FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:          Linda Richardson                  
                        Director of Business Development
                        412-823-3094
                        lrichardson@mdausa.org    

Toast to a Cure Gala Receives $5,000 for Artwork from Sarepta

PITTSBURGH, PA MARCH, 2018 — Several children with Muscular Dystrophy and their families gathered at the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum to create collaborative artwork. The artists at the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum https://pittsburghkids.org/ were a tremendous help and made the work of creating original artwork a fun and creative event. The Children’s Museum’s Viv Shaffer, Accessibility and inclusion Coordinator and Carina Kooiman, Art Studio Manager handled every detail. This artwork will be auctioned off at our Pittsburgh Toast to a Cure Gala on March 22^nd. One masterpiece caught the eye of https://www.sarepta.com/  Sarepta’s CEO, the artwork is being sold at $5,000. A great sum to help our Western PA MDA and ALS families. More than 350 business, community and civic leaders are putting their muscle behind finding urgently needed treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases at the Circuit Center Ballroom.

The Western PA MDA https://www.mda.org/office/pittsburgh office is very grateful for the support from Sarepta. Thank you for helping us find treatments that are more than effective, for supporting our event and interest in helping our local Western PA families. The Toast to a Cure Gala at the Circuit Center Ballroom will be held from 6 – 10 pm with a VIP reception to start at 5:30pm on March 22nd. Guests will enjoy a night complete with musical entertainment, games, live and silent auctions and great food. All helping to raise critical funds and awareness to help kids and adults in the Western PA area with life-threatening muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger.
            Honorees are Dr. Udai Pandey for his research into ALS. Ken, Nick and Eric Sinagra for their advocacy, cutting edge technology and overall connection to the MDA. Joining them are our local goodwill ambassadors and WTAE celebrities Janelle Hall and Andrew Stockey.                                 Over the years the MDA Gala www.toasttolife.org in Pittsburgh has raised more than $2 million to support more than 2,000 individuals and families throughout Western PA and WV with life-enhancing resources and services.

Our sponsors including Citgo, Highmark, Babst Calland, UPMC, IBEW Local 5, United Steel Workers, IUOE Local 66, USA Compressions, 84 Lumber, Central Data Services, The Meadows and others. Contributions help MDA’s efforts in funding groundbreaking research and programs, including the MDA Care Centers for Western PA which are located at UPMC Hospitals in Pittsburgh, Erie and Morgantown, WV. Funds raised also helped send 59 local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA Summer Camp 2017 at no cost to their families at Camp Kon-O-Kwee.
            Interested in our artwork or attending the Gala? For more information about MDA’s services, please contact us at our MDA office at 412-823-3094 or email lrichardson@mdausa.org.  
About MDA
            MDA is leading the fight to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. We use our collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America. www.mda.org

Learn how you can fund cures, find care and champion the cause at mda.org.

- MDA -

National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2017

In 1945 Congress dedicated October to advancing the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. This history declaration has enabled many innovations in the workplace such as easy access doors, ramps, and more.

Beyond the ability to access a workplace, employers have embraced people with disabilities in the workplace. Many hospitals, grocery stores, warehouses have found people with autism and other spectrum disorders make great employees. They are diligent in their tasks and repetitive tasks are easily done and enjoyed by these disabled employees.

We see an opportunity to become a more inclusive economy. I am heartened by Boeing's Diversity Efforts, Microsoft's outreach, and other companies to create a diverse workforce. Perhaps there is a role in your company that can be filled by a disabled person? There are many organizations to help you place the right person. Twitter is filled with valuable links to such non-profits. One such organization is Disability Rights PA, I recently met George Barron at an OCF luncheon and love his drive and vision. Perhaps we can all help give these creative people a job worth working!

https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam/YearRound.htm



Ready Willing and Able is a national partnership working together to build a more inclusive workplace.

As we sell into new companies and areas, I hope these companies can embrace hiring a person with a disability. Inclusion is the way to grow!

Linda Richardson
Power Tool and Supply

Getting Dustless!

The mandatory dust collection and silica dust exposure prevention is now in effect. Contractors are asking for our help in becoming compliant. Are you using your grinder or drill outside or in a confined space? How many hours per day? There are alot of considerations to understand what it will take to be compliant.

How to become compliant? If you do not have a safety engineer on hand that can monitor the particulates in the air, there is some guidance. Osha has a great table and information on particulate exposure. Tool manufacturers like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Michigan Pneumatic have come out with great designs for dustless tool use.

