July 2013
Thank you for reading the “printer friendly” version of the MHA’s monthly
eHELPS newsletter. If you would like to receive eHELPS via email, please
send your request to [email protected].
In this issue:
Zosel’s True Value Hardware Celebrates 100 Years With MHA
Employee Incentives That Don’t Break The Bank
Minnesota Hardware Stores Seeing Increased OSHA Visits
New $100 Bills Debut in October
Wisconsin State Capitol Post State Budget
Service Spotlight: Retail Fixtures and Accessories
Sales Trends
Classifieds
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Zosel’s True Value Hardware
Celebrates 100 Years With MHA
Congratulations to Zosel's True Value Hardware, Benson, MN, for 100 years of
membership in the Midwest Hardware Association. Jeff Zosel (current owner) is 4th
generation, and John Zosel (previous owner) is 3rd generation.
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Minnesota Hardware Stores Seeing Increased OSHA Visits
It appears the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is increasing their
regulatory activity and enforcement in Minnesota. Within a few weeks of each other, at least five
hardware stores in Minnesota were subject to unannounced visits by MN-OSHA inspectors. At
least two of those stores were cited for violations with one store being assessed $3,000 in
penalties.
OSHA regulations can be confusing and at times become overwhelming. Stores with more than
10 employees are subject to a variety of different regulations. Fewer regulations apply to stores
with 10 or fewer employees, but even these smaller stores are subject to some OSHA
regulations.
Furthermore, the state of Minnesota has its own rules set forth in the Minnesota Occupational
and Safety Health Administration. Inspectors from the Minnesota Department of Labor and
Industry Occupational and Safety Health Division have been paying visits to hardware stores
over the past few weeks.
Will You Be Ready If OSHA Visits Your Store?
In Minnesota, here are several violations which hardware stores have been cited for:
• The employer failed to keep proper records such as an OSHA Form 300 log, First
Report of Injury log, and an OSHA Form 300A summary sheet. (Required to be posted
for employees in February, March, and April each year.)
• The employer did not establish a written Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction
(AWAIR) program in their store. (See link below for information on developing an AWAIR
program for your store.)
• The employer did not develop and implement a Right-to-Know training program for
employees who were exposed to hazardous substances. (See link below for information
on developing a Right-to-Know program for your store.)
• The employer did not have proper training or up-to-date certification for all employees
operating forklifts. (Click here for information on Forklift Training and Certification
available through MHA.)
• The employer failed to keep the workplace free from hazards that could cause serious
injury or death. Examples include:
o A pipe threader did not have a foot switch or other momentary contact device to
control power.
o Bench grinders with solid grinding wheels did not have a tongue guard (on the
top) or a tool rest (on the bottom). Also, earplugs were not worn by employees
when operating a bench grinder.
o Stationary power tools were not bolted to the floor or were not properly grounded.
o Failed to provide the proper safety equipment such as gloves or the proper safety
goggles (one type specifically to protect against liquids and a second type of
general safety glasses) for employees to use when mixing paint, cutting keys, or
performing other similar duties.
o Failed to provide an eyewash station for use by employees. Also, eyewash
stations must be regularly tested.
o Improperly used extension cords and power strips as a permanent electrical
source for certain high voltage equipment (over 50 volts).
MHA has additional materials available on required postings, recordkeeping, general safety and
health requirements, as well as information on which employers may be exempt from certain
regulations. These materials can help better prepare your store for an OSHA visit. Please click
on the applicable link below.
Minnesota OSHA Guidance
Guide for Developing a Minnesota AWAIR Program
Sample Model of a Minnesota AWAIR Program
Guide for Developing a Minnesota Employee Right-to-Know Program
Sample Model of a Minnesota Employee Right-to-Know Program
MN-OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements for Training
Required Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Safety and Health on the Job Poster
Minnesota OSHA Emergency Eyewash Requirements
For questions, additional information, or available products to assist you in OSHA compliance,
contact Andrea Ramage at [email protected] or 800-888-1817 ext. 365.
Links: Please visit our on-line version of eHELPS to access links in this article.
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New $100 Bills Debut in October
(Reprinted From "Retailing Today")
A newly redesigned $100 bill designed to thwart the efforts of counterfeiters is due to hit
the market in early October, creating new challenges for retailers.
In attempts to stay one step ahead of those trying to forge U.S. currency, the United States
government has redesigned multiple banknotes to curb counterfeiting.
The latest currency designs include more advanced security features that will allow retailers,
grocers, businesses, and consumers to ensure their bills are legitimate and avoid the
problems associated with counterfeit notes. A 3-D security ribbon features bells that change
to read "100s" when moved back and forth. This ribbon, which is woven into the currency,
rather than printed on it, is one of the first things workers at retail and grocery businesses
should look for when checking the validity of a bill. Similarly, the redesigned $100 bill also
features a bell inside an inkwell, and when the bill is tilted, this bell changes from copper to
green.
Besides innovations that allow people to determine the validity of a bill by looking at it from
multiple angles, the new currency also offers a variety of other security options that are
difficult to forge. A portrait watermark, raised printing, security thread, and micro-printing
are designed to offer banks and businesses alternative ways to determine if a note is valid.
For full article and more information about the new $100 bill, click here.
