The Marblehead Quarry Site Team gathered for a group photo in honor of their recent NSSGA Gold Community Relations Award. Featured in the photo are the first and second-shift team members. (Submitted photo)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

Holcim Marblehead Quarry has been honored for its contributions to the community. Holcim was presented with a Gold award at the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) by the Awards of Excellence program during NSSGA’s Legislative & Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 25.

“It’s something we’re very proud of,” said Holcim Regional Manager Andrew Schepers. “We were pleasantly surprised to hear that we got the award. We have a great team.”

The quarry was recognized for its contributions to the Marblehead community and its impact across the state. Locally, Holcim donations funded lab kits at Danbury High School, as well as improvements to the school’s pool.

“We spend a lot of time working with schools,” Schepers said.

Admission was free on the last day of the 2024 Ottawa County Fair thanks to Holcim sponsorship, and the quarry donated local apples for 150 veterans, staff and volunteers during an Ottawa County fishing trip for veterans.

“We donate to Walleyes for Wounded Heroes,” Schepers said.

Teachers across the region were invited to the Teachers Rock Ohio-North Workshop, where they learned about classroom curriculum and career options for their students. Holcim employees volunteered their time to Good Knights of Lorain County, where they made beds for children in need. The project was a perfect fit for the professionals at Holcim.

Holcim’s Operations Director, Billy Curry, accepts the award from NSSGA leadership on behalf of the Marblehead Quarry Gold Award on Sept. 25 in Washington, D.C., at the 2024 NSSGA Legislative & Policy Forum. (Submitted photo)

“If a kid is going to be successful, they need the opportunity to get a good night’s sleep. When we can bring folks together and spend the day building beds, that’s a great way to build kids up to be successful,” Schepers said. “It gets right into the work they do. They are very talented professionals. It is a great way to use their skills and give back.”

Holcim’s impact on the community stretches beyond its charitable contributions. The quarry touches the daily lives of local residents every day.

“A lot of the business we do is in Ohio. The roads you drive on, the foundation of the building you work in – there’s a good possibility the materials came from one of our facilities in Ohio,” Schepers said. “We create anything you need to build a building, from aggregate for foundations to ready mix operations. Cement is the big thing we’re known for. We have 13 cement manufacturing facilities across the country, including one in Ohio. We’re proud that we’ve been creating the cement to build roads, buildings and bridges for decades.”

Many Holcim products are made right here in Ohio, including the products made at its biggest quarry, the Holcim Marblehead Quarry.

“A vast amount of our products are made in Ohio,” Schepers said. “We’re proud to say we helped build Ohio.”