Monthly Newsletter of A&K Railroad Materials, Inc.

February 2015Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Robert Marquez-Field Ops Mark Dewald-SL Real Estate Dept 5 years

2 3 Roger Argyle-Clearfield, UT 1 year Erbin Martinez Perez-Field Ops 5 years Gilberto Mendez Hernandez-Field Ops 5 years Roberto Hernandez Field Ops 1 year Madge Wright-Field Ops 1 year

4 Asuncion Nunez-Jesus-Kansas City, KS 2 years

5 Dario Campos-Kansas City, KS Heber Ortiz Morales-Kansas City, KS Justin Maldonado Rodriguez-Kansas City, KS Bob Overbey-Field Ops 27 years

6 Carlos Carmona Mendoza-Mira Loma, CA 7 years

7 Portia Dempsey-Phoenix, AZ 4 years

8 Kimberli Blomberg-Stockton, CA

9 Adrian Laguna-Kansas City, KS 8 years

10 Andy Yciano-Stockton, CA Celedonio Alonzo-Kansas City, KS Lorenzo Villanueva-Toledo, OH Kyle Willard-Tacoma, WA Glenn Miller-Mira Loma, CA 40 years Edwin Arroyo-Kansas City, KS 1 year Pablo Mendiola Guijosa-Field Ops 1 year

11 Eliseo Tosado Ortega-Kansas City, KS 2 years

12 Brittany Ramsey-V&S Railway Robert Hernandez-Kansas City, KS 1 year

13Jessie Walker-Gary, IN Allen Vickers-Corporate HQ

14 Matt Rodrigues-Field Ops Thomas Holaday-Kansas City, KS

15 Esteban Cecelio Ortiz-Field Ops Erbin Martinez Perez-Field Ops Hugo Hernandez-Field Ops

16 17 Brooke Braga-Corporate HQ 1 year

18 Kate Figgins-Phoenix, AZ Larry Bird-Gary, IN

19 Madge Wright-Field Ops Karl Renner-Kansas City, KS 27 years Gerardo Maldonado-Kansas City, KS 1 year Fernando Torres -Kansas City, KS 1 year Guerrero Maldonado-Kansas City, KS 1 year

20 Don Cook-Stockton, CA

21

22 Wade Buckley-Clearfield, UT Jose Pantojas-Field Ops Roger Bowman-Kansas City, KS Greg Krok-New Orleans, LA 33 years Anselmo Garcia-Stockton, CA 19 years

23 Chi Tran-Corporate HQ Ignacio Gaspar-Fields Ops 6 years Jose Pantoja-Field Ops 1 year

24 Jose Calderon-Kansas City, KS 1 year Hector Dominguez Lopez-Kansas City, KS 1 year

25 Christina Okey-Phoenix, AZ Leighton Ezell-Grenada Railway Ryan Spencer-Iron Highway Logistics Charlie Lee Jr.-Field Ops Alfredo Sansores-Houston, TX

26 Casey Miller-Field Ops Michael Stubbs-Field Ops 1 year

27 Alejandro Navaro Devora-Field Ops Gilver Castillo-Kansas City, KS 2 years

28 Roger Mix-Field Ops Cesar Mejia-Kansas City, KS 4 years Mercedes Cruz-Field Ops 3 years Gerardo Trejo Cruz-Field Ops 3 years

Birthdays and Anniversaries for February 2015 Birthdays Anniversaries

Copyright 2015 A&K Railroad Materials, Inc.

Never underestimate the power in these simple words: Thank You Each one of us can help people in the world around us…whether it is in our workplace, our home, or as we

go through the daily interactions of our lives…to feel appreciated and valuable. Each time you choose to thank

someone for a job well done, you are making the world a better place.

A thank you is a gift of appreciation that we can each give to anyone we choose. It costs nothing, except a few

moments of our time.

A sincere thank you can mean the world to someone else. It is amazing to see how people light up when you

really notice them and the good things they do. Something so simple really can help make someone’s life better.

