CenturyVallen is one such company. Known for their involvement in the community and the impressive list of charitable accomplishments it is no wonder CenturyVallen staff was able to smash their 2011 United Way Campaign goal of $6,000 in just two weeks. And six weeks into the campaign, CVers are poised to reach an impressive $12,000-13,000 in giving and fundraising when their efforts for the United Way are completed for 2011 at the end of November. It should be pointed out, last year the employees raised just over $5,000 during their campaign. So, what changed this group to be able to more than double their contributions?

Great Ideas – In the past there were always great ideas…but, this year the ideas have been non-stop. Who could have imagined anyone could maintain a game of bingo for 4 weeks across 5 provinces? And really, trying it again the next month? Taking advantage of super-creative, super-enthusiastic employees to come up with the next big thing in fundraising experience, has paid off big time – whether it be auctioning off non-performing inventory, selling tickets for a chance to win a parking stall, or raffling off time to spend with the big boss (with him doing your job, nonetheless).

Great People – No effort can be enough to succeed if you cannot inspire and encourage. The people CenturyVallen has in charge of their United Way campaign are second to none. Dedicated and creative, passionate and persuasive, the volunteers that make up the CenturyVallen United Way committee have spent endless hours creating a fundraising program both profitable and fun. They have made the realization that sometimes it is possible to garner donations without people feeling they have done any giving. By creating activities of value (value to the employees because of the level of fun, or by their own profit), the committee has created a charitable program certain to succeed far into the future.

Great Support – Every level of CenturyVallen has participated in the United Way campaign this year. And this is in large part because of the involvement of the company’s leaders, at every level. Branch Managers, Supervisors, the Executive team, and all of the organizations informal leaders have stepped up and participated in one way or another, and to great success. The willingness of these leaders to step up and commit to the cause makes everyone pause to notice. It makes everyone see it is not only just words spoken, but deeds being done and this is one of the greatest influencers an employee can have.

Awesome Generosity – Whether it be time, money or prizes – the employee base at CenturyVallen is generosity itself. With the 2011 campaign almost at an end, discussions have already started, planning for 2012. The CenturyVallen belief it is not just one day, one month, or one campaign, but rather a continuation or a beginning of something greater, is inspiring. Many companies can learn from the CV spirit.

Two weeks remain in the 2011 United Way campaign, and the end is in sight. What the number will be at the end of the day is uncertain. What is known is how dedicated, generous and amazing the efforts of the employees of CenturyVallen have been over the past six weeks. If I was a betting woman – I would not be surprised if CenturyVallen will raise over $15,000 by the time the 2011 campaign comes to a close.

When it comes to ensuring your equipment and people are able to work safely and with fully certified equipment, CenturyVallen provides a one stop shop for all your compliance requirements. From tracking and maintaining your inventory at your facilities to providing you with the best of factory-trained technicians, we are sure we have all the answers to any of your safety compliance questions. Here are 5 ways, CenturyVallen creates more value and more efficiency for your company, not to mention the peace of mind knowing your employees are working with properly maintained and serviced equipment:

1. Customer Inventory is where CV shines – we track your equipment, so you do not have to, and at your own facility. Not only does this provide you with a pain free method of keeping your equipment up-to-date, but it will also aid in budgeting for future service work, so you are not hit with any unexpected expenses.

 2. Mobile Service that is second to none – CenturyVallen knows on-site services. In fact, CV practically invented mobile services. For almost 15 years we have been servicing our customers with an elite fleet of fire extinguisher recharge trucks and mobile breathing air service trailers. These trucks and operators have saved our customers thousands of dollars and countless hours, by coming to them and providing them with services that would have taken work time from employees to accomplish. We have a ninja like staff, who get into a customer’s facility, services or replaces the equipment, and then is gone…with no one loosing any time fumbling around with boxes and packing tape.

3. Factory Trained Technicians – Trust the service techs the manufacturers trust – Our vendors have tremendous faith in CenturyVallen. This is shown in the number of manufacturers who trust us to service, repair and recertify their products and equipment. This list is a testament to the commitment of quality, the dedication and professionalism of our factory trained technicians: Ansul, Scott, MSA, Draeger, Survivair, Kito, CM, DBI, Miller, BW Technologies, and ISC. All of these companies have put there faith in CenturyVallen and this resonates with us. From hoists, to breathing air, fire suppression, and fall protection, we meet almost every need you may have for the servicing of your equipment.

