CONFER PLASTICS PARTICIPATES IN NEW YORK D.O.L. SAFETY PROGRAM

Taking a proactive approach to workplace safety, every 2 years since the late 1990s Confer Plastics has participated in the Onsite Consultation program provided by the New York State Department of Labor. The company has began yet another campaign with this important program and will be working with the State over the next few months.

According to the DOL website the On-Site Consultation Program is a free business resource of the New York State Department of Labor Division of Safety and Health. Funding is provided by the US Department of Labor and NYS Department of Labor to help employers provide a safe and healthful workplace for their employees by offering professional occupational safety and health assistance.

For more information, visit:

http://www.labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/safetyhealth/DOSH_ONSITE_CONSULTATION.shtm

LEADERSHIP NIAGARA TOURS CPI

More than two-dozen members of this year's Leadership Niagara class toured Confer Plastics on March 17th as a part of their Small Business Day. The participants were able to walk the factory floor and see a variety of products being made. For most, this was their first look at the inner workings of a manufacturing environment. They also heard from vice-president Bob Confer who talked about the struggles and joys of running a business.

This was just one stop on their full day of small business activities. They also heard from Rob Albert of Impressive Imprints who spoke about entrepreneurship, Annette Tomlin from First Niagara Bank who addressed why businesses fail, and Frank Budwey of Budwey Markets who discussed the importance of strategic planning.

Leadership Niagara is a year-long leadership training program for adults who represent a cross section of Niagara County; including business, labor, education, the arts, religion, government, community based organizations, ethnic and minority groups.They meet for daylong sessions held each month addressing diverse, local needs. LN focuses on helping participants to enhance their understanding and recognition of what our community lacks to become a better place to live and work, followed by becoming involved and making it happen. The program provides opportunities for participants to develop their own personal leadership styles and networking opportunities. More information can be found at: http://www.leadershipniagara.com/

If your community organization would like to tour our factory send an e-mail to Bob Confer at bob@conferplastics.com

NEW MACHINE IS OPERATIONAL

Today was a big day for the company. One of our most recently acquired molding machines became operational today!

This dual-headed 20-pound machine was producing handrails for one of our pool steps on her inaugural run.

JIM MILLER JOINS 20-YEAR CLUB

This Friday set-up technician Jim Miller joins the coveted 20 Year Club, becoming the 22nd person to work at CPI for two decades.

He spent a lot of time in shipping before joining the set-up crew about 12 years ago. He's a hardworking & talented fellow when it comes to putting molds & tooling into machines and tuning them in.

Prior to coming here he worked at Kwik Stop in Niagara Falls as a clerk and in shipping & receiving at the Sears in the Summit Mall after spending some time at Niagara University. It was so long ago that Kwik Stop paid only $4.50/hour.

February 1991 seems so long ago. Here's what happened around the world that month:

* Two airplanes collided at the LA airport, killing 34
* Dr. Jack Kevorkian was barred from assisting with suicides
* The ground phase of the Gulf War started
* The IRA twice bombed London

CONFER TO SPEAK AT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Confer Plastics vice-president Bob Confer is well-known locally as a weekly opinion columnist for the Greater Niagara Newspapers and is known in some circles nationally with his small government columns that run in the New American.

He will be talking about how to be involved in civics and activism at a leadership conference to be held at his alma mater, the State University of New York's College at Brockport.

The event will be held on February 27th and will feature presentations from some of the College's alumni in celebration of the school's 175th anniversary.

The teaser for Bob's presentation reads as follows:

Generations X and Y are facing some interesting times. The Great Recession, a changing socioeconomic structure, America's growing fiscal crises, and the development of new global superpowers all bring with them great uncertainty. There's a chance that our generation may be the first in America to not have a better standard of living than the previous generation. How do we make sure that our world is in a better shape than it was when the Baby Boomers handed it over to us? There's only one way... good citizenship. We must take an active role in community affairs and be attentive to the concept of self-government.

For more information about the conference, visit:

http://www.brockport.edu/leadership/conference.html

CONVERSION KIT AVAILABLE IN OUR ONLINE STORE

The conversion kit for our 7200 ladder is now available at our online store:

http://conferplastics.com/magento/index.php/ck7200.html

THE WINTER STORM THAT NEVER HAPPENED

Confer Plastics is open for business on Wednesday. The "dangerous" winter storm predicted by the weathermen never happened!

OUR WINTER STORM PLAN (IF NEEDED)

The weather forecasters are predicting 10” to 14” of snow and 30 mph winds for Wednesday on the Niagara Frontier. If it’s really bad – and not just one of their usual overreactions – here’s what to expect in the event of a major winter event:

• If we are closed, it will be announced on the AM radio at WLVL 1340 and WECK 1230
• If we are closed, there will be a posting on Confer Plastics’ Facebook page and the “what’s new” page on our website, www.conferplastics.com
• If we are closed, Adecco and Confer staff will attempt to call you
• If there is a driving BAN in Niagara County, do not come in. We will be closed
• If you live in Erie County and there is a driving BAN only there, do not come in, even though we will be open
• If there is a travel ADVISORY in Niagara County, we will still be open. Travel at your own discretion
• Do NOT call the factory lunchroom to see if we are open