December 2025 Edition Read about the new acquisition, resolutions, CDL obtainers, and more! Now Live: The XKIG Story The video “Who Is XKIG?” highlights the scope, expertise, and momentum behind our work nationwide. It shows how our teams respond during disasters, how safety and data-driven decisions are made in the field, and how recent growth is helping us become a full-service partner for utilities across the country. Watch now to see who we are, what we do, and how we’re building for the future. Welcome Timberline Clearing We’re excited to share that XKIG has acquired Timberline Clearing, a respected provider of right-of-way cutting and clearing services. This partnership expands our capabilities and strengthens our ability to serve utility, natural gas, electric, and railroad partners nationwide. Just as important, it brings a talented team with a strong reputation for safety, reliability, and quality into the XKIG family. We’re proud to welcome Timberline and look forward to growing together. See the story here . Partnering for Industry Progress: Utility Arborist Association (UAA) We maintain a longstanding partnership with UAA, a key leader in safety, workforce development, regulatory compliance, and innovation within the utility vegetation management sector. Our gold sponsorship enables both Xylem and Kendall to enhance industry collaboration and bolster workforce pipelines, while also supporting improved operational safety and long-term grid resilience. Read more about the value of our partnership here . New Year’s Resolution: Take Charge of Your Health with the Sydney App Downloading Anthem’s Sydney app helps you achieve your health goals with personalized tools to find care, track progress, access benefits, and get guidance. It supports all your health resolutions like fitness, stress management, and preventive care, making health management easier. Watch the video to see how Sydney helps you take charge of your health. Congrats to the November GF School Grads! We wrapped another great GF School session with the following 11 attendees: Kyle Farris, William Smith, Joshua Stigall, Josh Dobbs, Frank Harris, Timothy Frazier, Gilberto Guillen Velasco, Matt Ryberg, Gerardo Escobedo, Raul Lopez, and Salvador Fonseca . Happy Holidays! As the year ends, we’re grateful for the commitment and care you bring to your work and to one another. May this holiday season bring you peace, joy, and time well spent with family and friends. Thank you for being part of our team, and best wishes for a wonderful New Year. Between the Branches Congrats to our Newly Licensed Commercial Drivers! Congratulations to the following team members for obtaining their Commercial Driver’s License last month: Class A: Cody Hackner and Joshua Hicks Class B: Dakota Pike, Soloman Cumbo, and Calib Willis We applaud these five employees for successfully completing the classroom session, field training course, and skills test to achieve these qualifications. Please note: We are postponing classes until the first of the year. All of our crews are working hard to finish their contracts by year's end, and we will focus on completing everyone’s skills evaluations and helping them obtain their CDL licenses. Compliments for the Crew A Clinton, MS, resident called in to share that in the 22 years he has owned his property, he has never seen it look so good. With more than 210 acres maintained, he praised the crew (Nathan Sullivan, Brandon Stepro, Tavalas Peyton, David Haynes, Mario Womac Jr., Markavion Owens, and George Place ) for being precise, neat, and well organized, and expressed how fortunate our utility partner is to have a team like Kendall. - Galin H. We Want to Hear from You! Do you have suggested article ideas or pictures to share? Email us at marketinghelp@xkig.com !