Some of the tools have guards with brush rims, vacuums extraction which includes a vacuum that works with your tool to extract the dust and particulates as they are being created. There are now different vacuum filtered bags for dust disposal and more. Visit Power Tool and Supply to see first hand some of the new and innovative designs our manufacturers have developed for 99% particulate protection. The DeWalt Stingray large hammer dust extractor is a very cool product!

Honeywell's respirators have cartridges that will protect your workers from organic, vapor and dust exposure. These different cartridges fit in a half mask and full mask. How do you know what to use? Well there are guides, testing that can be done and a respirator expert at Honeywell that will help us help you. Honeywell has actively created safety training from in person, online to mobile app.

Other brands like 3M and Moldex have great solutions as well. Power Tool and Supply is trying to bring you the most up to date information from our manufacturers to help you stay safe and healthy. Please visit us in the showroom or call us 330-792-1487.

Power Tool and Supply is now certified as a DBE with the PA UCP

Power Tool and Supply announces certification as a DBE for PA UCP!

Power Tool and Supply Co. an industrial tool and supply distribution center and retail store has been certified as a diverse business woman owned and controlled by Lisa Springer by the PA UCP and PennDot.  The goal of the certification program is to increase the ability of Power Tool and Supply to compete for contracts on state and public projects for PennDot, The Allegheny County Airport Authority, State Universities, the Port Authority and other organizations within the state of Pennsylvania.

“Certification provides a marketing opportunity for women and diverse business enterprises to participate in outreach programs,” said Lisa Springer, owner. “In addition, this program will enable us to develop relationships with larger companies and create opportunities for future partnerships with them.

Power Tool & Supply has been operating for more than 50 years. The company serves industrial and construction markets with sales, rental and repair in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.  Power Tool & Supply provides in-house repair services for all gas, electric, cordless and hydraulic and air tools that they sell. Their customers range from large industrial and automotive plants to electrical and mechanical contractors, plumbers, bridge, and road contractors. Power Tool & Supply is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise with NWBOC and WBENC as well as WOSB (Woman owned small business) with the SBA, a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) with Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia Department of Transportation. Visit Power Tool and Supply’s website at www.powertoolandsupply or call at 330-792-1487.

Wooly Bear Caterpillar predictor of a cold wet winter? Are you ready?

The Wooly Bear Caterpillar is a predictor many people including my grandmother used to determine how harsh the upcoming winter might be. Have you noticed the amount of rust or black bands this year? The prediction is a milder wet winter. Are you ready?

Power Tool and Supply is gearing up for the cold. We already have a great stock of generators from Generac to Mi-T-M's and more. We have "big ass" heaters that will blow you away and keep your shop floor warm and toasty. We have the cold weather gear including gloves, heated jackets and cold weather hats. If you need hand warmers, show shovels and blowers – we will be the place to go.

If you are a plumber, work in natural gas, sell generators, and winter equipment – you can’t wait for an extreme winter. Predictions are that this will be a cold and wet winter.

https://www.almanac.com/blog/weather/weather-update/winter-outlook-2017-2018-colder-last-year

http://business.time.com/2014/01/29/businesses-that-boom-during-cold-weather/

There are 4 industries where cold weather makes a difference in revenues.  They are: Salt producers, Ice Fishing, Natural Gas and Plumbers.

We are looking forward to a prosperous season for our clients – remember Power Tool and Supply is ready with the supplies you need. In the meantime, enjoy this amazing fall season!

Linda Richardson

Power Tool and Supply

linda@powertoolandsupply.com

www.powertoolandsupply.com

OSHA SILICA REGULATIONS ARE COMING...ARE YOU READY?

Metabo Power Tools for OSHA SILICA REGULATIONS

Discover Metabo Table 1 Compliant Solutions ­ Enforced September 23, 2017 OSHA requires all and any indoor and outdoor drilling, cutting, or grinding operations to be dustless...are you ready?

To help you comply, Metabo offers a full line of dustless tools and accessories including tools for concrete and stone surface prep as well as masonry cutting, drilling and breaking. When combined with our self cleaning HEPA vac, Metabo's Dustless system soluions is the most advanced integrated dustless system available.

