2009 Archives
Nov 24, 2009
Old Friends and Great Companies Who Deserve Your Thanks
Last month I was walking around the ISSA (international Sanitary Supply Association) exhibit and stopped to reminisce with some old friends.
First, it was great to see Jack Ramaley and to think about the critical time he was the director of the Association. No question we wouldn’t have our very important and successful ISSA today without Jack’s vision and leadership.
Nov 13, 2009
H1N1 Infection Increasing
According to CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota) the Centers for Disease Control now estimates that 22 million people in the U.S. have been infected with H1N1 resulting in 4,000 deaths as of October 17. We shouldn’t need much more information to understand that this pandemic is real.
Nov 04, 2009
Greenbuild Expo Next Week...Great Opportunity to be on the Cutting Edge
As you know, we participate in dozens of trade shows every year. But one of the most dynamic and informative shows is Greenbuild that is being held in Phoenix next week. Once again this year, we will be one of only a handful of corporations from our industry to exhibit.
Sep 24, 2009
Dramatic New Movie Can Be A Key to Your Success
One of PortionPac’s founding goals 45 years ago was to help gain greater respect for Janitors and Custodians. Our first Education Director, Dick McDevitt, traveled around the world educating management about the importance and value of the work Janitors do and thanking Janitors for their hard work and dedication in keeping schools, hospitals and public buildings healthy and clean.
Sep 15, 2009
You Are On The Front Lines
For the past months we have provided information from various agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control to keep you up to date on the predicted dangers of the H1N1 Flu Pandemic. (You can access our ConnectionTM Newsletters on the subject through our website).
Jul 27, 2009
Cover Your Cough
Over this past weekend, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an estimate that “Hundreds of thousands of Americans could die of Swine Flu (H1N1) over the next two years if the vaccine being developed for this Influenza is not effective or if enough vaccine is not available for everyone, and at the pandemic’s peak as much as 40% of the work force could be affected”.
Jun 11, 2009
Swine Flu Breaking News
The World Health Organization (WHO) said today that the novel H1N1 virus has achieved pandemic status. WHO Director-General Margaret Chan announced the move to pandemic alert phase 6. “The scientific criteria for a pandemic have been met,” she said. “The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic.” She noted that most cases have been mild and the epidemic been moderate in relatively well-off countries, but a “bleaker picture” may emerge as it spreads in poor countries.
May 22, 2009
Chuck Ainsworth Named SNA 2009 Individual Industry Member of the Year
Chuck Ainsworth, our SFSPac Division Manager has just been named the School Nutrition Association’s Industry Person of the Year. We are very proud of Chuck’s work with the Association and his dedication to the health and future of our nation’s children. On behalf of our company, congratulations Chuck and thank you for your hard work. Your commitment to Child Nutrition and passion for what you do every day is inspiring to us all.
May 19, 2009
Keep it Simple and Safe When New Personnel Support Your Flu Disinfection Program
Since the H1N1 crisis started we have received many calls asking about implementing plans to disinfect all touch surfaces. Many of you have already initiated cleaning plans similar to what Marvin described last week and, in some cases, involved non custodial staff to support the cleaning process. The frequency of cleaning will have an impact on the cleanliness of your facility. Hold a short in-service and explain the procedures and the importance of proper cleaning and any safety concerns, and make sure they have access to the MSD Sheets. Remember children can not use this product, and as a general rule, should not use cleaning products.
May 08, 2009
Pandemic or Not...This is a Good Time to Implement Your Plan
Thankfully it looks like the H1N1 Flu is not as severe as expected but don’t become complacent…it is still dangerous. And there is little doubt that some worldwide infection will hit us hard in the future. From the number of calls and rush orders we are receiving the spotlight is on our industry. It seems every newspaper is running photos showing a Janitor or Food Service Worker disinfecting a table, desk or sink.
Apr 30, 2009
Flu Alert Moves to Level 5 - Indicates Pandemic is Imminent
Information is coming from a variety of sources on the Swine Flu. We are referencing several of the bulletins to keep appraised.
From The World Health Organization: The World Health Organization raised its flu alert level to 5, the second highest level, which indicates a pandemic is imminent. Wednesday, the fast-moving swine flu spread to at least 10 U.S. states from coast to coast and swept deeper into Europe.
Apr 27, 2009
Swine Flu - Stay up to date with CDC
Over the weekend you no doubt heard news about the new Swine Flu strain that has made its way across the border into the U.S. As of this morning confirmed cases can be found in: Texas, California, New York City, Kansas and Ohio. Several states are currently investigating possible cases.
Apr 23, 2009
Are You Making Money on the Carbon Exchange? You Deserve to!
Well here we are celebrating another Earth Day. Hope you had the chance to tell management about all the environmental improvements you made this year. PortionPac has been at it for decades, but still implemented some amazing changes in our plant and operations. Of course, most of these improvements come from the line workers so give your Janitors, Food Service Workers and Housekeepers the credit they deserve.
Feb 26, 2009
So you say you won another Environmental Award
Since we introduced our program for concentrated liquid detergents in 1964 our company has received more environmental awards and recognition than we ever expected. It used to be easy to get this kind of recognition because hardly anyone else was promoting sustainable formulations and helping their customers prevent waste and misuse. But winning Environmental Awards these days requires work and dedication.
Jan 29, 2009
You Really Look Good in Green
Our country is moving rapidly toward environmental responsibility and that will only be intensified as our government helps with their “carrot and the stick” approach.
Jan 07, 2009
New Year Thoughts As We Sail Into Uncharted Waters
Our country is facing a big challenge in 2009. Whether you are in the military, schools, health care, industry, food service or corrections everyone will be striving to do more with less labor, resources and dollars.