Letters to the editor

A worldwide perspective

It is wonderful to see articles about Rockwell Collins locations around the world finally being published in Horizons magazine. This allows our readers to learn about what is happening at those locations from both a business and community perspective.

I also enjoy reading articles about new acquisitions — such as Anzus, Inc., and IP Unwired — which were published in Volume 11, Issue 4, 2006. I especially noticed the timeliness of these articles, which provided a warm welcome to our new employees, and also gave current employees an opportunity to learn about the new companies that had joined our Rockwell Collins family.

I also truly enjoy the new online version of Horizons. This is a great addition. I enjoy reading it at my leisure and also have found several articles that are not available in print.

Heidi Beals
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

A renewed focus on our people

The new redesign of Horizons magazine — and its renewed focus on our people — is fantastic.

As a member of the Engineering & Technology organization at Rockwell Collins, I frequently hear my Design & Development Cycle Time Reduction project team members refer to the importance of our "people, processes and tools." Please note the reference to "people" comes before anything else, because "people" are an essential ingredient in our recipe for success. The best processes and tools in the world will not make a difference without dedicated people working to implement them.

In recent issues of Horizons — both the print and new online versions — the photographs and quotes provided allow our readers to become more engaged. For example, in the article "A look ahead at FY'07," which was published in Volume 12, Issue 1, 2007, it was much easier to understand our business. Instead of being written in marketing and corporate speak, this article was more personal because it was explained by our colleagues. Articles that include employee perspectives and real-life testimonials are much more motivational.

I really appreciate your efforts to incorporate our people into this publication. I believe our readers — employees, retirees, customers, shareowners and potential employees — are now being given a more accurate picture of what makes Rockwell Collins such a great place to work.

Kristen Brown
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Wellness program embraced

Weight loss resolutions were a frequent topic of conversation among Dallas Service Base employees in 2006. When Service Representative Andy Garcia caught wind of these conversations, he decided to apply the same concept used by the television reality show, "The Biggest Loser," to help his colleagues shed their extra pounds.

The weight loss competition he organized continued for six weeks. At the end of the competition, a winner was announced. As the weeks and months passed, the pounds that our employees worked so hard to lose started finding their way back.

At the beginning of 2007, the weight loss competition started once again. This time, however, we decided to make it a recurring event— one that would start again every six weeks — in an effort to help our employees sustain their weight loss goals.

Halfway through this year's competition, Andy talked with our local management about introducing a local wellness program in Dallas. His concern was that our competition alone would not provide the necessary information and support our employees needed. Ironically, we also learned at that time about the introduction of the new wellness program at Rockwell Collins.

I believe our company's new wellness program is a great opportunity to help employees incorporate changes into their daily lives by making healthier lifestyle choices. The Dallas Service Base has fully embraced the desire to get healthy and physically fit, and we thank our company for helping us do so.

Renee Hubener
Dallas, Texas

Volume 12 Issue 2 > Letters to the editor
Volume 12 Issue 2 Open to innovative ideas Inventor of the Year Scott Zogg Engineers of the Year Mike Espenes Steve Robbins Rob Frank The power of a simple choice From Clay Jones Executive profile - Kent Statler Letters to the editor Contributors in this issue Across our company Service anniversaries Retirees In memoriam Facility spotlight		Letters to the editor A worldwide perspective It is wonderful to see articles about Rockwell Collins locations around the world finally being published in Horizons magazine. This allows our readers to learn about what is happening at those locations from both a business and community perspective. I also enjoy reading articles about new acquisitions — such as Anzus, Inc., and IP Unwired — which were published in Volume 11, Issue 4, 2006. I especially noticed the timeliness of these articles, which provided a warm welcome to our new employees, and also gave current employees an opportunity to learn about the new companies that had joined our Rockwell Collins family. I also truly enjoy the new online version of Horizons. This is a great addition. I enjoy reading it at my leisure and also have found several articles that are not available in print. Heidi Beals Cedar Rapids, Iowa A renewed focus on our people The new redesign of Horizons magazine — and its renewed focus on our people — is fantastic. As a member of the Engineering & Technology organization at Rockwell Collins, I frequently hear my Design & Development Cycle Time Reduction project team members refer to the importance of our "people, processes and tools." Please note the reference to "people" comes before anything else, because "people" are an essential ingredient in our recipe for success. The best processes and tools in the world will not make a difference without dedicated people working to implement them. In recent issues of Horizons — both the print and new online versions — the photographs and quotes provided allow our readers to become more engaged. For example, in the article "A look ahead at FY'07," which was published in Volume 12, Issue 1, 2007, it was much easier to understand our business. Instead of being written in marketing and corporate speak, this article was more personal because it was explained by our colleagues. Articles that include employee perspectives and real-life testimonials are much more motivational. I really appreciate your efforts to incorporate our people into this publication. I believe our readers — employees, retirees, customers, shareowners and potential employees — are now being given a more accurate picture of what makes Rockwell Collins such a great place to work. Kristen Brown Cedar Rapids, Iowa Wellness program embraced Weight loss resolutions were a frequent topic of conversation among Dallas Service Base employees in 2006. When Service Representative Andy Garcia caught wind of these conversations, he decided to apply the same concept used by the television reality show, "The Biggest Loser," to help his colleagues shed their extra pounds. The weight loss competition he organized continued for six weeks. At the end of the competition, a winner was announced. As the weeks and months passed, the pounds that our employees worked so hard to lose started finding their way back. At the beginning of 2007, the weight loss competition started once again. This time, however, we decided to make it a recurring event— one that would start again every six weeks — in an effort to help our employees sustain their weight loss goals. Halfway through this year's competition, Andy talked with our local management about introducing a local wellness program in Dallas. His concern was that our competition alone would not provide the necessary information and support our employees needed. Ironically, we also learned at that time about the introduction of the new wellness program at Rockwell Collins. I believe our company's new wellness program is a great opportunity to help employees incorporate changes into their daily lives by making healthier lifestyle choices. The Dallas Service Base has fully embraced the desire to get healthy and physically fit, and we thank our company for helping us do so. Renee Hubener Dallas, Texas		Letters guidelines Horizons provides its letters page for readers to state their opinions. The page is intended to encourage an exchange of ideas and information that stimulates dialogue on issues or events in our company. The opinions may not necessarily reflect those of Rockwell Collins. Letters must include name, organization and a telephone number for verification purposes. Letters may be edited for grammar, syntax and size. Talk to us.