­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ 1 Month until OSHA Silica Enforcement September 23, 2017 ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ARE YOU COMPLIANT? ­ ­ ­ ­

• For extraction from the power tool in continuous mode, both on construction sites and in the workshop
• Compact vacuum cleaner for liquids and dry solids with commercial registration
• AutoCleanPlus: saves both costs and time thanks to automatic MPulse filter cleaning during continuous use
• If the optimum suction performance falls below a certain level, the filters are vibrated immediately
• Automatic shut-down when vacuuming liquids once the maximum fill level is reached
• Especially suited for extracting concrete and rock dust
• Suction power control for adapted suction performance
• Power socket for a power tool for using the automaticalstart-up/shut-down of the vacuum cleaner
• Two polyester filter cassettes with large filter area for constantly high suction capacity
• Automatic trailing mechanism for emptying the suction hose completely
• Antistatic basic equipment prevents static charge when using appropriate accessories
• Sturdy thanks to especially large wheels and castors with wheel stop
• Cable winding mechanism
• Practical accessory case and storage area
• Current Control: maximizes the suction power while the machine is connected so that the main fuse is not triggered

Call us or stop by our storefront to discuss the new OSHA Compliance tools we offer from Metabo, Milwaukee, Dewalt and more!

14 MIND-BLOWING TOOL HACKS

Ten years in the Marcellus - love seeing the growth here!

MOMS’ WORK                                                                                                         May, 2017

Happy Mother’s Day! Today I received a box of my favorite oatmeal cookies. They were made by my friend Liz in Texas. This was her amazing way of wishing me a Happy Mother’s Day. These delicious cookies caused me to pause and reflect on women (more so Moms) who work. You see, I sell tools to construction companies and manufacturers – typical non-traditional workplaces for women.

Recently, an engineer for a construction company, Tara and I talked about how we are seeing an increase of women on the job site. Hold onto your hat man, less than 10% of workers in trades, safety and engineer professionals are women on site. Something that is improving but we still need to work on. I still walk onto a site occasionally devoid of women. I see a growing acceptance of women in non-traditional roles. Why? Wage equality, job equality, work force availability it could be one of or all of these reasons.

Following are some interesting statistics I found while researching this topic. Also I am including some resources if you or your daughters are looking for a non-traditional career. Now is the time! We are building, repairing and growing at a pace not seen in decades in places like Pittsburgh, PA and Cleveland OH.  I salute all working Moms – thank you for paving the way, setting the example and encouraging a new generation in a new exciting field. To all the men that see the potential in women and help forge a path to equality – thank you for supporting us and being a trail blazer! 

Here is a link to Mom inspired buildings. https://buildingradar.com/construction-blog/mothers-day/

Resources:

Visit the trades to learn more about career options:

http://www.buildersguild.org/careers.html Free apprenticeship programs in 17 different trades.

http://www.nawic.org/nawic/default.asp National Association of Women in Construction

http://www.ubcsisters.org/ United Sisterhood of the Brotherhood of Carpenters

http://pittsburgh.swe.org/  Society of Women Engineers

Statistics:

http://www.stuffmomnevertoldyou.com/blogs/womens-work-construction.htm

https://www.dol.gov/wb/stats/Nontraditional%20Occupations.pdf  I selected some of the stats to view.

Occupations	# of workers (thousands)	Women as a % of total employed
Architects	178	25.3%
Industrial Engineers	194	16%
Cabinetmakers and bench carpenters	51	9.9%
First -line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers	696	2.4%
Electricians	796	2.4%

Author:

Linda Richardson, Director of Business Development

Working for a trail blazing woman owned business

PowerTool and Supply www.powertoolandsupply.com

Want to share your experience in non-traditional roles?

Contact me at linda@powertoolandsupply. 

WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION

The Deloitte Analysis article (women in manufacturing)very informative. Working in a male dominated industry for a woman owned company makes me realize how many areas women should be growing and succeeding in. Manufacturing seems to be an area ripe for women workers. The technological advances with computers and robotics means the dirty back breaking, repetitious manufacturing of by-gone eras are no more.

Manufacturing requires training, education and is looking for a skilled workforce. Initiatives in Eastern Ohio and Western PA by government and corporate collaborations to educate is based on getting the word out to the right people. No longer does everyone's path to success mean a 4 year degree. There are technical schools that will enable a student after 1 to 2 years to be employed in manufacturing or construction. These collaborations have it right, get to the students and educators. Show them what manufacturing is today and help them make a decision that is based on knowledge.

I was involved with Oh-Penn for business - a wonderful bi-state collaboration between Ohio and PA. Their value was in educating the upcoming workforce through tours, videos and classroom visits. Check them out!
http://www.ohpenn.org/

 The nation's workforce is shrinking, many in manufacturing are retiring. This industry is welcoming diverse workforce solutions. Many universities are teaming with manufacturers adding curriculum that advances interest in these fields. I applaud these efforts and am proud to work for a woman in a male dominated industry. She is making strides and working hard to build a reliable business regardless of gender.