Link: http://www.retailingtoday.com/article/what-retailers-need-know-about-new-100-
bill?ad=news
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Employee Incentives That Don’t Break The Bank
Providing employee incentives can help develop and retain top performing
employees and doesn't need to cost you much, if anything. When you provide
employees with incentives, it can improve morale, provide a positive atmosphere,
and create job satisfaction, which leads to high performance and excellent customer
service.
Here are a few inexpensive employee incentives:
• Promote Communication-Keep an open mind and allow employees to express
ideas for improvement, such as implementing more efficient procedures or
how to improve customer service. Keep employees up to date on any
changes or information that may affect them. Open communication goes a
long way.
• Express Expectations-Let the employees know your expectations. When
employees have a clear understanding of what is expected, they are more
confident and their performance increases.
• Store Raffle-Choose a desired product from your store, for example a toolbox
or flashlight (it doesn't need to be of high value). Allow employees to
purchase raffle tickets (ie: 1 ticket for $1 or 5 tickets for $4). Draw two
names; one employee wins the product, and the other wins the money
collected from the tickets. Another idea would be to purchase and raffle a
professional sports team jersey.
• Performance Rewards-When employees go above and beyond their duties,
provide reward points. When they reach a certain number of reward points,
they receive a reward such as an additional day of vacation or a gift card.
• Employee Appreciation-Once a month, have a pizza day to show you
appreciate their hard work and effort, or simply tell them face to face that
they are doing a great job. Wish your employees a happy birthday by giving
them a card on their special day.
• Potlucks-Holidays, or any day, hold a potluck. Create a sign-up sheet for
those who would like to volunteer to bring a dish to share.
Your employees can also be creative and offer great ideas, so ask them for some
fun ideas and get them involved in the planning. Provide them with guidelines and a
budget (if applicable) and watch your employees work together as a team to come
up with ideas. It's the little things that can have a big impact on how employees
feel about their job.
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Wisconsin State Capitol Post State Budget
By Doug Johnson, MHA General Counsel and Wisconsin Lobbyist
Governor Walker's $70.1 billion 2013-2015 state budget is now law. The July 1
deadline was met amidst smiling Republicans and critical Democratic leaders.
Walker praised the Republican Legislature for its support claiming that this budget
was built for "the hard-working taxpayers of the state of Wisconsin." Walker
pointed to the budget's $1 billion in tax relief for individuals and small business
owners. He also noted that the budget holds property tax increases to 1% and
provides $322 million more for public schools, $100 million for workforce
development programs and $6.4 billion in transportation spending.
The State Legislature returns in the Fall to take up hundreds of bills that have been
largely set aside to give the legislature time to consider, amend, and pass this last
state budget. Among them is health care. Health care has long been an issue both
nationally, and in Wisconsin and other states. It will continue to be a problem
complicated by cost and its impact upon economic development, starting with jobs.
So, too, will likely be income tax reform that began in the state budget.
According to Todd Berry, president of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, there has
been little change in the income tax law since the 1999 state budget. He says there
are ways of tinkering with income taxes, usually making it more complicated. This
time was a rarity highlighted with streamlining and simplification. Still more might
be done. Tax cuts will highlight next year's campaigns. Taxpayers will see $680
million in income tax cuts over the coming bi-ennium.
In short, both in Madison and in Washington legislation has passed. Other
legislation is pending. There are many problems and issues that require attention.
MHA will report back to you. If you have any questions or concerns, just let us
know.
Enjoy the rest of the summer. Sell more paint once this rain finally ends!
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Retail Fixtures & Accessories
MHA offers retailers a wide variety of quality fixtures and accessories such as:
• Adjustable Shelves and Display Racks
• Showcases and Security Cases
• Wire Baskets and Fencing
• Pegboard Panels
• Arrow Lock Tags
• Lawn and Garden Display Accessories
Member Testimonials
“We’ve used the MHA for decades for our fixture needs and have always been
impressed by their knowledgeable staff, design ideas, and fair pricing. If you are in
need of store fixtures, I would certainly recommend calling the MHA.”
Jim Stapel, President
Kitz & Pfeil
Oshkosh, WI
“MHA is a great source for equipment to keep our stores organized and looking up
to date. And the service we receive is always outstanding.”
Jerry Andersen
Lee’s Hardware
Racine, WI
For more information about MHA’s Retail Fixtures & Accessories, please contact
Cathy Koback by phone (800-888-1817 ext.312) or by e-mail
).
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Sales Trends (May 2013)
Here are the most recent Illinois, Minnesota-Dakotas, and Wisconsin hardware store sales
trends, gathered from association members using the MHA's monthly accounting service.
The figures derived for each region includes sales data from the following number of stores:
Illinois - 37 stores
Minnesota-Dakotas - 16 stores
Wisconsin - 98 stores
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Classifieds
Members of the Midwest Hardware Association may place a classified ad in
the eHELPS monthly newsletter and on the MHA's website, FREE for three
months. Members may submit their ad via the MHA's Members Only section
under Post a Classified Ad, by fax on company letterhead to John Haka at
715-341-4080, or by e-mail to [email protected].
Store For Sale
Store for sale—Schutts' Hardware Hank in Kerkhoven, MN. 5000 sq/ft. Small
town, good school. Great place to raise kids. Asking $50,000 for building and
fixtures. Approximately $100,000 in merchandise at cost.
Cost: $50,000
Name: Tom Schutt
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 320-264-3711
