Vol. 11 No. 3Vol. 11 No. 3Spring 2011Spring 2011“News and Views That Are Out Of This World”“News and Views That Are Out Of This World”

Board of Directors

Robert A. BorrhelloTriangle Fastener Corp.

Cleveland, OH216-351-9933

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Chairman

George MorganKentec, Inc.

Snellville, GA770-985-1907

Jerry FergusonRailway Distributing, Inc.

Campbell, CA 408-866-9266

Allen KassKass Industrial Supply Corp.

Bronx, NY718-299-6060

Nevan LittleLittle Hardware Company, Inc.

Charlotte, NC704-333-3133

Mike WalburnBuilders Equipment

Decatur, GA404-289-0456

Vice-Chairman/Secretary

Treasurer

Ron FoltzCornerstone Tool & Fastener

Tallahassee, FL850-580-1200

Larry JohnsonNorthbrook Contractor Supply

Northbrook, IL847-272-1290

Director

Rodney SteierDuo-Fast Northeast

East Hartford, CT860-289-6861

“Look around the room and tell me if you can find your boss” – a question Simpson Strong-Tie Chairman Barclay Simpson posed at the company’s International Sales Meeting nearly 12 years ago. “Have you located him yet?” “WRONG,” said Barc. “Your boss is not in this room; your boss is the customer. So as long as you always treat your customer like he or she is your boss, this company will always be successful.” A lot of things have changed over the past few years, but one thing has remained the same: we are a customer-focused company whose people always put their customers first.

Research and testing is one of the Simpson Strong-Tie customer pillars. The company works with industry and academia all across the country to help advance building science and technology. Last October, the company celebrated the grand opening of the Simpson Strong-Tie® Materials Demonstration Lab at Cal Poly University’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design. This new 7,000-square-foot facility provides a hands-on learning environment so students can build and test full-scale models. Much of the company’s own research is performed in California at the Tyrell Gilb Research Lab. This 50,000-square foot facility is the hub of the company’s research and development activities. The lab’s highly specialized equipment can test a structure’s ability to resist earthquakes, high winds and other natural disasters. Full-scale structural components are tested using the lab’s seismic shake table and cyclic/static test frame.

In July of 2009, Simpson Strong-Tie and Colorado State University collaborated on an unprecedented research event to highlight the importance of earthquake-

resistant construction. As the world’s largest full-scale earthquake test, the NEESWood Capstone project was developed to test new design methods for multistory, wood-frame buildings during large seismic events, and ultimately improve the construction and safety of wood buildings. The project featured a seven-story, 40- by 60-ft. condo building

A seven-story tower easily survives a 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Colorado State University and Simpson Strong-Tie collaborated on the NEESWood Capstone project – a series of tests to help improve building performance during earthquakes. Watch test video at www.strongtie.com/capstonetest

Continued on back page

PuttingCustomers

FirstBy Bill Georges, general manager

Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems

Sphere 1 Member News

President’s Message

CarolShackelford

CEO and President

Dear Sphere 1 Membership,

Each March, our board of directors and management meet with a select group of preferred suppliers for our Annual Advisory Meeting. Our meeting last month was well represented by 11 preferred supplier partners.

Many thanks to our supplier participants as follows:

Champion Cutting Tool Corp.

•LowellFreyDiamond Products

•BobCoatsERICO® International-

CADDY® •CarrieSchwabacher

InternationalFasteners •JoanneBialas

Irwin Industrial Tool Company

•ScottAndersonMAKITA

•TheresaWestphalPowersFasteners

•DaveSteinerPrimeSource

•RickSkittROLAIRCompressors

•MikeKelleySENCO Brands

•HeathNorthcuttVOLTECPower&

LightingProducts •SeanMiller An in-depth recap of our discussion topics will be presented at our May 2011 annual meeting. Just a few of our meeting take-a-ways included the following:

• Sphere 1 University and how to get the most out of on-line training• Gateway for Growth & Member Survey improvements• Annual May Meeting – discussion & tips on how to improve• Rules of Engagement regarding the Shared-End User Relationship

Continued on back cover

On March 18, Arrow Tools held a PK class with Makita Power Tools. Attendees included managers and sales people, with a total of 21 participating in the class. The course covered the benefits of the Makita rotary and breaker hammers and the Makita framing saws. CEO Jeffrey

Silverman, who believes in having a well trained staff, was in attendance. Arrow Tools holds PK classes for their employees on a regular basis. Conducting the classes were Andrew Diaz and Steve Meyer who enjoy working with the Arrow employees. “They got right in there and tested all the tools and learned a lot about our technologies, they are now ready to go out there and sell to their customers.”

