Greetings from the President of The GFS Group,

Despite the downturn in the economy and the impact it has had on the company, we have continued our efforts to grow and expand beyond the borders of Illinois.  During the last quarter, through the diligence of our Executive Vice President-Emerging Markers, Randy Farmer and some other very dedicated employees like Bill Ashman, we have been experiencing some success with this endeavor.  Work on a large project with Lane Construction in Virginia has already commenced and we have been approved to bid on all Virginia projects.  We are also now prequalified to do work in a number of other states.  If we are going to prosper, we have to recognize that the future of this company lies in this direction.  There are always growing pains when a company tries to reach beyond the status quo but I also know we have some of the most talented, dedicated, and motivated employees in the industry.  If we keep perspective on what is really important to our customers, ourselves and our families, I have no doubt we will be able to achieve the goals we have set and be a better company as a result.  There is no question that if we continue to work as a team, we can and will succeed.

Wishing you all the best,
Richard C. Crandall, Jr.
President

Our Mission Statement
We, The GFS Group, devote our passion and effort to continuously improve our level of professionalism; to champion safety and timely service while maintaining the highest level of integrity toward our customers and each other.

Employee Appreciation Day
Our Employee Appreciation Day was Friday, October 7th at our Smith Drive location.  We had a great turn-out with good company, food, and prizes.  Thank you to all employees for your hard work and dedication this year!  Special thanks to Chris Gesselle, Donna Nielsen, and Lisa Mooney for their help organizing a wonderful event.

Notes from the Safety Director
The weather and leaves have begun to change. It is only a matter of time until the snow begins to fall.  After a busy summer construction season, I believe we are heading for just as busy of a fall and winter.
 
Entering the 4th quarter, everyone needs to remain vigilant through the upcoming busy holiday season.
 
As the roads start to become slippery with ice and snow everyone needs to remember how to drive in those conditions. The GFS crews will be out all winter long working alongside the roads. Think about the importance of changing the radio, talking on your cell phone, texting, eating, etc.  All of these things distract us when we are driving.
 
OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS IN THE U.S.:
4,400 people died in work zone crashes, 85% were drivers or passengers and 200,000 people were injured.
 
SAFETY FACTS:
Rear-end crashes are the most common type of work zone crashes.
Some 42% of work zone crashes occur in the transition zone prior to the work area.
 
Please note our bi-annual safety meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM in Broadview at the IW Union Hall.
 
I hope everyone has an enjoyable Thanksgiving and Holiday Season. Keep safety in mind both at home and work!
 
Have a safe day,
Scott W. Chinn
Safety Director

FGS Achievement
Congratulations to FGS Fabrication, LLC. for a job well done on Herlihy Short Street.  Herlihy's Superintendent said he was more than happy with the rail and the crew with their installation.  He would recommend us and definitely use us again!

Congress Bridge
GFS Fence, Guardrail & Signage, Inc. is working with Walsh Construction on this high profile job with tight deadlines.  GFS has met all deadlines on time for Walsh to open the road.

Gately Stadium
Chicago Commercial Contractors, LLC completed Gately Stadium for the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, National Football League, and the Chicago Bears which was a $3.3 million dollar renovation.  This project included fencing, field replacement, sky boxes, and ADA upgrades.  The opening ceremony on Friday, October 14th went great and everyone was happy with the results.  Thanks to our Superintendents, Project Managers and field crews for a job well done!

United Airlines Jet Bridge
Builders Chicago Corporation just removed and replaced the "A" tunnel section of the loading bridge for United Airlines at O'Hare.

Memorable Quotes
"Aim above morality. Be not simply good, be good for something."
 [Henry David Thoreau]

"Determine never to be idle...It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing."
[Thomas Jefferson]

"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."
 [Mark Twain]