Winter 1975

Soule Steel News "WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER" VOLUME 4 WINTER ISSUE DECEMBER 1975 NUMBER 2

FINANCE DEPARTMENT ## They Manage the Money

It's the nature of any business that it collects money for goods or services rendered, pays the bills, and hopefully, has something left over called profit.

In a small business the procedures for keeping track of the money are relatively simple. But in large companies, like Soule, where millions of dollars are involved, many talented and specialized people are required. In fact, Soule has over 40 people performing financial functions in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Basically, the Finance Dept. performs in two general areas. First are the better known functions such as payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. The other area is to provide management with information to help them operate the company more efficiently and profitably.

To accomplish this the Finance Dept. is divided into four major functions: Accounting, Credit and Collections, Data Processing and Internal Auditing.

Heading up the whole operation is Don Watkins, Treasurer of the company. He took over when George Mattos retired in 1973 after 28 years with Soule, as Senior Vice President-Finance and Treasurer.

Don has been with the company for 23 years, having started as a cost accountant in San Francisco. He not only oversees the four functions of finance, but he is also responsible for insurance administration, leasing, and banking relations.

He is a member of the Financial Executives Institute. Don is also active in the National Association of Accountants, and was President of the Oakland-East Bay Chapter in 1968-69. He is presently a National Director of N.A.A.

Now, for those talented and specialized managers working under Don's guidance.

Ralph Garcia is in charge of the Accounting Department, with the title of Controller and Assistant Secretary/San Francisco. A 12-year veteran with Soule, Ralph has the following managers reporting to him: Tom Kelley, Data Processing Manager, who is in charge of the Computer Center; Jack Walker, Accounting Supervisor, Southwest, and Assistant Secretary/Los Angeles. Bill Furst assists Jack Walker as Cost Accounting Supervisor.

The Credits and Collections Dept. is headed up by Wilson Ringer, General Credit Manager, a 24-year veteran with Soule. Wilson has the challenging job of making sure that customers have the ability to pay, and seeing that they do.

His right hand in Los Angeles is Les Hornberger, who handles the credit there.

Internal Auditing is handled by Jim Miller, who is based in San Francisco and travels to all plants and districts to perform his audits.

Each year the Finance Dept. holds a meeting to review past performance and plans for the future. This year, Warren Grundfor, George Ford, Howard Soule and Lowell Carstensen attended as guests.

At the meeting, Tom Kelley was able to report that a new Univac Computer will arrive in January, and that the 104 programs that were written for it will be fully tested and operational in April.

Don Watkins emphasized the increasingly heavy demands on our financial people each year due to both external and internal requirements. "We are proud of our entire staff and their ability to meet these demands."

HOME OFFICE ## FINANCIAL STAFF

Photo: Don Watkins, Treasurer of the Company.

Photo: Ralph Garcia, Controller and Assistant Secretary.

Photo: Wilson Ringer, Credit Manager with secretary, Pat Gilland.

Photo: Jim Miller, Company Auditor.

Photo: S.F. Accounting Dept. (l. to r.); Carolyn Harrison, Angela Tinetti, Dan Blue, Shirley Mounsey, Ed Shaban, Shirley Orsborn.

Photo: More S.F. Accounting Dept. (l.to r.); Mary Estrada, Hanson Lee, Clarice Forney, Yvonne Kissinger, Charley Mayers, Emma Perez (sitting).

L.A. FINANCE DEPT.

Photo: Jack Walker, Accounting Supervisor and Assistant Secretary, L.A.

Photo: Bill Furst, Cost Accounting Supervisor, L.A.

PAGE 2 SOULÉ STEEL NEWS DECEMBER 1975

(Continued)

Photo: Credit Dept., Lurene Ross and Les Hornberger.

Photo: L.A. General Accounting Dept. (l. to r.); Vonnie Bannon, Lillian Ames, Sophie Pilchard, May Taylor, Pat Cutrone, May Bol-long, Ann Gillanders, Ruth Romash.

Photo: L.A. Cost Accounting Dept. (l. to r.); George Saunders, Joan Shackelford, Ula Franke, Lucy Murillo, Jack Morgan.

Photo: Fred Obertein, Mill Accountant at Carson.