Texas Tool Traders has moved their Wilcrest location to Conroe. The new address is 2101 North Frazier, Conroe, Texas 77301. The store manager isLeonardAnders. He may be reached at 936-756-3847.

The Brinker Brown “Blowout” Jam was held Tuesday, March 15 at the Ft. Myers location. The Makita “Experience More” trailer, a 53-foot interactive tool display on wheels was at the event. The truck features a dynamic, hands-on, tools display and over 200 tools and accessories. Senorita Makita, Celeste Santana attended the event. Representatives from Milwaukee Tools,

Makita, DeWALT, and Generac were available to answer any tool questions. Also on display was Brinker-Brown’s “Big Orange” truck showcasing many “Big Truck” features. Customers were treated to lunch. The Naples store hosted the “Blowout” jam on Wednesday, March 16.Both events were successful with plenty of product sold into the Ft Meyers and Naples communities.

Vendor Spotlight

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Vendor Spotlight GOLD SPONSOROn Monday, March 7, 2011 Structural Materials,

Inc. agreed to purchase the assets of the Knife River building materials store in Bismarck, ND. This location will re-open as Structural Materials, Inc. – Bismarck branch on Monday, March 14,

2011. Current employees of Knife River, Mark MacDonald and JamesMadsen have agreed to become Structural Materials employees at this location. SMI is seeking more employees to work with Mark and James. This new store is located at 3303 Rock Island Place in Bismarck and is adjacent to Knife River’s ready mix and aggregate handling facilities. SMI is currently seeking a permanent location in Bismarck, as Knife River expects to use the current store space for other purposes later in 2011.

Before …

After !

Brannen’s, Inc. installed the Makita Pro Center in their San Antonio store. The photos below show the Brannen’s showroom “before and after” installation.

For more information about the Pro Center contact Theresa Westphal at twestphal@makitausa.com

Sphere 1 Member News

The North American economy needs a strong manufacturing base to be viable and create long-term wealth for customers, employees, shareholders and society. To revitalize our industries, there is a strong consensus that a

relocation of manufacturing enterprises to North America over the long term is essential. This revitalization; however, must also be earned through our organizational effectiveness as a whole.

North American firms, like Cendrex, must constantly improve the products and services they offer. Their flexibility and ability to rapidly manufacture products customers need and their skill at producing non-standard products easily and efficiently are paramount to success. In recent years Cendrex has taken up the challenge of operational efficiency by adopting a culture of continuous improvement known as Kaizen. This cycle of “continuous improvement” supports our commitment to loyalty, not only to our customers, but to our employees, shareholders and society as well.

Cendrex customers benefit from the collaboration of a North American company that can meet their demands while respecting the fundamental values on which our society was built. The support offered to specificators through our LEED program, the availability of the exclusive Cendrex CTR Contour Door, a 5 day turn-around period for delivery of doors with special dimensions and 10 days for non-standard doors, are only some examples of how Cendrex strives to help customers grow their businesses and improve their profits.

Cendrex employees enjoy a clean and safe working environment where they can find fulfillment through their contributions to improvement while being treated respectfully and equitably.

Shareholders, myself included, are presented with an exciting, long-term project. Our approach and philosophy will solidify the foundation of the company and generates a

sufficient level of profitability to ensure its viability.

To North American society, Cendrex is a proud partner that creates jobs and contributes to the enrichment of sustainable development by limiting its environmental footprint.

We look forward to bringing added value to your organization and being an integral part of the rebirth of the North American manufacturing sector.

Ben Desjardins, President, Cendrex Industries, Inc.

