2024 Wright Tree Service Corporate Social Responsibility Report

2024 Corporate Social Responsibility Report

Wade Myers President

From Our President

Each year provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the progress we’ve made – not only in our business operations but in our commitment to our values. Among those values is Wright Tree Service’s dedication to environmental stewardship. Through this value, we embrace our duty to conserve and protect natural resources while maintaining economic viability. A sustainable business benefits our employee owners, our customers and the communities we serve.

A lot has changed since 1933, and we are proud to share our story of growth. We continue to provide vegetation management services to the utility industry. Training, equipment, technology and culture have evolved alongside us. Through it all, safety remains our top value.

Wright Tree Service (WTS) recognizes that there is always more work to do. The challenges we face as individuals, as a company, and as a planet demand ongoing effort, creativity and collaboration. As we look ahead each year, we remain committed to setting goals and holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of transparency and impact.

We adhere to an environmental policy that instructs our employees to be aware of any issues that may apply to their current contract. Because of our vast geographical footprint, each region identifies its own environmental and cultural resources or concerns, as well as appropriate actions to remediate potential problems.

This report will highlight the progress we have made, and will continue to make, regarding:

- Safety

- Employee Well-being

- Environmental Sustainability

- Community Engagement

I invite you to read through this report and learn about how WTS leads our industry by living out our values every day.

Wade Myers

Wade Myers President

Wright Tree Service

Our Services

With roots dating back to 1933, we have evolved into one of North America’s leading vegetation management contractors. As we grow our operations across the continent, we continue to honor the legacy of our familyfounded business and our founder, John L. Wright.

We proudly deliver a comprehensive package of integrated vegetation management services to utility companies and the communities they serve. Our crews are highly trained, well supervised and fully supportedenabling us to respond swiftly and effectively to customer needs. Our reputation is built on decades of consistent, high-quality performance.

Today, we continue to work as a team to make vegetation management programs successful. We also continue to innovate and enhance our practices to match the demands of the modern workforce and the modern customer. While we have upgraded our tools and built countless crews through the years, we have also grown more diligent in our pursuit of safety, stewardship and sustainability.

Vegetation Management

We use the most appropriate manual, mechanical or chemical solution to meet our customer’s objectives, comply with regulations, and encourage natural habitat and other ecological improvements. Our objective is to promote safe and reliable delivery of utility and railroad services while minimizing the impact on trees and the environment.

LINE CLEARANCE

Our primary service line continues to be manual and mechanical line clearance. We follow the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards for tree care practices in accordance with best management practices from the International Society of Arboriculture and the Utility Arborist Association. We provide manual and aerial lift (bucket truck) crews, and our employees are trained to use specialized equipment including all-terrain tree trimmers, brush-cutter tractors and various others for high-impact mechanical line clearance.

MOWING AND LAND CLEARING

As part of a comprehensive approach to right-of-way vegetation management, we offer right-of-way mowing and land clearing. We have large, specialized mowers and other equipment to reclaim and maintain the rightof-way, along with machinery to remove large trees and mulch the debris.

HERBICIDE APPLICATIONS AND SUBSTATION

MAINTENANCE AND RESTORATION

We are continually investigating new and innovative application methods and always work in compliance with our customers’ environmental concerns and policies.

We have qualified, state-licensed applicators and state-ofthe-art equipment to provide unmatched reliability for our customers. We continuously meet and often exceed state and federal standards for herbicide application.

We know that substation maintenance and restoration are vital to a utility’s ability to provide reliable, low-cost power to customers. When that equipment fails, we know quick restoration is crucial. Our substation maintenance and restoration services allow our customers to continue to serve their own.

WORK PLANNING

In addition to manual and mechanical line clearance crews, WTS employs qualified work planners for a streamlined vegetation management process. Our work planners are a great intermediate solution if you lack inhouse staff but don’t have quite enough work to demand a third-party inspector. Our work planners are trained and certified professionals with industry knowledge and outstanding customer service skills. We also utilize the latest geo-spatial data collection software, FieldNote®.

Storm Restoration

We are always prepared to respond to natural disasters such as ice storms, tornadoes and hurricanes. Our safetyfocused culture and breadth of technology and resources allows us to mobilize a qualified storm response team at any time. Our communication and logistics skills are proven, and customers can be assured that our crews are trained, certified and experienced to handle the hazardous situations created by natural disasters. We are here to assist you in restoring power to your customers.

Railroad

Our dedicated railroad operations division utilizes Hi-Rail gear to bring line clearance equipment and crews to hard-to-reach areas. With our extensive vegetation management experience, exclusive equipment and unwavering customer services, WTS is here to keep your tracks clear.

TRACK CLEARING

Our dedicated railroad operations division provides manual and aerial lift (bucket truck) crews along with specialized equipment with Hi-Rail gear for track clearance.

CROSSING MAINTENANCE

From right-of-way mowing to brush treatment programs, we deliver a comprehensive railroad vegetation management solution for your cross-maintenance needs. We have state license applicators using cutting-edge equipment to get the job done.

Our Services (Continued)

Heavy Equipment

Our heavy equipment division is a one-stop shop. WTS provides right-of-way preparation services including road construction, laydown yard construction, fence building, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan enforcement and monitoring, tree clearing and disposal and many other functions necessary for the construction of new transmission lines or rebuilds of existing transmission lines.

