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Fairmount Minerals and Aqua Clara to Provide Inexpensive Water Purifiers for Safe Drinking Water in Under-Developed Countries
CHARDON, OHIO, January 9, 2008
Fairmount Minerals, a leading producer and supplier of high-grade filtration media and silica sands and gravels, has agreed to supply the financial support, filtration materials, and technical assistance needed to place 1000 economically viable water purification systems in four countries by the end of 2008. Fairmount has aligned with the Aqua Clara Foundation, a non-profit, Christian-based group focused on developing unique, inexpensive chemical and physical systems to locally generate sustainable supplies of potable drinking water. The Aqua Clara Water Purification system is a “point of use” filter that cleans and disinfects otherwise polluted water without boiling.
Click here to view the full Press Release
Environmentally Friendly Company Captures Award
Geauga Times Courier - Joseph Koziol Jr
A Chardon company known for taking from the earth to make a profit is gaining recognition also for its commitment to its benefactor.
Officials with Fairmount Minerals, Best Sand in Chardon stood outside their offices last week to dedicate a red oak tree and accept the Richard Shatten Civic Distinction Award for its work in environmental and community service.
Charles D. Fowler, President and Chief Executive Officer, told those gathered that the tree and a stone at its base, containing a plaque noting the award, will be just outside his office window. They will serve as a daily reminder of what is important in business and in life, he said. "I will remember what it's all about," Mr. Fowler said.
Colette Taylor, program manager with the Entrepreneurs EDGE is a nonprofit organization made up of 27 member companies dedicated to helping middle-market companies in Northeast Ohio, working to grow their value while building a culture that is supportive of entrepreneurial ventures. The organization also tracks business trends here to gauge the area's economic health. Ms. Taylor said the businesses honored are also those which contribute to their communities and share with their employees. She said Fairmount Minerals' commitment to sustainable environmental practices is just one of the attributes.
Mr. Fowler said Chardon's sandstone mining operaion, like its other seven in the United States, is often looked on as one that scars the earth. "We do disturb the Earth," he said. But, the company also believes in giving back to the earth that has allowed it to grow into one of the largest producers of industrial sand in the United States. From those mining pits, the company restored the land, creating a bird habitat that now offers native plants and conditions to aid birds and wildlife. Its efforts were recognized by the Audubon Society of Michigan in 2005, presenting the company with its environmental business of the year award. The Business Civic Leadership Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce also presented the company with its 2006 Corporate Stewardship Award and in 2007 the National Association of Manufacturers awarded the company with its 2007 Sandy Trowbridge Award for excellence in community service.
Mr. Fowler said employees are encouraged to contribute to their communities, as well. Employees are offered up to 40 hours of paid service for volunteer work on company time. In addition, the company offers employees up to $2,000 toward the purchase of a hybrid vehicle. Mr. Fowler said there is a belief in the company that doing goodwill, in turn, will be good for the company. "Our motto is, 'do good, do well,'" he said.
Jeanne Shatten, widow of Richard Shatten, for whom the award is named, said he would have been proud of Fairmount Minerals for its efforts. "It is a business and organization that he admired," she said. The company's efforts to restore the land was one Mr. Shatten had a passion for, an appreciation he learned early in life working for the Leuty Nursery in Russell Township. She said gardening was his passion and the tree is an appropriate reminder of one of his loves. "Even though it's a simple thing, it's very meaningful," she said.
Mr. Shatten, who had roles in renovating Playhouse Square, the Gateway complex and Cleveland's lakefront, died in 2002.
First Annual Sandy Trowbridge Award Goes to Fairmount Minerals
Ohio Company Committed to Environment, Social Responsibility
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 3, 2007 – The National Association of Manufacturers announced that Fairmount Minerals of Chardon, Ohio, was awarded the first annual NAM Sandy Trowbridge Award for Excellence in Community Service created in honor former NAM President Sandy
Trowbridge.
Trowbridge, who served as Secretary of Commerce during the Carter Administration before assuming the helm of the NAM, was widely known for his commitment to public service and various charitable causes.Following Trowbridge’s death in 2006, friends and former colleagues at the NAM decided to honor him with this award.
To be eligible for the Trowbridge Award, a company must be an NAM member with 1000 or fewer employees, and to have a compelling track record of commitment to community service and/or humanitarian programs.
Fairmount Minerals, located primarily in the Midwest, is one of the largest producers of industrial sand in the United States. It is a market-driven company with strategically located facilities nationwide
and a global distribution network. Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Charles D. Fowler, Fairmount has demonstrated over the years a serious commitment to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, empowerment of employees, shared ownership,
teamwork and social responsibility.
