July 2015 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2 GCC Awarded Design-Build Contract Gilchrist Construction Company awarded Geaux South Project INSIDE THIS ISSUE GCC Awarded Design-Build Job 1186 Featured GCC Family Day IN EVERY ISSUE Spotlight on Education Service Anniversaries Employee News SAFETY - TOP PRIORITY Safety Week 2015 National Safety Stand-Down DOTD Announcement DOTD and Gilchrist representatives after contract signing for U.S. 90 (future I-49 South) at La. 318 interchange project. L to R: Dr. Eric Kalivoda, DOTD Deputy Secretary; Randy Gilchrist, Gilchrist President; Tim Nickel, DOTD Project Manager; Ed Wedge, DOTD Deputy Engineer Administrator; Marc Dinnat, Gilchrist Chief Estimating Manager; Jeffery Hickey, Gilchrist Project Manager; Raymond Boniol, Gilchrist Construction Quality Control Manager; DOTD District 03 Engineer Administrator, Bill Oliver On June 29, 2015, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced that it has signed a design-build contract, as part of the Geaux South program, for the construction of the U.S. 90 (future I-49 South) at La. 318 interchange project in St. Mary Parish. The design-build contractor is Gilchrist Construction Co., who has selected Stantec as its lead designer. The project will involve upgrading the existing U.S. 90 and La. 318 signalized intersection to a full control of access, grade-separated interchange including the reconstruction of the U.S. 90 frontage roads to provide local access to La. 318. As part of the plan, the project would improve connectivity for industrial and freight transport to the sugar mill and port-related industries, as well as increase capacity and improve overall mobility. The $56 million project will be primarily funded with unclaimed property funds. Work is estimated for completion in just over two years. The Geaux South program is a $3 billion program dedicated to upgrading U.S. 90 to interstate standards.
Job 1186 Quachita River Bridge - Harrisonburg On July 7, 2015, The Jena Times featured Job 1186, Quachita River Bridge in their article, Largest Construction Project in Area Underway at Harrisonburg. When completed, the bridge will replace the old bridge built in early 1930s at a cost of $279,000; the new bridge will cost over $36 million. One of the biggest construction projects in the region is the $36.8 million bridge over the Ouachita River on LA 8 at Harrisonburg. Gilchrist Construction of Alexandria is the contractor of the new bridge, being built about a half mile downstream from the old bridge. Work at the present time includes construction of piers, girders and bridge substructure, according to engineers with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The bridge will rise about 80-ft. above the river at pool stage allowing barge traffic to safely pass below. Construction will continue through 2016 and probably into early 2017. (Photos courtesy of the Concordia Sentinel/Rhett Powell, photographer.) This aerial view looking east of the construction project was taken in March of this year, showing the approach to the new Ouachita River bridge on LA 8, located about a half mile south of the old river bridge in downtown Harrisonburg (which can be seen in the upper right corner of the picture). Once the new bridge is opened to traffic on LA 8, the old bridge will be removed. Traffic on LA 124 (Jonesville to Harrisonburg highway), will have to yield to traffic on LA 8 at the intersection just south of Harrisonburg. The new bridge is expected to be completed in late 2016 or early 2017.
Safety Week 2015 Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction workers, accounting for 269 of the 806 construction fatalities recorded in 2012. Fall prevention safety standards were among the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards, during fiscal year 2014. During the period May 4-15th, 2015, construction companies across our nation observed and participated in National Safety Stand Down. The purpose of this observation is to raise awareness of preventing fall hazards in construction. This is a voluntary event, sponsored by the US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). GCC participated in last year's Stand-Down which was a tremendous success, reaching more than 1 million workers. This year, OSHA's participation goal is 20,000 Stand-Downs, involving more than 3 million workers. If we meet this goal, we will have touched almost 4 out of 10 construction workers in the country. What a great way to raise awareness and also continue to educate our workforce. GCC's National Safety Stand-Down campaign officially kicked off May 4th, 2015. Over the following two weeks we had various activities designed around the awareness of safety in construction. While this is a fall protection-specific event, GCC will take the opportunity to enhance safety at all levels of our organization, across work operations to include: Daily Safety Meetings using recommended toolbox talks Job site visits with Ken Schexnayder from Travelers Team member rotations to various job sites to conduct risk observations Celebrating the positives with employees...breakfast or lunch Continued risk observations documented by end-of-shift Thanks to everyone for your participation in this campaign to bring awareness to the hazards in our industry; but more importantly, to minimize and eliminate them! Valerie Aymond, Chief Resource Officer Teams 1203 and 1208 Jarred Williams, Project Manager Josh Bordelon, Production Manager Brian Hattaway, Field Manager