Celebrating NAWIC's (National Association of Women in Construction) National Rebuilding Day with the Pittsburgh Chapter on Saturday April 29, 2017. We will be rebuilding a local home and adding much needed repairs. I will post more about this event afterwards. Let's hope I paint straight lines, hammer straight nails and show some skills as I work side-by-side with lady carpenters, builders, construction workers and engineers.
NAWIC Chapter information

Let's hope we can all women and men make this country great by including diversity in our workforce!

Linda Richardson
Business Development Director
Power Tool and Supply ( a woman owned business)
www.powertoolandsupply.com
linda@powertoolandsupply.com

You asked - now we carry Hanes Geo products!

Cleveland Opportunity Corridor Aerial Animation phase 3 begins soon!

New from PORTER CABLE: 20V MAX* BRUSHLESS EDGE Power Tools

WE ARE SEIRUS ABOUT WINTER

https://youtu.be/VIztk9k1dLQ Seirus Gear on YouTube

 Are you a skier, winter sport enthusiast?  Are you finding yourself spending hours in the woods freezing your buns off looking for Bambi’s father, brother, mother…. Cold weather technology has advanced to keep you warmer and drier than ever before. As companies like Seirus and Milwaukee patent new ways to combat the cold, we will be sure to offer these advanced technical products.

At Power Tool and Supply we have heard our customers request cold weather gear and we offer a great assortment of clothing. In our store, we have hats, coats, gloves and heat reactive socks. Hey these Heatwave™ socks from Seirus are great for hunters, exclusive Heatwave™ thermodynamic lining as a comfortable, 4-way stretch sock lets you increase the heat of any footwear.

Check out our variety of cold weather gloves from the Heatwave™ glove liner to the Youngstown heavy duty work gloves. Outer wear designed to keep your hands warm and dry in the extremist conditions.

Forbes reviewed over 200 US ski resorts to come up with their top 10 list of ski resorts.  Check it out here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/christophersteiner/2015/11/17/the-top-10-ski-resorts-in-north-america-for-2016/#4b83914e1bf0

Let’s keep your core warm! Your body temperature is just as important as your hands and feet. Yes, your hands and feet will get cold first but you need to keep that core warm to stay in the cold for extended periods of time.  

  

New technology enables Milwaukee to offer heated jackets. They stay warm with a small 12 V rechargeable battery for up to 8 hours! We have coats and vests in Camo, black and florescent colors for those out working on the roads.New technology enables Milwaukee to offer heated jackets. They stay warm with a small 12 V rechargeable battery for up to 8 hours! We have coats and vests in Camo, black and florescent colors for those out working on the roads.

Reducing the need for bulky layers, 

Milwaukee®M12™ Heated Gear utilize carbon fiber heating elements to generate and trap heat across core body areas. Adjustable heat technology allows users to adapt to changing conditions by increasing or decreasing the heat level with the touch of a button. 

Powered by M12™ REDLITHIUM batteries, you will stay warm for 8 hours of run time.

Why shop at Dicks Sporting Goods, REI, Gander Mountain or Amazon when you can get what you need to stay warm and dry this winter season at the right price! The Farmer’s Almanac said this would be a cold and snowy winter. Be prepared to stay warm and dry with our great brands and gear. We also carry hand warmers to stick in your gloves or boots if you are looking for a basic and quick fix to your cold fingers and toes.

We look forward to seeing you in the store and showing you our gear! Proper head gear and gloves will keep frostbite away; warm jackets or vests will keep your core temperature up. 

Important information about Frostbite and Hypothermia from OSHA is below:

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced and the normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to less than 95°F.  Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F), if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

What are the symptoms of hypothermia?

§  Mild symptoms:

o    An exposed worker is alert.

o    He or she may begin to shiver and stomp the feet in order to generate heat.

§  Moderate to Severe symptoms:

o    As the body temperature continues to fall, symptoms will worsen and shivering will stop.  

o    The worker may lose coordination and fumble with items in the hand, become confused and disoriented

o    He or she may be unable to walk or stand, pupils become dilated, pulse and breathing become slowed, and loss of consciousness can occur. A person could die if help is not received immediately.

What can be done for a person suffering from hypothermia?

§  Call 911 immediately in an emergency; otherwise seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

§  Move the person to a warm, dry area.

§  Remove wet clothes and replace with dry clothes, cover the body (including the head and neck) with layers of blankets; and with a vapor barrier (e.g. tarp, garbage bag). Do not cover the face.

§  If medical help is more than 30 minutes away:

o    Give warm sweetened drinks if alert (no alcohol), to help increase the body temperature. Never try to give a drink to an unconscious person.

o    Place warm bottles or hot packs in armpits, sides of chest, and groin. Call 911 for additional rewarming instructions.