November 2025 Edition Read about the Hoovers' vision in TCI Magazine, Glenn Hardin's retirement, and more! TCI Magazine Leadership Shoutout Every company has a story, and ours started with two brothers who believed the utility services industry needed improvement. Today, XKIG is driven by a people-first culture and top-tier execution. This month, that story received national recognition as CEO Randolph Hoover and President Benjamin Hoover were featured in Tree Care Industry Magazine’s “Faces of the Industry,” showcasing leaders shaping the future of vegetation management and infrastructure services. Read more here . Glenn Hardin Retires Glenn founded Hardin Tree in 2011, building a company recognized throughout Oklahoma and Texas for safety, reliability, and heart. After joining the Xylem family in 2024 (read more here ), he continued to lead with the dedication and integrity that defined his career. Glenn leaves a legacy of leadership, service, and character. Wishing him a well-deserved and meaningful retirement. October GF School is Complete! I just wanted to extend a thank you for the GF school I attended last week. I’ll be honest, I really wasn't wanting to come. After I got there and classes started, I was glued. I enjoyed every min. It lit a fire in me. I was getting numb, I guess you could say, to my role and job. Now, after attending, I am looking at Power BI scores closely. Looking at ways to improve. I know to reach out to different departments for help. I hope this class just gets better for future students. Thank you all so much. I know I didn't include everyone, please let all involved know I truly appreciate their time and knowledge. Thank you again so much. I see a bigger picture of the company. - Richard Brooks , General Foreperson We wrapped another great GF School session with the following 18 attendees: Aaron Utegg, Amanda Franklin, Anthony Preast, Barry Buckley, Bobby Willard, Brandon Lewis, Cory Parsons, Dylan Richardson, Issac Abilez, James Anthony Norton, James Bohannon, Jarad Hall, Jason Hollis, Juddson Dunn, Matt Spivey, Robert Laskowski, Todd Richey, and Walter Naillon. Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you and your family a joyful, restful, and safe holiday weekend. Thank you for all you do. Whether you're traveling, cooking, or celebrating close to home, please take good care and enjoy the time with loved ones. Between the Branches Congrats to our Newly Licensed Commercial Drivers! Congratulations to the employees who participated in our most recent training class in Johnson City, TN. The following team members obtained their Commercial Driver’s License last month: Class B: Joe Myrell, Benjamin Sherrill, Charles Thomas, and James Williams. We applaud these four employees for successfully completing the classroom session, field training course, and skills test to achieve these qualifications! Please note: We are postponing classes until the first of the year. All of our crews are working hard to finish their contracts by year's end, and we will focus on completing everyone’s skills evaluations and helping them obtain their CDL licenses. Compliments for the Crew "Xylem did some tree trimming work for the power company on my property in Lake City, FL this week. They were great. They just got done and they left the place perfect. They did a fantastic job. Thanks!" - Cameron We Want to Hear from You! Do you have suggested article ideas or pictures to share? Email us at marketinghelp@xkig.com !

Are you a new hire? Remember, you have 30 days to sign up for benefits. Visit our Benefits site at xkig.hrbenefits.net Wellness Wednesdays For questions about your benefits, please email: benefits@xkig.com Better Understand Insurance Terms To better understand your coverage and make the best plan selection for your specific needs, it’s helpful to be familiar with healthcare vocabulary. Take a moment to review these terms, which may be referenced throughout this Benefits Website . Do You Have Your New Insurance Cards? Reminder – you should have received your new Anthem and Lincoln dental cards. If not, you can download the Anthem card yourself on the Sydney Health app and print it, and the Lincoln dental card can be found by downloading the Lincoln dental app here . Take Care of Yourself and Get Rewarded! Preventive screenings such as annual physicals, cervical cancer, and prostate health checks are one of the best ways to stay healthy by catching issues early, often before symptoms appear. Many recommended screenings are covered by your health plan. Even better, completing eligible preventive care can earn you rewards. Check out the new Rewards Brochure to see how you can earn up to $200. Find out which screenings qualify and how to participate here . Boosting Your Benefits Resolutions That Support You Working toward healthier habits this year? Your benefits are here to help. Nutrition support: Connect with a licensed nutritionist through our Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) with Anthem and Lincoln Financial Group for help with meal planning, energy, and healthy routines. Anthem EAP can be found here (Spanish version ). LFG EAP can be found here (Spanish version ). Smoking cessation: If you’re ready to quit or keep the progress going after our November focus, confidential support is available anytime. Get support here . Alcohol & substance help: January is National Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, a reminder that private, judgment-free support is available year-round through Aspire 365 and the EAP. Access Aspire 365 resources here . All services are confidential and designed to fit your schedule. Stay Ahead of Flu Season Feeling sick? Skip the waiting room. Telemedicine lets you talk to a doctor by phone or video for flu and cold symptoms, often on the same day. Telemedicine can be found here . It’s not too late in the season to get a flu shot. It’s a simple way to protect yourself and your crew, with many options covered at little or no cost. Flu Shots here . You may qualify for up to $500/year for getting a Physical! Are you enrolled in the Anthem 6500 Health Savings Account (HSA) Medical Plan? If so, you can earn up to $500 per year! When you complete an annual physical, XKIG will contribute $125 to your account each quarter. To receive all 4 employer contributions of $125 in 2026, proof of physical needs to be submitted to Wellworks by March 1, 2026, if it wasn’t previously submitted in 2025. An employee can earn subsequent contributions if proof of physical is submitted later, but there won’t be any retroactive funding. For example, if proof of physical is submitted on August 5, 2026 for the first time, employees will only receive Q3 and Q4 contributions. The Proof of Annual Physical Form needs to be received by December 1, 2026 to receive Q4 funding of $125. Details are outlined in the Wellworks Program guide that has been emailed and can be found here: https://xkig.hrbenefits.net/health-savings-account/ If you have any questions reach out to Benefits at 877-949-1113 or benefits@xkig.com for assistance. For questions about your benefits, please email: benefits@xkig.com Are you a new hire? Remember, you have 30 days to sign up for benefits. Visit our Benefits site at xkig.hrbenefits.net We Want to Hear from You! Do you have suggested article ideas or pictures to share? Email us at marketinghelp@xkig.com !