“Our motto is, do good, do well,” said Fairmount Minerals Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Deckard in accepting the award. “We believe that doing good for the environment and doing good for our communities is not at the expense of doing well financially.
“We are very appreciative to the NAM for this recognition of our ongoing efforts in social responsibility,” Deckard said. “We are proud of our past achievements and also very humbled in our knowledge of how much more we can and must do along this journey to sustainability. We are
equally committed to all three pillars of sustainable business practices – people, planet and prosperity.”
For more about the Trowbridge award, go to www.nam.org/trowbridge. For more information about Fairmount Minerals, go to www.fairmountminerals.com.
Mineral Visions Announces National Pool Tile as Master Distributor for SpectraQuartz ™ Colored Minerals
CHARDON, OH, June 7 -- Mineral Visions, a manufacturer of specialty quartz products for swimming pool, industrial flooring, and artificial turf markets, announced today that National Pool Tile is now the master distributor for its new SpectraQuartz Colored Minerals product line.
SpectrQuartz is high-purity colored quartz that is used in swimming pool plaster finishes as well as in floor, wall, deck, and concrete finishes. When mixed with pool plaster, SpectraQuartz adds color, texture, structural strength and durability to the pool’s finish. The product is available in a wide variety of standard colors and custom blends.
National Pool Tile is the largest pool tile company in the United States, and a leading supplier of decking, coping, mosaic tile, finishes and trims, and barbeque islands and accessories. Headquartered in Anaheim, CA, NPT serves pool builders, finishers, and owners nationwide through its 16 distribution centers/showrooms.
“We are excited to add SpectraQuartz to our product line,” said Don McChesney, VP Sales for National Pool Tile. “We’re extremely impressed with the quality of the product, and we think our customers are going to be very happy with the value they receive.”
SpectraQuartz is manufactured with a special process in which high-purity quartz is combined with specially developed Sun Chemical® pigment dispersions that are permanently bound to the quartz surface. The product is extremely UV, chemical, and acid resistant, and retains its color and hardness after years of exposure to sunlight and pool chemicals. According to Tim McMillin, Director of Marketing & Product Development, “This product revolutionizes the colored quartz market. We use a thermal method to adhere the pigment to the quartz grain, but we do it at very low temperatures. This provides a superior color over competitive products and SpectraQuartz can hold up in the harshest of environments.”
For more information about SpectraQuartz Colored Minerals, visit www.spectraquartz.com, or www.nptgonline.com/spectraquartz.
Wisconsin Industrial Sand - Groundbreaking
Wisconsin Industrial Sand will become Dunn County’s newest business on May 22, 2007. To commemorate this day, there will be a groundbreaking ceremony held at the future site of the Menomonie Facility.
Wisconsin Industrial Sand Company is a division of Farimount Minerals Ltd. which specializes in processing high-quality silica products for glass manufacturing, metal casting and oil / gas well development. They will become a primary supplier to the Cardinal Glass Co. in 2008. The site is located south of Highway 12/29 and east of the business development area. Initial grade work will begin in late May 2007. Plant construction will be completed in 2007.
The company is proud of their business model, which was developed under a new global philosophy called Sustainable Development. As part of managing a prosperous business, Farimount balances Social and Environmental aspects. Their safety record in 2006 was among the best within industry. They were awarded the prestigious US Chamber of Commerce – Corporate Social Responsibility award in 2006. Fairmount became a member of the Sustainable Dunn organization in April 2007. As part of Fairmount’s commitment to Sustainable Development, they began open planning meetings with Dunn County residents and a Community Action Council.
Sand company re-creates habitat
Sustainable development is firm's goal
By: Peter Krouse, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Wandering through a flower and garden show in Traverse City, Mich., two years ago, Craig Rautiola came across a booth occupied by Saving Birds Thru Habitat.
Rautiola managed the nearby Wexford Sand Co., owned by Fairmount Minerals near Chardon, and wanted advice on how to restore spent areas of the undulating open-pit mine to a more-natural state.
He asked Kay Charter, executive director of Saving Birds Thru Habitat, for help.
"I was dubious," Charter recalled. "I thought, This is a company that wants to be greenwashed.' "
Greenwashing is the term for a company ingratiating itself to an environmental group as cover for the bad things it is actually doing. But the more Charter talked to Rautiola, the more she realized he was no poseur. She later visited the Wexford mine and discovered it home to 47 species of birds, many singing in defense of their territory.
