our program up a notch and contracted the services of Safety Connections, Inc. We have been working with them ever since. I can truly say Safety Connections, Inc. has brought a fresh new approach to our overall safety program with real measurable results. Unprecedented knowledge and industry experience has made Safety Connections, Inc. an outstanding resource and partner. Their dedication to detail and service make them one of the best consulting companies we have ever worked with. William Kerwin, Human Resource Manager / Safety Director Pemco Inc. ------------------- We here at Shell Plastics have had great success in our safety program since we teamed up with Safety Connections Inc. Jim came in and showed us that it is necessary to change the culture of the work place to make it safer. He also taught us that it needs to follow through away from the work place. To use Jim's phrase, Life is all about choices. Through their training and assistance we have gone from a company about to be put in the workers comp. pool, to a company that is now three plus years with out a reportable accident. We are very pleased with Safety Connections and the support they have given us. Sincerely Al Feld President ------------------- If you are looking for a proven way to cut you safety claims and workers compensation costs, I can unequivocally say that you will find Safety Connections, Inc. to be the best value to quickly make the difference. They will engage your staff and create positive result that last. Jim's passion for Safety and his straight forward delivery are positively received by every level within the organization. Jim gives everyone the knowledge, tools and confidence to continue what he has started. I don't often recommend consultants, but because I know first-hand that Safety Connections, Inc. delivers, I strongly recommend that you consider working with them! You won't be disappointed. Jim Ruffolo, President Burger Boat Company ------------------- Couple things... 1) Thank you so much for your day spent with us today...it was absolutely awesome. You have created a great connection with our workforce. You continue to amaze me. 2) Thanks again Jim...one of the best days I've had in a long time...looking forward to more. Have a good one. Doug Thompson Amerequip Corporation 1015 Calumet Avenue Kiel, WI 53042 (920) 894-7063, Ext. 311 ------------------- Plymouth Industries – John R. Knowles (President) “I highly recommend this program. Jim is a great teacher and facilitator. I personally believe Jim single handedly will save many lives and much pain and suffering. I commend and respect his efforts and highly recommend his services. Let his help your organization become World Class in safety.” ------------------- Earth Tech – Mark A. Robinson (Environmental, Safety & Health Director) “In October 2003, when establishing our 2004/2005 goal of reaching World Class OSHA Recordable Incidents lower than 1.0, I thought of no better company to partner with than Jim Lehrke and Safety Connections. He teaches that indeed the basics components of any solid safety program must first be in place; however, to teach World Class performance a company must focus on its number one resource…its people. There is no better person I know to send this message to our organization than Jim Lehrke and Safety Connections.” Krueger International (KI) – Timothy J. Van Severen (Corporate Risk Manager) ------------------- “Jim’s attitude toward the safety of our employees and strong commitment to improving our safety performance became infectious within our company. SCI is now involved with most of our employees in the US assisting our teams in keeping everyone safe. Jim is part of our safety team and lives safety at KI as we do guiding our management, safety teams and committees to continual improvement with the ultimate goal of zero recordables. I am confident Safety Connections can help improve your safety results as they have helped KI.” 10. Safety Connections and Jim Lehrke can be of great assistance to those willing to make the commitment. Jim has found the secret of what makes great leaders do great things. Shell Plastics, LLC is now over 1100 days without a recordable incident. Thank you Jim and Safety Connections! Mary Beth Dellger - Owner Shell Plastics, LLC PO Box 515 1010 Valley Road Plymouth, WI 53073 Phone: 920-893-6281 Fax: 920-893-5427 marybeth@shellplastics.com ------------------- The Manitowoc Company – Timothy T. Reis (Global Director Operational Excellence- EH&S) It has been my pleasure working with Safety Connections. Jim’s experience in operations and HR allow him to connect with the employees, supervisors and managers. In 2006, Jim worked with our shipyard in Sturgeon Bay and was an important factor in that facility reducing OSHA Recordable rates, Lost Time Rates and Worker’s Compensation rates by 50%. ------------------- In 2005 our safety program at Advance Boiler and Tank was going no where. Our mod rate was rising, our incidents were up, OSHA was on our door step, our claim documentation and record keeping was minimal, and our employees thought that no one cared. In 2005 we partnered with Jim and Safety Connections to turn things around. One of the first tasks was to