Ozinga recognized for its community relations efforts

Ozinga’s operation in Henry, Illinois. Photo courtesy of Ozinga.

Ozinga was named the Community Relations Award winner from the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers (IAAP).

The company was specifically recognized for its community involvement in Henry, Illinois.

The award recognizes IAAP producer member companies whose community involvement and support activities enhance the public’s perception of the aggregate industry and the individual producer’s aggregate operation in particular.

According to the association, contestants are graded on three main categories: mine site appearance, community education and community outreach. Ozinga received this award because of its focus on building the community in Henry, Illinois, with its mine and port operation.

The company says it is working hard to drive development and jobs to Henry and the surrounding communities. Its current port expansion project could generate more than $400,000 over the next five to seven years for the city of Henry. To assist with economic growth, the company meets with Mayor Doug Wilson and other government officials on a regular basis to discuss joint development efforts with its mine and port property.

“The Port of Henry project is a terrific example of what can happen when government officials and industry experts collaborate to drive responsible economic growth and jobs,” says Ed Van Poucke, COO for Ozinga Materials & Logistics. “This project connects one of the richest agricultural centers in America to global markets.”

The company also hosted a city-wide open house to show the facility to residents and teach them about the operation. Additionally, the company works with the Henry Public Works Department to coordinate projects and identify the right materials, sponsors local sports leagues, the American Legion-Henry Fourth of July fireworks display, the Henry-Senachwine High School scholarship and more.

“For 90 years, we’ve tried to help grow businesses and create meaningful jobs so people can provide for their families and build their communities,” says Aaron Ozinga, co-owner and president of Ozinga Materials & Logistics. “We want to make the communities where we operate better places to live, work and play.”

The company will receive the award at the IAAP Annual Convention being held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois, in April.