Focus on the importance of saying thank you on a consistent basis. When we reach out to celebrate and

appreciate others, we always receive more than we give. In every instance in my life I have found this to be

absolutely true. Pat Boone said, “The most attractive people in the world are the ones who are interested in others – turning outward in cheerfulness, kindness, appreciation, instead of turned inward to be constantly centered in themselves.” — Barbara A. Glanz

Juan Torres-Kansas City, KS 1 year

“We have a duty to encourage one another. Many a time a work of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.”

— William Barclay

THANKS for ALL you do:The time you giveHelping outAlways being thereNever being selfishKnowing when you’re neededShowing how much you care

We just completed open enrollment for our employee benefits. Now don’t just sit back and hope you don’t have an injury or illness that would require you to use your insurance benefits this year. Many people think that a high deductible plan means your insurance is only good for catastrophic coverage. There are many covered benefits that you should take advantage of that are not subject to the deductible. You are actually encouraged to use your insurance for preventive/wellness services. It has been long believed that preventive care and early detection are key to long term health and well-being. Take advantage of these covered benefits. There is a long list of preventive/wellness services that are covered 100% on our plans including:

• Annual physical exam (including screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes) • Well child exam (including immunizations) • Routine vision exam • Mammogram • Colonoscopy

Of course there are suggested guidelines for screenings and limitations. For a complete list see our Employee Benefits Guide*.

Wellness also applies to Dental. Our dental benefits cover cleanings, exams, and x-rays 100% twice per year. Did you know that poor dental health can cause other health issues? Regular dental check-ups can improve your health by: • Decreasing Tooth Decay which affects more than 99% of Americans over the age of 45 and is currently the most common chronic childhood disease • Preventing Gum Disease which is linked to cardiovascular disease, strokes, and heart attacks • Ensuring early detection of Oral Cancer and increasing your chance of survival • Reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer in men by 63% • Significantly reducing the chance of developing gestational diabetes in women

Also to improve our overall health, this year we will have quarterly wellness challenges. As each employee signed up for their choice of medical plan for 2015 they chose either the wellness rate or the non-wellness rate. By choosing the wellness rate you have saved $1000 in premium cost over the course of the year and agree to participate in our quarterly wellness challenges. The challenges are named and designed to keep you “On Track for Life”. They will be both informative and fun. Don’t worry, our wellness committee is not asking anyone to train for and run a marathon this year! The challenges are to help and encourage you to become healthier through changes in diet and increased physical activity. All the challenges were chosen based on the results of an employee survey that was taken last year and cover topics that you said you would be interested in.

Coming out this month our first quarter challenge will be “Sugar Smack Down”. For this challenge you will learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about sugar:

• How much you should really be eating • The deal with sugar substitutes • Sneaky place sugar is hiding • The best and worst kinds of sugar • How to make better (and still delicious) choices

There will also be a walking challenge, one for stress and resilience building, and (just in time for the holidays) one designed to help you “Maintain, Don’t Gain” weight.

In addition to the quarterly challenges there will be continuing information from our Wellness Committee both in our newsletter and more throughout the year.

Those New Year’s resolutions (you know the usual one’s to lose weight, exercise, etc.) may have already been forgotten but you can commit to making 2015 truly a healthy year!

If you have any questions, please contact me.

— Cheryl Norton

Employee Benefits 2015

* The Employee Benefits Guide was sent out electronically before and during our open enrollment period. It can also be viewed on the HR Connection website, www.hrconnection.com The benefits guide contains a lot of helpful information for your use during the year. If you prefer having a printed copy, please contact Cheryl and one will be sent to you. The HR Connection website that was used to enroll for benefits can still be accessed during the year. This is where you can view your benefits, download or print claim forms, and link to other websites for all of our benefit carriers.

