A huge thank you to Anna Quarries, Inc. for opening their gates to Union County CEO! πͺ¨π
Our young professionals, joined by our friends from Jackson CEO, were hosted by General Manager Will Pyatt and Supervisor David Whitaker for an up-close look at a business so many of us drive past on Route 51 every day.
Will shared the history of the quarry and its place within E.T. Simonds, which oversees several businesses in our region, including the Anna Quarry. Our team members were struck by the sheer size of the operation and how many decades it has been serving our area. They were amazed to see trucks already lined up for loads by 7:30 a.m. and to learn just how much rock moves out in a single week to supply local projects and jobs.
The highlight for many was heading down into the pits while crews were actively at work. The massive haul trucks made personal pickups look like toy cars, and the layers of rock in the quarry walls told the story of our region's geology. Our future leaders also took notice of the thoughtful details, like the water trucks that keep dust under control, and the way the quarry reuses rainwater from the old pit to wash limestone before pumping it right back in.
Beyond the equipment and the views, Will and David gave real insight into running a business: managing people, navigating busy and slow seasons, handling winter weather, and making safety a top priority for every employee. As one team member put it, this visit was "not only informational, but also interactive," and several called it their favorite visit of the year.
Thank you, Will, David, and the entire Anna Quarries team, for your time, your hospitality, and the hard work you put into our community every day. And thank you to Jackson County CEO for joining us. Our team loved your great questions and hearing about your business! π
#UnionCountyCEO #CEOProgram #MidlandInstitute #AnnaIL #ShopLocal #FutureLeaders #YoungEntrepreneurs
