CVIA - CVIA STOCK NEWS

Covia commemorates National Miners Day by recognizing the contributions of current and former miners in the raw materials industry. The company acknowledges their role in extracting and processing essential minerals used in everyday products, emphasizing their expertise in responsible and safe mining practices. The PR highlights how mining serves as the foundation for materials science innovation and product manufacturing, following the principle that 'if it can't be grown, it must be mined.'

Covia has established an Emergency Relief Fund through The Covia Foundation to support employees during natural disasters and personal hardships. The fund, launched in 2017 following Hurricane Harvey, provides financial assistance of up to $1,500 for employees in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Following Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage in the Southeastern US with 100 mph winds, Covia implemented an Immediate Response Program (IRP) providing $500 payments within 24 hours to affected employees. Over 40 employees received assistance through this program. The company partnered with the Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF) to manage applications confidentially and provide timely support beyond federally declared disasters.

The Hephzibah, Georgia facility demonstrated community support by helping employees with fuel needs and lending equipment for debris clearing when the region lost power for nearly two weeks.

Adam Beatty, Senior Plant Manager at Covia, oversees four clay plants across Texas, Georgia, and Indiana. With 17 years of experience, he has fostered a family-like work environment while managing facilities that produce clay for fiberglass and ceramic industries. The PR highlights his leadership during Hurricane Helene in September 2024, which severely impacted the Hephzibah plant community. In response, Covia provided emergency financial assistance up to $2,000 per employee through the Covia Cares Emergency Relief Fund, helping over 40 affected employees. The company also supported the local community by lending equipment for debris removal and providing fuel assistance to employees during power outages.

Covia's Roff Plant has joined the Wildlife Habitat Council's (WHC) Artificial Nesting Structure Challenge by building a custom birdhouse for purple martins. The initiative aims to address the decline of cavity nesting birds due to habitat loss. The custom-built structure features specific dimensions suitable for purple martins, including 2 1/4-inch diameter entrance holes and 6x6x6-inch nesting cavities. The birdhouse, strategically placed near the plant's office entrance, includes custom shingles, stonework from plant materials, and a bird bath. The project demonstrates Covia's commitment to biodiversity, which includes preserving forests, reclaiming land with native species, and protecting endangered species habitats.

Covia highlights recent volunteer initiatives across multiple locations. At the Emmett, Idaho Plant, Charlynn Hinson volunteered at Ronald McDonald House in Boise, helping with pantry organization and Santa's workshop preparations. The Tuscaloosa Plant participated in the Light the Night walk, raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, achieving third place among participating companies. In Huntersville, North Carolina, team members supported Bags of Hope, preparing over 100 food bags for children facing food insecurity. The Independence, Ohio office hosted the Stars, Stripes & Links Golf Outing for injured veterans and supported Leighton Elementary School's adaptive playground development with inclusive equipment installations.

Covia celebrates remarkable employee milestones, highlighting six individuals with over 200 combined years of service. Notable among them is Lee Bullion, a Production Operator at Camden Plant with 47 years of service. Lee's inspiring story includes following his family's footsteps, surviving a life-threatening health crisis saved by workplace AED equipment, and maintaining an active lifestyle as a marathon runner and youth sports coach. Other long-serving employees include Alain Cloutier (48 years), Harry C. Barraclough Sr. (44 years), Janet E. Kilbane (37 years), Moses L. Crockett (36 years), and John W. Mowery (35 years). The company emphasizes its commitment to recognizing employee contributions and maintaining an exceptional work environment.

Covia is enhancing its product innovation process with a strong focus on sustainability and ESG benefits. The company is establishing a state-of-the-art Innovation Center in Concord, North Carolina, which will strengthen their laboratory network for developing products in polymers, engineered stones, coatings, and building products.

A notable achievement in 2023 was the development of Cristobalex™, a product with refined quality and low iron content that enhances durability, reflectivity, and UV-resistance while reducing weight. When used in cool roofing coatings, it improves energy efficiency, and in road markings, it enhances safety through better visibility and durability.

Covia showcases its customer relationship strategy through the profile of Mark Styers, Vice President of Specialty Materials. With nearly 13 years at the company, Mark leads the commercial team for Covia's specialty business unit, overseeing coatings, polymers, exports, engineered stone, and European operations. The PR highlights how LUMINEX™, a silica-based ultrawhite filler for quartz countertops, exemplifies successful product innovation driven by customer engagement. The company emphasizes the importance of building genuine connections beyond sales, including mutual participation in charitable initiatives and close collaboration between sales and plant teams.

Covia highlights the contributions of two marketing team members, Natalie King and Laura Vasseur, based in Huntersville, North Carolina. Natalie, the Brand Activation Manager, and Laura, the Senior Creative Designer and Digital Specialist, play important roles in building customer relationships through effective marketing.

Laura's responsibilities include website management, digital ad campaigns, and packaging design. Natalie works closely with sales and strategic marketing teams to create tailored solutions for diverse markets. Together, they develop marketing campaigns that resonate with different customer segments, such as the successful 'Don't Fear the Filler' campaign.

The team is exploring innovative ways to connect with customers, including remastering older marketing videos and launching new products like LUMINEX™ and CRISTOBALEX™. Both team members also pursue personal interests, with Laura engaging in various artistic endeavors and Natalie actively volunteering in her community.