Ross Environmental Services, Inc.

Dr. Michael Schaefer (left) and Maureen Cromling presented the award
to Jim Heimbuch.

James A. Heimbuch, Senior Vice President of Business Development of Ross Environmental Services, Inc. was recently named the first recipient of the Philip T. Schaefer Vision Award by the Ross companies.

Heimbuch was presented the award at the Ross companies' Annual Service Awards event held on Saturday January 28, 2012. He has been with the Ross companies for more than 27 years in a number of capacities including Vice President of Environmental Affairs, Chief Operating Officer and President of Ross Incineration Services, Inc.

The Vision Award was created by the Ross companies to honor the memory of Philip T. Schaefer, who was the Vice President of Operations for Ross Incineration Services, Inc. at a critical time in the history of the company. Phil later served in several other capacities within the Ross companies including consulting for sales and as project manager for the first Process Safety Management study done by the company.

In addition to working for Ross Incineration Services, Phil was active in a number of community organizations including the First Congregational UCC in Elyria, the Elyria Rotary Club and Leadership Lorain County. Phil passed away in 2011 following a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. Throughout his life, Phil was a living example of the Ross companies' values in action. Phil was an active and tireless volunteer, athlete, environmentalist and sportsman. He demonstrated his commitment to his coworkers, to health and wellness, to the community and to the environment on a daily basis.

The Vision Award will be presented annually to an associate of the Ross companies who exemplifies Phil's commitment to the companies, the community and the environment. Associates of the Ross companies nominated candidates for the award and a selection committee which includes members of the Schaefer family, and company and community representatives, made the final selection.

Maureen M. Cromling, Chairman of the Board of the Ross companies and Dr. Michael Schaefer, Phil's son, presented the award to Heimbuch.

"Jim Heimbuch truly exemplifies our corporate values. He is focused on safety, dedicated to our customers and associates and has been actively involved in our community programs as well as a volunteer for his church. Jim demonstrates integrity and high ethical standards on a daily basis," said Cromling.

Originally from Iowa, Heimbuch received a BS in chemical engineering from Iowa State University in 1969. After serving in the U.S. Army as a chemical corps officer, Heimbuch worked at a number of other companies before joining Ross Incineration Services in 1984. Heimbuch is an alumnus of Leadership Lorain County and is a Registered Professional Engineer.

Heimbuch and his wife, Judy reside in Avon Lake, Ohio.

• Environmental Services
• Transportation Services
• Incineration Services