Rick Omlor has a pretty simple motto
for YSI Inc. to live by, “Never doubt that a
small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” The quote,
from Margaret Mead, highlights the cover
page of the annual report for the company that designs senior instrumentation
and real-time monitoring systems for professionals who protect natural resources
and aquatic life.
Since he joined YSI in 1995, Omlor has
seen that, that quote is quite true at a company with such a high charge. As he was
promoted up the company ladder, becoming president in 2000 and CEO in 2002,
Omlor didn’t know how much his leadership style would have to reflect that idea.
In late 2001, the Ohio EPA and Ohio
Department of Health conducted well
sampling that led to findings of volatile
organic compounds in wells near YSI.
While the problem had developed well
before Omlor’s time, his charge was to
rebuild the trust and belief both internally
and externally that the company was more
committed than ever to its goal of helping
the environment.
He implemented full disclosure to both
his people and the public. While many
companies shied away from environmental pressures, Omlor saw it as an opportunity. YSI held town-hall meetings and
answered tough questions to reassure citizens that the necessary steps were being
taken to rectify the situation.
As YSI pulled itself out of the challenge,
YSI dedicated more time and resources to
community commitments and re-established itself as a good and responsible
neighbor.
HOW TO REACH: YSI Inc., (937) 767-7241 or www.ysi.com