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Tim Manatt |
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Well, the time has come to create another article
for our spring newsletter. That must mean that the
construction season is near. It’s time to fire up the
troops and get the word out about safety related issues
and productivity. This time around, I want to defer
these subjects to others later in the newsletter and
fill you in on a couple other issues.
First of all, I would like to make everyone aware
that as of February 28th
Tim Manatt turned the Big 5-0, but most importantly
announced that on the same day he has officially retired
from Manatts, Inc.
Tim has worked for Manatts from the time he was
very young and Merlin and Junie were trying to grow a
young and struggling construction company. Since 1991,
he was one of the lucky ones who had the opportunity to
buy the company and take the risk with his partners to
pay off the debts. Over the years since that time, we
have had many opportunities to grow what we purchased by
acquiring other companies that we have “bolted” on to
Manatts, Inc. It never seemed like we ever got
ourselves out of debt. Whether it was building another
shop, purchasing another concrete plant or trucks, or
fighting a competitor tooth and nail, we always had to
figure out a way to pick ourselves up and move forward
with the project. We have fought the struggle together
since 1991 and now that the year is 2005, we still have
those same issues to deal with.
For Tim, he can relax a bit now.(Or at least until
we get him paid up!) I want to thank Tim for all his
contributions to the success of our company. He brought
a deliberate, thoughtful, economic sense to all of our
company decisions. He may have been on the opposite
side of an issue from me or the other owners from time
to time, as we all have found ourselves, but never have
we let the differences stand in our way of moving the
company forward. I always felt like when a decision was
made, we all stood behind one another and supported the
decision.
Tim will best be known for his involvement with
our company for watching over the Waterloo and North
Central Iowa ready mix operations. But his hands have
touched such important functions as bill collection,
credit policies, and company policies, all essential
elements in becoming a solid business.
Wherever the road leads for Tim and his wife Genny,
we wish them well and continued success. Thanks for
stepping aside to allow our company to take the first
big step in succession planning.
The second item I would like to visit about is the
Newton Race Track. Our company has been actively
involved with Stan Clement and others from Newton and
Des Moines on this project. When we first put money
into this venture 2˝ years ago, we thought “fat chance”
this could happen but the vision was good enough we felt
if it could happen, it should happen, and who else but
us.
We are on the verge of having enough money raised
(borrowed) to build a facility that will probably cost
$40 million dollars. Add to that the land, sewer, and
street improvements, another $15 million dollars. This
is a big deal for Newton and the entire state of Iowa!!!
W don’t want to mislead anyone. We don’t feel we
will get a NASCAR race, but it will be built to NASCAR
standards. We hope to lure races that are a step down
from that. Who knows, maybe Busch, Craftsman Truck, IRL,
and ARCA? Only speculation.
We do think it is reasonable to assume that there
could be driving schools, automobile manufacturers’
dealer days, highway patrol safety training, NASCAR
testing track, auctions, flea markets, concerts, etc,
etc, etc. The success of this venue will depend upon
the events we hold and the support we get from the
people of Iowa (ticket sales).
We look forward to this track beginning
construction this spring. It will be a great
project! Be careful this summer and work in a safe
manner. Show the courage of accountability. If you see
unsafe acts, put a stop to them immediately. The cost
of being safe is much less than the cost of an accident.
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