USW Member retirement questions….

Name    Steve Hunter    

 Total years working at the Prattville Mill.    40

 Total years in Operations    18

Total years in Maintenance.   22

Areas in the mill you worked.                                                                                                                          Reserve Labor, Shipping, Paper Machines, Technical, Steam and Power, Maintenance.

 Plans upon retirement:                                                                                                                                             More Motorcycle trips, Visit Western U. S., Visit Europe

Hobbies?                                                                                                                                                                  Cycling, Shooting, Motor Cycling, and Golf

Any info/advise would like to share on the retirement preparation? Things to consider?                          Cannot start too early when dealing with the Employee Service Center. Do not take no for an answer. If you believe you are right. Keep asking. There are many opinions out there instead of facts. Keeping talking with another representative.

How did you know it was time to retire?                                                                                                          When I hit my number financially.

People who influenced you from the mill in a positive way.                                                                                Wayne Smith, Tobit Ellis, D.W. Smith.

 What advice for the new guys?                                                                                                                                     Start saving immediately, Put money back. Listen to the senior employees concerning your job and work issues.

What advice for the guys with 25 years in with the company?                                                                           The end is coming, but you will get there. Mentor the young ones.

How do you want to be remembered?                                                                                                                        Did not whine and complain about trivial issues. Tried to get along with everyone. I listened more than I talked.

Last comments:                                                                                                                                                                Keep moving and stay active. Continue to try new things.  Everything is not about you. Thankful for the Union members that made great sacrifices before me. Because of those sacrifices I reaped the benefits and conditions in my job.

Steve is retiring at age 61 and going out on the "Levelized Plan".  His retirement date starts August 1, 2018.