Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays
from President Scott Asplundh and CEO Chris Asplundh

This year marks our company's 73rd year in business. It is also our best, with an increase in sales in all categories of business and the overall safety performance of our crews at an all-time high.

Even after the horror of the September 11th attacks, we continue to bring dependable service and value to our customers. With many industries in trouble, we move forward. We are blessed to be in the business we are in, with the co-workers we have.

We all have heard innumerable stories of the destruction caused by the terrorist attacks on our nation. It is especially vivid when we fly over New York or drive on the New Jersey Turnpike and we see the most prominent man-made monument in Manhattan gone, along with so many lives, reminding us of how much suffering these acts created.

On a happier note, we have two new presidents this year. One for our country, George W. Bush – -and one for our company, Scott M. Asplundh, the first member of the third generation to be president. With the present leadership team at Asplundh, the company has unquestionably had its best year. Thanks to hard-working employees, customers and suppliers we have become a service company doing over $1.6 billion annually in sales.

With 73 years in the vegetation management business, we are the contractor with the experience, safety record, storm response expertise, cost efficiency, new ideas and insurance coverage to remain the contractor of choice. We continue to grow our core business, despite a sliding economy. 2001 has also led to continued success in construction, with large expansions in the South, New England, the Midwest, and California.

Our subsidiaries and divisions that were struggling in the past are now substantial contributors, including American Lighting and Signalization, Central Locating Services, Utility Pole Technologies and our One-Call Division. With the changes made last year, these companies have become best-in-class and are growing rapidly.

Several others such as our Railroad Division, Asplundh Motor Co., and Asplundh Brush Control continued this year in their successful tradition. Our subsidiary in Australia has made the turn with its new management, while New Zealand and Canada continue as usual with results of which we are all proud. Our partner in the United Kingdom, fountains plc, has evolved into a multi-service provider to its electric and railroad customers, becoming the major player in that market.

With all this good news, there were however some bumps in the road. Cost considerations included rising fuel prices through most of the year, and insurance, after years of a soft market, became a very expensive commodity. With the downturn in the economy many companies dropped their leased equipment and that adversely affected our equipment leasing subsidiary, Compass.

We were impacted by several storms this year, but by far the major one was the ice storm that took place over the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Continuing for several weeks into early 2001, it was our single largest storm response, with more than 1,500 tree and line crews working to help restore electricity in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma.

Many changes took place in the Home Office in 2001 and we continue to stress performance in support of the field. This is where technology can pay off, even if some of us (i.e. Chris) are technology-challenged. Our staff in Willow Grove came to the plate once again, continuing to make us a world-class company.

So, let's see. There's a war going on, a sagging economy, domestic threats. How good can it get?! Maybe this is an early warning and we – our company, as well as the world – could be better off for all of this. We all have become united together against this common threat of terrorism.

With Christmas and the New Year approaching very quickly, we want to wish you the very best of the season. You are part of the best company, in a strong nation, and we greatly appreciate everything you do.

Arriola Region Donates $2,000 for September 11th Relief Fund

After the horrific disaster of September 11th, employees of the Martin Arriola Outsourcing Region in Florida came together to help the American Red Cross as it assists the families of victims in the World Trade Center attacks. Crews donated some of the money they earned over the past few months temporarily working in Asplundh regions throughout the country. General foremen, supervisors and Manager Martin Arriola also added to the collection.

Office Administrator Marty Lopez coordinated the employees' efforts and was proud to present a check for $2,000 to Shelly Johnson, a representative of the Palm Beach County, Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Asplundh employees' contributions will go to the Relief Fund for New York City victims. Well done!

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