Flashings

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Ten tension-reducing strategies

Many people experience varying degrees of stress in their daily lives. If you are one of these people, try some of the following strategies to lower your stress level:

• Get an early start. Wake up 15 minutes earlier than usual.
  
  
• Prepare for your morning the night before. Set the breakfast table, make lunches, lay out the clothes you plan to wear, etc.
  
  
• Don't procrastinate. If you plan to do something tomorrow, do it today.
  
  
• Plan ahead. For example, keep your gas tank full to avoid stopping for gas when you are busy.
  
  
• Make lists. Don't simply rely on your memory. Write down appointments, errands and obligations.
  
  
• Practice preventive maintenance. This can keep things running smoothly so your appliances or car won't fall apart at the worst moments.
  
  
• Take a break. Even just a few 10-minute breaks throughout the day can help clear your mind.
  
  
• Exercise. Go for a walk during your lunch hour, or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  
  
• Just say 'no'. Learn to say no to opportunities or obligations that create unrealistic demands for you.
  
  
• Delegate responsibility. Don't take on everything yourself; share duties with your partner or co-workers.

GAF president assists in Katrina recovery efforts

In mid-October, William Collins, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of GAF Materials Corp., Wayne, N.J., took a six-month leave of absence to serve as senior vice president, Katrina Recovery and Industry Alliances, for Habitat for Humanity International, Americus, Ga. During this time, Collins will create and implement a plan of recovery for Hurricane Katrina victims and build industry alliances.

"I am thankful for GAF Materials Corp.'s encouragement to take on this initiative," Collins says. "There really is no better investment a company can make for its current and future employees than to support housing initiatives for the most needy."

During Collins' absence, Samuel Heyman, a former CEO of GAF Materials Corp., will be acting CEO.

"Habitat for Humanity's goal is a noble one, all the more important in the wake of devastation caused by Katrina," Heyman says. "Lending Bill's enormous talents and broad experience in the building materials industry to that effort is the best way we can help, and it reaffirms our company's longstanding commitment to public service."

Dow Chemical prices increase

The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., increased its prices for pure and polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) by 13 cents per pound; the increase is in addition to a previously announced increase of 7 cents per pound, making the total price increase 20 cents per pound Nov. 1.

The price for VORANATE™ toluene diisocyanate (TDI) has increased 25 cents per pound; the increase is in addition to a previously announced increase of 25 cents per pound, making the total price increase 50 cents per pound Nov. 1.

Prices for VORANOL,™ VORALUX™ and SPECFLEX™ polyether and co-polymer polyols have increased 10 cents per pound; the increase is in addition to a previously announced increase of 10 cents per pound, making the total price increase 20 cents per pound Nov. 1.

The price increases that were effective Oct. 1—10 cents per pound for TDI and 6 cents per pound for polyols—still are in effect.

"Costs for energy and raw materials remain high and volatile, and logistical issues continue to impact their availability," says Pat Dawson, business vice president—polyurethanes and thermoset systems of The Dow Chemical Co. "In the face of these unprecedented and arduous industry challenges, these price increases are necessary to help offset rising costs."

BASF increases prices

On Oct. 15, BASF Corp., Hudson Falls, N.J., increased its prices for all carboxylated styrene-butadiene latex products by 6 cents per dry pound in the U.S. and Canada. These products are supplied to industries such as construction, adhesives and architectural coatings and include brands such as Butofan,® Styrofan® and Styronal.®

In addition, BASF increased the prices for all acrylic and styrene-acrylic latex products by 6 cents per wet pound Oct. 15. The prices will affect Acronal® and Acronal Optive brands.

The price increases are a result of significant increases in raw-material and energy costs.

Small-business growth affected little by hurricanes

Although Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused devastating damage, it appears, economically, the small-business sector has emerged virtually unscathed. The September Small Business Economic Trends survey conducted by The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) revealed future economic growth for entrepreneurs.

The survey reported employment increases and reductions were at 12 percent, offsetting each other; firms added a net 0.14 employees each, which was consistent with July and August.