4. Let CV ensure your certifications do not lapse – CenturyVallen can provide you with a unique service, so you do not lose any work time because you did not realize a piece of equipment was due for recertification. We can keep track of all of your records, make appointments in advance, and contact you prior to the expiration date of certification. Let us be the ones to remember. And untie that pesky string from your finger.

5. We are truly a national company – We have fully trained technicians in three provinces in Canada – Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. And we can do some service work in parts of BC and Manitoba. Customers in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland also regularly send us their safety equipment to be recertified as well. Because we have mobile services, we can get to remote areas if need be, and can take on jobs many other companies cannot or will not.

If you are looking for a full coverage, full service and mobile company to take on all of your service, compliance and recertification needs, whether it be for fire protection or fall protection equipment, you can trust CenturyVallen. We have years of successful experience and a wealth of knowledge and training, just waiting to be utilized. With CenturyVallen looking after your equipment, the safety of your employees is in good hands.

Compliance + Certification = Real Safety

Pot handles, beach, work bench, hot dog roasting stick, water, clutter, field, footing – Reminds me of the old Sesame Street song “One of These Things is Not Like the Other”, although I can almost hear someone remarking that none of these things are like the other. But, what do these items have in common?  The answer is – they’re all potential hazards, and most of us evaluate them as hazards, most every day!

So why can workplace FLRA/FLHA training seem so complicated?  Is it because we try to ‘get it right’, to memorize the steps as presented, instead of memorizing the idea behind how it’s presented?

FLRA 

• Stop & Think
• Identify Hazards
• Assess Risks
• Control Risks
• Resume Work

How about: 

• Stop, Look around. 
• See anything that could cause problem?  [Think, Identify Hazards]
• If the answer is yes, figure out how to get rid of the problem or reduce it. [Assess Risks]
• Now take care of the problem. [Control Risks]
• Take another look.  Everything good to go? 
• If the answer is yes, then ‘go’! [Resume Work]

There, that was simple!

 Safety – Every Time – Everywhere

Linda

I know you baby boomers have heard every safety talk known to man, but I’m fairly sure you haven’t had a social media tailgate.  I know what you’re thinking – PPE and social media? What’s in the water over there at CenturyVallen?  Go get that nice logo’d travel mug that you won for last year’s safety award, fill it with whatever’s in the water over at your place, and spend 2 minutes with me.

Tools:

Your social media toolbox isn’t likely to be intrinsically safe, as are some of your other tools, so be careful what you write! I have seen conversations sparked on Twitter that have high combustion properties.  Once you put something out there in writing, others may have thoughts they want to share.  You may not necessarily agree with their position.  Unfortunately, Purple K is NOT an effective extinguisher in this case.  Don’t ask if I have tried this in real life.

PPE:

Social media PPE should be an important part of your plan.  A thick skin is a good place to start. Not everyone will love what you’ve got to say and that’s okay.  A good set of FR coveralls might not be a bad idea either.

Protect your personal brand – if you wouldn’t shout it out loud at your tail gate safety meeting, or to your onsite project manager, you might not want to tweet or post it on your corporate Facebook page either.  If you wouldn’t say it out loud to your boss, don’t write it online.  Put on a set of fitters gloves until the urge to type passes.  We sell those. We can hook you up.

Lingo:

If you hear your welders or pipe fitters discussing various hashtags, tablets, and avatars don’t call the safety officer – this doesn’t mean they are doing drugs, or hallucinating.  Put away your hazard assessment form because there’s no tick box on there for “employees planning a tweetup”. Yes, it is a word. Urban Dictionary should become your friend.

Safety:

Lockout/tagout procedures are recommended in your use of “new” technology.  Experience one unauthorized email sent to your contact list on behalf of your “comedian” friends or coworkers and you’ll never make THAT mistake twice.  Password protection is your friend.

