CHICAGO, IL The goal of the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers award - now in its second year - is to recognize an Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers' Producer member mine site that has demonstrated leadership excellence within the mining industry. Leadership can be determined in large part by employee participation in IAAP activities and company/mine site recognition award and certificate programs as well as efforts to promote the image and wellbeing of the industry, company, mine site, and its employees.

All IAAP producer members were eligible, applications are not required. IAAP staff and active committee chairpersons tracked the criteria throughout the past year then all the criteria were reviewed in February to determine mine sites worthy of the award.  

Hanson Material Service mines in many communities in Illinois and stood high above the rest. Its employees actively serve on every IAAP member committee, chairing one committee now and enthusiastically accepting special working-group assignments that benefit all companies mining in Illinois including charting a collaborative course for the future of the Illinois State Geological Survey and the Prairie Research Institute. Two years ago, it was recognized with an Innovative Safety & Health Leadership award granted by the IAAP.  In 2016, this company stepped up with talent and resources to host the MSHA Regional Stakeholders meeting with Joe Main and top MSHA officials. They volunteered countless hours towards outreach to area communities including introducing kids and their parents to mined products and fossilized creatures found in the Chicago region during a PopUp Science event at Homewood Science Center.  Through their generous "Rock Star" level contribution to the IAAP PAC and hosting a visit from Illinois Congressman John Shimkus to one of their quarries last year, they are helping to educate and support lawmakers affecting policy right now.  And they continue to contribute to this outstanding association by sponsoring teachers attending our Rocks, Minerals & Mining workshop and serving on the IAAP Board of Directors.

But one of its eight mining operations in Illinois, the Morris Sand Plant, stands out among the others promoting the company's image and the industry as a whole.  At this convention, this mine, with just five employees, has been recognized with a Community Relations award, a Certificate of Achievement in Environmental Excellence, and a Rock Solid Excellence in Safety award which was achieved in part due to no MSHA violations and no reportable injuries last year.  For a number of years, the mine has been part of a collaborative effort with IDNR, USGS and Army Corps of Engineers to test new methods of controlling the spread of invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes.

Going above and beyond what is necessary to do business in a community, this mine donated wood from an old barn on site that will be used as decorative paneling at a community-based fine arts center and held an educational open house for local residents and dignitaries to give them an opportunity to witness the mining process and learn about safety measures and environmental efforts.