Andre Daveluy, Director of Sales, is the Sphere 1 primary contact. He may be reached at 514-493-1489, fax 514-493-1992, or

adaveluy@cendrex.comFor more information visit www.cendrex.com

Vendor Spotlight

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Vendor Spotlight

BRONZE SPONSOR

3M™ is the trusted provider of unmatched quality fall protection equipment and personalized market solutions for protecting those working at height. Our steady focus on new innovative products and focused field support has kept 3M™ Fall Protection at the forefront of the industry for over fifteen years. Learn more by watching the plant tour video and downloading a complimentary 20 minute fall protection awareness

training at www.3M.com/FPAwareness

Tim Millar, Business Manager, Construction/Fall Protection, is the primary contact for Sphere 1 members. He may be reached at 317-656-5878, cell 317-847-0496, fax 866-362-8544 or tim.millar@mmm.com

Welcome New Preferred Suppliers

Vendor Spotlight

BRONZE SPONSORKarp Associates, Inc., is a visionary and leader in the Access Door Industry. Forward thinking has been an integral part of Karp’s success dating back to the late sixties, when Karp changed its strategic direction from a job shop to access door manufacturer. Then in the 1970’s, Karp again had the foresight to expand

sales from a local level to a national platform. And a decade later, Karp became a leader in the utilization of “state of the art” technology to produce a superior access door, using such equipment as robotics, computerized automated shear and forming equipment, automated paint and conveyor systems, coil lines, custom welding equipment and sophisticated integrated computer systems.

Equally as important as our commitment to high-grade constructed products is our commitment and dedication to our distribution partners. Karp’s extensive line of drywall access doors, UL fire rated access doors and plaster access doors are specified more than any other access door in the industry. This directly translates into demand for our distribution partners. And Karp continues to build upon on our existing product line to bring new access doors to market which will create new opportunities for our partners.

We realize that the success of our organization depends on the loyal relationships with our dealers that we’ve established over the years. Karp takes pride in our dealer relationships; we support them fully, and do not sell direct to the end user. Our employees will work hard to develop the same positive relationships with our new Sphere 1 member partners.

LarryMass, Vice President of Karp Associates, Inc. is the primary contact for Sphere 1 members. For the past 10 years, Larry has played a key role in continuing Karp’s mission to be the number one provider of quality access doors in the country. He may be reached at 718-784-2105, or lmass@karpinc.comVisit www.karpinc.com for more information.

Welcome New Preferred Suppliers

Radians entered the personal protec-tion equipment market in December 1996 with an innovative safety glass that combined hearing and vision protection. In 2004, the manufacturer entered its first global licensing agreement with DEW-ALT and has since entered into similar

agreements with Black & Decker and Remington. It was also named one of the 50 fastest growing privately held companies in Tennessee by Business Tennessee in both 2006 and 2007. Radians is headquartered in Memphis, TN and operates two addi-tional distribution facilities in Sparks, NV and Belmont, MI.

Radians offers over 75 styles of safety eyewear, a wide variety of hearing protection products, head gear, hard hats, performance gloves, industrial work boots, flashlights and a new line of safety vests sold under the RadWear brand. Their products are now distributed in over 48 countries on six separate continents. All products are manu-factured in ISO-certified factories and are field tested to ensure maximum performance and protection. Their biggest strength lies in their ability to listen to end users and react to market trends and opportunities. Please visit the website at www.radians.com

Bill England, President of the Industrial Safety Division, is the Sphere 1 primary contact. Bill joined Radians in 2002. He is responsible for all aspects of the Division’s day to day business including Sales, Marketing, and P & L management. Bill may be reached at 901-388-7776 or bengland@radians.com

Vendor Spotlight

BRONZE SPONSOR

Vendor Spotlight GOLD SPONSOR

Vendor Spotlight

BRONZE SPONSOR

Preferred Supplier News

3M Building and Contractor Markets headquartered in St. Paul, MN has announced the addition of Mike O’Hara as National Sales Manager and Mark Jennings as Marketing Manager. Mike and Mark bring over 40 years combined 3M experience in sales, marketing, channel and product management in the construction trades to their new roles. Mike

O’Hare can be contacted at mpohara@mmm.com . Mark Jennings can be contacted at majennings50@mmm.com

Mark JenningsMike O’Hara

Aervoe has recently launched a newly updated web site where Sphere 1 member distributors may access the latest catalogs. The site also features videos concerning an oveview of Aervoe Industries and it’s history. Product review videos will soon be available. These may be accessed by visiting http://www.aervoe.com and clicking “about” at the top of the page.