Cheryl Norton cnorton@akrailroad.com

PO Box 30076, SLC, UT 84130801-977-6328

To Contact the Editor:Direct Line to Rhonda L. Nicoloff, President

801-244-5083

WellnessSPOTLIGHT

Bryan (Field Operations) and Sandy Smith share a few projects they have been involved with. They volunteered again to support Trees for Troops. This is a program that donates live Christmas Trees to military families and troops. In 2014 over 18,000 trees were donated and delivered to 63 military bases in the US and overseas, covering every branch of the armed services. The trees were donated by tree growers across the country, purchased and

donated by consumers, and delivered by FedEx. This is quite a logistical undertaking and a sacrifice, as these are quality trees collected during the busiest possible time for growers and no doubt the busiest time for FedEx. For everyone involved, they do it because they love the opportunity to say “thank you for your service and sacrifice” to troops and their families. This is a project near and dear to Bryan’s heart as he served in the Marine Corp himself and both he and Sandy have many family members that are and have been in the armed forces.

They also for many years have sponsored a 2nd Grade school class of about 20 students. Too many schools do not have needed supplies. They donate books, school and art supplies many times during the year to help the kids. Then the kids supported Trees for Troops making and decorating cards to be delivered with the trees. It was good to see the kids and their families join together to help support this program.

US Citizen The Britten family, or at least most of us, relocated from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia to Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania in October of 1980. At the time, I had every intention of returning to Cape Breton. Before graduating high school in 1983, I signed up for a 6 year enlistment with the US Marines Corps reserves. Little known fact among those not in the military, you don’t have to be a citizen of the US to be in the US military. I felt my enlistment with the US Marines would look good on my resume when I returned to Canada. In the meantime, I started with A&K in early 1984. In 1986, my parents and siblings returned to Cape Breton Island. Being still in the Marines, returning to Canada with them was not an option. Coincidently, I was offered a new position with A&K in Kansas City at the same time. My family went North, I headed West. As time passed I began a family of my own. The timeline for returning to Canada for other than vacations and business trips began to change.

After some trepidation, I decided, since I’d lived the majority of my life in the US, it was time to become a US citizen and fulfill my civic duty. It took several years to complete the process and on September 26, 2014, in Fort Scott, KS, with my wife Sarah and daughter Heather present, I became a citizen of the United States of America.

A few weeks later our neighbors, Matt and Ashli Montgomery, came to our home with a surprise. They had written to our Congressman, Kevin Yoder, requesting a dedication to my naturalization with a flag being flown over the US Capitol Building in my honor. The same flag that was flown on the US Capitol Building is now proudly on display in our home. The Montgomery’s gesture was so thoughtful and unexpected, they made becoming a US Citizen that much more special.

On Tuesday, 4 November 2014, I voted for the very first time. Another milestone!

It is well documented how many immigrants from around the world have risked their lives and the lives of their families to become a citizen of free countries like the United States. Witnessing some of these very special people achieve their goal makes one realize that the freedoms we enjoy should never be taken for granted.

In closing, honor our veterans. They are the reason we still enjoy the freedoms we have. Be respectful of those who are legally obtaining their Citizenship. There is no reason for us to make their journey more difficult than it may already be.

Sincerely,Dan Britten

Changes have been made to 401(k) investment options. PIMCO

(Pacific Investment Management Company) Total Return Bond

Fund is no longer available. Employees invested in PIMCO were

contacted and advised to move their funds. Any funds not moved

by employees have been moved to the most secure of options, the

Money Market account.

After an extensive search on performance and stability, Western

Asset Core Plus Bond Fund (WAPSX) was chosen and put in the

plan. This new option just won the bond category mutual fund of

the year honor from Morningstar. The award recognizes portfolio

managers who demonstrate excellent investment skill and the

courage to differ from the consensus to benefit investors.

For more information, questions, or help with investment decisions

contact Mark Law.