§  If a person is not breathing or has no pulse:

o    Call 911 for emergency medical assistance immediately.

o    Treat the worker as per instructions for hypothermia, but be very careful and do not try to give an unconscious person fluids.

o    Check him/her for signs of breathing and for a pulse. Check for 60 seconds.

o    If after 60 seconds the affected worker is not breathing and does not have a pulse, trained workers may start rescue breaths for 3 minutes.

o    Recheck for breathing and pulse, check for 60 seconds.

o    If the worker is still not breathing and has no pulse, continue rescue breathing.

o    Only start chest compressions per the direction of the 911 operator or emergency medical services^*

o    Reassess patient’s physical status periodically.

^*Chest compression are recommended only if the patient will not receive medical care within 3 hours.

What is frostbite?

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. The lower the temperature, the more quickly frostbite will occur. Frostbite typically affects the extremities, particularly the feet and hands. Amputation may be required in severe cases.

What are the symptoms of frostbite?

§  Reddened skin develops gray/white patches.  

§  Numbness in the affected part.

§  Feels firm or hard.

§  Blisters may occur in the affected part, in severe cases.

What can be done for a person suffering from frostbite?

§  Follow the recommendations described above for hypothermia.

§  Do not rub the affected area to warm it because this action can cause more damage.

§  Do not apply snow/water. Do not break blisters.

§  Loosely cover and protect the area from contact.

§  Do not try to rewarm the frostbitten area before getting medical help; for example, do not place in warm water. If a frostbitten area is rewarmed and gets frozen again, more tissue damage will occur. It is safer for the frostbitten area to be rewarmed by medical professionals.

§  Give warm sweetened drinks, if the person is alert. Avoid drinks with alcohol.

https://www.osha.gov/as/opa/cold_weather_prep.htmlhttps://www.osha.gov/as/opa/cold_weather_prep.html

Stop in Power Tool and Supply's Store at 3699 LeHarps Road, Youngstown or call us at 330-792-1487 and one of our sales people will visit you to discuss how we can help outfit you and your workers and keep you warm and safe this winter season.

About the Author: Linda Richardson, Director, Business Development 330-792-1487

SAFETY KNOW HOW

Power Tool and Supply sales people like Dave (pictured here in a CLASS 3 safety jacket), help safety professionals every day. They need supplies like hardhats, harnesses, respirators, safety clothing and flame resistant (FR) clothing.  Supplying construction companies with the industrial supplies like power tools and safety equipment needs means we often discuss these three key questions: What type of project or construction site are they working on? What are they doing? What is their concern?

Once we have these three questions answered, it often leads to more information and questions. The key for Power Tool and Supply to be a good supplier for our construction companies and manufacturers is understanding their business, their risks and what tool or equipment will best service them. After talking with a training professional at a local Plumbers Trade School about a plumbing issue, I looked for some helpful DIY tips online. Here are some of the best blogs and videos for helpful DIY Tips!

Vivid eLearning Courses offers a great blog for basic safety handling of hand and power tools.  https://learnatvivid.com/blog/30-tips-for-hand-and-power-tool-safety

I used to read my Dad’s Popular Mechanics as a kid, now I enjoy their online magazine. Here is a great “how to” from them:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/g88/know-your-stuff-the-110-best-diy-tips-ever/

Everyone is familiar with eBay and knows someone who has bought or sold online using the eBay platform. One cautionary warning is many knock-offs are found there. Don’t let a great item description fool you. The knock-offs are great imitators on the outside but the proof is in the pudding. The tool will not work as well as the real one and you just threw your money down the drain.

Check out eBay's safety tips. There are a lot of practical tips here:

http://www.ebay.com/gds/15-Life-Saving-Power-Tool-Safety-Tips-/10000000177632719/g.html

Think you know everything about safety? Take this quiz to test your knowledge. It may surprise you and if nothing else it will educate you. My Safety Sign offers a great online source for custom or standard work safety signage.

http://www.mysafetysign.com/hand-and-power-tool-safety-quiz

Keeping our workers safe is paramount to Power Tool andSupply. As we train and grow in our own safety knowledge, we hope to always be the resource you choose when purchasing your safety equipment and clothing.  Remember to visit us at 3699 LeHarps Road in Youngstown. We are right off the Meridian Exit on Rt. 680. If you wish a salesperson to visit you at your job site or facility, call us at 330-792-1487 and one of us will stop by!

Author: Linda Richardson, Director of Business Development Power Tool and Supply Co.

linda@powertoolandsupply.com