CONSTRUCTION AND EXCAVATING

Our excavation crews provide general excavation activities such as utility installation of water mainlines, sewer mainlines, electrical conduits and storm sewer mainlines for municipalities and housing developments. They perform excavation activities for residential and commercial applications.

DIRECTIONAL BORING

Our directional boring crews perform the installation of underground utilities such as conduit or cables in a trenchless method. The trenchless method offers minimal surface disturbance and can be used when conventional excavation is not practicable.

SITE PREP/LAND CLEARING

WTS excavation group performs tree clearing and disposal of vegetation for substation or building construction along with but not limited to general land clearing operations. Our crews are equipped with a wide variety of skills and experience to adapt to any specific needs required by our customers.

EROSION CONTROL

Erosion issues can be an environmental problem and a threat to project compliance. Through our erosion control service, we are committed to assisting the construction and agriculture industries, plus utilities and municipalities, in delivering high-performance erosion control and stormwater compliance products and solutions, using Filtrexx ® Sustainable Technologies. As a certified Filtrexx manufacturer in Kansas, Iowa and Texas, we can manufacture and distribute the entire line of Filtrexx products to help producers achieve carbon footprint reduction, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and more.

Board of Directors

The Wright Tree Service board of directors is made up of two internal directors and six external directors as follows:

SCOTT PACKARD

Scott Packard joined Wright Service Corp. in July 1998. Three years later, John R. Wright appointed Scott to president and CEO. In October 2002, Scott took on the position of chairman and CEO of Wright Service Corp. After 25 years of service, Scott retired in 2023. He remains chairman of the Wright Service Corp board of directors.

Packard began his career after graduating from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Since then, he has held a number of executive positions prior to joining the executive leadership team at Wright Service Corp.

He served on the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Board of Directors from 2003 to 2009 and as Chair in 2009. In September 2016, Scott became the first recipient of the Management Action Programs (MAP) Disciplined Leader Award. This award was conceived to recognize select leaders who have consistently exhibited the qualities of a disciplined leader. Scott is also a past chairman of Area 4 Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and presently serves as Vice-Chair. He was recently named to the board of directors of Trees Forever.

TERRY MCGONEGLE

Terry McGonegle joined WTS as the controller in June 1994. When the ESOP was formed in 2002, Terry was promoted to CFO of WSC where he helped transition the company from family-owned to employee-owned and served as CFO until December of 2019 upon retirement. Terry started his career in public accounting and worked in the agricultural and construction industries before joining WTS. He has served on the audit committee for the TCIA, finance committees for both the Utility Arborist Association and the TREE Fund. Terry is also a past president of the Iowa-Nebraska Chapter of The ESOP Association.

JONATHAN HICKS

Jonathan Hicks joined Wright Service Corp. in 2008 as the controller for Wright Outdoor Solutions. In 2010, he was promoted to controller of Wright Tree Service and in 2020, he was promoted again to vice president and chief financial officer of Wright Service Corp.

Hicks graduated from Iowa State University as a certified public accountant with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Accounting degree in 2002. After graduating, Jonathan worked in various auditing and financial reporting roles within both public accounting and the private sector. Jonathan is a member of the Iowa Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. Jonathan is also a member of RIMS and is on the Wright Service Corp. board of directors.

Jonathan is a large advocate of employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) structured companies. He values the culture they create, which allows employees the freedom to implement change and to leave their personal mark on the company. Jonathan enjoys problem-solving and having the opportunity to help guide the company at a strategic level. He serves on the TREE Fund board as the treasurer and is a member of its Audit and Finance Committee.

JOHN BRUNTZ

Currently retired, John Bruntz was the chairman and CEO of The Boulder Company, an industrial product distributor with operations in four states and serving an eight-state market region. He held the position from 2014 to 2019. Prior, he was the CEO of The Wittern Group, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of automatic merchandising equipment and controlled access technology. He became the CEO in 1990 and began work for the company in 1985. He continues to serve the company as chairman of the board of directors. John also serves as chairman of the board of directors of Cementech, Inc., an ESOP company headquartered in Indianola, Iowa. Cementech is the market leader in the production of volumetric cement mixers. He is the lead outside director of The

Stelter Company, the country’s leading advisory firm for planned giving campaigns for colleges and universities, national nonprofit organizations and major medical institutions, as well as a board member of DICA Manufacturing, a manufacturer of ground protection and rigging devices.

He is a licensed attorney who graduated from the University of Iowa, College of Law and has published articles in law journals in the areas of labor and employment law. He has been involved in numerous civic organizations including ChildServe, Joppa, the YMCA of Greater Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. He is also on the Iowa Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.

GEORGE MILLIGAN

George Milligan is a 1978 graduate of Iowa State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a minor in Industrial Administration (Business). From 1978 to 1985, he worked for Continental Grain Co. in various trading and management positions in four different locations. From 1985 to the present, he has worked at The Graham Group, Inc., serving as president since 1988. The Graham Group, Inc. is a diversified real estate development company and general contractor. He has been involved in many central Iowa charities and boards. He currently serves on the board of two public companies, United Fire Group of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and West Bancorporation, Inc. of West Des Moines, Iowa. Both are Nasdaq traded companies.