The next thing Charter knew, she was instructing Rautiola on the kinds of grasses to plant and the proper bird boxes to install. Today, the Wexford mine is on its way to returning 18 acres of disturbed terrain to native prairie habitat.
Charter expects the plot will eventually become a nesting home for at-risk species of birds, like the bobolink and the grasshopper sparrow.
The mine's recovery is testament to Fairmount Minerals' commitment to practice sustainability - a trendy term for doing business in a way that respects natural and human resources. People are noticing. The Audubon Society of Michigan awarded Fairmount Minerals its 2005 Environmental Business of the Year Award.
Charter, who owns a bird sanctuary in northern Michigan, has become an unofficial consultant to the company, offering suggestions on restoring bird habitat at several of its sites, including its sandstone mine in Chardon. A big problem there is Phragmites australis, a common reed that looks pretty but actually chokes out growth needed to harbor native birds and the insects they eat...
Click Here for the Full Story
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY ESTABLISHES
FAIRMOUNT MINERALS CHAIR IN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AT WEATHERHEAD SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
CLEVELAND—Fairmount Minerals, Ltd. will advance the education of current and future business leaders in sustainability through two generous gifts, totaling $2.4 million, to the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.
“The principals and managers at Fairmount Minerals have supported Weatherhead for more than 20 years. We are delighted that they have chosen to permanently associate their name with our school,” said Mohan Reddy, dean of the management school. “Their generous gift will permit Weatherhead to add significantly to its work in social entrepreneurship and business sustainability.”
The third largest producer of industrial sand in the United States, Fairmount Minerals advocates social responsibility through environmentally friendly policies. The company is under the direction of Charles D. Fowler, president and CEO. Fowler, a 1990 alumnus of Weatherhead’s EMBA program, oversees the operations of the company, which includes more than 300 employees at its 19 facilities in 12 states and its Chardon, Ohio corporate headquarters.
“The Fairmount family continues to practice the ‘3 Ps’ of sustainability--people, planet and prosperity--in our business and in our lives. We are convinced that business is the best agent for positive change in the world,” said Fowler.
He added, “We have benefited from a long relationship with Weatherhead and share the values of appreciative inquiry and social responsibility. We feel that this is the right time for us to support Case Western Reserve University and Weatherhead.”
Fairmount Minerals has the motto, “Do Good. Do Well,” according to Fowler, adding that “together, we will make a difference in our world as we encourage others to do so.”
A $2 million gift will endow the new Fairmount Minerals Chair in Social Entrepreneurship. Another gift of $400,000 will establish the Fairmount Minerals Seed Fund to support programs in the area of social responsibility and sustainable business at Weatherhead.
The new professorship and seed funds will enhance the goals and programs of the Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit (BAWB) at Weatherhead. Through BAWB, Case has become an international leader in pioneering social entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility and sustainable business. The chair will become the cornerstone of the BAWB program through an appointment of an eminent scholar in the field of social entrepreneurship who can bring together and mobilize other management leaders around the world to design global solutions and innovations through collaborations and initiatives.
Most recently, BAWB’s initiatives with the United Nations Global Compact and an international conference in October at Case brought hundreds of business leaders to Cleveland and connected thousands of others through the Internet.
Case Western Reserve University is among the nation’s leading research institutions. Founded in 1826 and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research, service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.
Fairmount Minerals, Ltd. Wins Corporate Citizenship Award
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Civic Leadership Center announced that Fairmount Minerals, headquartered in Chardon, Ohio, has won its Corporate Citizenship Award in the category of Corporate Stewardship, Small/Midsize Business.
The Corporate Stewardship Award is the most prestigious award in the field of corporate citizenship and recognizes businesses that integrate economic performance with a sustained contribution to community and social progress.
“The companies that are being recognized in the Corporate Stewardship category tell the real story of American business,” said Stephen Jordan, BCLC vice president and executive director. “The best companies succeed because they tailor every aspect of their business to serve their customers, investors, employees, and communities as effectively as possible.”
“Fairmount Minerals’ comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability, workplace safety, and community involvement makes it a standout among its peers,” said Jordan. “The company is an excellent example of a business that is doing well by doing good.”
Fairmount Minerals is being recognized for a combination of factors that reflect its social contributions and economic performance for the past year.
Over the last five years Fairmount Minerals has increased its revenue by $100 million, while working under a “Sustainable Development Business Model” that incorporates philanthropy, environmental sustainability, workplace safety, and stakeholder engagement.
