October, 2011 NewsletterLight at the End of the TunnelBy Kathy Mellor, Topaz Lighting As you all know by now, a devastating tornado hit Joplin Missouri late Sunday afternoon on May 22nd 2011. With 162 casualties it ranked as one of Missouri's and America's deadliest tornadoes and will most likely be one of the costliest. The estimated cost to rebuild Joplin could reach 3 billion dollars. Topaz does business with companies in Joplin which were directly affected by the tornado. According to Dennis from D & D Sales in Missouri, "A bulldozer cut the fiber optic lines and most businesses could not operate for days after the storm. Cell phone service was erratic and electric lines were down. Thankfully a caravan of 85 trucks came to restore service to the area." We also spoke with Paul Gooch from Russell Belden Electric. He expressed great appreciation for Topaz after the storm hit. Topaz sent numerous electric items to help get homes and businesses in Joplin back to full power. Two employees at this location lost their homes and cars, and these families are still in temporary housing. The Russell Belden building had some roof damage and electricity was spotty at best. In spite of the circumstances, they are grateful they are fully operational and working hard to rebuild the city they live and work in. Bob Heiniger of Covert Electric Supply told us that over 18,000 people lost their vehicles, and 1/3 of the city property had been destroyed. They had only one employee who lost their home, but more than 15 of their customers were not so lucky. He said, "One of the newspaper's claimed more than 6,500 homes in the area were destroyed." Bob is still concerned when he talks about the housing situation in Joplin. Two major apartment complexes were destroyed and there are families with insurance issues trying to get back on their feet. He is grateful for the small town feeling in Joplin, and hears over and over about friends and family who stepped up taking in as many as possible. He also told us the government housing that is going up in the area is much nicer than they had expected. On the other hand he is upset that major rebuilding in the area by large chains such as CVS and Home Depot seem to be bringing in their own material and outside workers. He remains optimistic that business is increasing and Joplin will rebuild and again be a great place to live and work. Employee SpotlightKen Gomes, Vice President
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Topaz Electric offers a complete line of UL listed Weatherproof Boxes, Covers and Fixtures designed to protect wiring devices, switches, Electronic components and terminal blocks in damp & wet locations. Topaz Weatherproof products offer piece of mind for all your outdoor electrical installations. Our Superior Commercial Quality Die Cast Metal Boxes include Closure plugs, Ground screw and mounting hardware with a premium Powdercoat Finish. Available in Single & Double Gang sizes with various NPT plug openings. Weatherproof Covers are made with Zinc and Aluminum metal in a Powdercoat finish. Available in Single and Double Gang, mounting hardware and gaskets included. Topaz Weatherproof Boxes, Covers and Lampholder are individually shrink wrapped, labeled and bar coded for ease of handling and identification. Clear UL logo and volumetric marking cast into each box and extension ring help facilitate during an electrical inspection. Compliances and Certifications
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