address the inevitable OSHA visit. With the added help from the WiSCon Program, Jim and his team came in and identified all of our hazards, recommended the proper corrections, and assisted in implementing the corrections. Needless to say our OSHA visit came and went with out any major infractions. Since that time our safety results have improved dramatically. With ongoing training from Jim, Mike and Phyllis, our mod rate has dropped 30 points, our incidents are way down, documenting and following up on the few claims that we do have is done on a timely basis and more importantly our employees now know that we do care. The savings that we have realized by partnering with Safety Connections over the past 4 years are immeasurable and I highly recommend them. Ken Griffioen President P (414) 475-3125 F (414) 475-3129 www.advanceboiler.com ------------- E-mail received 1.6.10 Deb Mader [dmader@lakesidepepsi.com] Jim: I just wanted to give you some feedback on your two culture talks yesterday and to apologize for not being there. I wish I could have been in attendance, but I had personal commitments that could not be avoided. Our President, managers and employees have been giving me the most positive feedback. They were especially surprised and pleased in the way that you engage the audience while still making a relevant point. This, of course, is no surprise to me as I know how personal safety is to you. Once again, thanks for agreeing to talk to our employees. Hopefully, we are on our way to another safe and accident free year. Debbie Mader Director, Human Resources Lakeside Bottling Company Spancrete Industries – Alan E. Antoniewicz, President “I was introduced to Jim and the Safety Connection team in 2002 when I worked for a major manufacturer headquartered in Manitowoc WI. At the time, our safety performance was at a consistently average level. By working with Jim and his team, we were able to improve processes that led to continual improvement in our safety record and ancillary benefits were noted in our quality and productivity measures as well as on time performance. Basically, the process worked because it deals with leadership, behaviors and setting expectations. We saw similar improvements at my last business headquartered in Waukesha WI and significant improvements were also attained in employee morale and job satisfaction. The Safety Connection team is energetic, passionate and professional, but most of all, they deliver! Testimonials: On Thu, Dec 22, 2011 at 8:35 AM, Marty Schaefer wrote: Jim, I want to thank you for a great presentation yesterday. I always look forward to attending anything that you take part in and I’m never disappointed. May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Marty Martin A. Schaefer Safety Coordinator Manufacturing Engineer Amerequip Corporation 920-894-2000 mschaefer@amerequip.com Jim In a message dated 11/7/2011 10:27:21 A.M. Central Standard Time, RAMurphy@Bemis.com writes: Jim, I am retiring this Wednesday after 46+ years at Curwood NL. Over the years I’ve enjoyed listening to your lectures and reading your newsletters and safety tips, keep up the good work. Richard A. Murphy Trainer/Supervisor Curwood, Inc. direct: 920-982-8056 fax: 920-982-8200 ramurphy@bemis.com 718 High Street New London, WI 54961 A Bemis Company Jim, thank you again for hosting and facilitating. You seem to have a way to get the group talking and stir the pot so we have some great worthwhile discussions. Always interesting and almost leaves ya hanging for what’s to come next! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family! Thank you, Julie A. Niedfeldt, SPHR Human Resource Manager Aaman Subject: Hi from Ripon Printers Date: 11/15/2011 2:01:05 P.M. Central Standard Time From: TOMK To: Jlconnections@aol.com Jim, Thank you so much for that great session this morning. I’ve gone to day-long Career Track seminars that don’t hold a candle to what you’ve put together! On the way back to Ripon we all agreed that it was well worth our time! I know I plan to see you again, with the plan that it’ll be with the 5 pressroom supervisors. Thanks again! Tom Konecny Subject: RE: Jim Lehrke follow up Date: 11/15/2011 2:01:16 P.M. Central Standard Time From: JulieB To: Jlconnections@aol.com Sent from the Internet (Details) Hello Mr. Lehrke ~ Thank you so much for the meeting this morning. I think it was very beneficial to the attendees and it helps being able to dialogue with each other rather than sitting and listening to a speaker the whole time. We appreciated the information and your time. Thank you again, Julie Brey

Our Alliance Partners

Lakeshore Technical CollegeCommunity Bank & Trust      
Whyte Hirschboeck, Dudek S.C.
Schenck Business Solutions  
Maritime Insurance Group   
MP2 Productions
Prevea Health
Clear Cut Print Solutions
Centry 21 Rautmann/Schils Real Estate
Veolia
SEEK Careers/Staffing

Intrac Technology
Vorpahl Fire and Safety
Printing Industries of Wisconsin
Midwest Food Processors Association, Inc.
National Federation of Independent Business
IWLA
 2108 Kohler Memorial Drive, Suite 220
Sheboygan,  WI 53081

This Website is dedicated in Loving Memory to Jessica Joy Lehrke

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