"Receiving this award is a great honor for the Fairmount Family. We are proud of our past and current efforts, and we are looking forward to our continued journey towards sustainability. We are united in our commitment to exceed all expectations while fulfilling our economic, social and environmental responsibilities," said Chuck Fowler, President and CEO of Fairmount Minerals.
A distinguished panel of corporate citizenship experts chaired by Harvard Business Professor Michael Porter, selected Fairmount Minerals as the award winner. U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez presented the award.
For more information visit: http://www.uschamber.com/bclc/awards
Four Fairmount Sites Receive Wildlife Habitat Council Certifications
Wisconsin Industrial Sand, Best Sand, Construction Aggregates (CACM) and TechniSand Nadeau Pit all earned Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) Certifications for their successful implementation of a comprehensive wildlife habitat management program. This prestigious distinction is awarded to each of sites as a result of their demonstrated commitment towards long-term wildlife habitat enhancement efforts.
The efforts of the employees at each of the sites for planning and development included:
- Wisconsin Industrial Sand: A bat management program, prairie restoration, wetland creation and enhancement, and snag management.
- Best Sand: Nest monitoring and avian surveys.
- Technisand Nadeau Pit: A nest box program, wetland creation and enhancement, exotic/invasive species program, and the use of native species in reclamation activities.
- CACM: A nest box, tree planting and fish stocking program.
By maintaining the quality of the wildlife management program, each of the sites will be eligible for recertification in two years.
Fairmount Minerals Named Finalist for Corporate Citizenship Award
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Business Civic Leadership Center, a 501(c)3 affiliate of the United States Chamber of Commerce, today announced that Fairmount Minerals, headquartered in Chardon, Ohio, has been honored as a finalist for a Corporate Citizenship Award. Fairmount Minerals is a finalist in the category Corporate Stewardship, Small/Mid-size Business.
The Corporate Stewardship Award is the most prestigious award in the field of corporate citizenship and recognizes businesses that integrate economic performance with a sustained contribution to community and social progress.
“The companies that are being recognized in the Corporate Stewardship category tell the real story of American business,” said Stephen Jordan, BCLC vice president and executive director. “The best companies succeed because they tailor every aspect of their business to serve their customers, investors, employees, and communities as effectively as possible.”
Fairmount Minerals is being recognized for a combination of factors that reflect its social contributions and economic performance for the past year.
A committee of eminent Americans, chaired by Harvard University professor Michael Porter, will select the 2006 Corporate Stewardship Award winner. The winner will be announced on November 8 at the BCLC 7th annual Corporate Citizenship Awards Dinner at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC. U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez will present the award. The celebration will be held in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber Board of Directors’ fall dinner.
About BCLC
BCLC mission is to advance the positive role of business in society. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region. There are three elements to BCLC efforts:
- Raising awareness about business' positive contributions in their communities
- Researching and reporting on tools and strategies to help companies handle social issue more effectively
- Facilitating partnerships, coalitions, and networks to promote communication and coordination among the public and private sectors
For more information visit http://www.uschamber.com/bclc
Transforming Shell Sand Through Odor Abatement Technology and Ultra-Low Free Phenol Formulations
The North Plant of Tyler Pipe, a division of
McWane, Incorporated, is a major producer of
cast iron soil pipe, soil pipe fittings, drains and
valve boxes used worldwide in multi-story commercial
building drain systems. Since the company’s
founding in 1935, casting operations at
Tyler Pipe’s North Plant have grown steadily,
producing in excess of 500 tons of cast iron
products daily.
Until recently, maintaining the
demanding production schedule, improving
environmental conditions for workers, and
enhancing product quality seemed like
unattainable goals. However, by switching to a
different shell sand formulation developed by
TechniSand Inc., Tyler Pipe’s managers gained
not only improved quality and greater production
efficiencies, their workers benefited from
the elimination of ammonia odors inherent in
conventional shell sands. Based on a patentpending
odor abatement technology called
Neozien, TechniSand has eliminated the noxious
odors that once shrouded the Tyler plant.
For more technical information, or to read the Tyler Pipe success story click here
Wexford Sand Co. Recognized at Ford Global Supplier Excellence Awards
Dearborn, Mich., May 2006 – Ford Motor Company awarded its highest supplier honor – the World Excellence Award – to its global suppliers for their exemplary performance in 2005. Wexford Sand Company was one of only sixty worldwide suppliers to receive this award.
“Our World Excellence Award-winning suppliers are integral
in our ability to address the needs of our customers today and tomorrow,” said Tony Brown, senior vice president, Global Purchasing. “We are grateful for their ceaseless concentration on delivering value.”