Photo: Monna Pennington, switchboard operator.

Photo: Dee Engelberg, telex and teletype operator.

Photo: June Duplice, L.A. mail clerk.

Photo: Tom Kelley, Data Processing Manager.

L.A. DATA PROCESSING CENTER

Photo: Lovely data processing crew (l. to r.); LaVerne Erwin, Angela Darnell, Maudy Cramer (front), Judy Marshall, Katherine Hicks.

NEW SOULÉ BUILDING DEALERS

Two new Building Division Dealers have been added to the Soule' family. They are Robert's Construction Co. of San Jose, who will be responsible for sales in Santa Clara County, and Rosewall & Sons, Inc. of Watsonville, who will cover Santa Cruz County.

Photo: Shown above (l. to r.) are Jim Rosewall of Rosewall & Sons, Inc., Gene Fuller from Soule', and Bob Houret of Robert's Construction.

NEW CARSON FAB SHOP

"JOB WELL DONE"

Lou Richer, Assistant to Darrell Runyon, Operations Manager L.A.-Carson Fab Shop & Field, has been commended by Reinforcing Division Manager, Warren Grundfor for doing an excellent job as Project Manager for the construction of the new Carson Fab Shop (see Soule' News, Summer Issue, 1975). He coordinated the project to make sure everything went smoothly. Lou's boss, Darrell Runyon also gave him a sincere "well done" accolade.

For many years Lou was in charge of the Company's concrete pan forming, estimating and construction. He came to Soule' in 1965 with a background as Superintendent in general construction on major projects in Montreal, Canada.

Photo: Lou Richer

Photo: Marilyn Moore in new Rebar Fab Shop office.

Photo: Lou Rhodes in new Rebar Fab Shop office.

Photo: R. Bawer, Mechanic Leadman Mechanic in new Fab Shop garage.

DECEMBER 1975 SOULÉ STEEL NEWS PAGE 3

HERE COMES THE BRIDE

Lucille Harvey (Cost Acctg-LA) and James Murillo were married on October 25 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Best wishes for a very happy future!

BASSINET SET

Chris and Norm Hopp (Steel Bldgs-SF) are proud second-time grandparents with the arrival on November 19 of Adam, 6# 12 ozs. Born to Walt and Pam Hopp, the newcomer has a "big brother" Eric, 2 1/2.

. . . And the Fred Bartletts, Jr. (Adv. Supvr-SF) "join the club" with the arrival on November 20 of first grandchild Litsa Ann, 8# 2 ozs. The happy parents are Kellie and David Matthews . . . A warm Soule' welcome to these new family members.

* * *

(P.S. Send us YOUR news. We really want to hear from everyone.)

Printed as public service by Soule' Steel Co.

PRESIDENT FORD CALLS FOR NUCLEAR POWER DEVELOPMENT

In response to a question asked by San Francisco television station KPIX reporter Belva Davis on September 22, President Ford said that "in light of our serious, almost critical energy shortage" he felt it "unwise for any state to ban the development and utilization of nuclear power". Following is a complete transcript of the President's statement:

"The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which was established by the Congress last year, and which is now in operation, and the Energy Research and Development organization which was likewise established by the Congress; both are in the process of studying safety, nuclear power development, etc. So far, I believe that the overwhelming preponderance of the evidence indicates number 1: That we have a safe nuclear power capability and, furthermore, that if there are any serious questions that further research and development will resolve it. Even a higher degree of safety — better safeguards.

"I think in light of our serious, almost critical, energy shortage that it is unwise for any state to ban the develop-

STEELING ATTENTION By Betty Trailer

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SANDS OF TIME ETC.

Grauman's Chinese Theater it isn't, but Salt Lake City personnel are pretty happy with the cement work, since it means no more wading through the swamp from trailer to office.

GREAT WHITE HUNTERS

ment and the utilization of nuclear power in the future. "We expect to build 250 nuclear power plants, as I recall, in the next 10 years. If 49 other states did, I can imagine there could be a serious adverse economic impact on the State of California. It would potentially, I don't say certainly, but potentially, interfere with the economic development of the great State of California. It would mean the loss of potential jobs, as we need more jobs for the young people—for others.

