Celebrate our staff’s successes
Follow us: 
Rose Gundersen, VP of Operations and Retail Services
As the VP of Operations and Retail Services, I could not be prouder about our team’s contributions in the myriad of ways they support members. June was a very busy month at Washington Retail Services, with worthy mentions on two outstanding directors.
Rick Means, Director of Safety and Education, completed two of our safety projects that empower employees to do self-guided learning, saving everyone’s time and training expenses. The ErgoApp project is a partnership with the University of Washington who selected our collaboration because of Director Means’ successes at creating SAFEME apps. Overexertion/lifting is the largest category type of injury claim. This tool can help workers to evaluate and guide them to a better way of lifting.
The other project is a new self-guided COVID-19 Safety Training that is also on the SAFEME platform. Re-opening is excellent news, but employers must still train current and new employees on proper COVID-19 practices.
We had a bittersweet celebration party to say goodbye to Maria McClain, who left for another career opportunity. Maria had been our Director of Retro for the past ten years. When the team learned Maria would soon be a first-time grandma, we secretly planned a grandma shower for her farewell party. Maria was delightfully surprised, and it was a joy for us to shower her with adorable baby accessories. Good luck in your next career adventure, Maria! The RS team and our members will surely miss you.
A change of staff offers us an opportunity to assess for improvements. This is precisely what we are doing as we search for candidates who align with our strategic vision. Our commitment to support your workplace safety and to boost your bottom line is unchanging.
For member service questions, you may reach out to Terry Hopsecger, Director of Business Development, at 360-200-6453, [email protected], or me at 360-200-6452 [email protected]. For safety-related questions, contact Rick Means, Director of Safety and Education, at 360-200-6454 [email protected].