The World Excellence Award recognizes suppliers who not only achieve the highest levels of cost, quality, and delivery but who also embrace Ford’s vision to drive innovation to new heights.
Wexford Sand Company, a Fairmount Minerals subsidiary was selected by Ford to receive the Recognition of Achievement Award for Corporate Responsibility. This award is given to suppliers who demonstrate achievement and innovation in reducing the environmental impact on the globe.
Recipients of this award must show overall sustainability leadership in incorporating environmental and social considerations into their businesses. Suppliers should also demonstrate leadership in areas such as human rights, corporate conduct and ethics, and show they can be good stewards of the environment.
“I’m very proud of Wexford Sand. They certainly deserve this recognition. But the efforts to be good stewards in our communities doesn’t end at Wexford,” stated Chuck Fowler, President & CEO, Fairmount Minerals Limited. “All of Fairmount’s subsidiaries share the same vision and principals of Sustainable Development. We’re committed to people, planet, and prosperity. We believe strongly in our corporate success while preserving the world for the generations to come. It’s certainly not contradictory to believe we can do good in the world community while we do well as a company. We’re very pleased and honored by this award.”
Backyard Habitat for Migrating Birds
(Spring 2006)
Kay Charter, Executive Director of Saving Birds Thru Habitat, will present her popular slide program "Create a Haven for Migrating Birds," on May 10, 2006 at Sand Ridge Golf Club, in Chardon, Ohio. The presentation will begin at 7:00 pm. The presentation will be followed by an optional bird walk on, May 11, 2006 at 7:30 am at the stunning and scenic Sand Ridge Golf Course which is situated in the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. A continental breakfast will be served prior to the walk at 6:45 am.
Many of our most beautiful migrant bird species are in decline. Birds like Baltimore oriole, scarlet tanager and indigo bunting and most warblers are losing ground every year. Charter’s engaging slide program addresses the challenges these feathered jewels face, and she demonstrates how we can make a positive difference for them right in our own backyards.
Charter writes a regular column about birds and their habits and habitats for the Traverse City Record-Eagle as well as for Michigan Audubon Society’s newsletter, Jack Pine Warbler. Her writings and photographs have been featured in numerous publications, including the San Diego Zoological Society’s, ZOONOOZ, and Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine. She received a Gold Award from the International Regional Magazine Association for one of her articles in Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine. Her book, For the Love of Birds, was published in 2000 by Crofton Creek Press.
As a committed conservationist, Charter is a strong supporter of coalitions and alliances, both with other NGO’s as well as outside the conservation community. She was co-founder of Nature North, an annual event in Northern Michigan, which is dedicated to bringing the public at large into the world of conservation. Participants in last year’s event included local, state, national and international organizations such as Saving Birds Thru Habitat, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, National Wildlife Federation and The Nature Conservancy.
Charter has presented her program at libraries, schools, colleges, Audubon Society and garden groups, and service organizations. She has been a featured speaker at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri, and this year she was a presenter the Michigan Audubon Society's Annual Conference and at the 2006 Rivers and Wildlife Festival in Kearney, Nebraska.
Please respond on or before May 5, 2006 to Melissa Dahlhausen at 440-285-3132 ext. 211.
Directions to Sand Ridge Golf Club:
Sand Ridge Golf Club is located in the city of Chardon in Ohio, less than an hour away from downtown Cleveland and Hopkins International Airport. The club is off of Route 322 (Mayfield Road) East and is 1 mile west of Route 44 (Ravenna Road).
12150 Mayfield Road
Chardon, Ohio 44024
Phone: (440) 285-8088
(Click on image to enlarge)
New Foundry Shell Sand Technology Eliminates Annoying Odors
Technisand Inc., a Fairmount Minerals Ltd. subsidiary, is pleased to announce the latest developments in Technisand™ Signature Series shell sand. This revolutionary new technology provides several new advantages for today’s foundries. Ultra-low free phenol, lower total organic emissions, less smoke, easier core box cleaning, and improved resistance to peel back to name just a few. And now Technisand has been able to apply a new odor abatement technology, Neozien. This technology eliminates the strong, annoying odors associated with traditional shell sand formulations.
Technisand Signature Series Makes Good Scents.
For more technical information, to request a free, on-site shell system audit, or to read a recent success story click here or call 800-255-7263.
Nitamin® Coated Sand for Turf Recovery Topdressing
 Nitamin® Coated Sand is an advanced turf recovery topdressing that keeps your golf course or facility in championship shape. The innovative Nitamin Steady-Delivery™ fertilizer technology provides optimal release of nitrogen to improve turf health. This exciting product has been shown to improve grass growth in high wear areas, enhance core hole and divot recovery, and to improve the establishment of new turf.
