Newsletter...
May 2010
  • Slaton Named 2010 Mining Association of South Carolina (MASC) “Miner of the Year”
  • 2010 Workshop“Largest Mining Industry Gathering in the State of S.C.”
  • Ward Receives 2010 Citizenship Award
  • Bonheimer Honored
  • Campbell Honored
  • Frey Honored
  • Kennedy Appointed
  • Save the Date...For the 2010 MASC Annual Meeting
    Slaton Named 2010 Mining Association of South Carolina (MASC) “Miner of the Year”
    West Columbia, S.C. resident, Ron Slaton, was recently named 2010 Mining Association of South Carolina (MASC) “Miner of the Year. Slaton serves as Chairman of the Safety & Health Committee for the MASC. Ron developed detailed statistics on all MSHA citations in South Carolina with supporting charts and priority lists. He also has become a respected state wide resource for Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decisions on contested MSHA citations and an expert on the resolution of citations in South Carolina. His data and charts are being used by mining companies’ state wide to determine which areas to concentrate on concerning MSHA findings. Slaton is employed by US Silica Company, Columbia Plant, as the Environmental, Health & Safety Coordinator. Slaton is known by his peers as a highly dedicated mine safety professional who will eagerly help anyone in the MASC or in the nationwide 13 plant US Silica Corporation family.

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    2010 Workshop“Largest Mining Industry Gathering in the State of S.C."
    The fourth annual MASC Mining Workshop was held March 29-31, 2010 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Columbia and once again it was the "Largest Mining Industry Gathering in the State of SC". The theme of the fourth annual mining workshop was "Staying the Course" which embodies the goal of the mining workshop, how to manage effectively and efficiently in this current economic environment. Despite this troubling economy, there were over 250 registered attendees and 50 exhibits which made the 2010 MASC Mining Workshop a Success!

    ***THANK YOU TO ALL ATTENDEES, EXHIBITORS, and SPONSORS of the 2010 MASC Mining Workshop!!!

    ***Below are scenes from the 2010 MASC MASC Mining Workshop


    Former Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Sam Wyche addresses attendees


    Michael Mills, President Southeast Division, Vulcan Materials Company addresses attendees


    Senator Larry Grooms, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, addresses attendees


    Doug Glaze and Bob Benko Network in the Exhibit Hall


    Miner Producers and Suppliers Networking in the Exhibit Hall

    ***Please visit www.scmines.com to view all scenes from the 2010 MASC Mining Workshop***

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    Ward Receives 2010 Citizenship Award
    The Mining Association of South Carolina has developed an award to recognize a member employee or group of member employees whose active participation in a wide range of activities has strengthened the community and the image of the mining industry in the community.

    Some examples of projects that may qualify, but not limited to are: environmental improvement projects that exceed what is required by regulations (State and/or Federal), such as creating a wildlife habitat, improving the appearance of the mine for the general public; community service projects such as, adopting a school, helping the needy, creating public walking or hiking areas, fund raising, etc.

    This year’s recipient of the MASC Citizenship Award is:

    Andy Ward, Plant Manager of Hanson Sandy Flat Quarry, in Taylors, South Carolina!

    Congratulations ANDY!!!


    Jason M.Nutzman & Scott Hartness, CMSP. February, 2010.

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    Bonheimer Honored
    Homer Bonheimer will soon retire from sales with Miller Brothers Giant Tire Service… In 1999, because of a limited brand of tires to sell, Homer went to work for Miller Brothers Giant Tire Service, a large multi-line independent dealer. Over his mining years he had known Rick Miller and Rick always believed in him. Miller Brothers let him continue to work with the development and usage of TreadStatTire Management. Sales were a great opportunity and tire management became a passion for him. A couple of Homer’s ideas for reports have been incorporated in TreadStat reports which are used worldwide.