NEWELLRUBBERMAIDannounced David Gleason is National Sales Manager for buying groups reporting to Sean Cassidy, VP of their

North American Sales Organization. Dave joins the team from IRWIN Tools where he recently served as the Senior Manager, Channel market-ing supporting their Industrial/construction Channels. Dave has been with Newell Rubbermaid for 10 years and has had several roles of increasing responsibility in Sales, Sales Management and marketing. Dave may be reached at 804-475-5743 or david.gleason@newellco.com

David Gleason

Travis Sims has recently been promoted to Western Region VP of sales for Makita USA, INC. Travis joined Makita 1.5

years ago as VP of Outdoor Power Equipment. He has an extensive background in residential and commercial construction as well as channel management. Travis may be reached at 360-480-0698 or tsims@makitausa.com

Travis Sims

MAX is happy to announce the hiring of Miguel Zepeda as North West Regional Sales Executive. His career includes over 15 years of outside sales experience in wholesale exterior building products in the Pacific Northwest market. Miguel will be based in Portland, OR and may be contacted at 503-333-4343 or mzepeda@maxusacorp.comTo learn more about the MAX call (800) 223-4293 or visit www.maxusacorp.com

Miguel Zepeda

Vendor Spotlight

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Vendor Spotlight

BRONZE SPONSOR

PIP USA is pleased to introduce the new members of the sales team for Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota. David Dorlack, Regional Sales Manager, has a 13-year record of experience in glove sales and was employed as a safety professional at several manufacturing companies in Wisconsin. He is a native of Wisconsin and lives near Milwaukee.

Bridget Nelson, the representative for Southern Wisconsin and Illinois, has more than 10 years of sales experience with a number of distributors specializing in the personal protective equipment business. Bridget also lives near Milwaukee. Kevin Peters, the representative for Northern Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Dakotas, has been selling personal protective equipment for a local safety distributor for the past 5 years. Kevin and his family reside near St. Paul. PIP entered the personal protective equipment market about a year ago to best serve our customers. PIP has built a field

support team entirely focused on our personal protective equipment initiative: Kris Eichelberger joined PIP in November as National Sales Manager for this team. Although she has national responsibilities, Kris supports David, Bridget and Kevin as needed in the field. Kris has more than 10 years of experience in the industry. PIP has recently forged an exclusive marketing partnership with the Bushnell Company of Kansas City to bring their Bollé Safety brand of safety eyewear to the US market. This exciting new eyewear line features eyewear that people want to wear because they are stylish, fit well and enhance eye health through the use of remarkably advanced proprietary lens technology. Everyone at PIP is committed to our customers and ensuring that they receive the best customer service and the highest quality products. For more information visit www.pipusa.com

Kris EichlbergerKevin PetersBridget NelsonDavid Dorlack

ERB Industries Inc., has unveiled a new company logo. The employee owned company, based in Woodstock, GA, has been a Sphere 1 preferred supplier since 2000.For more information on ERB visit www.e-erb.com

Vendor Spotlight SILVER SPONSOR

Preferred Supplier News

Vendor Spotlight

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Vendor Spotlight

BRONZE SPONSOR

Vendor Spotlight

BRONZE SPONSOR

Vendor Spotlight

BRONZE SPONSOR

Preferred Supplier News

DeWalt hosted a pre-Super Bowl party honoring “Boomer Esiason and Friends” in downtown Dallas on February 3, 2011. At this party several tickets to the Super Bowl were given away to distributors. Bob Coursey, of Big D Bolt and Tool, was one of the lucky winners to receive tickets to Super Bowl XLV. Bob along with family and friends had a blast cheering from the stands! Bob and Big D want to give DeWalt a BIG THANK YOU for such a great time!

David Walter, Colleen Coursey, and Bob Coursey

Vendor Spotlight

BRONZE SPONSOR

Ralph Thompson Wright, businessman and hardworking community activist, died unexpectedly December 27, 2010 in Sarasota, Florida. Ralph was born in Erie on May 9, 1938. Education was important to Ralph. He graduated from Strong Vincent High School, attained a B.A. in economics from Haverford College, and

an M.B.A. in marketing, with high honors, from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined Reed Manufacturing and laid the groundwork for the future of the Erie pipe tool manufacturer, becoming President in 1982. Ralph received the 1996 ACES Outstanding Citizen Award for business success and for providing jobs. Ralph had a longtime interest in community education and good government. In the early 1970’s, he chaired a citizen committee to help the Erie school district cut costs and innovate education. A highlight of Ralph’s good government volunteer work was serving as Vice-Chairman of Partners Program for executives. Ralph analyzed the numbers; relentlessly focused on effective results; delivered documented, detailed strategies; and planned cost cutting programs and efficient operations for all Erie city departments.

