Plattsburgh - As rain dripped off the eves of the Graymont tent set up at Airborne Speedway and volunteers grabbed rain jackets, many of the organizers had very nervous looks on their faces. Fortunately for Graymont and its partners in this huge community event, Nortrax, Airborne and the sponsoring service group, the Plattsburgh AM Kiwanis Club, the rain stopped and although the sun didn’t come out until late in the day, the rain held off and a successful event happened.
Dozer day, modeled after Halquist Quarry in Wisconsin’s open house, was the brainchild of Kiwanis members Kathleen Hazel and Tonya Finnegan who enlisted Graymont and local John Deere equipment dealer Nortrax to make it possible. Tonya mentioned that someone advised her, "If you want to pull this off, you’ve got to get the Quarry (Graymont) on board. It won’t happen without them.”
In 2007 and 2008 Dozer Days were held at the local fairgrounds but the organizers realized that a larger venue would be required. Stephen Fuller, a large Graymont customer is also the owner of Airborne Speedway, South of Plattsburgh. The speedway has large areas of open space surrounding the racetrack and was a perfect fit for the event.
Over the 4 years of Dozer Day, Graymont and its partners have raised over $40,000 to donate to local children’s causes and charities in the Clinton county area. This years' event will see 6 local causes split over $15,000 while the Kiwanis Club will award $1,700 in college scholarships from the proceeds taken in on June 12th.
The concept of dozer day is simple. “Where Kids Drive." Kids of all sizes get an opportunity to operate loaders, dozers and backhoes, play on obstacles courses, sit in concrete mixers, rock drills and haul trucks and their parents get to see many different types of construction equipment on display. Vendors set up displays, Airborne’s go cart track ran nonstop and all proceeds went to benefit the “kids”.
Graymont is proud to be a presenting partner. Many Graymont employees volunteer their time for this event. Diane Nichols, James Mussaw, Tonya Finnegan and Scott Bombard are members of the executive committee while David Gordon, Saranac Lake Quarry plant manager who retired in 2009 is the chair.
Tonya Finnegan, Kiwanis member is now employed by Graymont as the Materials controller. Tonya began working for Graymont in May and continues to volunteer on the project she helped start.
A newspaper article on Dozer Day appeared in the local Press-Republican, click here to view article.
Graymont takes a long term view of its business and the lime industry and is looking forward to continuing its work in Plattsburgh and in so doing, improving our environment, contributing to the community as a good neighbor and adding value as a responsible business partner.
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