Making sense of sustainability within the industries Ergon serves is not always simple. Here to help us unpack the term is Jamian Rush, Sustainability Specialist in Ergon’s Product Stewardship Department, who suggests that we not only take a step back and consider how our contributions positively impact society but also remember Ergon has been built on a foundation of doing the right thing since the very beginning.

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Sustainability is the practice of balancing the needs of the present with those of future generations and is a critical consideration for solution-oriented companies like Ergon. Using sustainable practices such as reducing waste and eliminating inefficiencies, Ergon is able to protect its resources, environment and the trust it has earned among a wide variety of stakeholders. Sustainability and Doing Right extend beyond Ergon’s commitment to delivering the highest standard of products and customer service, all the way to contributing toward a sound business strategy that is continually supported.

I have had the opportunity to visit several facilities across various business units within Ergon and have witnessed what we call One Ergon in full effect. That is where each area of the organization comes together, taking the synergistic approach to ensuring high-value solutions for our customers across various industries. I have visited some sites alone and others with Bonnie Chapman, Mary Ellen Snow, Lakeisha Jones and David Warden of the Product Stewardship Department. During my visits, I interact with Ergon’s Operations and Product Development personnel, which allows me the opportunity to be a student again and become familiar with Ergon’s beautiful complexities. Throughout these visits, I continue to gain additional insight into how I can aid with sustainability advisement and assist in collecting and reporting on sustainability-related stories. My work supports the implementation, execution and evolution of Ergon’s sustainability strategy, including aiding in developing our third annual Doing Right Report.

Built Around Doing Right
My passion for sustainability was realized during my studies at York University in Toronto, Ontario, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree and continued to evolve as I pursued my Master of Science in Sustainability Management from the Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington, D.C. My research and experience at American University showed me how sustainable actions can create value for many industries. During my studies, I was enrolled in an International Practicum in Stockholm, Sweden, in which I advised on long-term strategic development for Hexicon, a floating offshore wind farm company. The lessons I learned at Hexicon revolved around having a holistic view and a keen sense of detail that I carry with me every day. However, it was the opportunity to intern at Ergon that elevated these qualities. At Ergon, I saw how our products contribute significantly to society and that we are more than an oil and gas company — we are an “ease-of-life” company. By reducing friction, pioneering pavement preservation and providing durable coatings that protect offshore wind assets, we positively impact society. As a graduate student, I felt my duty was to educate my classmates and professors that sustainability does not mean eliminating our industry. Suggesting that they take a step back, I asked them to consider how our contributions positively impacted their way of life. Sustainability is about what Ergon has been dedicated to since the very beginning: meeting needs, supporting families and serving our customers.

Committed to Excellence
I am excited to be part of the Ergon family! Beginning as an intern in October 2020 while completing my bachelor’s degree and since joining the Product Stewardship team full time in December 2022, Ergon has helped me better understand the importance of the role we play in society. I appreciate the opportunity to work with members of the Ergon family and look forward to supporting the organization’s sustainability strategy and helping us all to remain mindful of how our actions will impact future generations.

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Staying informed is a great way to recognize and appreciate the positive impact Ergon has had on society for decades and helps us remain committed to our mission of Doing Right for future generations. Part of our commitment to doing right includes attracting, retaining and supporting knowledgeable employees like Jamian whose passion and dedication to their work help ensure the continued success of Ergon around the world.

To learn even more on how we are doing right with our products, for our planet, by our people and through our principles, click the link to view or download a PDF of Ergon’s 2022 Doing Right Report — https://ergon.com/sustainability.

On this National Walking Day, we touch on what walking means for physical and mental health, celebrate the dramatic impact of Ergon Active and shine a light on a few of the many Ergon employees who are enjoying healthier lives due to more active lifestyles.