AUSTIN KENNEDY

Austin Kennedy joined Wright Service Corp. as general counsel in April 2013. Prior to joining Wright Service Corp., Austin was an attorney in private practice for seven years in Des Moines, Iowa, practicing in many areas involving employment law, immigration law and litigation. In 2019, Austin was promoted to general counsel, chief human resources officer and senior vice president. Austin most recently served as the company’s president and chief operating officer for the last two years before assuming the role of president and CEO of Wright Service Corp. on October 1, 2023.

Kennedy graduated from Macalester College in 2000, where he received the Livingston-Patnode Award for his special contributions to the English Department. He earned his law degree from Drake University Law School in 2005. In 2015, Austin earned his Credential of Readiness from Harvard Business School’s HBX CORe program, which establishes competencies in business analytics, economics and accounting.

SEAN MCMURRAY

Sean has served as a Director of West Bank and the Company since 2013. He is the Chief Technology Officer – emeritus of Businessolver, Inc., a position he has held since 2017. Businessolver, Inc. is a human resources benefits administration technology company that he helped found in 1998. Sean was the chief executive officer of AgSolver, Inc., a technology company, from May 2013 until October 2017. Sean founded DataVision Resources and served as the chief executive officer for 15 years until DataVision Resources was acquired by Equifax, Inc. in 2011. He served as senior vice president at Equifax, Inc. until May 2013. Sean helped to build and design the business platforms for Businessolver, Inc. and AgSolver, Inc.

GERI HUSER

Geri Huser is the co-owner of Ed Skinner P.C. law firms operating in Altoona and Mitchellville, Iowa. Geri was previously chair of the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) from 2015-2023. She was appointed by Governor Branstad as both chair of the IUB and administrator of the Agency and reappointed by Governor Reynolds. Huser served as chair of the three-person Board and was confirmed four times to two-year terms as the administrative head by the Iowa Senate. Geri earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Briar Cliff University and worked with the Polk County Social Services for 12 years. In 2004, she received her Juris Doctorate and Master of Public Administration from Drake University.

Meet the Executives

Our executive leadership team sets strategic priorities and oversees internal and external operations.

Wade joined WTS as a groundworker in 1987. He progressed through the organization and was appointed division manager in 2000. Wade became operations manager in 2003 and vice president in 2005. In 2017, Wade assumed responsibility for several operating units in his role of senior vice president of operations. He began leading the company as president in 2021, and he currently oversees all operations. Wade is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and holds memberships in several industry associations, including the Utility Arborist Association.

Nick serves as vice president of operations, overseeing the eastern U.S. He has worked on the contractor side and the utility side of the business throughout his utility vegetation management career.

Nick’s experience has helped him to be successful at understanding the unique challenges that utilities face every day.

Nick is an ISA Certified Utility Specialist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. He holds membership in the ISA, UAA and National Arbor Day Foundation.

Jerry began his utility vegetation management career when he joined WTS in 1998. He worked as a trimmer, general foreperson, project manager, division manager, and regional manager before being promoted to his current position as vice president of operations. In this role, Jerry oversees operations in the Midwest and southern regions of the U.S. Jerry is passionate about safety, training, and employee education.

Adam serves as vice president of operations where he oversees operations in the western United States and Canada. He started his vegetation management career as a tree trimmer nearly 30 years ago. His career trajectory includes leadership roles on the contractor side and utility side before joining WTS as regional manager in 2018. Adam is an ISA Certified Arborist and an ISA Utility Specialist, and he maintains membership in the ISA and the UAA.

Mission, Vision and Values

MISSION

‒ To provide reliable service to our customers by ensuring that transmission & distribution lines, and railroads are clear of vegetation.

‒ To provide attractive value appreciation to our employee owners.

‒ To provide team members with an environment that enables them to achieve their personal and professional goals.

‒ To make a positive difference in the communities we serve.

VISION VALUES

Wright Tree Service will continue to be recognized by utilities as providers of the highest levels of quality, service, responsiveness, reliability and value.

SAFETY – It is everyone’s responsibility; we each own it.

FAMILY – Our foundation is based on teamwork and inclusion.

INTEGRITY – We abide by the highest ethical standards.

EXCELLENCE –We exceed client expectations through resourcefulness and innovation.

STEWARDSHIP –We are dedicated to environmental sustainability.

About This Report

Our CSR Mission Statement Wright Tree Service will demonstrate how our strategic priorities and operational excellence are directly impacting our sustainability goals, customer success and employee satisfaction.

Approach

Our analysis is organized into four primary initiatives: safety, employee well-being, environmental sustainability and community engagement. Key performance indicators within each category are utilized to track progress, shape goals and drive continuous improvement.

Overview of Company Initiatives

Safety

Safety is our number one value. Our employees are trained on a consistent basis to ensure best safe practices are in place and to identify and mitigate any potential risks or jobsite hazards. Internal protocols are routinely reviewed and updated by our risk and safety departments with the latest trainings and procedures to ensure our employees arrive home safely every night.