Mark Law, Financial Advisor, Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. 801.948.4320 or 877.892.2831

mark.law@raymondjames.com

Top Performers for December 2014Jim Huenefeldt Kansas City, Kansas

Jeff Long Salt Lake City, Utah

Beth Wyatt Kansas City, Kansas

Top Sales 2014Paul Theriot New Orleans, Louisiana

401(k) New Investment Opportunity

Employee News

Jeff Long Jim Huenefeldt Beth Wyatt Paul Theriot

HEALTHY QUICK TIP: Make your own salad dressing to reduce calories. See recipes below. • SWEET: 4 tbsp olive oil + 3 tsp vinegar + 1 tsp raw honey + 2 tbsp orange juice + 1 tsp lemon juice + ¼ tsp pepper • CLASSIC: 4 tbsp olive oil + 3 tsp vinegar + 1 tsp Dijon mustard + ¼ tsp pepper + 1 tsp lemon juice

FAST FOOD MENU OPTIONS: Subway Kids’ Roast Beef Sandwich; 200 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated)

We are looking forward to receiving your feedback and ideas for upcoming issues. Please submit to Katrina Gougis.

Be happy and healthy, -A&K Wellness Committee

QUOTE OF THE MONTH You must remain FOCUSED on your journey to GREATNESS.

— Les Brown

Let’s Get Walking!Fast & Slow Workout: Beyond losing weight, walking can be incredibly beneficial to your health. Think: a reduced risk of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, and better cardiovascular health. Here’s how:

• Walk at a comfortable pace for 5 to 10 minutes. • Walk quickly for 1 minute. • Return to a comfortable pace for 1 minute. • Repeat this pattern for a total of 30 minutes.

When this becomes too easy, add difficulty by reducing the periods of walking at a comfortable pace and increasing the time spent walking quickly (up to 5 minutes). You can also add in hills or increase the overall time of the workout.

This slow-fast-slow walking method will help prepare you to move onto more strenuous forms of exercise, such as running.

— By Will Owen (myfitnesspal.com)

WellnessSPOTLIGHT

Bryan (Field Operations) and Sandy Smith share a few projects they have been involved with. They volunteered again to support Trees for Troops. This is a program that donates live Christmas Trees to military families and troops. In 2014 over 18,000 trees were donated and delivered to 63 military bases in the US and overseas, covering every branch of the armed services. The trees were donated by tree growers across the country, purchased and

donated by consumers, and delivered by FedEx. This is quite a logistical undertaking and a sacrifice, as these are quality trees collected during the busiest possible time for growers and no doubt the busiest time for FedEx. For everyone involved, they do it because they love the opportunity to say “thank you for your service and sacrifice” to troops and their families. This is a project near and dear to Bryan’s heart as he served in the Marine Corp himself and both he and Sandy have many family members that are and have been in the armed forces.

They also for many years have sponsored a 2nd Grade school class of about 20 students. Too many schools do not have needed supplies. They donate books, school and art supplies many times during the year to help the kids. Then the kids supported Trees for Troops making and decorating cards to be delivered with the trees. It was good to see the kids and their families join together to help support this program.

US Citizen The Britten family, or at least most of us, relocated from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia to Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania in October of 1980. At the time, I had every intention of returning to Cape Breton. Before graduating high school in 1983, I signed up for a 6 year enlistment with the US Marines Corps reserves. Little known fact among those not in the military, you don’t have to be a citizen of the US to be in the US military. I felt my enlistment with the US Marines would look good on my resume when I returned to Canada. In the meantime, I started with A&K in early 1984. In 1986, my parents and siblings returned to Cape Breton Island. Being still in the Marines, returning to Canada with them was not an option. Coincidently, I was offered a new position with A&K in Kansas City at the same time. My family went North, I headed West. As time passed I began a family of my own. The timeline for returning to Canada for other than vacations and business trips began to change.

After some trepidation, I decided, since I’d lived the majority of my life in the US, it was time to become a US citizen and fulfill my civic duty. It took several years to complete the process and on September 26, 2014, in Fort Scott, KS, with my wife Sarah and daughter Heather present, I became a citizen of the United States of America.

