Vulcan's McCook Quarry awarded for Excellence in Community Relations

January 14, 2009 - If the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) has anything to say about it, 2008 was a winning year for the McCook community. The NSSGA today announced that Vulcan Materials Company's McCook Quarry would be honored for Excellence in Community Relations. Known for creative programs geared to support and promote the local community, the McCook Quarry's ongoing efforts range from educational opportunities to event sponsorships.

"The McCook team exemplifies Vulcan's commitment to the community," said Rob Vogel, President of Vulcan's Midwest Division. "We are pleased to see their efforts rewarded but most importantly, we are proud these efforts have made a positive difference in the McCook community."

The McCook Quarry stayed busy throughout 2008 with a variety of specialty events, programs and sponsorships that benefited the community. Most recently, Vulcan hosted its Annual Earth Science Day to provide elementary students with a hands-on learning experience as to how science, technology and engineering are used in their everyday lives. Earth Science Day is one learning opportunity of the Adopt-a-School program. The program, which was started in 2005, enhances educational resources and provides students with tours and in-class learning opportunities. Current Vulcan Adopt-A-School program partners include Ideal and Hodgkins Elementary Schools and Pleasantdale Middle School.

The Quarry also teamed with the local Police Department on a "Be Safe, Be Seen this Halloween" safety campaign and donated safety glow sticks and flyers to equip area parents and schoolchildren during trick-or-treat night. At Vulcan's first annual Boy Scouts Day, area scouts embarked upon all sorts of scientific adventures at the McCook Quarry while enjoying a chance to mingle with members of the Vulcan team and earn their geology pin.

"We are very grateful to be part of such a close-knit community," said Jeff May, McCook Area Manager. "The McCook team enjoys working with our neighbors at every opportunity and supporting honorable causes that make a positive difference."

The NSSGA Community Relations awards program was started in 1989 to recognize aggregate producers whose community involvement and support activities enhanced the public's perception of the aggregates industry in general and the public image of the individual producer's aggregate operation in particular.