As the Ergon family continues to meet needs, support families and serve customers around the world, it is important that we incorporate daily physical activities that help maintain and improve our body’s ability to move freely, otherwise known as mobility. Often regarded as a key to longevity, mobility decreases the risk of injury, improves circulation, boosts creativity and cognitive function, relieves stress and helps us manage our moods. Essentially, good mobility allows us to keep doing what we love and feel good in the process. A simple yet effective physical activity that can help boost mobility and optimize our lives is walking. As it happens, Ergon Terminaling Inc (ETI) introduced a health and wellness program that encourages this very activity.

Ergon Gets Active
ETI launched Ergon Active, a voluntary health and wellness program, in 2022 to encourage employees to be more physically active through the MoveSpring mobile app. Users who connect with the platform can participate in friendly step and walking challenges, track their fitness in real time via an Apple Watch, Fitbit or similar wearable device, and receive ongoing health information and tips. This program has since been launched to multiple companies throughout the Ergon organization, and the Ergon family has taken millions of steps collectively through walking challenges on MoveSpring. Results among the family have been amazing to witness.

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JD Wynne, an Industrial Engineer with Ergon’s Business Process Management Department has shed 30 pounds since adopting healthier habits that include increased physical activity.

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Katie Warren, Payroll Administrator with Lampton-Love, makes it a daily goal to participate in high-intensity exercises such as CrossFit and, in turn, exceeds every Ergon Active challenge.

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Gio Baldizon, a QA Laboratory Supervisor with Ergon Refining Inc., has committed himself to a healthier lifestyle and has the weight loss to prove it.

On sunny days, some teams across different departments can be seen walking outdoors. On rainy days, groups walk the halls, not allowing a little weather to rain on their parade to better health. Finding joy and community in physical activity has been a great way to become motivated and stay motivated.

For more information about Ergon Active or to learn how you can implement a similar program for your team, please email ergon.active@ergon.com. We’re happy to help.

Happy Stepping!

In celebration of Women In Construction Week 2023, we highlight a few women within the Ergon family of companies who are making an impact in unique ways within the construction and infrastructure fields.

Amy Blaida

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Amy Blaida is Technical Marketing Manager for Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions’ (EAE) Florida market. In this role, Blaida educates, trains and collaborates with industry engineers and meets with agencies regularly to discuss the benefits and best practices of pavement preservation. This includes highlighting options available to stretch road budgets and extend the life of asphalt roadways as well as troubleshooting when necessary during roadway construction, preservation and maintenance projects.

Blaida’s career in public works began in 2008, following in the footsteps of her father, who served as Public Works Director for Hillsborough County, Florida. According to Blaida, “People in the public works industry are the salt of the earth, and they do their job not for the acknowledgement, but because they want to make a difference in their communities.” Prior to joining Ergon in 2020, Blaida worked for an engineering/architecture firm and a pavement preservation contractor, but she has since found her niche with the Ergon family. “Public works is my passion, and I genuinely love what I do,” Blaida said. “Working for a company like Ergon provides me the opportunity to support the industry by providing solutions to pavement preservation needs.”

In addition to serving as EAE Technical Marketing Manager, Blaida also holds leadership roles within state and national public works and asphalt associations. Most recently, she was named the Committee Chair of the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA) Leadership Development Team (LDT). This team focuses on developing future leaders within the asphalt emulsion industry while also providing industry insights and research updates and increasing AEMA participation. As LDT Chair, Blaida oversees these efforts and ensures various subgroups are on track to accomplish annual goals. One of the subgroups she helps to oversee the curriculum for is the AEMA Leadership Education for Asphalt Preservation (LEAP) program, in which Charity Cook, Group Leader for Ergon’s Paragon Technical Services laboratory, was named 2023-2024 Class Dean. The following are additional industry roles Blaida holds for various associations:

American Public Works Association Florida Chapter

• Past President

• Council of Chapters Delegate

• Presidential Award for Chapter Excellence Committee Chair

• Nominating Chair

Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents

• Sustaining Member Director, Facers Board

• Newsletter Chair

Florida Pavement Preservation Council

• Board Member

To women interested in construction/infrastructure careers, Blaida says, “Go for it! A career in construction is truly rewarding. You know that at the end of the day, you had a hand in making a difference in communities.”

