In a history-making event, Southern Minnesota Construction Company, Inc., Mankato, Minn., served as host to a Republican rally topped by an address by President George W. Bush at the firm's Kasota Quarry.

More than 6,000 pro-Bush supporters gathered for the event, billed as "Bush-Cheney '04 Solid as a Rock" tour.

At the quarry, the president delivered a 45-minute address which was preceded by speeches from Republicans U.S. Senator Norm Coleman, Congressman Gil Gutknecht, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Congressman John Kline, and Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau. (Molnau also serves as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation.)

The Bush Reelection Committee selected the quarry as a likely location for a Bush rally after it learned about the annual Southern Minnesota Construction Company's "Rocking in the Quarry event." The free event is sponsored by the contractor and the Mankato Symphony Orchestra.

The quarry offered a large, secluded venue suitable for a Bush rally.

(Minnesota is considered to be one the states essential to the president's reelection efforts.)

As soon as the reelection committee conveyed is intentions, it meant countless hours of planning for a presidential appearance. Careful coordination with the White House advance team was paramount.

Larry Nurre, president of Southern Minnesota Construction, believes Bush's people became intrigued with the quarry site as the result of publicity garnered by the concerts. The events not only promote the Minnesota construction industry but serve as an educational experience for those uninformed about aggregate mining.

Nurre was contacted by reelection committee members only days before the scheduled visit. After numerous telephone calls back and forth, it was agreed to send an advance team to the quarry.

Soon, Secret Service, state and local law enforcement agencies, Homeland Security, and White House staffers were dispatched to the quarry.

Bud Eichers, a retired Southern Minnesota Construction Company employee, was recruited to coordinate the visits.

Eichers is a former president of the Minnesota Utility Contractors Association (MUCA).

"Larry and I met with the advance team," Eichers recalled.

"They inspected our staging area and began making plans for their setup."

Agents from the Department of Homeland Security were particularly interested in explosives and chemicals used at the quarry. Bomb-sniffing dogs were temporarily distracted by traces of explosives routinely used in aggregate mining operations.

"They also requested a water wagon and an operator to be on hand if needed to dilute any potential chemical attack or spills.

"We were asked to coordinate local vendors and equipment suppliers about obtaining power generators, telephone lines, sound systems, tents, portable bathrooms, bottled water, etc."

The stage that had been used for all Rockin' in the Quarry concerts was deemed to be unsuitable because it would cause the president to face the sun when he spoke. An alternate stage was assembled. "Team members asked us to place cut blocks of limestone around the stage for the president's protection," said Eichers.

Also for security reasons, it was decided that there would be only one way in and out of the quarry during the entire length of the presidential visit. Huge limestone blocks were moved by Southern Minnesota Construction Company employees to block all other entrances.

"We saw this as an opportunity to promote the construction industry in Minnesota," said Nurre.

Southern Minnesota Construction Company circled the quarry with a variety of the firm's heavy equipment pieces.

Attendance was by invitation only. All parking was off-site. Audience members had to board special buses to attend. Each was screened by security officials prior to boarding.

Although the Bush appearance was scheduled for a Wednesday, the quarry remained open for business on Tuesday. To comply with federal and state regulations, safety guidelines had to be established and permits and insurance secured. The quarry officially was leased to the Bush-Cheney Reelection Committee for their use the following day.

Nurre and Eichers were delighted that Wednesday turned out to be a typical southern Minnesota day, warm and sunny.

"It was memorable," said Nurre. "I don't think President Bush will forget this unique venue."

Bush arrived via Marine One helicopter, and, amidst tight security, delivered a speech stressing on the importance Minnesotans will play in November election.

He touched on opening up markets for Minnesota farm products and the administration's energy policy.

"In order to make sure jobs stay here at home, we've got to have an energy strategy," he said. "We need to be better at conserving things, and we've got to be exploring for natural gas in environmentally friendly ways. But for the sake of energy security, for the sake of economic security, we need more ethanol and bio-diesel."

Editor's note — All of the photos that accompany this feature were taken by Jeff Hanson, executive director, Minnesota Utility Contractors Association, and one of those fortunate enough to have obtained an invitation to attend.