For a limited time, Mineral Visions is pleased to offer complimentary 10-pound bucket samples of Nitamin Coated Sand so that you can see for yourself how this unique product can help keep your turf in top condition.
To request your free sample, or for more information click here or call 800-255-7263.
Nitamin Coated Sand was developed and patented by Georgia-Pacific Resins, Inc.
NITAMIN is a registered trademark and STEADY-DELIVERY is a trademark of Georgia-Pacific Resins, Inc.
Mineral Visions is a subsidiary of Fairmount Minerals Ltd.
Offer good through July 31, 2006 and limited to one free 10-pound sample per customer.
Fairmount Minerals Employees Offer Labor of Love (December 2005)
 Wonderful things happen when a group of employees pull together to help the less fortunate.
Employees from Chardon's Best Sand (a subsidiary of Fairmount Minerals) for the past three years have gathered together items needed by the families WomenSafe serves.
(Click on image to enlarge)
Every year, a "shelter needs list" is posted for all the staff to view. It's estimated that a majority of the 60 employees participate by donating much-needed items to families affected by domestic violence.
It all started with a suggestion from Fairmount Minerals president and CEO, Chuck Fowler, who thought it would be an excellent way for his company family to share their good fortune with those in need. Fowler's "family" enthusiastically embraced the idea and saw to it that all their donations were collected and given to WomenSafe before the Christmas Holiday.
"Fairmount Minerals believes wholeheartedly in the mission of WomenSafe to provide shelter and support to victims of domestic violence," said Melissa Dahlhausen, executive assistant to the CEO. "We view supporting WomenSafe as crucial to fulfilling our social responsibility to the community, especially since it is the only organization of its kind in Geauga County."
New Distributor Agreements Broaden Availability of NITAMIN® in Turf
The Andersons Becomes National Distributor of NITAMIN Coated Sand; ProSource One Adds NITAMIN to ProForma™ Fertilizer Line
ATLANTA - (February 9, 2006) -- Georgia-Pacific announces agreements with The Andersons and ProSource One to expand the availability of NITAMIN® STEADY-DELIVERY™ fertilizer technology in the turf market. NITAMIN® Coated Sand manufacturer Fairmount Minerals has added The Andersons as a partner in a national expansion of its distribution capabilities. In addition, Georgia-Pacific has entered into an agreement with ProSource One to add NITAMIN as the exclusive nitrogen source in its ProForma™ premium line of fertilizer products.
Click here to view the article in its entirety.
FML Resin Coated Facility in Fresno, Texas has become ISO9001:2000 registered (December 2005)
Congratulations to all the employees in Fresno, Texas for achieving registration to the ISO9001:2000 quality management system.
ISO is an international quality management system that provides continuous improvement and customer satisfaction to our manufacturing facilities. It emphasizes the reduction of defects and minimizes variation of the final product. It is a tool that helps plant managers monitor their performance in safety, quality and productivity. Third party auditors visit the site to insure compliance.
Fairmount Donates Land to WomenSafe (Fall 2005)
Fairmount Minerals has donated 5 acres of land in Geauga County for a new WomenSafe shelter and resource center for victims of domestic violence. Roe Green, an Aurora Philanthropist, donated $1 million dollars for the project. Because of her generous donation, the new center will be named in her honor being called The Green House. The new center will open early 2006 along Route 44 in Munson Township close to the Best Sand operation. The Green House will be 15,000 square feet and will be the agency’s new centralized operation.
Wexford Awarded Conservation Business of the Year (Fall 2005)
The Wexford Conservation District would like to recognize the Wexford Sand Company, a subsidiary of Fairmount Minerals, for their excellence in conservation. Seven years ago, they acquired 350 acres located in Slagle Township. Of which, 270 of those acres were disturbed and not restored. It has become a mission of the Wexford Sand Company to restore those acres to a diverse, natural habitat for wildlife and plants. To date, 200 acres have been converted back to wetlands, sedges and future native prairies.
The Wexford Sand Company is privately owned with its largest customer being Ford Motor Company in Cleveland Ohio. Besides making a profit, this company is also committed to Sustainable Development. Its goal is to contribute back to the environment and society. This company has great pride in being Wildlife Habitat Council certified. This process began with an on-site visit from a wildlife biologist who recommended various conservation practices. After one year, the biologist returned to confirm the company’s compliance for certification. Also, it is ISO 14000 certified which is an international standard for environmental management systems. Only 2-5% of all businesses reach this stringent standard.