A few weeks later our neighbors, Matt and Ashli Montgomery, came to our home with a surprise. They had written to our Congressman, Kevin Yoder, requesting a dedication to my naturalization with a flag being flown over the US Capitol Building in my honor. The same flag that was flown on the US Capitol Building is now proudly on display in our home. The Montgomery’s gesture was so thoughtful and unexpected, they made becoming a US Citizen that much more special.

On Tuesday, 4 November 2014, I voted for the very first time. Another milestone!

It is well documented how many immigrants from around the world have risked their lives and the lives of their families to become a citizen of free countries like the United States. Witnessing some of these very special people achieve their goal makes one realize that the freedoms we enjoy should never be taken for granted.

In closing, honor our veterans. They are the reason we still enjoy the freedoms we have. Be respectful of those who are legally obtaining their Citizenship. There is no reason for us to make their journey more difficult than it may already be.

Sincerely,Dan Britten

Changes have been made to 401(k) investment options. PIMCO

(Pacific Investment Management Company) Total Return Bond

Fund is no longer available. Employees invested in PIMCO were

contacted and advised to move their funds. Any funds not moved

by employees have been moved to the most secure of options, the

Money Market account.

After an extensive search on performance and stability, Western

Asset Core Plus Bond Fund (WAPSX) was chosen and put in the

plan. This new option just won the bond category mutual fund of

the year honor from Morningstar. The award recognizes portfolio

managers who demonstrate excellent investment skill and the

courage to differ from the consensus to benefit investors.

For more information, questions, or help with investment decisions

contact Mark Law.

Mark Law, Financial Advisor, Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. 801.948.4320 or 877.892.2831

mark.law@raymondjames.com

Top Performers for December 2014Jim Huenefeldt Kansas City, Kansas

Jeff Long Salt Lake City, Utah

Beth Wyatt Kansas City, Kansas

Top Sales 2014Paul Theriot New Orleans, Louisiana

401(k) New Investment Opportunity

Employee News

Jeff Long Jim Huenefeldt Beth Wyatt Paul Theriot

HEALTHY QUICK TIP: Make your own salad dressing to reduce calories. See recipes below. • SWEET: 4 tbsp olive oil + 3 tsp vinegar + 1 tsp raw honey + 2 tbsp orange juice + 1 tsp lemon juice + ¼ tsp pepper • CLASSIC: 4 tbsp olive oil + 3 tsp vinegar + 1 tsp Dijon mustard + ¼ tsp pepper + 1 tsp lemon juice

FAST FOOD MENU OPTIONS: Subway Kids’ Roast Beef Sandwich; 200 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated)

We are looking forward to receiving your feedback and ideas for upcoming issues. Please submit to Katrina Gougis.

Be happy and healthy, -A&K Wellness Committee

QUOTE OF THE MONTH You must remain FOCUSED on your journey to GREATNESS.

— Les Brown

Let’s Get Walking!Fast & Slow Workout: Beyond losing weight, walking can be incredibly beneficial to your health. Think: a reduced risk of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, and better cardiovascular health. Here’s how:

• Walk at a comfortable pace for 5 to 10 minutes. • Walk quickly for 1 minute. • Return to a comfortable pace for 1 minute. • Repeat this pattern for a total of 30 minutes.

When this becomes too easy, add difficulty by reducing the periods of walking at a comfortable pace and increasing the time spent walking quickly (up to 5 minutes). You can also add in hills or increase the overall time of the workout.

This slow-fast-slow walking method will help prepare you to move onto more strenuous forms of exercise, such as running.

— By Will Owen (myfitnesspal.com)

Monthly Newsletter of A&K Railroad Materials, Inc.