National Stand-Down 2015 1191 & Walker Plant Team J.J. Hickey, Project Manager Tip Whiddon, Production Manager/Superintendent John Paul, Production Manager/Superintendent Todd Desselle, Field Manager Albert Lewis, Field Manager Phillip Bordelon, Field Manager Charles Sonnier, Field Manager Don Mercer, Crusher Plant Manager Rick Fanara, Asphalt Plant Manager Jason Ducote, Asphalt Quality Control Laura Boudreaux, Transportation Team Lead Teddy Franklin, Transportation Team Lead David Ndoumba, Quality Control Transportation Teams, Equipment Teams, Asphalt Crews & Plant Team Equipment Team Greg Reynaud, Equipment Manager Kevin Bourke, Equipment Repair Field Manager Greg Sidney, Shop Repair Manager Keith Dauzat, Service Technician Field Manager Bridget Johnson, Equipment Yard Supervisor Roland Welch, Dispatch Team Lead
National Safety Stand-Down Team 1200 Jerry Burnaman, Field Manager Team 1170 Ronnie Ardoin, Project Superintendent Tommy Lachney, Production Manager Matt Castille, Project Engineer Team 1187 Alsey Lachney, Project Manager Kodie Brouillette, Field Manager Jeremy LaPrairie, Field Manager Bryan Bordelon, Field Manager Wilmon Frank, Field Manager Farrel Thomas, Field Manager Thomas Oldham, TC Supervisor
National Safety Stand-Down Gilchrist Construction Company is proud to have been a part of the National Safety Stand-Down and are appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to safety best practices in our industry. Thanks to our partners at Travelers for their support. Once again, thanks to the entire GCC Team for participating in Stand-Down activities over the past two weeks. A special thanks to our Safety Team, Kevin Grage and Butch Mackey, for coordinating the daily events and making it happen. For additional information on National Safety Stand-Down, visit https://www.osha.gov/
June - National Safety Month Please remember that while an individual may have worked outside in Louisiana summer temperatures all of their life, being inside for just 30 days requires a readjustment to working in this environment. While we have had several close calls with dehydration and heat exposure, our teams have done an excellent of job keeping this in the forefront through daily risk observations, which results in prevention...we have experienced no serious heat stroke incidents this year. Understanding Heat-Related Illness Symptoms Heat cramp symptoms can include: Severe, sometimes disabling, cramps that typically begin suddenly in the hands, calves, or feet Hard, tense muscles Heat exhaustion symptoms can include: Fatigue Nausea Excessive thirst Muscle aches and cramps Weakness Confusion or anxiety Drenching sweats, often accompanied by cold, clammy skin Slowed or weakened heartbeat Dizziness Fainting Agitation Heat exhaustion requires immediate attention. Working in Louisiana Heat Heat stroke symptoms can include: Nausea and vomiting Headache Dizziness or vertigo Fatigue Hot, flushed, dry skin Rapid heart rate Decreased sweating Shortness of breath Decreased urination Blood in urine or stool Increased body temperature (104 degrees to 106 degrees F) Confusion, delirium, or loss consciousness Convulsions Heat stroke can occur suddenly, without any symptoms of heat exhaustion. If a person is experiencing any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, get medical care immediately. Any delay could be fatal. Seek emergency medical care for anyone who has been in the heat and who has the following symptoms: Confusion, anxiety, or loss of consciousness Very rapid or dramatically slowed heartbeat Rapid rise in body temperature (104 degrees to 106 degrees F) Either drenching sweats accompanied by cold, clammy skin (which may indicate heat stroke) Convulsions
GCC 2015 Family Day Come RAIN or shine! Our GCC family came out for some tasty food, fun times, and exciting prizes. We celebrated with those receiving awards for tenure and safety.
GCC 2015 Family Day
SECO EXPO GCC participated in Students Exploring Career Opportunities (SECO) Expo! The Students Exploring Career Opportunities (SECO) Expo was a two-day event, which engaged 3,800 8th grade students from across the central Louisiana region. The event was held at the Riverfront Center in Alexandria with a goal of exposing students to the various types of occupations that they should be thinking about as they declare a career pathway at the beginning of the 9th grade. We would like to recognize and thank our GCC representatives who participated in the SECO Expo: Mark Dubea - HR Christina Goodrich - HR Michael "Mickey" Gauthier - Engineering & Survey Jay Dauzat - Engineering & Survey GCC sponsored a booth with a presentation of our Synchro 3D Software, a robotic total station, and a construction grading instrument (level). Thanks to everyone who worked to facilitate our representation at this event. This was a great opportunity to showcase the cool technology we use in our industry! Valerie Aymond, Chief Resource Officer