Employee Well-being

Our family culture is one of the things that makes us unique and attractive to the next generation of the workforce. This includes a safe, enjoyable and diverse environment that offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our extensive training and development program fosters learning and leadership for employees at all levels. We believe in fostering employee culture and community, whether through scheduled academies or informal shared interest groups. We also offer an extensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees. As a 100% employee-owned company, we value the correlation between employee well-being and company success.

Environmental Sustainability

As an environmental services company, we strive to protect and preserve the ecosystems where we live and work. In 2022, we began the process of cataloguing and quantifying key impact areas to support the development of greenhouse gas accounting. This includes an overview of electricity, fuel, waste and water. We are also committed to pursuing efficiency within our fleet. Geotab and Lytx software track driver safety and fuel and maintenance metrics, supporting improved resource use. Our work allows us to support the sustainability strategies of our customers, providing top-of-the-line management while remaining cognizant of environmental impact.

Community Engagement

We actively sponsor activities that benefit our employees and add value to the communities where we live and work. Through monetary and in-kind donations such as labor and education, we’re able to support various causes and organizations that align with our values. As our company has grown, so has our community outreach. We take pride in building and developing relationships with our employees, customers and communities.

4,816 Employees in United States and Puerto Rico

Over 174,000 Tailgate Trainings completed

12 Employees completed Project Manager School

Worker Safety & Annual Rates Training Program

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E2920 standard for recording occupational injuries and illnesses provides an accurate, objective framework which establishes a basis for meaningful comparison of injury and illness rates. By recording cases that have a clear connection to the workplace, we are able to focus prevention measures where there is a potential for life threatening, life altering, or medical intervention outcomes – metrics that the Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) are unable to highlight. Both high and low severity outcomes (fatality, poison ivy) are included in TRIR calculations, which is an inaccurate reflection of safety performance or validation for resource allocation.

The ASTM Incident Rate is calculated using only Level One (high consequence) incident and illness data and the resulting rate should not be associated with TRIR for comparison

We have established many procedures and programs to support employee safety. Our safety manual is the backbone of our training program. It contains all the necessary information for field personnel to use in the execution of daily tasks. We also have a specialized support staff available to support further training as needed.

General Foreperson School

General Foreperson (GF) School is an immersive, weeklong program for employees in or approaching the general foreperson role. During the week, employees participate in a variety of trainings and hands-on exercises. In addition to role-specific and company-specific learnings, GF School attendees are eligible for continuing education units from industry organizations. In 2024, we added dedicated Spanish-language sessions to the schedule.

5

Sessions presented in English

65 Graduates (English)

2

Sessions presented in Spanish 315

23 Graduates (Spanish)

Training Program (Continued)

Project Manager School

Project Manager (PM) School is an annual, four-day leadership training program for project managers and supervisors. Participants focus on communication skills and forming good habits, as well as role-specific concerns like incident investigation. PM School also has time focused on incident investigation along with presentations, evaluations and discussions.

In addition to the various presentations, evaluations, and discussions, all PM School attendees work together on a class project. The goal of this collaborative plan is to improve or support a company system or process.

In July, 12 employees completed PM School.

Tailgate Training

Every crew completes weekly refresher training sessions. These sessions, dubbed Tailgates, aim to keep safety top of mind for all employees. Tailgate topics are delivered digitally, which connects our field crews to the content more efficiently and supports more accurate tracking. In 2024, more than 174,000 Tailgates were completed.

Fire Safety Training

Our fire safety training program covers both wildfire and equipment fire safety. Both programs have annual, management and crew level training. Management-level training is delivered online to general forepersons, project managers, division supervisors and division managers and includes monthly reviews. Crew-level training is given in person and focuses on field crews working in areas with historically higher fire danger. It includes a follow-up field review to ensure crew understanding and compliance with WTS policies.

ANNUAL WILDFIRE SAFETY AND PREVENTION TRAININGS

Crew-level training teaches employees to understand how fires start and how to prevent them, while preparing them to safely respond to any fires that may occur. Management-level training focuses on management awareness of fire danger and necessary safety measures.

ANNUAL EQUIPMENT FIRE SAFETY TRAININGS

Equipment fire training is required annually for all employees. It covers how fires start, fire prevention, and preparation to respond safely in the event of a fire. It focuses on mowers, sky trimmers and all-terrain buckets.

MONTHLY WILDFIRE POTENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS

Each month, the fire mitigation manager shares a two-month forecast based on information put out by the National Interagency Coordination Center. The forecast highlights areas with above-normal fire danger. The Fire Mitigation Manager provides additional support and training as needed.

Geotab & Lytx

We utilize Geotab, a fleet tracking/GPS platform that delivers tailored fleet management solutions to meet our customers’ requirements for safety, productivity and efficiency. Geotab evaluates driver safety indicators including seatbelts, speed, idle time, harsh braking and cornering, and backing up.

Lytx is a dash camera solution that grants WTS managers an extra set of eyes within the cab of a company vehicle. Two lenses capture internal and external (forward facing) footage. Managers can review footage to identify opportunities for coaching and/or recognition.

Training Program (Continued)

Transportation Excellence Committee

We formed the Transportation Excellence Committee in 2023, with the overall goal of improving the safety performance of our driving habits. The three main focuses are education and training, individualized driver performance analytics and accountability.

