The weather this winter has been very unusual.  We started out with brisk cold and snow then January was spring-like and now in February some days are very cold and some days are very nice.  Due to the January and February ‘heat waves’, we have been quite busy hauling concrete.  Independence and Waterloo are the only plants that we have kept open all winter.  Both plants have kept their ‘skeleton’ crews unusually busy with concrete, which has us somewhat behind in our plant/truck maintenance.  Normally the small crews that work all winter go around to our plants and do updates and yearly maintenance, but this year they are constantly in mixers.  Due to this we have already had to call a few drivers back off of layoff already, which is unprecedented this early in the year.

  In February, we had our contractor seminar in Waterloo.  Mike Watson and Chas Wagoner put that together each year for us to show our contractors that we appreciate them and to talk with them about various concrete topics.  We had an excellent program and a great turnout.  This year’s program included Burt Ostert, Manatts safety director, who talked about cement burns; Bill Butler, Euclid Chemical Co., who talked about various admixtures and fibers and Jerry Woods, IRMCA, who talked about finishing techniques.  Also this year during the break, Keith Randall did some concrete testing and Mike fielded contractor questions.  Well done with the seminar Mike and Chas!

  We have undergone a few personnel changes so far this winter.  Rich Gavigan has moved from driving mixer at the Waterloo plant to the quality control department.  Rich is currently getting IDOT certified and will work for Dave Distler starting this spring.  Chas Wagoner has accepted the assistant manager position for the Waterloo plant.  Chas will be working closely with Larry Keller learning the various aspects of the manager job so he is ready to step in upon Larry’s retirement.

  This past year has been a record breaking year for many plants.  Oelwein did 3 years worth of work in one year.  Independence, Grundy Center, and Traer did 1 ½ years worth of work in one year.  Sometimes it seems we take the drivers and plant personnel for granted.  We expect them to perform day in and day out without taking the time to thank them for a job well done.  We have an excellent group of drivers and plant personnel, company wide, that safely do their jobs to the best of their ability on a daily basis.  I want to take this opportunity to give a big THANK YOU to our drivers and plant personnel.  Your actions don’t go unnoticed and you are greatly appreciated.  Keep up the good work and please continue to work safely.