Many Partners recommendations were adopted, and helped result in the City’s bond rating improving from junk status to investment grade. Ralph received the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award for a lifetime of community service in 1999. He was an effective community catalyst due to his original thinking, tremendous energy, and strong work ethic. Since retiring in 2003, Ralph raised funds for the renovation of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant and continued to advocate for good government. He enjoyed travel, attendance of art performances, lectures, and classes. Ralph never stopped learning. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Linda Kelso Wright and sister Dorothy Higby. Ralph is survived by his wife Bonnie, son and daughter-in-law Scott Wright and Carla Wright Picardo and grandson Gridley; son Mark Wright and fiancée Stephanie Franz; sister Nancy Hoey and brother Ross Wright. Memorials may be sent to the United Way of Erie County, 420 West 6th Street, Suite 200, Erie PA 16507-1216, or the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7th St., Erie PA 16501.

In MemoriamRalph T. Wright

Vendor Spotlight

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Vendor Spotlight

PLATINUM SPONSOR

TREK Center News

New Sphere 1 University Courses

Sphere 1 •Selling against Competition Series – by Jack Zenor, Powers Fasteners

Champion Cutting Tool •Carbide Tipped Cutters

International Fasteners •Screws 201: Construction Fasteners and Their Applications

Max USA •New18GageBradTools

•CoreDrilling101

•DryDiamondBlades101

Milwaukee Tool •WoodCuttingSawzallBlades

DeWalt •18VoltXRPCordlessDrills

Karp Associates •AccessDoorOverview

Senco Brands •FusionToolService Training Module

Simpson Strong Tie •Introduction to Fasteners

SPHERE 1 UNIVERSITY UPDATE

• 1,163 Distributor Members Taking Courses

• 16,004 Enrollments

• 4,397 Hours of Training Completed

• 83 Courses

Visit the TREK Center at www.sphere1.coop for more information.

From Triangle Fastener …We, in Indy, have put up a poster showing all the Sphere 1 classes offered. The goal is to do one a week. I figure that by putting up a poster, it may encourage everyone to participate.

Gunnar MartinsonIndianapolis Branch

Want to create a bit of competition among your sales team? Blow up the sheet below and post in each branch location.

Here’s how …

1. Log in at www. Sphere1.coop Download the Sphere 1 University file named Encouraging Sphere 1 University Participation located under Member HOT Items.

2. Take the file to your local printer, such as Kinko’s, and have an enlargement printed. It may also be laminated.

3. Post in a common area of your facility. 4. Fill in the blanks and start the competition! Your branch manager can keep the chart updated.

GREAT IDEA!Special thanks to Gunnar Martinson of Triangle Fastener Corporation for sharing this idea.

Great Idea for Encouraging Sphere 1 University Participation

Over the last 30 years no construction tool innovation has returned more on its investment than professional laser alignment tools. Today’s laser tools reduce compounding errors and time consuming labor. Since the 1980’s there has been an evolution from expensive and cumbersome rotary lasers to smaller, portable hand-held rotaries, point-to-point and line lasers. Now hybrid tools combining laser points and lines are available. The majority of Sphere 1 end user customers are using lasers today or will be eventually.

Howtopickalaserforyourcustomer/contractor? Firstandmostimportantrule– consider which alignment task (application) the contractor repeats most often? Contractor Type Application LaserTypeMostOftenNeeded

Concrete Foundation / slab Rotary w/ Detector and Square line laser

Electrical Raceway layout / power outlets Point to point

Finish Carpentry Cabinets/ soffits Continuous lines horizontal and vertical

HVAC Duct / metalwork Continuous lines and point to point

Drywall and Acoustic Walls/soffits/ceilings Rotary, point to point, continuous linesCommon characteristics of a professional laser tool are : • Self-leveling with beam shut-off when tilted beyond its guaranteed self-leveling range. • Clear lines or points, bright and easily used for a reference mark. • Laser settles quickly when moved around the jobsite; withstands vibration. • Powered with alkaline or rechargeable batteries. • Small, portable and accessorized to enable use in all contemplated and unforeseen jobsite tasks. • Accurate at no less than 1/8 inch error over 100 feet for outdoor application; 1/8 to 1/4 inch error over 60 feet for indoor application. • Manufacturer jobsite and Member location training and fast, personalized customer service