Are you a new hire? Remember, you have 30 days to sign up for benefits. Visit our Benefits site for more information about all things benefits related! xkig.hrbenefits.net Wellness Wednesdays For questions about your benefits, please email: benefits@xylemtree.com Open enrollment is coming October 20-31! Any changes you make will start January 1. This is your chance to add, drop, or update coverage without needing a qualifying life event. If you don’t make changes, your current benefits will automatically carry over into 2026. Important: If you’re on the Anthem 6500 plan with an HSA, you’ll need to choose a new HSA contribution amount for 2026 to keep contributing. You will start receiving text messages and emails with more details in the near future. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Did you know that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer? Early detection saves lives. Here are some tips: Get the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test starting at age 40. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and family history. If you’re a survivor, share your story to inspire others. Here is more information on prostate cancer screening: Screening for Prostate Cancer | Prostate Cancer | CDC . CDC - PHQ Depression Questionnaire This October 9 is Depression Screening Awareness Day. Having depression is more than a bad day or the blues. It can interfere with your daily life. Find symptoms and treatment here. Also, here is a depression screening tool . The good news is that depression is very common and can be managed. Our two EAP options are available 24/7 and can help you with depression, anxiety, or whatever else life throws your way. Lincoln Financial EmployeeConnect EAP: Check out the flyer here . Spanish version here . Anthem EAP: When you call, say you work for XKIG . More information can be found here . Telemedicine for Flu Season We like using software programs to track our fleets and assets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses FluView Interactive , a surveillance system to see where flu can be found this season. This is also a good time of year to remember your telemedicine benefit. Whether you have a cold, you’re feeling anxious, or need help managing your medication, you can have face-to-face visits with a board-certified doctor, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Go to livehealthonline.com or download the free mobile app from the App Store® or Google Play™. Boosting Your Benefits Get Ready for a New Team Walking Challenge! Our next team walking challenge is called Health is Wealth. It will begin November 8 and last for six weeks. Start with 5,000 steps per day and finish strong with 6,000 steps per day. As we gear up for the holidays and a busy time of year, consistency is the best investment! For questions about your benefits, please email: benefits@xylemtree.com Are you a new hire? Remember, you have 30 days to sign up for benefits. Visit our Benefits site for more information about all things benefits related! xkig.hrbenefits.net

Are you a new hire? Remember, you have 30 days to sign up for benefits. Visit our Benefits site at xkig.hrbenefits.net Wellness Wednesdays For questions about your benefits, please email: benefits@xkig.com Need a Little Help? We've Got You April is Alcohol Awareness Month. This is a time to learn how alcohol can affect our health, safety, and daily life. Many people use alcohol to relax or cope with stress, but too much can cause problems at work, at home, and with our health. If you or someone you care about is struggling, you are not alone. Help is available. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free and confidential support for you and your family. You can talk to a trained counselor, get advice, and find helpful resources. Support is available 24/7. See the resources below: Lincoln Financial EmployeeConnect EAP: Check out the flyer here , en Español . Anthem EAP: When you call, please state that you work for XKIG. More information can be found here, en Español aqui . Stress is something everyone feels, and there are simple ways to manage it. Taking short breaks, going for a walk, getting enough sleep, and talking to someone you trust can all help you feel better. It’s also important to take a few minutes each day to slow down and breathe. Taking care of your stress is an important step toward staying healthy and feeling your best. Speaking of stress help, read more for our upcoming walking challenge. Walking Challenge: A Grand Adventure Awaits Lace up your sneakers! Our next walking challenge, Grand Adventure, kicks off June 15! This 4-week challenge will take you on a virtual journey through the Grand Canyon. To keep it fun and doable, the goal is at least 6,000 steps a day. We’ll have prizes for the top three teams, and anyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a raffle drawing, so every step counts! More details on rewards are coming soon. Start getting your teams together and get ready to step into the adventure. Let’s Talk About Medicare Are you or a loved one turning 65 soon? Learn more about Medicare with these free webinars . Planning for Retirement : April 28 at 3 p.m. ET / Click here to register / Phone: (872) 267-6179 / Conference ID: 830 768 259 Turning 65 : May 5 at 2 p.m. ET / Register: Click here to register / Phone: (872) 267-6179 / Conference ID: 455 813 998 Boosting Your Benefits Don't Skip Your Checkup April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a good reminder to take care of your health. Regular dental checkups and screenings can help catch problems early, when they are easier to treat. This is especially important if you have a history of tobacco