Health:

Do you remember all the stock you ordered for H1N1? While those sexy masks might inspire some great conversations and twitpics, they likely won’t protect you from the online viruses.  Do a little research online and determine whether you’d benefit from a protection tool. Think of it as your social media N95.

So, there you have it. The first byte sized bit of knowledge you need to play in the industrial distribution online community and conversations.  I will be back with follow up blogs through this journey. I invite you to join me. If you have a particular subject you’d like me to talk about, or you require the anti-itch cream I spoke about in my first blog, let me know!

Warm regards,

Kelli

*princess wave*

(Yes, the white gloves are still FR)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Edmonton, AB – It is with excitement that CenturyVallen reveals a new website designed around the exchange of knowledge, and offering an opportunity for collaboration, among experts, customers, industry partners, and employees.

The industrial distributor’s new website, created in consultation with Starshot and Sonepar Canada, represents a refreshing new face, as CenturyVallen approaches its 75th birthday in 2012. The launch of the website will allow the company to showcase not only the vast array of products and services, but also provide a conversation forum to share the extensive knowledge of experts and manufacturing partners.

“Many customers have come to depend on the strong product and industry knowledge of CenturyVallen’s staff, and we see the new website as a great way to illustrate and communicate that” says Guy Mersereau, VP and General Manager.

To facilitate the exchange of knowledge, tips, tricks and productivity solutions among the company’s online audiences, CenturyVallen is the first industrial distributor to embrace the art of online conversation. Visitors to the site can find blog entries from a variety of experts, provide feedback and ask questions.

CenturyVallen also has video entries showcased on the company’s YouTube channel. The first video, featuring Herb Schmidt is now posted for viewing!  Kelli Brons comments “When Herb comes with his black light and says “come with me in the bathroom and bring the video camera”, it is definitely something worth checking out.”

The design of the new site augments the online communication and social media program launched last fall.

About CenturyVallen

CenturyVallen has been, and continues to be, one of the most respected and reliable suppliers of industrial safety, janitorial and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) products and related services in the country. In business since 1937, CenturyVallen joined Sonepar Canada in 2008 and continues to conduct business in the best interest of customers, communities and employees by providing reliable, high quality products and services.

CenturyVallen Media Contact

Kelli Brons

Corporate Communications

CenturyVallen

(780) 490-2882

kelli.brons@centuryvallen.com

Linked-In

Twitter

Facebook

Sonepar Media Arcade

Let’s clarify something right off the bat – yes, I’m a female, yes, I work for an industrial distribution company, I’ve been accused of being a bit of a princess, yes I’m a gen x’er, and no, I have never been accused of being a conformist, which is excellent, considering the nature of the  journey that I’m about to take you on.

A year ago we started a conversation about the kinds of “conversations” we have with eachother, with customers, and suppliers.  This evolved into a discussion about a different kind of conversation.  Uh-oh!! “Different” probably means “change”.  The kind of change that may give the baby boomers a rash, but don’t worry – we sell cream for that.  When the term “social media” was mentioned, the silence was deafening.  In our industry, it was clearly unchartered territory and I felt like a pioneer! I was unsure what sort of reaction to expect, and I was certainly not aware of the many potential hazards. Yes, a Field Level Risk Assessment (FLRA) was definitely in order.   I asked myself a couple of questions:

1. What sort of environmental hazards are evident? I don’t anticipate any cuts or burns and the only heat or cold stress I’m likely to encounter is the result of mismanagement of our office thermostat.
2. What tools or PPE is required for an industrial distribution social media gal?  Surely I should have the most technologically advanced tools for THIS job! Is it a bad sign that all I got was a fancy tape measure? I suppose that was to measure my results.
3. What hazard category does “texting while walking” fall under? Something to think about.

Armed with my tape measure, my sharp wit and my smart phone, I set off to change the face of our industry.  When I took on the communications and social media challenge last fall, I was excited, invigorated and even giddy with anticipation of the opportunities that lay ahead.  I had the executives behind me, access to all the experts I’d need, the authority to make it happen and the anti-itch cream to treat any casualties I created along the way.

