Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1052339
wbjournal.com | Fact Book 2018 | Worcester Business Journal 29 C E O I N T E R V I E W C an you provide some history on the company? It takes an innovative spirit to try something no one else is willing to try, and that's exactly the spirit my father, Myles McDonough, had back in 1956 when he produced his first pressure-sensitive film product in a Spencer garage. When other film suppliers only wanted to produce commodity products, my father had a vision to fill the needs of other innova- tors who wanted to use pressure-sensitive in new and different ways. He took the small volume jobs no one else wanted and, through outstanding service, technical expertise and sheer inge- nuity, he filled that need – one application at a time. Today, with the majority of our work- force located here in Spencer, we are a lead- ing global manufacturer of coated and laminated films and adhesives. With an average of 13 years of service, our employ- ees strive for an operational and innovative organization that will benefit local, region- al, and worldwide markets. We work directly with our customers to gain a deep understanding of their goals to deliver high-qual- ity products and service, quick turnaround, and a highly-person- alized approach. What type of safety programs do you have? We focus on safety and health, continually maintaining the highest standard of safety through OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), where we have been a member since 1995. In addition, our Better Health and Wellness program provides the tools and resources necessary for all our employees to achieve their personal health and wellness goals. What are some of your notable achievements/projects? Our numerous achievements over the past 60+ years range from labeling applications to spacesuit insulation. FLEXcon pioneered the no-label-look on glass for beverage labeling in the 1990's, working with Anheuser-Busch to create clear film labels for Bud Ice. More recently, we engineered our dermaFLEX™ low-trauma, medical grade skin contact adhesive for delicate skin. Lightweight and flexible enough to move with the body, it is permeable enough to allow the skin to breathe – all while staying adhered for the prescribed time without irritation. We also developed label materials for asset tracking at the "hot-end" of the manufacturing process for the steel industry. Labels are applied direct- ly to hot metal surfaces up to 1000°F (538°C). What are the secrets to your success? We believe that planning for economic swings is essential for long-term success and is achieved by making sense of financial data and economic trends. Investing in the future for the long-term and staying the course enables us to weather whatever the market may throw at us. Furthermore, staying open to the thoughts and ideas of employ- ees at all levels is critical. They are closest to the work and know best how to deal with any issues and make improvements. This openness is the ultimate show of respect. What differentiates your company from your competitors? Our manufacturing and delivery capabilities, combined with our abil- ity and willingness to make custom products, differentiates us and allows us to bring added value to our customers. FLEXcon Company Inc. Address: 1 FLEXcon Industrial Park, Spencer, MA 01562 Phone: 508-885-8200 Website: www.FLEXcon.com Name and email address: Neil McDonough, CEO/ Chairman, nmcdonough@flexcon.com Year Founded: 1956 Number of employees: 1000+ employees worldwide FLEXcon Company Inc. FB H ow did you get involved in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives? As a light-skinned woman of color from a brown family who immigrated from the Cape Verde Islands, my family, the Cape Verdean community and society in general has taught me many lessons on the topic of diversity/racialization, etc. But my interest in Diversity encompasses a broad spectrum of differences among people. I have an innate interest in trying to under- stand what makes people tick and learn- ing from others' experiences. I truly believe that diversity fuels innovation. How do you foster an environment where people from different backgrounds know you value their ideas? I came to HMEA 31 years ago. About 10 years into my ten- ure I could see a shift in our workforce to include a broad spectrum of diverse peo- ple regarding ethnicity, sexual orienta- tion, varied generations, languages, reli- gions, and many international employees, etc. It was both exciting and clear that we needed to begin an internal dialogue regarding workforce diver- sity to facilitate understanding and appreciation between employ- ees and the people we support. So over 20 years ago we created a Diversity and Inclusion Council, started employee diversity training, created a diversity calendar, changed polices and inter- nal systems to support the varied issues of our employees. We conduct an annual staff survey, which incorporates questions about diversity and include diversity topics at staff meetings throughout the organization. Targeted attention and open con- versation on topics of diversity have been well received by staff. What do you see as the biggest obstacles to Diversity and Inclusion in today's workplace? One of the biggest obstacles is that many international employees have college degrees from other countries and professional experience in those countries that are not recognized here. I think it is imperative that all employers have strategic goals to create opportunities for these employees to utilize their education and skills here. How do we help current hiring managers understand their implicit biases in hiring and promot- ing practices? Inclusion doesn't happen on its own, it must be intentional and focused. Do you see differences with acceptance of diversity initiatives from different demo- graphics of your workforce? I am happy to say that I have seen improvement over the years. In general, I think staff, regard- less of background, is more open to ask- ing each other questions about their dif- ferences. Why do you think it's important to have meaningful discussions focused on civility in the workplace? The success of any organi- zation lies with its employees. If staff does not feel respected or safe while at work that affects their ability to perform. We have incorporated into our Diversity initiative that we are a "NO Place for Hate" organization and we abide by a "Resolution of Respect." We discuss and promote these principles on an on-going basis throughout our organization. I believe these efforts create a cul- ture of trust where everyone can thrive. Putting Diversity Initiatives Into Action Address: 8 Forge Park East Franklin, MA 02038 Phone: 508-298-1100 Website: www.hmea.org Year founded: 1961 HMEA Inc. FB Jule Gomes Noack President & COO