PLS • Pacific Laser Systems is a California based manufacturer and distributor of laser alignment tools for the professional building contractor. PLS offers a full range of innovative and reliable laser alignment tools for professional contractors. PLS is a proud supporter of Sphere 1.For more information visit www.plsaser.com

Michael TramontinPresidentPLS

SPOTLIGHT on LASER TRAINING

May 16-19, 2011 Annual Partnership MeetingGreen Valley Ranch Resort • Las Vegas, NV

Thursday, May 19 •TabletopSessionContinues 8:15AM •EveningopenforMember/ SupplierNetworking

Wednesday, May 18 •SupplierMeeting 7:15AM–8:30AM (suppliers only) •TabletopSessions8:55AM •AwardsDinner6:00PM–9:00PM

Schedule of EventsMonday, May 16 •OptionalGolfTournament

Tuesday, May 17 •MemberLuncheonMeeting 11:30AM–5:00PM(members only) •OpeningCocktailReception6:00PM–8:30PM

FormoreinformationpleasecontactoureventcoordinatorBarb Drochak/Rhino Group at 702-629-6468 or bdrochak@sphere1.coop

President’s Message Continued from page 2

Preparation for our May 2011 Annual Meeting at the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas is underway. Our Meeting Theme this year is “Positioning for Tomorrow...Today” Some upcoming highlights include…Past Preferred Suppliers of the Year will present:

PowersFasteners

Champion Cutting Tools Our Board has been very involved with meetings and putting action plans in place in an effort to achieve our many cooperative goals. Details will be shared with all annual meeting attendees next month.

See you at Green Valley!

Carol Shackelford

Carol Shackelford

that was subjected to simulated earthquake ground motions on Japan’s E-Defense (Earth-Defense) shake table. The shake table was used to recreate a series of earthquakes based on the 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake – a 6.7 magnitude quake. The seismic intensity on the final and strongest test was increased to 180% of Northridge, roughly a 7.5 magnitude earthquake. The building successfully averted major structural damage and proved that a relatively small upfront investment in proper design could avert millions of dollars in repairs after a major seismic event. A video documenting the project is posted at www.strongtie.com/capstonetest

Simpson Strong-Tie at Disney? Not necessary a likely match up, but the company is one of the sponsors of Stormstruck: A Tale of Two Homes™ at Innoventions at Epcot® in Florida. StormStruck is an interactive weather exhibit designed to educate homeowners and families about the simple steps they can take to create a safer and stronger home that can withstand severe weather, like a high-wind storm or hurricane.

Education is another customer pillar. Simpson Strong-Tie offers customers free training opportunities on the web and in the classroom. The company has dedicated full-service multimedia training centers, providing full-day interactive workshops across the country. More than 18,000 professionals have attended Simpson Strong-Tie workshops or online training in the last year alone, exposing them to more than 70,165 contact hours. Training is held at jobsites, building departments and at customer locations. Dealers, distributors and home centers can participate in extensive product knowledge training at their location or one of the company’s facilities. Simpson Strong-Tie is an authorized provider of CEU continuing education credits for most of its workshops and several online courses. Simpson Strong-Tie proudly supports Sphere1 members with eight online courses and more than 1,100 Sphere1 associate enrollments.

To be a good corporate citizen, Simpson Strong-Tie also believes in giving back to the community and is a long-time supporter of Habitat for Humanity. In just the last four years, the company has donated more than $1 million in cash and products to help support Habitat’s house projects. This national agreement includes employee volunteer time to help with the building of Habitat homes. Given the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Simpson Strong-Tie committed $25,000 to support the relief efforts and is matching all employees’ donations dollar for dollar.

Whether it’s using research and testing to develop new products that improve the building industry, offering educational workshops to customers or lending support to charitable causes, Simpson Strong-Tie continues to look for opportunities to advance the industry and add value to its customers. If there is anything we can do to better serve you, please let us know.

AsanationalsponsorofHabitatforHumanity,Simpson Strong-Tie often volunteers on local house builds.

President/CEO Vice President Cooperative Services Carol Shackelford Mike Bentley Melinda Tobey 714-777-6724 760-804-0430 760-804-0430 cas@sphere1net.com mcbentley@sphere1.coop mhtobey@sphere1net.com

Sphere 1 Directory

Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems Continued from the front cover

Sphere 1 National Office2121 Palomar Airport Road

Suite 170,Carlsbad, CA 92011 Formoreinformationpleasecontactusorvisitoutourwebsiteatwww.sphere1.coop