Over the coming months I’m going to share some of the highlights of this first year in hopes that you will join me, and CenturyVallen, in our online community and conversations.

It’s not scary. I still have all my fingers!

Warm regards,

Kelli

*princess wave*

(Yes, the white gloves are FR)

There has been a lot of activity since the announcement in July of the strategic alliance between CenturyVallen and Brenkir Industrial.   We are very excited about the upcoming changes in the industrial supply landscape of the Newfoundland and Labrador.

Very recently, a location has been chosen for the first shared facility between Brenkir and CenturyVallen located at the corner of the Argentina Access Road and the highway into Long Harbour.  As more details become available, they will be communicated.  At this time we expect the facility to be operational in the next few months.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates on this, and many other exciting events, by subscribing to email updates on the home page.

The September issue of the Energy Processing Canada magazine features a story on CenturyVallen’s Onsite Services group.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2012, CenturyVallen has supported its customers’ shutdown and onsite requirements through its suite of services, many of which can be customized to meet unique shutdown demands. Pictured on the cover is Charles Ridgen, a technician in CenturyVallen’s Fire Services group.

Read the whole story by picking up a copy today through  Northern Star Communications Ltd., or contact our Onsite Services Specialists directly for a one-on-one disucssion  at onsiteservices@centuryvallen.com

When our General Manager suggested we hire a la the “Friends and Family” program I lowered my head in dread.  We run a busy warehouse and the last thing I needed was a group of low motivation teenagers with no respect for starting times or hard work, bumbling through their days in our warehouse – wandering around texting all their friends how much they hate their jobs and reporting to “the man”.  However, summer was upon us, we were approaching go live on a project that eliminated paper in our warehouse for an RF-based system, and we needed the help.  The email went out and the moms and dads of our company hit high gear with the email to their teens.  The resumes flowed in quickly and we filled six positions almost overnight with shiny new faces – several of them in their first ever full time job.

My expectation – these Generation Y’ers would be a spoon-fed privileged-expecting high-maintenance group who wouldn’t get to work on time if their life depended on it, and it would be all about them and what the company could do for them.  I couldn’t have been more wrong.

How about:

• tech-savvy – they took to our RF handheld devices like ducks to water.
• achievement-oriented – they checked daily pick counts religiously to see where they ranked and strove to set individual picking records and to be at the top of the list.
• team-oriented – this is a very social group who thrive in teams.
• . . . and yes, attention-craving.  So it took me 5 minutes to learn their names and I took special care to call them out when I went through the warehouse on my daily or hourly tours.  That’s just good MBWA for any generation.

Our Gen-Y’ers were reliable, hard-working, productive, and friendly in our workplace.  They all worked right to the end of summer and are hoping for part-time work throughout the school year or first call for next summer’s holiday relief work.  My lament was “When I was a student, I busted my butt – always working for next summer’s job and the money for university”.  I thought that attitude had been lost.  Thanks to Esmeralda, Jessica, Justin, Natasha, Connor, and Tia – you’ve turned the head of this prejudiced Baby Boomer to a new talent pool and ironically, you six have re-shaped my attitude towards an entire cohort.  And thanks to Hilda, Robert, Lori, Real, and Yola – maybe parenting has something to do with these exceptional young people?

My advice?  There may be hundreds of Gen-Y’ers right now wanting real jobs that pay real money, just not knowing where those jobs might come from.  Tap into that cohort and their needs (those electronics cost real money after all).  Appeal to them by making subtle changes in your workplace to accommodate their talents and desires and you could be the employer of choice for this group.  You can wait for them to find you, but better yet – go get them!

Albert

Welcome to the world of Herb Schmidt, Janitorial Specialist with CenturyVallen.  Throughout the coming months, Herb will take us through a series of videos on some not-so-appetizing subjects.  Let Herb guide you through some disturbing, yet educational, facts as a part of his everyday work here at CenturyVallen.

For solutions to this, and many other challenges in your business, talk to a CenturyVallen representative today.

We suggest you may not want to be eating lunch while you watch this first episode in the Bootcamp for a Clean Generation series, titled “Nightmare on the Toilet Seat”.

Click here to view the embedded video.