Hurricane Sandy - Storm of the Century

 

DBBECKER.HurricaneSandy.2012

**Hurricane Sandy on October 29th, 2012, a few hours prior to landfall on the New Jersey Coast**

D.B. Becker Co., Inc. - Hurricane Sandy Update

After a very challenging week for the entire eastern seaboard, the D.B. Becker Co., Inc. is pleased to announce all employees and families are safe and sound.  There were a number of tense moments, with Hurricane Sandy's Winds exceeding 85 mph at times, homes were blown off of foundations, trees and powerlines down, power outages, water and fuel shortages, and the list goes on.  Although we are not anywhere close to being 'back to normal,' the eastern seaboard is in the process of rebuilding. Hurricane Sandy took the lives of more than 85 individuals, and the number continues to grow.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all these families who lost loved ones.  

As of Wednesday, October 31st, 2012, the D.B. Becker Co., Inc. was up and operational.  We were able to string together a bank of computers and communication devices, being powered by a large diesel generator (acquired the prior day), and resumed correspondance with our customer base.  We received power back late Wednesday evening allowing us to reach full operational status on Thursday, November 1st.  Presently, all employess are back working diligently with our customer base to satisfy all orders to maintain production requirements throughout the East Coast Region.  

Six of our seven warehouses are operational.  The only warehouse not servicing our customer base is located in one of the main impacted areas.  They presently have no power, running on generator providing very basic communication via 'copper' lines recently set up.  JCP&L and PSEG, the two main suppliers of electric in New Jersey, were promising restoration of major services in seven to fourteen days.  We are hoping that majority of the state is up in the next two to three days.  The 'New Jersey Shore,' is not as fortunate.  There has been major infrastructure damage and flooding that will forever change the NJ Shoreline.  This will take many months, if not years, to fix.  Our logistics carriers, both LTL and Full Truckload, have been catching up.  We have encountered unexpected delays with specific regional carriers and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience.  

The D.B. Becker Co., Inc. would like to sincerely thank all of our Customers and Principals for your thoughts and prayers over the last week.  Hurricane Sandy (aka. The Storm of the Century, The Perfect Storm, Frankenstorm, Hybrid Extra Tropical Storm, etc.) will most definitely remain in our memory for many years to come.

Should you have any questions, concerns, or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (800) 394-3991.  

We thank you again for all your support during this difficult time!

The D.B. Becker Team
 
American Coatings Show 2012
The D.B. Becker Co., Inc. recently returned from a wonderful trip to Indianapolis, IN where we attended the American Coatings Show.  It was a very productive trip for both learning and meetings with our customers and principals.  The attendance looked to be strong.  Aisles were full with many having great technical discussions!  I want to thank our sales team that attended the show.  They all put forth a great effort making this years show exceptional for our company.  We are looking forward to Atlanta, GA in 2014. 
 
SSCT 2012 - St. Augustine, FL
The D.B. Becker Company will be attending the SSCT (Southern Society of Coatings Technology) show in St. Augustine, FL, during the week of 3/12/12.  We will have a number of team members, management, along with our table top.  We are looking forward to a very succesful show.  If you will be attending, please stop by and say 'hello!'  Looking forward to seeing all in Florida!
 
Update - World of Concrete 2012
I am pleased to report a very positive trip to Las Vegas last week -  The World of Concrete.  This trip was one of the most informative and productive trips I have taken to the WOC in the past ten years!  The turnout was great!  In speaking with numerous cab drivers (great for information gathering), they were estimating the the attendance between 35-50K.  Although significantly down from a decade ago, the individuals attending were the key decision makers!  Looking forward to kicking up the 2012 construction year!
 
2012 D.B. Becker Business Update
It has become very apparent that 2012 is starting off at a very quick clip.  Business has picked up very suddenly...the big question.  Is this due to the run down in raw materials during the fourth quarter?  Will this be sustainable through 2012?

We have received a number of price increases so far across multiple market segments.  It appears things are pushing northward due to, in most cases, supply and demand.  One example would be Titanium Dioxide.  The market has observed an increase of $0.15 / lb. in January, and understand another is pending for April.  Although D.B. Becker Co., Inc. does not distribute Titanium Dioxide, our extender business has been quite strong showing great promise.  This will definitely be interesting to see how pricing trends as we come to the close of the first quarter, and the beginning of the Paint and Coatings Season!

As a positive note, I understand due to the La Nina winter we should expect very little snow.  If the mild weather we are experiencing does continue, this may allow for an early coating season to kick up.  I most definitely hope this is the case for all!  Hopefully Mother Nature will allow us to catch a break!

In summary, we are cautiously optimistic about the 2012 year!

Should we be able to assist your technical development, or production in anyway, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Wishing all a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2012!
 


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