"I think there's a better approach than an arbitrary ban, because the safety record so far and the prognostications of responsible people indicate, to me at least, that the danger is not a serious one, and if there are any problems, they can be resolved."

Hugh Bates and Norval Ewing pictured above (l. to r.) set out on a hunting expedition looking most formidable in their hunting outfits. They must have scared the deer into hiding—didn't get a one! Deer season in Utah is almost a state holiday, and most of the Soule' people had high hopes, but no success. Well, there's always next year!

GOOD SCOUTS

That's the Roger Malloy Family (Plant Mgr-Santa Ana). Roger is Assistant Scoutmaster, his wife Ida Lee is Assistant Girl Scout Leader, three sons and one daughter are in Scouts, and there are three little potential Scouts coming along. In addition to this busy family of seven, Roger and Ida Lee have opened their hearts and their home to an exchange student from Mexico. Always room for one more when you have the right spirit!

*Photo: Roger Malloy is pictured with his BSA Appreciation Plaque, and photo of group he supervised on a week's pack trip last summer.*

NEW FRESNO OFFICE

*Photo: Bob Fain, Field Superintendent, shows off coffee room.*

*Photo: John Bishop in the detailing room.*

*Photo: The ladies in front of the new Fresno office (l. to r.), Karen Drebing, Dorothy Hartley, Jo Davis.*

PAGE 4 SOULÉ STEEL NEWS DECEMBER 1975

NAMES IN THE NEWS

*Photo: Cathe Smith is the new secretary in the S.F. Employee Relations Department.*

SANTA ANA

*Photo: Above is an interesting photo of Ironworkers doing rebar fabrication work at Santa Ana.*

**Employee Relations SPOTLIGHT**

Q. There used to be a time when payroll stopped making tax deductions on our paychecks, but now it goes on all year. How are the taxes figured and how much do we have to pay? A. We presume you are referring to taxes other than the Withholding Tax deduction. Social Security, or FICA, is of course the largest deduction, and the one that seems to be increasing most frequently. As we go to press, the base earnings on which you pay the social security tax are $14,100, although there is a possibility that this will be increased to $15,100 in 1976; however, that decision is still pending as we write this. The rate remains the same—that is, the employee has 5.85% deducted, and the employer pays an equal amount for each of his employees, for a combined payment of 11.7%. In addition, all California employees pay a state disability insurance tax (SDI) of 1% on the first $9,000 earned.

RETIREES

*Photo: John D. (Scotty) Stewart has retired as Leadman from the L.A. plant.*

Adderson Stinnet retired from the L.A. plant. He was Welder Automatic. Dorsey Cooper retired as Maintenance Leadman from the L.A. plant.

SCRIPPS CLINIC

This is not a new type of metal sculpture, but Soule' rebar being placed on the roof of the Scripps Clinic and Research building at La Jolla, Calif.

*Photo: Shown are Ironworker R. Reed (far left), J. Kurtz, and R. Wilson (center),*

UNITED WAY-- A WINNER

Ralph Garcia, Soule' Chairman for the 1976 United Way drive in San Francisco, and his fellow employees who contributed, can rightfully be proud of themselves. The company goal was $5,436, and they exceeded this with collections of $5,524, with an average donation of $82.44 per employee. Sixty seven out of ninety one employees contributed, and there were 7 Fair Share donors to establish a new company record.

**IN MEMORIAM** It is with great regret we announce the deaths of Anthony Groebner, employee from the L.A. plant, and Thomas J. Carney, a retiree of the L.A. plant.

200 years and liberty still rings. Take stock in America. Buy U.S. Savings Bonds.

DON'T BE FUELISH.

Winter 1975 Issue SOULÉ NEWS Published Quarterly by the Soule Steel Company 1750 Army Street San Francisco, California Howard S. Soule, Editor Associate Editors Niles O. Millar, Alumni Terri Olesh Los Angeles Connie Davis Salt Lake Tina Lewis Ventura Furman Davis Phoenix Ramona Kurtz Sacramento Betty Trailer San Francisco Jo Davis Fresno John Rogachenko Carson Esther Longnecker San Diego Maria Hebert Newark Mary Ferrell Santa Ana