About 65 percent of small businesses reported capital outlays during the past six months with almost 50 percent spending on new equipment; 27 percent on vehicles; and 17 percent on facility expansion. In fact, reported outlays were frequent and higher in all categories, and the median amount spent was about $25,000.

Earnings gains were solid in September, and reported increases included 59 percent of small businesses citing stronger sales, 9 percent citing price increases and 5 percent citing lower labor costs. Thirty-two percent of firms reported decreased earnings and causes such as weaker sales, price reductions, material costs and insurance costs, financing, higher taxes and regulations.

"Overall, the survey indicates that the economy should continue to grow at about the same pace seen all year, solidly over 3 percent," says William Dunkelberg, NFIB's chief economist.

Dunkelberg predicts inventory building by small firms in the fourth quarter because many firms reduced inventory in September and then increased it and there were more reports that stocks were too low instead of high, an unusual occurrence.

Details

John Donaldson
President of CertainTeed Corp., Valley Forge, Pa.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part? I wasn't personally involved, but our company was. A roofing contractor in Wisconsin created an exact likeness of the Green Bay Packers logo on his roof using various colors of our Grand Manor Shangle shingles.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry? Taking this position was a significant advancement opportunity within CertainTeed Corp. and a great chance to get involved with such an interesting business.

What was your first roofing experience? Single-handedly shingling a new garage I'd just built in the winter of 1979. This was in Calgary, Alberta, and it was ridiculously cold. I should have waited until spring.

What is your favorite item on your desk? A can of Diet Coke.

What do you consider your most rewarding experiences? Spending time with my wife and children. The "kids" are now grown and live in different countries. It's always a treat to be with them.

What was your first job? My first interesting job was selling ice cream from a truck in Weirton, W.Va., for the Goodie Bar Co. Back then, as a student from England, it was great money and later allowed me to travel across the U.S.

What was your favorite vacation? Every vacation was good, but one highlight was a hot-air balloon ride from the valley of Rocamador in France, rising slowly up the cliff side of the medieval village through the morning mist.

What do you consider a waste of time? Bureaucracy. Plain and simple.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Unfriendly service.

If you could invite any three people to dinner (dead or alive), whom would you invite and why? Alistair Cooke, the journalist from Manchester, England, who lived most of his life in the U.S. He had a broad experience of modern Anglo-American history; Winston Churchill, who in his youth fought on horseback wielding a sword and in later life had his finger on the nuclear trigger; and Halle Berry to brighten things up.

What is your favorite stress reliever? A good hike in the woods.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job? Because we are a national company with coast-to-coast customers and manufacturing facilities, it is a real challenge to find the time to meet with them all.

If you weren't in the roofing industry, what job would you like to have? Possibly an architect.

People would be surprised to know ... My favorite hobby is radio-controlled model plane building. Now, I wish I just had the time to enjoy it!

How to effectively motivate older workers

Within 10 years, people age 55 and older will make up at least 20 percent of the work force. Therefore, understanding what motivates more experienced workers is essential for managers who struggle with projected employee shortages. Following are tips for helping older workers feel appreciated:

• Pay attention—Forget the stereotype of older workers as inflexible and unwilling to learn new technologies or policies. Older workers have shown to be more focused on quality and less likely than younger employees to show up late or miss work.
  
  
• Be flexible—Assigning older workers to short-term projects can give them time to enjoy the benefits of retirement while still producing quality work. Job sharing and flexible start times also are appealing options.
  
  
• Offer equal recognition—Younger workers may be more likely to volunteer for high-profile assignments because they want to make an impression on the organization. However, established workers also appreciate recognition for their contributions even though they may not aggressively pursue attention.
  
  
• Encourage input—Ask older workers what rewards appeal to them, and really listen! An AARP survey found workers older than 45 most value a friendly work environment, the opportunity to continue using their skills, the chance to do worthwhile work and their co-workers' respect.
  
  
• Bridge age gaps—Mediate any conflicts between older workers and younger supervisors. Ensure both parties are respectful and find common ground. The most important thing is to keep everyone focused on work-related issues rather than age-related prejudices.

Reprinted by permission of United Media.