The committee helps management address opportunities for improvement in a given region. This year, we began using a comprehensive reporting portal to help evaluate and identify further training needs.

Entry-Level Driver Training Program

Our Entry-Level Driver Training Program was established to help employees obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). All new CDL holders and drivers upgrading from a Class B CDL to a Class A CDL are required to complete an Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program prior to taking their CDL skills test.

In order to connect our employees to the required training more consistently, we have encouraged instructor certification. We have 19 ELDT instructors certified to provide training in 31 states.

The ELDT program consists of two parts. Part one is online training modules that cover a broad range of topics to help the employee become a more educated driver. Part two includes hands-on training with a certified instructor. During part two, employees learn in small groups and put their training to the test. Once part two is complete, the employee is eligible to take the state CDL skills exam.

In 2024, 135 students were enrolled across the country.

Cybersecurity

Our information technology support staff is dedicated to cybersecurity and business continuity. Over the past five years, the information security team has been tasked with improving our security posture and executing yearly strategic security roadmaps to protect company and customer data. The team conducts an annual comprehensive security assessment in tandem with monthly Rapid7 vulnerability scans and remediates identified issues. Our security information and event management platform, AlienVault, monitored 24/7/365 by ProCircular, is utilized to help improve our detection and prevention of attacks on company equipment.

Scams and threats are ever-changing. We provide training and tips to equip our employees with the knowledge they need to help ensure we protect our digital information. Our employees are tested each month through our security awareness program. These internal tests challenge employees to spot phishing scams and other malicious emails or attacks. If an employee fails this type of test, he or she will receive additional training and coaching as necessary.

HIGHLIGHTS

- Conducted annual company-wide tabletop exercise to strengthen preparedness for security incidents

- Completed comprehensive annual penetration testing to drive continuous security improvement, meeting our compliance and regulatory requirements

- Enhanced organizational resilience via our Cybersecurity Advisor Program (formerly vCISO) and extended through 2030 to sustain long-term posture improvements

- Launched Identity Access Management (IAM) initiative to improve account lifecycle management with Role-Based Access Controls

- Strengthened access hygiene by implementing enhanced password requirements under our IAM initiative.

- Deployed privilege access management capabilities to secure and monitor privileged access across critical systems

480 Total Hours Executed on All Monthly Trainings

83% Completion Across All Training

341 Hours of Required Annual Cybersecurity Training

Safety Goals

GOAL

Incident Rate: Continue to reduce incidents and near misses across new and existing divisions to reduce annual incident rate.

Safety: Improve tracking of certified arborists and climbers.

Safety: Provide monthly ‘Safety Spotlights’ to help increase the recognition of hazards and safe work practices.

Safety: Publish quarterly safety materials updates to ensure active and consistent safety communication.

Security: Ensure company participation and improvement by 5% or 200 hours of additional security awareness training.

STATUS

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FY24* NEW HIRES

Wright Tree Service is honored to support veterans through employment, volunteerism and in-kind donations. We are proud to have 70 veterans serving on our teams in 2024.

Note: Veteran status disclosure is voluntary and self-reported.

Veterans Work Environment

Our employee handbooks contain several employment policies and practices aimed at providing the best possible work environment for all employees. In efforts to sustain a safe, equitable and accommodating workplace, we have standards for employee behavior, ethical practices, equal employment, and disability and religious accommodations. We have a commitment to provide a workplace free from harassment and discrimination, free from workplace violence, and free from retaliation and illegal drug and alcohol use. We welcome all employees to report concerns and utilize our open-door policy for suggestions to continually improve the workplace.

TRAINING & EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Learning Management System

Our LMS platform connects employees to training and continued education opportunities. More than 25,000 LinkedIn Learning courses are available to eligible employees with courses available in more than 10 languages. Elective training topics include management, leadership, customer service, productivity and Microsoft skill building. Company-required trainings such as harassment and discrimination, system training, and retirement account enrollment are also assigned in the platform. The system maintains a training transcript as record of each user’s completed courses.

True Colors®

True Colors is a personality assessment used to boost interdepartmental and team dynamics/understanding. Each employee completes a survey inside employee onboarding and is provided their results that include their strengths, weaknesses and strategies for communicating with people of different personalities. This improves employee self-awareness and conflict resolution. Three members of our support staff are certified True Colors practitioners and can provide department workshops to teams who request it.

Individual Development

Our training & development support staff offer numerous individual development options to Wright Tree Service employees. These can include team workshops, individual coaching, and mentoring, depending on the need.

Ascend First-Level Leader Program

Ascend provides opportunities to develop the mindset and skills to lead teams.

The program was designed with first-level leaders in mind. The content focuses on building leadership competency in the following areas:

- Improving skills in executing strategic plans

- Understanding your team’s role within the business

- Learning to communicate effectively

- Developing emotional intelligence

- Developing personal accountability 2024 was the inaugural year for the program. The pilot included 17 Wright Tree Service employees.

WOMEN OF WRIGHT

The Women of Wright program mission is to increase hiring and retaining a diverse workforce by empowering, developing and supporting employees at all levels to reach their fullest potential and equip them with the tools to excel as leaders in our industry.

Female employees are nominated by leaders or colleagues to participate in the annual, two-day workshop. The program agenda includes learning opportunities, exchange of ideas and application of new skills.