    Homer has enjoyed the opportunity to visit and work with mines all over the country. He has helped conduct tire safety seminars, tire construction seminars and of course proper tire management seminars using TreadStat. In his semi-retirement, Homer implements, trains, and oversees tire data for Miller Brothers in three states at 115 customer sites with over 7500 tires.

    Homer is a past president of the Columbia Chapter of the National Assoc. of Purchasing Managers, has been MSHA certified for 23 years and a member of MASC for most of that time and also served on the MASC safety committee. Homer plans to rejoin his five grandchildren and family in Ohio. He enjoys all types of fishing and spending time in the mountains of North Carolina.

    In honor of his outstanding service to the Mining Industry and the Citizens of South Carolina, the Mining Association of South Carolina presented Homer Bonheimer with the MASC Service Award!

    SAMMY FRETWELL, sfretwell@thestate.com.February, 2010.

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    Campbell Honored
    Mike Campbell recently retired from over 30 years of sales service with Blanchard Machinery… Mike is well respected by all that know or dealt with him. His personality is that of his nick name “Senator Campbell”. Mike has never met a stranger, speaks to everyone he sees, never has a bad day and is an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with. Mike is a true southern gentleman and people person, which sometimes is hard to find in today’s environment. His customers were not only clients but personal friends. When you can remain friends and business partners for over thirty years, it says a lot about a relationship. A man of his word and you don’t need a contract when you deal with him, his handshake is his bond.

    In honor of his outstanding service to the Mining Industry and the Citizens of South Carolina, the Mining Association of South Carolina presented Mike Campbell with the MASC Service Award!

    Robert Guy Matthews at robertguy.matthews@wsj.com.Wall Street Journal, February, 2010.

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    Frey Honored
    Bill Frey will soon retire from 16 years of sales service with Bridgestone Americas Off Road Tire Company…Bill is a 45 year veteran of the tire industry. Most of his tenure has been spent in the Off Road Tire industry. Bill has enjoyed a close alliance with major quarry and mining clients throughout his career which started in 1964.

    Bill has spent the last sixteen years with Bridgestone Americas Off Road Tire Co. No doubt you may have seen Bill at a quarry or mine site at some point in your own career. When asked recently, “What was one of the more challenging experiences within your career”? Bill replied, “The OTR tire shortage of demand exceeding supply was very difficult especially when it came to providing enough tires for your good loyal clients”. “But, the relationships I was fortunate to enjoy, is what I will remember the most.”

    His wife Peggy, of forty six years, is Bill’s greatest supporter and most ardent fan. Bill and Peggy have two children, and three grandchildren. Needless to say, the road to Atlanta, where two grandchildren live, will be heavily traveled, as well as a few planned trips to the state of Maine where the other grandchild lives.

    Bill will have an opportunity to work on his, already low, golf handicap. He and Peggy are also involved in several church activities and regularly volunteer their time and talents. Bill and Peggy reside in Florida.

    In honor of his outstanding service to the Mining Industry and the Citizens of South Carolina, the Mining Association of South Carolina presented Bill Frey with the MASC Service Award!

    MASC 2010.

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    Kennedy Appointed
    Governor Sanford has appointed Mr. Craig Kennedy to the S.C. Mining Council. Mr. Kennedy will also fill the vacancy for the Governor's Representative to the Interstate Mining Compact Commission recently vacated with the resignation of Mr. Ken Willingham.

    The S.C. Mining Council welcomes Mr. Kennedy and members look forward to serving with him on the Council.

    MASC 2010.

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    Save the Date...For the 2010 MASC Annual Meeting
    We would like to invite you to join us for the 2010 MASC Annual Meeting & Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at "THE NEW" Timberlake Plantation Golf Club in Chapin, SC. We will have a brief Annual Board Meeting beginning at 10:00 am (open attendance for all MASC Members). Lunch will be served at 11:30 am and golfers will tee off at approximately 12:00 noon. This event will provide an excellent networking opportunity for Associate and Regular Members. Registration and sponsorship information will be sent in the near future...SAVE THE DATE!

    MASC 2010.

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