my point of view…

Make More Opportunities for Your Business and Industry

What type of year was 2002 for your business? This is the time of year when you are expected to answer that question for employees, customers, and, in some cases, stockholders. The answer depends on many variables, not the least of which is how well prepared you were for the challenges encountered during the last 12 months. As you prepare for 2003, take some time to review winning producer strategies highlighted this year in AggMan.

Show that you are a valuable member of the community. Aggregate producers have developed unique and effective ways to demonstrate that we are good neighbors. One example is the education program developed by the Aggregate Ready Mixed Association of Minnesota (ARM) to teach community leaders about the role of aggregates in urban regeneration. Other examples range from Halquist Stone’s Dozer Day — which has raised $450,000 for its local school system — to Alby Materials’ program to help local Girl Scouts earn their merit badge in geology.
Invest in the best employees in the marketplace. While good help may be hard to find, companies such as Graniterock prove that it is not impossible. Voted one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” every year since the ranking’s inception in 1998, Graniterock earns its reputation by increasing its pool of employees through a training program, recruiting students through internships, making hiring decisions via teams, and offering individual plans for professional development.
Ensure that your employees are working safely. By managing safety like any other part of its business, Rogers Group was able to achieve a 40-percent reduction in its Injury Incident Rate (IIR) and record one of the industry’s lowest IIRs. While protecting its workers, Rogers also put $700,000 toward its bottom line through lower insurance costs.
Explore and grow new markets for your products. When Vulcan Materials Co.’s Plainfield, Ill., operation depleted its sand and gravel supplies, it did not close up shop and move out of town. Vulcan turned to its dolomite reserves and partnered with an assortment of industry groups to demonstrate that manufactured sand is a viable alternative to natural sand.
Meet and exceed your customers’ expectations. Through its open-door policy, Luck Stone works with its customers to make joint decisions on production capabilities, including target gradations and tolerances. Through constant communication, consistent product quality, sufficient production capacity, and competitive pricing, you can build stronger, more profitable relationships with your customers.

Speaking of customer expectations, we have been listening to you, our customers. Next month, you’ll notice a few changes in the magazine, including a return to our roots and the Aggregates Manager name. As many of you have pointed out, that title best describes you, our readers. We’re also unveiling a new look designed to make it easier to find the information you need to run your business profitably. Drop us a line and tell us what you think!

Therese Dunphy, editorial director
therese@aggman.com

December 2002 my point of view... Make More Opportunities for Your Business and Industry				my point of view… Make More Opportunities for Your Business and Industry What type of year was 2002 for your business? This is the time of year when you are expected to answer that question for employees, customers, and, in some cases, stockholders. The answer depends on many variables, not the least of which is how well prepared you were for the challenges encountered during the last 12 months. As you prepare for 2003, take some time to review winning producer strategies highlighted this year in AggMan. Show that you are a valuable member of the community. Aggregate producers have developed unique and effective ways to demonstrate that we are good neighbors. One example is the education program developed by the Aggregate Ready Mixed Association of Minnesota (ARM) to teach community leaders about the role of aggregates in urban regeneration. Other examples range from Halquist Stone’s Dozer Day — which has raised $450,000 for its local school system — to Alby Materials’ program to help local Girl Scouts earn their merit badge in geology. Invest in the best employees in the marketplace. While good help may be hard to find, companies such as Graniterock prove that it is not impossible. Voted one of Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” every year since the ranking’s inception in 1998, Graniterock earns its reputation by increasing its pool of employees through a training program, recruiting students through internships, making hiring decisions via teams, and offering individual plans for professional development. Ensure that your employees are working safely. By managing safety like any other part of its business, Rogers Group was able to achieve a 40-percent reduction in its Injury Incident Rate (IIR) and record one of the industry’s lowest IIRs. While protecting its workers, Rogers also put $700,000 toward its bottom line through lower insurance costs. Explore and grow new markets for your products. When Vulcan Materials Co.’s Plainfield, Ill., operation depleted its sand and gravel supplies, it did not close up shop and move out of town. Vulcan turned to its dolomite reserves and partnered with an assortment of industry groups to demonstrate that manufactured sand is a viable alternative to natural sand. Meet and exceed your customers’ expectations. Through its open-door policy, Luck Stone works with its customers to make joint decisions on production capabilities, including target gradations and tolerances. Through constant communication, consistent product quality, sufficient production capacity, and competitive pricing, you can build stronger, more profitable relationships with your customers. Speaking of customer expectations, we have been listening to you, our customers. Next month, you’ll notice a few changes in the magazine, including a return to our roots and the Aggregates Manager name. As many of you have pointed out, that title best describes you, our readers. We’re also unveiling a new look designed to make it easier to find the information you need to run your business profitably. Drop us a line and tell us what you think! Therese Dunphy, editorial director therese@aggman.com