In 2024, nine Wright Tree Service employees participated.

TRANSLATION COMMITTEE

Our support staff includes a translation committee dedicated to minimizing language barriers to promote effective communication within our organization. By procuring professional translations via a trusted vendor, the committee’s core mission is to ensure that language serves as a bridge rather than a barrier by facilitating knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mutual understanding among individuals with diverse linguistic backgrounds.

79,653 Course completions 1,008

Checklists completed 4,173

Skills assessment test completed

Employees can request translations through our shared services department liaison for items including and not limited to: internal communications, recruitment advertisements, procedures/training materials, e-learning content and video closed captioning/subtitles.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Benefits

Eligible employees have access to a comprehensive benefits program. Based on employee classification and union status, employees may select benefits coverage that aligns with individual and/or family needs. Offerings include health care and prescription coverage, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance and disability plans, retirement savings plans (401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership), identify theft protection, an employee assistance plan, and wellness incentives. Additionally, various time off and leave plans are available.

HEALTHCARE COVERAGE

We offer medical with prescription coverage, dental, and vision insurance to eligible employees. Coverage may be selected for an individual or family. A portion of every premium is employer-paid.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Employee Assistance Program is a professional and confidential, short-term service available to the employee and their immediate family. This is a company paid benefit.

Immediate telephone access to a counselor is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Resources are available for mental health, legal services, financial consultation and eldercare needs.

TIME AWAY & LEAVE PROGRAMS

We recognize employees need time way from work to relax, get well, and connect with family, friends and the community.

A variety of paid time away plans are offered based on employee eligibility groups including holidays, vacation or paid time off, volunteer time, sick time and bereavement.

For employees treating or recovering from their own injury or illness, providing care to an eligible family member, or welcoming a new child there are various leave programs available.

Paid parental and family care leave provides eligible employees paid time off to bond with a newborn baby, legal adoption or placement for adoption, or to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition.

Longevity

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP

Our company has been 100% employee-owned since 2006. Through shared ownership, the employee stock ownership plan helps promote a positive, unique organizational culture and supports company success. The ESOP is also designed to assist our employees with their retirement and provide them with financial stake in the company. For our customers and partners, we are empowered to provide exceptional service and innovative solutions.

The ESOP enables employees to directly affect profitability and value and see the results. The ESOP has also allowed the company to protect jobs and support the communities we work in.

Only non-union employees who are at least 18 years of age, worked for the company for one year totaling at least 1,000 hours are eligible to enter the plan. Employees are automatically enrolled in the ESOP after meeting the qualifications on April 1 or October 1, following their 1-year anniversary date with the company.

1,610

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP COMMITTEE

The Employee Ownership Committee’s mission is to contribute to the success of our companies by advancing and strengthening our culture of ownership through education and communication. This support is particularly helpful to new employees joining the company and those entering the plan. Committee members conduct ESOP training across the company as needed.

Committee members continue to support the ESOP community through donations to the Employee Ownership Foundation and the development of a Central Iowa networking group. Committee members continue to participate in the Iowa/Nebraska Chapter of The ESOP Association including attending events and conferences.

RETIREMENT

We offer a comprehensive 401(k) retirement savings plan with the same eligibility requirements and entry dates as the ESOP.

WTS has a Safe Harbor Match Program to the 401(K) offering, matching 100% of the first 3%, plus an additional 50% of the next 2% employees would contribute to their retirement savings. The matching funds are placed in the ESOP account. Meaning, employees should contribute at least 5% annually to receive the full company match. These company-matched contributions are 100% vested.

The automatic enrollment program is an automatic 3% pre-tax 401(k) enrollment process for all eligible employees which increases contributions from salary pay by 1% each year until 10% is reached with an opt-out available. This was enacted to ensure employees were taking steps for their financial security in the future.

EMPLOYEE OWNER OF THE YEAR

Since 2018, Wright Tree Service’s parent company, Wright Service Corp., has presented an award to one employee owner. This award recognizes an employee who is an outstanding citizen, exhibits the characteristics of an employee owner and the values of our company, and makes contributions in the best interest of the company.

Senior Safety Manager Wes Tregilgas was named 2024 Employee Owner of the Year. In his seven years with WTS, Wes has worked tirelessly to make WTS a safer and better place to work for himself and the crews operating in every division.

Wes goes above and beyond to represent Wright Tree Service and Wright Service Corp. He creates top of the line conference booths and team meetings. He has dedicated his life to growing our companies and making the best safety department in the utility line clearance industry.

- one of Wes’ nominators.

Employee Well-being Goals

GOAL

Diversity & Inclusion: Analyze employee gender and race/ ethnicity information to establish benchmarks and goals for annual diversity growth.

STATUS

Employee Well-being: Continue to provide our employees with more benefits education through regular newsletters, plan enrollment resources and new hire summaries.

Employee Well-being: Amplify and expand employee recognition programming across divisions.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Impact Area Natural Resources

A utility employee or a third-party contractor will complete an environmental/ wildlife evaluation prior to work conducted by Wright Tree Service. Local, state and federal entities ensure that environmental compliance is upheld in work performed.

