Dear Vancouver Fire, Radius and NFSP family,

During these uncertain and anxious times, I would like everyone to know that the health and safety of you and your family members is of the utmost priority and the management team is here to support our team members.  It has been a week with dramatic developments. I thought I would give you a bit of a summary.

First, here is where we are staff wise:

From the information we have, no one in BC can obtain testing unless they are a health care worker. If you hear differently let us know. As of March 19/20:

There have been several positive developments from the Canadian Federal and Provincial governments, (and Texas) for support to us all personally and to support business. Today we have made changes with our short-term weekly indemnity program and have now switched to the Federal government EI program rather than self-funding this benefit. This will mean access to government support for short term disability and on the next payroll you should see a reduction in the benefits deduction. Melissa will provide more details next week. If you have a mortgage, the banks will be offering 2 months of grace in making mortgage payments. 

Business wise, there is a lot of negative news out there, when I compare our situation – we are fortunate. We are considered an essential service. Let me give you a run-down of what is happening with the business:

Health and Safety: The co-chairs (Curtis Johnson and Rumesh James) of the Safety Committee and Nathan are now meeting every few days or as needed to address pressing health and safety issues. They are still concerned that people using the lunchroom are not being mindful of their social distancing. Please review their email sent Thursday.  Please practice social distancing of 6’, this is mandated by the government, this is not an option, otherwise, we cannot stay open. At your workstation, let’s solve this – discuss how with your manager. We have ordered in disinfectant supplies to conduct twice daily cleaning of door handles, push plates, light switches, keypads, and faucets – this should start next week. If you are sick, STAY AT HOME, please advise your manager or HR. We are looking at how we can have more people work from home or alternatively work from home and office on a rotational basis.

Fire: we continue to book work and portables are attending sites and getting work done. We have had some work canceled or deferred – hopefully, this does not become a trend that increases much more. Installation and repairs are being authorized and getting done. Sales wise, property managers are reluctant to sign new agreements. Keep your manager informed of what you are hearing from customers, we need to be as responsive as possible to ensure we do not lose opportunities to book work and keep busy.

NFSP: We have a lot of backlog. We are looking at doing this work remotely instead of at the office. Construction sites are resisting us coming on site, however, VRCA is saying that all sites are open in BC and workers can practice social distancing if they don’t congregate for lunch and breaks. We are still getting new signed contracts.

Radius: Our new installation contracts continue to go forward, new contracts are being signed, existing customers are not cancelling and instead, are asking for increased coverage hours. Texas interest is growing, new contracts are being signed, installations are going forward.

Accounting: Customers so far are steadily paying their invoices; we are managing this closely. 

Supply Chain: We are seeing steady demand for manufacturing and repair parts and orders are being fulfilled.

Infrastructure: We are doing a significant buildout on our data center – this should be completed in 6 weeks. Might seem silly in retrospect but, we are adding some furniture this weekend (this was ordered and prepaid 2 months ago) to the main office – might come in handy for social distancing.

Thanks to all of you on the front lines, in the office and our management team. I want you to know how much I appreciate you for your hard work and commitment to the company. I know we all have a lot of worries and stresses these days. Keep calm, keep safe, and wash your hands. Your health and well-being are of paramount importance to me.

We will overcome.

In reflection, this has been like a missile from Mars – so much we have taken for granted. However, above all, it is at these times we realize how important family and friends are to us – take a moment, to say you love them.

Signing off with a quote from Lyndon B. Johnson:

“There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few we can solve by ourselves.

Sincerely,

Robert Baxter      

President/CEO