They were ready: Dieb Enterprises was promoting healthy workforce – before COVID
In January, staff at Dieb Enterprises decided 2020 would be the year to promote a healthier workforce and prevent influenza outbreaks at the Hillsboro-area facility, 9334 State Hwy BB.
They started an education and wellness program that includes using hand sanitizer, hand washing, using precautions when sneezing or coughing, and social distancing.
“We didn’t have any idea how much these changes would help us when the pandemic hit,” said Debbie Politte, Dieb president and CEO.
Dieb Enterprises opened in 1982 and employs about 100 people.
“We are a small manufacturing and service organization for the soft drink, vending, transit and gaming industry,” Politte said.
The company, deemed an essential business, needed to keep employees healthy to keep operating.
“It’s really a family business here,” Politte said. She and her sister, Diane Hunter, took over from their parents.
“Our employees are a continuation of that family. They are our No. 1 priority,” Politte said.
Employees had an option to take unpaid leave if they didn’t feel safe at the plant. At the facility, staffers continued following health precautions set in place in January.
“Luckily, we haven’t had any cases,” Politte said.
But the business did take an economic hit.
“As restaurants close, that lessens the need for the products we supply,” Politte said. “I think we’ve gotten through this largely intact. (Our employees) have given a lot to help us get through.”
The staff plans to give back this holiday season. Dieb employees each year hold a food and toy drive. Politte feared that the drive might be canceled for 2020.
“But we’re doing it again. A lot of people are in need and our people want to help,” she said. Food is donated to the Hillsboro Food Pantry and toys are given to the Jefferson County Foster Care program.