In addition to the environmental evaluation organized by the utility, we conduct our own informal review of the project site to assess for any significant environmental aspects that may be impacted by project work, such as nesting birds.

Restoration

In addition to vegetation management, work planning and storm restoration, we also provide excavation services in both utility and commercial spaces.

• Right-of-way restoration

• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) implementation:

- Erosion Control

- Temporary and permanent seeding through drilling or hydroseeding application

- Soil decompaction

- SWPPP inspection/maintenance until project reaches 90% coverage

• Utility Construction:

- Commercial and residential storm water drainage

• Agricultural Conservation:

- Provides services to Natural Resources Conservation Service’s programs

- Installation and repair of crop field terraces and waterways

- Construction and maintenance of watershed ponds

Resource Use

We strive to increase efficiency in our resource use. The vast majority of our employees do not report to a physical office building. We do have ten office buildings in eight states and a corporate office available as needed in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Fuel Usage

We utilize fuel fleet card systems, primarily WEX, for fleet fuel management, including expense tracking, spending controls, purchase alerts and exclusive discounts. These tools centralize management and oversight while also generating insights for future improvements. The fleet card data and Geotab data together help us analyze fleet fuel efficiency. Unproductive idle time is currently being tracked along with miles per gallon efficiency. Bulk Fuel is not included.

692 Vehicles

2,348,800 Miles Traveled

4,990 Vehicles

25,517,309 Miles Traveled

238 Vehicles

147,999 Miles Traveled

Natural Resources (Continued)

Electric Transition

WTS has largely transitioned to battery powered trim saws and is beginning to utilize some of the new medium size battery powered saws, blowers and pole saws. These equipment evolutions continue to decrease the amount of fuel, oil and labor required within the fleet.

Paper Reduction

We have reduced paper use by increasing our use of both Microsoft Excel and FieldNote® software to convert some paperwork, including timesheets, expenses, and production data, to a digital process. This transition not only reduces paper, but also time and energy demand on our employees.

We are also nearly 100% electronic with our client invoicing and proposal submissions. The work-order system for everyday project management is also electronic.

Vegetative Byproduct

We make a significant effort to provide a second life to the organic debris that is generated as part of our everyday operations.

Whenever appropriate, this organic byproduct is left onsite to naturally break down and provide benefits such as nutrients and habitat to the local ecosystem. The wood waste may be chipped and added to the local landscape. In urban settings, wood may be left onsite at the request of the homeowner or further processed into mulch. We also seek opportunities to donate woodchips and firewood where possible.

We are currently working to evaluate and track byproduct generation and repurposing across our geographic divisions.

STORY OF SOXX

The environmental impacts of sedimentation and stormwater runoff can cause pollution, flooding, erosion and habitat destruction. Perimeter control stops sediment from leaving our job sites and keeps us in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

At WTS, we have a dedicated operation that uses our mulched wood chips to fill Filtrexx SiltSoxx ®. This three-dimensional tubular device is specifically designed to support stormwater management, sediment control and pollutant removal for sustainable best management practices. It is most often used in areas where diverting, cleaning, and filtering stormwater runoff is critical. SiltSoxx is designed to prevent erosion, and each one installed at a job site gives trees a second life, keeps our water clean, and protects the environment.

7,526.75

Cubic yards of wood chips repurposed

6,154.5

1,195

Cars off the road for a year

Tons of CO2e avoided

602.8

Environmental Sustainability Goals

GOAL

Energy: Continue exploring the opportunity to utilize battery operated small tools into the fleet.

STATUS

Waste: Establish a tracking program for wood waste streams.

Green House Gases Accounting: Conduct scope 3 screening and develop processes for related data collection by emissions category.

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS

In-kind activities are tracked and reported per fiscal year. This section summarizes our contributions during FY2024 (10/1/2023-9/30/2024).

Arbor Day

Our annual Arbor Day support typically involves volunteer hours across the country. This time is spent planting trees and educating the public about our planet’s natural resources. In April, several employees marked the occasion in their local communities.

Saluting Branches

In September, WTS proudly renewed its support of Saluting Branches Day of Service. More than 140 Wright Tree Service crew members helped tend to veteran-dedicated properties across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Saluting Branches is a nonprofit organization that provides the vital care to

Wreaths Across America

WTS is passionate about our service men and women, and we wanted to do what we could to remember our fallen U.S. Veterans and honor those who serve. On December 10, 2024, over 40 individuals represented WTS and volunteered their time to participate in Wreaths Across America Day. This is an annual event where wreaths are placed at each soldier’s grave at more than 2,500 cemetery locations nationwide in honor of their sacrifice.

Wreaths Across America’s mission is simple: Remember. Honor. Teach. Wreaths Across America is committed to teaching all generations about the value of their freedoms, and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms.

Brush Donations

MINNESOTA ZOO

Our crews in Minnesota donated 10 loads of brush to the Minnesota Zoo. This brush is fed to moose, beavers and giraffes.

OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO

Since 2021, we have partnered with our customer to donate brush to the Oklahoma City Zoo. Donations of fresh green fodder are enjoyed by elephants, giraffes and monkeys. Our crews also take away old brush when they make a new delivery.

SALT LAKE CITY ZOO

Our crews in Utah donated brush to the Salt Lake City Zoo. The brush is enjoyed by many animals at the zoo.