February 2015Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Robert Marquez-Field Ops Mark Dewald-SL Real Estate Dept 5 years

2 3 Roger Argyle-Clearfield, UT 1 year Erbin Martinez Perez-Field Ops 5 years Gilberto Mendez Hernandez-Field Ops 5 years Roberto Hernandez Field Ops 1 year Madge Wright-Field Ops 1 year

4 Asuncion Nunez-Jesus-Kansas City, KS 2 years

5 Dario Campos-Kansas City, KS Heber Ortiz Morales-Kansas City, KS Justin Maldonado Rodriguez-Kansas City, KS Bob Overbey-Field Ops 27 years

6 Carlos Carmona Mendoza-Mira Loma, CA 7 years

7 Portia Dempsey-Phoenix, AZ 4 years

8 Kimberli Blomberg-Stockton, CA

9 Adrian Laguna-Kansas City, KS 8 years

10 Andy Yciano-Stockton, CA Celedonio Alonzo-Kansas City, KS Lorenzo Villanueva-Toledo, OH Kyle Willard-Tacoma, WA Glenn Miller-Mira Loma, CA 40 years Edwin Arroyo-Kansas City, KS 1 year Pablo Mendiola Guijosa-Field Ops 1 year

11 Eliseo Tosado Ortega-Kansas City, KS 2 years

12 Brittany Ramsey-V&S Railway Robert Hernandez-Kansas City, KS 1 year

13Jessie Walker-Gary, IN Allen Vickers-Corporate HQ

14 Matt Rodrigues-Field Ops Thomas Holaday-Kansas City, KS

15 Esteban Cecelio Ortiz-Field Ops Erbin Martinez Perez-Field Ops Hugo Hernandez-Field Ops

16 17 Brooke Braga-Corporate HQ 1 year

18 Kate Figgins-Phoenix, AZ Larry Bird-Gary, IN

19 Madge Wright-Field Ops Karl Renner-Kansas City, KS 27 years Gerardo Maldonado-Kansas City, KS 1 year Fernando Torres -Kansas City, KS 1 year Guerrero Maldonado-Kansas City, KS 1 year

20 Don Cook-Stockton, CA

21

22 Wade Buckley-Clearfield, UT Jose Pantojas-Field Ops Roger Bowman-Kansas City, KS Greg Krok-New Orleans, LA 33 years Anselmo Garcia-Stockton, CA 19 years

23 Chi Tran-Corporate HQ Ignacio Gaspar-Fields Ops 6 years Jose Pantoja-Field Ops 1 year

24 Jose Calderon-Kansas City, KS 1 year Hector Dominguez Lopez-Kansas City, KS 1 year

25 Christina Okey-Phoenix, AZ Leighton Ezell-Grenada Railway Ryan Spencer-Iron Highway Logistics Charlie Lee Jr.-Field Ops Alfredo Sansores-Houston, TX

26 Casey Miller-Field Ops Michael Stubbs-Field Ops 1 year

27 Alejandro Navaro Devora-Field Ops Gilver Castillo-Kansas City, KS 2 years

28 Roger Mix-Field Ops Cesar Mejia-Kansas City, KS 4 years Mercedes Cruz-Field Ops 3 years Gerardo Trejo Cruz-Field Ops 3 years

Birthdays and Anniversaries for February 2015 Birthdays Anniversaries

Copyright 2015 A&K Railroad Materials, Inc.

Never underestimate the power in these simple words: Thank You Each one of us can help people in the world around us…whether it is in our workplace, our home, or as we

go through the daily interactions of our lives…to feel appreciated and valuable. Each time you choose to thank

someone for a job well done, you are making the world a better place.

A thank you is a gift of appreciation that we can each give to anyone we choose. It costs nothing, except a few

moments of our time.

A sincere thank you can mean the world to someone else. It is amazing to see how people light up when you

really notice them and the good things they do. Something so simple really can help make someone’s life better.

