Paul Fowler Selected for 8th Annual Founders Award

From Connie Cook, CEO: “I am very pleased to announce Paul Fowler as the winner of EMR’s Founders’ Award. This award is given in recognition of an individual who exhibits EMR’s Core Values. Paul joined EMR in November 1998 to work in our locomotive asbestos abatement shop in Argentine Yard, Kansas City. So, while Paul reported to work every day in Kansas City, we did not see much of him at the Lawrence office for several years. When that work was completed, Paul took on more managerial duties and eventually became the head of our locomotive asbestos removal program. In the last two years as Ric Cook moved into construction, and Paul became our Industrial Hygiene Program Manager.

“While most of Paul’s work has been railroad related, he did jump out to New Jersey and manage a federal asbestos project on historical buildings at Ft. Monmouth. Paul has been willing to travel and work for extended periods of time away from his home. In 2008, Paul spent four months conducting flooding related projects in Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, and surrounding states. When that work was completed, Paul headed to Louisiana to work on projects related to Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

“I can honestly say I have never heard Paul say a negative thing about anyone, or anyone say a negative thing about him. Paul and his wife are active members of their church and volunteer at a homeless feeding kitchen where they serve the meals with a smile, do the dishes, and clean the dining hall after the meal has been served.

“Despite all the long hours of out of town work, Paul managed to submit, and have approved, his application to test for the PMP Credential. Paul is also a previous winner of the Brand Employee of the Year Award and was the Brand Employee of the Month for July 2008.

“Paul, you have earned EMR’s respect and trust. I encourage the EMR Family to take a moment to recognize you for your contributions to our success.

Best Regards,
Connie"

Below is the announcement for Paul Fowler's selection as July 2008 Brand Employee of the Month:

The EMR Brand Committee is proud to present the July 2008 Brand Employee of the Month Award to Paul Fowler, Operations Field Manager, EMR, Lawrence, KS. Paul was recognized by multiple EMR employees for his exceptional work leading the Iowa Flood Response Team. Paul’s expertise and project management skills were put to the test during the project and he came out with an A+. Although the project is ongoing many thought it important to recognize the stellar work Paul has done so far. One of the first nominations submitted to the Brand Committee for Paul was from the crews that worked directly under his supervision during the project. Their words demonstrate Paul’s dedication to the project, the team, the client and EMR.

"The crew of the Iowa Flood Reclamation project (8581.000) would like to nominate Paul Fowler for employee of the month/quarter/year for the work he has done coordinating the massive project in Iowa, Nebraska, and Arkansas. Among the many things Paul has had to deal with are:

A. Keeping the many BNSF supervisors in the loop as to what has been done and what still needs to be done on the project, including the many changes in scope

B. Coordinating EMR employees from all over the country to keep things rolling in an efficient manner while making sure to keep the crew happy and refreshed.

C. Coordinating subcontractors to ensure things are being done “at the speed of need” while also dealing with contractor orientation classes, insurance issues, and other problems that arise.

D. Throughout this emergency Paul has been able to stay on top of his regular duties as IH coordinator. We can’t even begin to imagine all that encompasses, but we are aware that Paul regularly starts his day at six or six thirty and is doing paperwork until ten or eleven p.m.

"Paul has been awesome to work for and with. He continually offers us inspiration, motivation and encouragement and it is our hope that he will be specially recognized for the work he has done.

"Sincerely,
Ray Tait, Tyler Cline and the entire Iowa flood reclamation crew!!!”

EMR’s CEO, Connie Cook, had this to say about Paul’s performance: “We all would like to recognize Paul. I believe Paul is the model for “Quality Service at the Speed of Need.” Whether it is responding to BNSF’s Iowa and Nebraska Flooding projects, writing a Friday Update, serving on the EMR Green Committee, or just being an all-around good guy, Paul lives the EMR Brand. Our clients respect him and our employees love to work for him. Paul is a team-builder. He is the Lawrence office unofficial chef – Ric trained him well! We are very happy Paul is part of the EMR Family!”

Tom Patnode added: “I agree. BNSF would say the same thing."

Ric Cook also recognized Paul’s dedication to the client by adding: “Paul has done an excellent job working directly with BNSF staff and local contractors. You can see by the nominations of the supporting staff that his recognition is readily apparent in his actions. The nomination accurately reflects Paul's commitment to Quality Service at the Speed of Need. With his responsibility for the flood work, the speed is 'like get it done yesterday' and the Quality is reflected in his daily commitment and communication with all involved, while still maintains his other responsibilities.”

Finally, staff member Matt Lenz offered this nomination for Paul: “Paul was the project manager in Iowa for the flood response and I feel he did an excellent job dealing with BNSF requests and arranging personnel to handle problems at the speed of need. Paul’s work day continued after we were offsite as he was busy coordinating with subcontractors and producing reports for the client. Paul had a lot to handle and did his best to keep EMR spirits high as the work days dragged on. Paul was a good leader and made sure that the client was pleased with our work.”

Thank you Paul for continuing to offer “Quality Service at the Speed of Need.” We appreciate your dedication to this extremely significant project and recognize all of your long hours and hard work!