Monetary contributions are tracked and reported per fiscal year. This section summarizes our contributions during FY2024 (10/1/2023-9/30/2024).

Saluting Branches

In addition to volunteering, WTS sponsored Saluting Branches to give back to our fallen heroes and help to show them the respect that they deserve.

Wreaths Across America

In addition to volunteering, WTS purchased 150 wreaths to be placed on graves as a special thank you to our Veterans.

American Heart Association

DALLAS HEART WALK

The American Heart Association’s mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer healthier lives. We sponsored Team Oncor for the Dallas Heart Walk for the fourth year in a row.

Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth

Our customer, Omaha Public Power District, teamed up with Metropolitan Utilities District to host the annual Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth since 2007. All proceeds benefit local utility assistance programs. We participated in and sponsored the event in 2024.

United Way – Greater St. Louis

The United Way’s mission is to help people of all ages build successful lives and become more self-sufficient. We made our third consecutive donation to this regional chapter in proud support of the mission.

Best Buddies Indiana

Best Buddies International is dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Second Chance Program

We established the Second Chance Program through conversations with local probation offices, work release programs, and halfway houses. The program aims to provide a structured work environment for folks looking for a second chance. The program hired its first employee in 2021.

I’m incredibly grateful that my job has given me a second chance, a real opportunity to step into a new career path. It’s a chance to grow, to redefine myself and to pursue something with purpose and fresh energy. I don’t take it lightly, and I’m committed to making the most of it.

- Anonymous

MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS Community Outreach Industry Presence

SACRAMENTO HEART BALL

For more than 50 years, Heart Balls have been raising funds to support research and other community-based efforts in support of AHA’s overall mission. We proudly sponsored and attended this year’s ball.

American Red Cross – Heroes of the Heartland

The American Red Cross Heroes of the Heartland initiative brings together people from the community to honor ordinary people who have gone above and beyond in service to others. We were proud to return this year as a presenting sponsor

$75,810 in financial contributions for the 2024 fiscal year

Attendance & Engagement

Our regional and executive leaders traveled to 42 conferences in 20 states and Canada during 2024. These networking and learning opportunities keep us connected to our industry.

Thought Leadership

Alongside our busy attendance, sponsorship, and exhibiting schedule, we also encourage interested team members to pursue presentation opportunities. This year, several WTS team members shared their expertise as part of industry event programming.

Reputation

Attendance & Engagement

Our regional and executive leaders traveled to 42 conferences in 20 states and Canada during 2024. These networking and learning opportunities keep us connected to our industry.

Thought Leadership

Alongside our busy attendance, sponsorship, and exhibiting schedule, we also encourage interested team members to pursue presentation opportunities. This year, several WTS team members shared their expertise as part of industry event programming.

Company & Professional Memberships

WTS is part of the following professional organizations:

- Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)

- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

- Utility Arborist Association (UAA)

- National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)

- American Short Line and Railroad Association (ALSRRA)

- American Power Association

Recognition

PINE AWARD

The Utility Arborist Association is the leading North American organization for the enhancement of quality utility arboriculture and right-of-way management.

Companies that go above and beyond to support their mission are recognized annually. UAA membership, sponsorship, advertising, active committee volunteerism and many other means have been quantified and assigned a value, all adding up to equal a Partners in Excellence (PinE) score.

We received Bronze recognition in 2024.

CHUCK GOODMAN EXCELLENCE AWARD

We received the 2024 Chuck Goodman Excellence Award from the IowaIllinois Safety Council. This award is presented to one member organization for going above and beyond in the name of safety.

COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD

We were thrilled to receive a Community Assist Award for our support of Watson Barbershop’s Cuttin’ Up Barber Showcase in Lawrence, Kansas. Division Manager Nate Demby accepted the award on behalf of Wright Tree Service. “It was very humbling and honoring,” Nate said. “We’re proud to support the communities that we work in.”

Publications & Press Releases

We distribute press releases to local and national news entities as well as industry publications to share information with industry partners and the general public. Many press releases are focused on WTS promotions and appointments of leadership.

Team members from across our company write and submit articles/columns for various industry publications.

2024 Social Media

We use LinkedIn and Facebook to share updates about our company to employees, customers and the community.

13,041 5,625

followers 6,206 1,521

posts Impressions Engagements 205 1,784,051 98,215 Published posts Impressions Engagements 180 255,165 33,594

Community Engagement Goals

GOAL

Community Engagement: Continue to grow the Second Chance Program.

STATUS

Contribution: Increase support for Arbor Day Foundation and Saluting Branches through in-kind and monetary donations.

Closing

Wright Tree Service employee owners strive to live out our values and improve our sustainable practices. We’re committed to a bright future for all, and we invest in the communities we serve through innovation, integrity, and teamwork. We want to ensure that the decisions we make today have a positive impact.

Appendix

An evaluation by EcoPractices®, a sustainability risk management tool from Eocene Environmental Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Wright Service Corp. (WSC), in partnership with WSC. This report is intended to showcase the sustainability journey of Wright Tree Service, dedicated to recognizing their responsibility toward their mission, vision and values for their employee owners, partners, clients and the public.

This Section

Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) Appendix

Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) Appendix

Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) Appendix (Continued)