Clinic Update We are very pleased and proud to announce that our clinic, Legacy Health & Wellness, has been designated as a Level One WellSpot; the first (and only) designation in central Louisiana! What is a WellSpot? Legacy Health & Wellness designated Level One WellSpot Well-Ahead Louisiana is a campaign started by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals aimed at improving the health and wellness of Louisiana citizens. Well-Ahead Louisiana promotes and recognizes smart choices in the spaces and places we live and work every day that make it easier for us all to live healthier lives, from going tobacco-free to ensuring healthy lunch options or supporting workplace fitness programs. Well-Ahead promotes voluntary changes without imposing new taxes or creating new rules. This is about Louisiana's people, leaders, businesses and organizations taking action because it is the right - and healthy - thing to do. Part of the Well-Ahead Louisiana campaign is the designation of places and spaces making choices and changes to make it easier for Louisiana citizens to live well. Once designated, these environments are called WellSpots. The staff of DHH works closely with restaurants, schools, worksites, local governments, hospitals, and universities and colleges to help them identify and meet benchmarks for wellness. Once DHH staff verifies an organization has completed enough benchmarks they will be identified as a Level One, Level Two or Level Three WellSpot. Level One is the highest level of designation. Thanks and congratulations to Amy Sonnier for her work, as well as the work of the entire Legacy Health & Wellness staff, to accomplish this goal. We would also like to recognize and thank Colleen Van Mol from ROM for her contribution and help with the application process. Our profile can be found here http://www.wellaheadla.com/partners/detail/400 GCC Wellness GCC Receives Worksite Innovation Award The American Heart Association has named GCC as a Platinum Fit-Friendly Worksite. In addition, GCC was chosen to receive the Worksite Innovation Award. We are one of only 36 companies in the nation to receive this award. To be chosen a Platinum and Worksite Innovation level award recipient, we fulfilled key criteria and demonstrated a strong commitment to providing a healthy workplace for our employees. GCC was chosen a Worksite Innovation company based on our Stress Relief Campaign. Thank you to Amy Sonnier, GCC Wellness Coach, for this campaign, which included having a massage therapist available for a week, the Legacy Health & Wellness Art Show, and a personal trainer available for a few weeks. Debbie Humphries, Denise Winn, and Amy Sonnier attend the AHA s Cenla Go Red for Women luncheon.
Jobsite GCC Highlights Updates Fundraiser Fishing Tournament for Keith Dauzat Thanks to Skippy Henderson for his hard work and dedication in putting together the fishing tournament fundraiser for Keith Dauzat. It was a beautiful day with great participation. 40 boat entries in the tournament was very impressive, and the food was great! A special thanks to the GCC team members who turned out to support this great cause: Skippy Henderson Keenan Ebey Josh Bordelon Kane Gagnard Randy Tyler Matt Armand Jarred Williams Jay Dauzat Keenan Ebey, Skippy Henderson, Josh Bordelon, Kane Gagnard, Keith Dauzat, and Randy Tyler As an organization, this is yet another example of living our core purpose and company values. Thanks to each to you for coming together to support a member of our family in need. Keith, the important thing is that your health is better and you are on the road to recovery. Valerie Aymond, CRO Matt Armand and dad, Donovan Armand Monica Dauzat and son, Jay Keith Dauzat and son, Adam Keith Dauzat and Valerie Aymond Important Dates to Remember United Way Employee Campaign September 2015 Mark your Calendar! Family Day 2016 April 23, 2016
Spotlight on Education Congratulations to Valerie Aymond on graduating Summa Cum Laude from Louisiana Tech University. She earned her B.A. in Organizational Leadership, with a concentration in Project Team Leadership. Valerie has been with GCC since early 2007. GCC Participates in Jump Start Work Experience Exchange Camp What is Jump Start? Jump Start is the state's new program for school districts, colleges, and businesses to collaborate in providing career courses and workplace experiences to high school students, certifying them for the career fields most likely to lead to high-demand jobs such as those in the heavy highway industry. Sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Education, regional Jump Start Teams are working to identify important career opportunities, specific to each region of the state, for which students may earn industry-based certifications and credentials. By offering credentials that give graduates a leg up in Louisiana s economy of today and tomorrow, Jump Start will prepare our high school graduates for a productive adulthood. GCC was proud to have been a part of this program today, as regional educators toured local businesses to learn about career opportunities. GCC was one of several employers asked to host the first ever Jump Start Work Experience Exchange Camp. Over 30 regional educators participated in a presentation and work demonstration at our main office in Alexandria. We talked with teachers about exciting career opportunities in the construction industry, the demand for construction jobs, and the cool technology that exists in our industry. Thanks to Shane Carter and Chad Bordelon for showcasing our new survey equipment, including a robotic total station and our drone. Our audience was impressed by this state-of-the art technology and expressed excitement about bringing the information they learned back into their classrooms. We are working to educate our future workforce! This is a great example of living the GCC Core Purpose of "working together to improve ourselves, our industries, and our communities". Valerie Aymond, Chief Resource Officer
Service Anniversary Milestones 2 0 Y E A R S April Jimmy Lachney May Bobby Claiborne June Joe Johnson 1 0 Y E A R S May Greg Hagar Harold Bellard June Danny Trudell 5 Y E A R S April Keith Dauzat May Freddie Crawford June Garin Mayeux Employee News Congratulations to Glen & Angela Russell Daughter, Cypress Faith May 14 Congratulations to Jarred & Megan Williams Daughter, Adeline Rebecca Bleu June 19 Congratulations to Amy & Alden Sonnier Daughter, Sawyer Grace July 7