1-17-2012

 While driving to our Christmas party in Galveston this past December, I recognized many familiar pavement markings on my route. I passed a variety of striping applications; paint, thermoplastic, preformed and tape to name a few. Most noticeable to me were the stripes Batterson completed on I-45 in Galveston County. These markings are the newest to our region, a two part epoxy known as "multipolymer" in the striping world. Although this type of marking has been around in the northern states for years it wasn't until 8 years ago Txdot started installing it in ours. The straight lines, crisp colors and clean cross section of the strip made the 16 mile stretch look great during the daytime hours. Even more impressive was the night time reflectivity, measured by a retroreflectometer. How proud I was that our company is a leader installing this great product on Texas roads. It also made me think about our highly skilled employees that work so diligently to get the job done in a timely and professional manner, and one in particular came to mind; Miguel E. Torres.

Miguel has worked with Batterson for over 12 years, with 7 of those years as a Foreman. Miguel is an epoxy specialist. Working all over Texas in Fort Worth, Waco, Houston, Wichita Falls and Beaumont, Miguel futher sharpened his skills using this complex material. Driving on Houston's highways, where Miguel puts his life on the line, you can see his work; the distinct white and black skips that help keep motorist safely in their lanes. Not to mention he's been on several field tests for vendors trying to get their product approved by the highway department. Miguel has been happily married for 10 years and has five children, two boys and three girls who were all born in Houston. Miguel has been a hard working, dedicated and honest employee that goes the extra mile to get the job done correctly and safely for not only his crew but for Texas motorist. Some of his accolades and accomplishments include; a state issued commercial driver's license, successfully completed Community College English course, and a personal letter from a Txdot district engineer for a project completed on 610 near the Galleria. Every week he pays Federal taxes, State taxes, Social Security and Medicare. Miguel is living the American dream, but struggles, why? Because of a letter recieved from Homeland Security stating he's not authorized to work in the United States.

What a loss, to Texas and our nation, if Miguel is no longer allowed to bring value to the motoring public. Without a dedicated father with a steady job, what will happen to children who are all citizens? What impact will this be on their lives? How dose this help the security of our nation? The unintended consequences of deportation will be more detrimental to our countries strength and security, without any improvement in security. He may find day jobs for cash, but he wouldn't be documented, wouldn't be paying taxes, and probably wouldn't last long.

This isn't the answer. Yes, there are some people who do not deserve to become citizens because they offer little value while costing our nation money and citizens untold misery. There must be a way to evaluate individuals who deserve citizenship because of the value they add to our communities and what kind of price they need to pay in order to rectify their only transgression of seeking a better life in a county not their own but for which they would love to become a legal, productive citizen.

As I drove home from Galveston, I thought about my family and how could I support them if I didn't have the opportunity to work and pay taxes. I thought about how confused my kids would be if we had to live apart. It absolutely dosen't make me feel secure having to terminate Miguel.

Sincerely

 Todd Drouin

Batterson Observes National Work Zone Awareness Week

 This week is National Work Zone Awareness week and the theme this year is "Safer Driving, Safer Work Zones For Everyone". Today, Batterson LLP has over 200 ongoing projects in work Zone areas on Texas roadways, and over 100 employees that put their lives on the line each and every day. As a result, Batterson wants to have the safest environment possible for our employees, and for the traveling public. In 2009 there were 600 motorist killed in work zone accidents including another 100 construction workers. Thats almost 2 deaths a day nationwide. 

Our goal is to get motorist to better understand the importance of safe driving practices while in a work zone.

• Never use your cell phone or text while driving
• Slow down and don't tail gate
• Obey warning signs
• Stay alert
• Be patient

Remember, the work we do is dangerous but it's end result is to the benifit of everyone who drives on Texas roads. By putting these 5 points into practice it will help to make the work zone a safer place for everyone.

Thank you,

Todd Drouin

9-27-10 Materials Shortage Update
Someone recently told us at a meeting that the reason for Batterson LLP’s success as a company is because our customers “Expect More and Worry Less”. In the spirit of that compliment, I want to update you on the industry problem of material shortage that I first informed you about in May and hopefully provide you with new information that will help you in planning your work that involves road markings. Unfortunately, when it comes to Thermoplastic, not much has changed and our suppliers are still having problems meeting the demand for Thermoplastic. We continue to work closely with our vendors, Texas DOT and AGC to mitigate this problem and we will continue to keep you informed when progress is made. We hope that with many markets closing their striping activities because of cold weather that this may reduce demand and help Southeast Texas get more material for the winter and also help our suppliers catch up on backorders. If you would like more detailed information on this issue, ATSSA has pulled together a comprehensive report that will give you all the details on what caused the problem and some alternatives that might be considered to reduce impact in the short-term. You can find this report on the web at http://www.atssa.com/galleries/default-file/Raw%20Materials%20Shortages%20Report%206-24-10.pdf The situation with Traffic Paint is looking better. Vendors are now saying that they have been able to locate new sources for paint resins and feel that they will be back to normal supply conditions in just a matter of weeks. We hope this update helps you in your work planning.

If you have any questions, give me a call at 713-628-2344 and I will do my best to answer your questions.

Todd Drouin

5-17-10  Letter to Customers
Materials used in the pavement marking industry are becoming scarce. As, one of the largest pavement marking companies in Texas, Batterson LLP felt it was important to give our customers an update to help you make decisions when requesting your striping needs.

Over a week ago the pavement marking industry was advised by its vendors of the shortages of thermoplastic and waterborne paint products. Initially the output through mid fall would be near 60% of usual production. However, it's much closer to 30% at this time.

Batterson LLP is working closely with its vendors and Texas DOT to come up with a plan of action in the coming months. On Wednesday May 19, the AGC of Texas Traffic Control & Pavement Marking Committee will go before The Joint Task Force Committee in Austin. Among those attending will be Carol Rawson (Traffic Operations Division Director) and Russell Lenz (Director of Construction Division), who are both working on a strategy.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at 713-628-2344 if you have any questions.

Thank You,
Todd Drouin