Blaida earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology and a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Florida.

Theresa Moore

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Theresa Moore is Asphalt Lab Analyst for EAE’s Vicksburg, Mississippi, facility. In this position, she is responsible for testing performance grade (PG) and other neat asphalt products to ensure they meet state specifications and certifications.

Moore joined the Ergon family in 2012 and worked as an Asphalt Lab Analyst for Ergon Refining before transitioning to EAE in 2020. She has always been interested in a career in the construction industry, specifically on the production side. “I enjoy testing and just being part of creating good quality asphalt products to sell to various agencies,” said Moore. “I love that the work I do makes a difference and is used to help construct and maintain roads people use every day.”

When asked what she would say to women interested in pursuing a career in construction, Moore offered this encouragement: “Most view construction as a man’s profession, but there is always a place for women to succeed in this space.” Thanks to women in construction like Moore, EAE is able to ensure consistent quality products to meet needs and extend the service life of roadways.

Moore earned an Associate Degree in general studies from Hinds Community College in Mississippi and is a certified asphalt analyst.

Rhonda Michael

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Rhonda Michael is Senior Lab Technician for EAE’s Nashville, Tennessee, facility.  She helps to oversee quality control and assurance efforts to ensure EAE products meet specifications provided by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Tennessee Department of Transportation and other agencies. Quality control efforts include receiving, labeling, testing and analyzing asphalt product samples as well as troubleshooting.

As Lab Technician, Michael must be able to handle a variety of challenges in her daily work, including equipment malfunctions, unexpected product testing results and other unforeseen circumstances. But handling challenges is where her attention to detail, problem solving and ability to work independently are real assets.

Michael has family and friends who work in the construction and infrastructure industries, and she has always been interested in following a similar path. When the Lab Technician job became available at EAE – Nashville, she jumped at the opportunity. “I have enjoyed all 25 years with the company.”

Women make up approximately half of the population and, according to Michael, “It’s only right that we fulfill our potential and thrive in careers across multiple industries, including construction.”

Michael has Asphalt Institute Professional Development Certification.

Maris Risinger

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Maris Risinger is Industrial Engineer for Ergon’s Business Process Management Department (BPMD). “I have always been fascinated with the processes of building, maintaining and repairing structures,” said Risinger. In her role, she is involved with process improvement projects, such as drafting design layouts for maximum efficiency at Ergon facilities. This includes utilizing lean manufacturing methodologies to analyze, identify and implement cost, quality and workflow improvements. Regarding new construction, Risinger’s position is critical to  determining both interior and exterior layouts of materials and traffic flow to help determine construction needs and feasibility. Risinger also works with Ergon personnel to write out procedures for operations, including, for example, procedures for gauging and emptying tanks, injecting additives and transferring products at Ergon’s fuels, refining and asphalt facilities.

Risinger graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a minor in mathematics. She is also a Certified Associate in Project Management.

Megan Ancelet

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Working alongside Maris is Megan Ancelet, who also serves as Industrial Engineer for Ergon BPMD. Ancelet is responsible for designing and improving facility layouts, reducing waste and increasing efficiency within Ergon facilities. She has always been interested in engineering, but it wasn’t until she joined the Ergon family that she began to learn more and uncover how her interests could not only help improve facilities but ultimately ensure these facilities are operating at maximum efficiency to produce the quality products needed to serve customers within various industries, including construction and infrastructure. Ancelet’s advice to women wanting to pursue careers in these industries is: “Continue to work toward your goals, be confident in your skills and knowledge, and surround yourself with people who continuously challenge you to work harder.”

Ancelet earned her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and her Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University.

Read about more of Ergon’s women in construction HERE.