Click here to view the article in its entirety.
Hawk Released at Wexford (Fall 2005)
By: Mick Pfeiffer
In recognition of exceptional conservation efforts, Wexford Sand had the privilege of becoming the site for a rehabilitated raptor release on October 5, 2005. The raptor was a Red-tailed hawk that had been rescued as a parentless juvenile nearing starvation, then rehabilitated about 8 weeks by Rebecca Lessard. The hawk was a female and had been dining on live prey for about 3 weeks before her release.
Lessard assured us that the hawk was ready for the wild. Hawk parents typically raise their young until they think they are ready, and then abandon them. This may have been the case with the released hawk. Plant Manager Craig Rautiola had the opportunity to physically return the bird to the wild. Employees, guests from local birding groups, and a TV crew were on site for the event. It is hard to describe the sense of pride, appreciation, and awe, when she lifted off, and then later as she was gliding over the mine.
(Click on image to enlarge)
At the same time, Wexford Sand was presented with a certificate for outstanding achievement from the National Wildlife Federation by leaders of a local conservation group.
Wexford Sand Interview on Habitat & Restoration (Fall 2005)
On September 30th, Interlochen Public Radio aired an interview of Craig Rautiola, Plant Manager of Wexford Sand, and Kay Charter, Executive Director of Saving Birds Thru Habitat, as they discussed the restoration work at the Wexford Sand mining site. This is an excellent broadcast that highlights Fairmount Minerals' commitment to our environment and the benefits of the restoration to the habitat. To listen to the interview and learn more about the work done at Wexford Sand, go to:
Sand Mining Company Protects Habitat by Bob Allen (IPR)
www.publicbroadcasting.net/wiaa/news/other/article/825049.html
An Outsider’s View of the SiO2 Summit (Summer 2005)
by Kay Charter (Executive Director of Saving Birds Thru Habitat)
In late August, I had the great privilege of attending Fairmount Minerals’ Sustainability in Our Organization (SiO2) Appreciative Inquiry Summit. The phrase "sustainable development" was coined by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987. The Commission put forth that sustainable development is the way to meet the needs of the present human population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. All life forms, human and otherwise, depend upon clean water and air, healthy soils and an abundance of plant life in order to meet their basic needs. It is therefore unwise to foul or use up these resources; doing so threatens the security of people in the present as well as in the future. More than a year ago, FML opted to move in the direction of sustainability. As with other extraction processes, it is not possible to remove product without disruption...
Click Here to view the article in its entirety.
New Company: Mineral Visions Inc. (Spring 2005)
Fairmount Minerals is proud to introduce their new subsidiary, Mineral Visions Inc. Mineral Visions main focus will be the marketing and selling our specialty products such as FlexSand Engineered Elastomer Coated Sand, Nitamin Coated Sand and SpectraQuartz Colored Aggregate. Mineral Visions is based at the Chardon, Ohio location. However, orders for Nitamin and FlexSand will be taken at the Bridgman Customer Service Department. As new products are developed and branded, Mineral Visions will be able to track the performance and success of these new ideas and products.
Ford Q-1 Status Award at Wexford Sand - Harrietta, MI (Spring 2005)
Wexford Sand Company has achieved the prestigious Ford Q1 Status Award. This award is recognized worldwide as being a preferred supplier to the Ford Casting plant in Brook Park, Ohio. The Q1 status is only awarded to suppliers that have completed third party registration to both the quality ISO9000:2001 AND the environmental ISO14000 standard. Congratulations to the entire Team at Wexford for this great accomplishment!
Wedron Silica Expanding Capacity (March 24, 2005)
Wedron Silica Company a subsidiary of Fairmount Minerals has announced the expansion of their Wedron, Illinois facility. The expansion is intended to meet the current and future demands of the markets we serve. Wedron currently serves the foundry, glass, oil and gas and other markets.
This expansion is also designed to reduce the usage and demand for both electricity and for natural gas. “We will focus this expansion on meeting the needs of our customers while reducing the overall need for energy. It is one way we are meeting our commitment to our customers, employees, the community and our social responsibilities” says Chuck Fowler, President and CEO of Fairmount Minerals.
  This expansion will require the addition of
8 to 10
new jobs to the area and we expect to be operational
by early 2006. This project is an exciting opportunity
for all those involved in the concept, design,
construction, operations and sales.
