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IMAA Miner of the Year Spotlight
CRAIG GIBSON, IRVING MATERIALS, NAMED 2022 MINER OF THE YEAR
The IMAA Miner of the Year Award annually spotlights an aggregates professional who exemplifies the very best in our industry — exhibiting an unparalleled commitment not only to the business of aggregates production, but also to workplace safety, community involvement, and environmental sustainability. During the 2023 Winter Workshops, IMAA recognized Craig Gibson, Superintendent of Irving Materials’ Pendleton Stone Plant, as having contributed significantly to the aggregates industry in all of these areas — ultimately naming him as its 2022 Miner of the Year.
Gibson has played a vital role in aggregate production within Indiana for almost 25 years — more than that if one considers he worked summers for IMI while in high school. Following his graduation, in May 1999, IMI hired Gibson full-time on its construction crew. By 2006, he was the crew foreman, and in January 2015, Gibson became the Pendleton Stone Plant Superintendent.
While nominating Gibson for this award, past IMAA president Doug Layman noted, “Craig is a very dedicated leader. His competitive spirit drives him to be the best at whatever task he is faced with.” Layman goes on to explain that because Gibson wants the best out of his employees, he does everything he can to help them perform their jobs in the safest and most productive manner possible.
To say that Gibson was not expecting the award is an understatement. “I was so surprised by the award,” he says. “Everyone did an incredible job keeping it a secret. I didn’t have a clue until they called my name. I was blown away and even teared up when I saw my family in the back once I got on stage.”
Craig Gibson (right) receives the Miner of the Year Award from IMAA Executive
Director Calvin Lee.
Commitment to Excellence in Aggregates Production
While Gibson actually helped to build the Pendleton Stone Plant in 2007, once he became the Plant Superintendent in 2015, he has implemented a number of plant improvements that not only boost production, but that have led to a safer, more environmentally friendly work environment for Pendleton IMI employees. As part of his contribution to the industry as a whole, Gibson saw the value of becoming involved in IMAA, and the same year he became Pendleton plant superintendent, he also joined the IMAA Plant Operators Committee. From 2018 to 2020, he served as committee chairman, and he is still involved with the committee to this day.
A Dedication to Safety in the Workplace
Gibson demonstrates his commitment to workplace safety on a daily basis. His toolbox talks discuss tasks and plan jobs in a way that brings everyone involved onto the same page.
Staying at the forefront of technology in ways that help with safety, Gibson has led the development of IMI’s new paperless workplace exams. This newly developed system allows contractors to obtain site- specific and task training using an app on their smart phones. With the new system, management instantly knows if a contractor is onsite. The same smart phone app also allows IMI employees to perform pre-shift workplace and pre-shift equipment exams. Via the system, management and mechanics are instantly alerted of any mechanical or safety issues with equipment, and IMI management is also instantly alerted about any unsafe workplace conditions at the mine. This technology has led to equipment repairs to equipment and workplace safety remedies taking place more quickly — a huge step forward in safety for all of our miners.
An Eye Toward Environmental Conservation
While we mentioned the safety benefits of the paperless app, there are also environmental benefits to going paperless. With the use of technology, IMI now has a digital copy of all of the different exams and training records required by MSHA, saving thousands of sheets of paper that were previously used before to keep those mandatory records. Once use of this app goes company wide, the savings of paper — and money — will be even more significant.
Craig Gibson (center) with his family receiving the 2022 IMAA Miner of the Year award.
Contributions to the Community
While growing up, Gibson was very active in 4H — a tradition he has continued with his children, whom all participate in 4H today. Because of this legacy, Gibson has donated material and hours of his time at his local fairgrounds, making improvements for the county 4H Club. He has headed up fundraisers for coworkers who have fallen on tough times, in order to help improve their situation. And, to further neighbor relations, Gibson has created a community email group comprising local businesses and homeowners. Through this group, IMI can quickly address any concerns that a community member might have.
Gibson says he is grateful for the guidance and support he has enjoyed from his colleagues and his family over the years. “If it weren’t for the people I work with and work for, I would have never been a nominee for this award,” he notes. “Our IMI team ROCKS, and I would put them up against anyone. I thank God for them and my family every day.
“On top of my team, I have some of the greatest mentors in the industry! Two of which I lean on the most are my Dad (Kevin Gibson) and the other being Doug Layman,” he continues. “They both have taught me more than they will ever know in both the Mining Industry and in life. I think that’s why I like IMAA winter workshops so much. I have attended the meetings for a long time and now enjoy being part of committees that share the latest technologies and educating the next generation of miners in our industry.”
Submit an Award Nomination
Nominations are currently being accepted for IMAA awards. You can find submission forms at indmaa.org/awards. Click on “submit an award entry.” The Miner of the Year nominee must have been employed in the industry in Indiana for at least five years, be actively involved in the aggregate industry in Indiana at the time of nomination, and employed by a regular voting member of IMAA. The nomination must be made by a member of IMAA.