use, including chewing tobacco, which can increase your risk. A quick screening during your dental visit can make a big difference. If it’s been a while since your last checkup, now is a great time to schedule one and take a simple step toward protecting your health. The Lincoln mobile app can help you find an in-network dentist close to you. Follow these links to the Apple and Google stores to download. Don’t Forget Your Credit Union Perks! We’ve partnered with Utilities Employees Credit Union (UECU) to give all employees special banking benefits! XKIG employees have a great opportunity to earn extra cash by joining! From April 22 through May 7, you can receive a $100 new member bonus when you sign up . Along with the bonus, UECU offers added benefits like a Kasasa checking account with rewards and the convenience of direct deposit or ACH services. It’s a simple way to make your money work a little harder for you. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer! It’s easy to join and start saving — visit uecu.org/XKIG for more details. The 2026 Scholarship Contest is now open! For this year’s contest, UECU is selecting two winners and awarding each a $3,000 academic scholarship. If you or a family member will be attending college or a technical/trade school in the fall of 2026, you can enter for a chance to win a scholarship. Submit a scholarship application online by May 1, 2026. For questions about your benefits, please email: benefits@xkig.com Are you a new hire? Remember, you have 30 days to sign up for benefits. Visit our Benefits site at xkig.hrbenefits.net We Want to Hear from You! Do you have suggested article ideas or pictures to share? Email us at marketinghelp@xkig.com !

Are you a new hire? Remember, you have 30 days to sign up for benefits. Visit our Benefits site at xkig.hrbenefits.net Wellness Wednesdays For questions about your benefits, please email: benefits@xkig.com Help Starts with Your EAP May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important reminder that mental well-being is as important as physical safety and health. Life’s challenges can affect anyone, whether related to stress, anxiety, family concerns, finances, grief, or everyday pressures. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will deal with mental illness at some point. If you or someone you care about is struggling, you are not alone. Help is available. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free and confidential support for you and your family, no insurance necessary. You can talk to a trained counselor, get advice, and find helpful resources. Support is available 24/7. See the resources below: Lincoln Financial EmployeeConnect EAP: Check out the flyer here , en Español . Anthem EAP: When you call, please state that you work for XKIG. More information can be found here, en Español aqui . Your Grand Adventure Starts One Step at a Time Our next walking challenge, Grand Adventure, begins June 15 and takes participants on a 4-week virtual journey through the Grand Canyon. The challenge goal is a manageable 6,000 steps a day, making it easy for everyone to join in and stay active. Top-performing teams will earn prizes, and everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a raffle drawing. Every step counts! More details on rewards and how to participate are coming soon. Start building your teams now and get ready for the journey ahead. Thinking about Retirement? Catch this free webinar to learn more about: Understanding the COBRA trap Severance package considerations What happens to covered dependents Planning for Retirement : May 21 at 1 p.m. ET / Click here to register / Phone: (872) 267-6179 / Conference ID: 211 201 943 Boosting Your Benefits Take Care of Your Skin May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder to protect your skin both on and off the job. Early detection and prevention can make a major difference. Through the Sydney Health app, offered by Anthem, employees can access personalized health resources, find care providers, review benefits information, and take steps toward preventive care. Whether you work outdoors or spend time in the sun recreationally, don’t forget sunscreen, protective clothing, and regular skin checks. Small habits today can help prevent serious health issues tomorrow. The Sydney mobile app can help you find an in-network dermatologist close to you. Follow these links to the Apple and Google stores to download. Asthma Awareness Month Asthma can affect daily life, work performance, and overall well-being, especially during high-pollen seasons and periods of seasonal change. This Asthma Awareness Month, employees and covered family members may have access to additional support through the ConditionCare program. The program helps participants better understand and manage chronic conditions through education, personalized guidance, and health coaching. Managing symptoms early and staying on top of treatment plans can help reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life. To help you be at your best, the ConditionCare program offers free resources, including: 24/7 phone access to nurses who can address your health questions and concerns. Support from healthcare professionals to help you reach your health goals. Educational guides and useful tools to help you learn more about a specific condition. Find more about the ConditionCare program here , en Español aqui . For questions about your benefits, please email: benefits@xkig.com Are you a new hire? Remember, you have 30 days to sign up for benefits. Visit our Benefits site at xkig.hrbenefits.net We Want to Hear from You! Do you have suggested article ideas or pictures to share? Email us at marketinghelp@xkig.com !

