The Illinois Association of Aggregate Producer’s Public Information and Education (PIE) Committee has been awarded the very prestigious Interstate Mining Compact Commission’s (IMCC) annual Minerals Education Award in the public outreach category. Begun in 1999, the minerals education awards are presented each year in two categories: the mining awareness educator category and the public outreach category.

The IMCC public outreach award is presented to an industry, environmental, citizen or other group, or to a state government body, that has achieved excellence in one or more of the following categories: provided educational outreach in an innovative manner that increases the level of understanding in the community about mining and its impacts; promoted awareness of environmental stewardship associated with mining through active involvement of citizens; fostered cooperation and partnerships with diverse groups to achieve understanding; enhanced the understanding of issues associated with mining and natural resource development; and/or fostered public education through mine tours, visitor centers, community awareness days, career days, personnel volunteerism in the schools, maintaining adopt-a-school programs or education partnerships, or any other innovative initiative deemed deserving by the awards committee.

PIE Committee chairman Mike Boyda, Vulcan Materials Company, will be present to receive an engraved plaque of recognition at a banquet held in conjunction with the IMCC Annual Meeting, May 18 to 22, 2008 in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

An Honorable Mention in the Public Outreach Category also is being awarded this year to Tim Theobold, Vulcan Materials Company, Manteno, Ill.

The IAAP and its PIE Committee were recognized for their commitment to helping members educate the general public about the aggregates industry and its importance in everyday life. The PIE Committee sponsors and participates in many educational events around the state, including organizing and sponsoring an annual workshop for elementary and high school teachers for the past 12 years, and they develop and make available numerous educational materials relating to earth science, geology, mine reclamation and the many products made from minerals, crushed stone, sand and gravel.

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