Focus on the importance of saying thank you on a consistent basis. When we reach out to celebrate and

appreciate others, we always receive more than we give. In every instance in my life I have found this to be

absolutely true. Pat Boone said, “The most attractive people in the world are the ones who are interested in others – turning outward in cheerfulness, kindness, appreciation, instead of turned inward to be constantly centered in themselves.” — Barbara A. Glanz

Juan Torres-Kansas City, KS 1 year

“We have a duty to encourage one another. Many a time a work of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a man on his feet. Blessed is the man who speaks such a word.”

— William Barclay

THANKS for ALL you do:The time you giveHelping outAlways being thereNever being selfishKnowing when you’re neededShowing how much you care

We just completed open enrollment for our employee benefits. Now don’t just sit back and hope you don’t have an injury or illness that would require you to use your insurance benefits this year. Many people think that a high deductible plan means your insurance is only good for catastrophic coverage. There are many covered benefits that you should take advantage of that are not subject to the deductible. You are actually encouraged to use your insurance for preventive/wellness services. It has been long believed that preventive care and early detection are key to long term health and well-being. Take advantage of these covered benefits. There is a long list of preventive/wellness services that are covered 100% on our plans including:

• Annual physical exam (including screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes) • Well child exam (including immunizations) • Routine vision exam • Mammogram • Colonoscopy

Of course there are suggested guidelines for screenings and limitations. For a complete list see our Employee Benefits Guide*.

Wellness also applies to Dental. Our dental benefits cover cleanings, exams, and x-rays 100% twice per year. Did you know that poor dental health can cause other health issues? Regular dental check-ups can improve your health by: • Decreasing Tooth Decay which affects more than 99% of Americans over the age of 45 and is currently the most common chronic childhood disease • Preventing Gum Disease which is linked to cardiovascular disease, strokes, and heart attacks • Ensuring early detection of Oral Cancer and increasing your chance of survival • Reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer in men by 63% • Significantly reducing the chance of developing gestational diabetes in women

Also to improve our overall health, this year we will have quarterly wellness challenges. As each employee signed up for their choice of medical plan for 2015 they chose either the wellness rate or the non-wellness rate. By choosing the wellness rate you have saved $1000 in premium cost over the course of the year and agree to participate in our quarterly wellness challenges. The challenges are named and designed to keep you “On Track for Life”. They will be both informative and fun. Don’t worry, our wellness committee is not asking anyone to train for and run a marathon this year! The challenges are to help and encourage you to become healthier through changes in diet and increased physical activity. All the challenges were chosen based on the results of an employee survey that was taken last year and cover topics that you said you would be interested in.

Coming out this month our first quarter challenge will be “Sugar Smack Down”. For this challenge you will learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about sugar:

• How much you should really be eating • The deal with sugar substitutes • Sneaky place sugar is hiding • The best and worst kinds of sugar • How to make better (and still delicious) choices

There will also be a walking challenge, one for stress and resilience building, and (just in time for the holidays) one designed to help you “Maintain, Don’t Gain” weight.

In addition to the quarterly challenges there will be continuing information from our Wellness Committee both in our newsletter and more throughout the year.

Those New Year’s resolutions (you know the usual one’s to lose weight, exercise, etc.) may have already been forgotten but you can commit to making 2015 truly a healthy year!

If you have any questions, please contact me.

— Cheryl Norton

Employee Benefits 2015

* The Employee Benefits Guide was sent out electronically before and during our open enrollment period. It can also be viewed on the HR Connection website, www.hrconnection.com The benefits guide contains a lot of helpful information for your use during the year. If you prefer having a printed copy, please contact Cheryl and one will be sent to you. The HR Connection website that was used to enroll for benefits can still be accessed during the year. This is where you can view your benefits, download or print claim forms, and link to other websites for all of our benefit carriers.

Cheryl Norton cnorton@akrailroad.com

PO Box 30076, SLC, UT 84130801-977-6328

To Contact the Editor:Direct Line to Rhonda L. Nicoloff, President

801-244-5083