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Are you a new hire? Remember, you have 30 days to sign up for benefits. Visit our Benefits site at xkig.hrbenefits.net Wellness Wednesdays For questions about your benefits, please email: benefits@xkig.com Why Blood Pressure Matters Checking your blood pressure is an easy way to help keep your heart healthy. February is Heart Health Month, which is a great reminder to pay attention to your blood pressure. If you have diabetes, you may be more likely to have high blood pressure too. Staying active, eating well, and not smoking can help keep your numbers in a healthy range. Talk with your doctor or health care team about simple steps you can take to manage your blood pressure and protect your heart. Here are tips on how to check your blood pressure at home: Measuring Your Blood Pressure | High Blood Pressure | CDC National Cancer Prevention Month Preventive screenings can help find problems early, when they are easier to treat. Many screenings may also earn you rewards through our benefits program. You can use the Sydney app to check your benefits, find screenings you may need, and track your rewards. Taking small steps now can help protect your health in the future. By downloading the Anthem’s Sydney app , you’re one step closer to healthy prevention. National Children’s Dental Health Month It’s always a great time to help kids learn how to take care of their teeth and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Some easy tips for healthy smiles: Brush teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste Floss once a day to clean between teeth Limit sugary snacks and drinks Drink water, especially after meals Visit the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings Healthy teeth help kids eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Starting good dental habits early can prevent cavities and keep smiles bright as kids grow. Many dental plans cover regular cleanings and checkups for children. Check your benefits or talk with your dentist to learn more. Boosting Your Benefits Maximize Your Dental Plan Benefits Did you know that your dental benefits may rollover? With Lincoln MaxRewards® maximum rollover feature you can: Manage and use benefit dollars you’d lose under a traditional plan. Build your MaxRewards account balance to cover large claims. Accumulate rollover amounts over time. How to access your MaxRewards account balance: Download the Lincoln Financial Mobile app from the Apple or Google app stores. Once logged in, Select Dental Insurance. You can find your balance within the Deductibles and Coinsurance tab under Plan Maximums. Log in to LincolnFinancial.com. Select Dental Insurance, then My Benefits and scroll to the bottom. Not registered? It’s quick and easy! You can also obtain your balance by calling Lincoln customer service at 800-423-2765 or by emailing Claims@LFG.com . For more information, click here . Save Time and Money with Mail-Order Pharmacy Mail-order prescriptions make getting your medicine easy and convenient. Instead of going to the pharmacy, your medications are delivered right to your home. Why use mail order? Get up to a 90-day supply at one time Save money compared to monthly refills Skip extra trips to the pharmacy Medications arrive safely by mail Mail order is great for the medicines you take every day. It helps you stay on track, saves time, and can lower your costs. Ask your doctor to send your prescription to the mail-order pharmacy or check your health plan for details. Learn more about the prescription program here: Prescriptions – XKIG It’s National Caregivers Day on February 20 Do you care for children, parents, or other loved ones? Caregiving can be rewarding but also stressful. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available at no cost and offers help with child and elder care resources, stress management, and everyday life challenges that you may be facing. If you are caring for someone and feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. Support is available 24/7. See the resources below: Lincoln Financial EmployeeConnect EAP: Check out the flyer here . Spanish version here . Anthem EAP: When you call, please state that you work for XKIG. More information can be found here . Spanish version here . For questions about your benefits, please email: benefits@xkig.com Are you a new hire? Remember, you have 30 days to sign up for benefits. Visit our Benefits site at xkig.hrbenefits.net We Want to Hear from You! Do you have suggested article ideas or pictures to share? Email us at marketinghelp@xkig.com !