Vopak Canada launched the first "Search for Savings" contest, designed to encourage suggestions from all Vopak North America employees that could save money for the company and its customers.

According to Mark de Hueck, General Manager of Vopak Terminals in Canada, no one imagined that the program would elicit such an overwhelming and spirited response. "To our absolute amazement, in a two-week period, approximately 400 ideas were submitted," he exclaimed.

Each region and terminal appointed an independent panel to review suggestions and select winners. Ideas were evaluated based on originality, feasibililty of implementation, cost-savings potential, among other criteria. Due to the overwhelming number of outstanding entries, the judges elected to award three grand prizes.

The Grand Prize of $1,000 went to the following three employees: Don Summers, Los Angeles Terminal, who suggested converting all toilets to low flush; Peggy Lucas, West Loop, who recommended revising the Vopak travel policy for management; and Michael Summers, Los Angeles, who suggested the installation of a hot oil filtering system.

In addition, 47 people received an Apple iPod prize for their suggestions and contributions. Some of their ideas included:

• Installing aerators in all faucets
• Utilizing boiler condensate return lines
• Washing and reusing work gloves
• Putting office lights on a timer
• Using energy-efficient light bulbs
• Storing documents electronically to lower stationery costs
• Allowing employees to cash out their allotted vacation time

Congratulations to everyone who searched for ways to save money. The ideas submitted ensure we all win!