USW Member retirement questions….

Name   Steve Bland

Total years working at the Prattville Mill.     42

Total years in Operations   18

Total years in Maintenance.    24

Areas in the mill you worked:                                                                                                                          Reserve Labor, Woodyard, Lab Technician, Maintenance

Plans upon retirement –                                                                                                                                   Running hay business that I have been running for 10 years. Having more time to spend with the Children and Grandchildren.

Hobbies?                                                                                                                                                                     Horses, Team Rodeos, Member of United States Team Roping Championship. 

Any info/advice would like to share on the retirement preparation? Things to consider?                     Do not wait to the last minute.                                                                                                                                Seek financial help from a financial advisor on retirement choices.                                                                    There are a lot of choices to consider that will make a huge financial impact.

How did you know it was time to retire?                                                                                                                   I am done. Time to do something else. I have made my retirement. Time for someone to take my place as a mechanic and earn their living to provide for their family.

Any special memories you would like to share with other employees?                                                    Growing up with fellow workers. Some of us came to work at the mill as teenagers and now grew old together. Life long friends for over 49 years. Shared the good times and the bad with fellow workers at the mill.

People who influenced you from the mill in a positive way.                                                                     Fellow crew members, so many people that I would hate to miss any by name.

What advice for the new guys?                                                                                                                              Take advantage of the knowledge of the older mechanics. Take advantage of all training. Even in the early days of your employment have a plan for retirement. 

What advice for the guys with 25 years in with the company?                                                              Prepare for retirement. Have a plan for retirement.

How do you want to be remembered?                                                                                                                  The important thing is to be honest and look out for your fellow employees.

Would you be willing to come back as a guest to a Local Union Meeting to share with Post Retirement advise?                                                                                                                                                    yes 

Last comments:                                                                                                                                                        Thank you to my fellow crew members who have helped me throughout the years. They have helped me to make a living for my family. I could not done it without them. If you don’t know how to do something get in their and help and that is the way you learn. Again I especially want to thank every one of those men who helped me make a paycheck.