(Click on image to enlarge)
2004
Wexford Sand (Harrietta, MI) – ISO Registered (Winter 2004)
Wexford Sand Company has achieved their registration to the ISO 9001:2000 quality system. The entire group at Wexford put in many hours and dedication to gaining this recognition. As a team they worked very well together with regards to (a) work instruction development, (b) internal audits and (c) management reviews. Everyone pulled together with their best effort and all should be congratulated. Wexford’s next goal is to achieve the prestigious Ford Q1 status as well as receive the formal ISO-14000 Certification.
Awarded the NORTHCOAST 99 AWARD for COMPENSATION...(Fall 2004)
On Friday September 17, 2004, Fairmount Minerals’ Best Sand Corporation in Chardon, OH was recognized as the winner of the Ohio NorthCoast 99 Award for Compensation. With their unique compensation plan, Best Sand met the key criteria in order to be awarded. Their plan includes being able to pay all of the employees well, have the company remain profitable and getting the most out of the compensation dollar. This is primarily achieved through their gain-sharing program. “Gain sharing is a way for our employees to share in our sales success, while containing labor costs” say Ralph Randles, plant manager. “We have a targeted percentage of labor costs for so many dollars in sales. So if we have good sales and contain our labor costs, that gain is shared by our employees.” In addition to the gain-sharing program, Fairmount Minerals also has nine paid holidays, a 401-K plan, free individual health insurance and a stock retirement program. Fairmount also awards its workers for safety awareness throughout the year. The most important part of Fairmount Minerals’ success is that they share its compensation philosophy with the employees.
— Condensed article from The Plain Dealer – Sunday September 19th, 2004
Best Sand Achieves ISO 9001:2000 Registration...(Summer 2004)
Best Sand Corporation in Chardon, OH has achieved ISO 9001:2000 registration through QMI Management Systems Registrars. The ISO 9001:2000 is an internationally recognized Quality Management System standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Best Sand began implementing a Management System that is compliant with ISO 9001:2000 in August of 2003. On July 27 & 28, 2004, two auditors from QMI evaluated the system not only to ensure compliance to the ISO Standard, but also to determine the effectiveness of the system. Congratulations goes out to the entire Best Sand crew for their part in achieving registration. It takes a real commitment to quality, safety, and productivity in order to reach this level of recognition.
Mr. Conway Honored for Community Service...(Summer 2004)
William E. Conway, founder & Chairman of Fairmount Minerals, was honored recently with Medical Mutual’s Pillar Award for Community Service. Mr. Conway was one of only five individuals to be named the 2003 Non-Profit Board Executive of the Year, earning the distinction for his work with the Cleveland Botanical Garden.
In 1998, Bill Conway began his tenure as a board member with the Cleveland Botanical Garden, serving as board president from 2001-2002. Under his leadership, the 73 year old non-profit public garden was able to achieve its goal of becoming a year-round center for education, environmental preservation, community outreach and recreation. The newly rejuvenated and expanded facility is expected to attract 400,000 visitors each year and bring an additional $20 million into the local economy.
Known as a senior statesman with the business community, Mr. Conway encouraged financial support of the garden’s $50 million renovation campaign and worked with the garden’s directors to install policies to ensure sound financial management.
— Condensed from Smart Business Magazine
Former TechniSand Site Being Reclaimed...(Summer 2004)
The crystal-clear 13-acre lake could be in some high-mountain meadow or on the cover of a calendar promoting a travel destination. It’s hard to miss the hundreds of deer tracks ringing the lake as ducks lift off from the surface. There is nothing to show that the lake and surrounding hills were once the site of a sand mine that produced enough sand for 40 million castings of engine blocks, rotors and other automotive components. Eventually the 40-acre site will become the latest addition to Grand Mere State Park near TechniSand’s Bridgman, MI plant.
TechniSand has mined the site off and on from the 1970-s until 2003. TechniSand has spent past five years, with the help of hundreds of school children and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), restoring it so that the landscape will blend in with Grand Mere State Park. More than 50,000 individual plants representing more than 100 species have been planted. Seeds were harvested by volunteers and grown into plants at a nursery. Local school groups helped plant black oak, wafer-ash, little bluestem, sand cherry, sky-blue aster and other trees and plants – all locally grown.
TechniSand worked closely with the DNR to establish a habitat for ducks and other migrating birds, as well as shorebirds such as heron. In addition to deer, the site is home to sandpipers, green heron, bluebirds, red-tailed hawks, as well as prairie warblers, a state endangered bird.
To make sure the plants are well established and to prevent people from walking on them, it might be another two to three years before TechniSand hands the property over to the State as required by an earlier agreement with the DNR requiring reclamation to be complete by 2005.
— Excerpt taken from Herald-Palladium
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