CVIA - CVIA STOCK NEWS

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.

Covia's response to Hurricane Helene demonstrates its commitment to corporate social responsibility and employee support. The company activated its Covia Cares Emergency Relief Fund and Immediate Response Funds to assist affected employees and their families in the Southeast. Over 40 employees received immediate relief funds through the Covia Foundation.

The company's philanthropic efforts are guided by the Community Investment Policy, administered by the Covia Foundation. In addition to internal support, Covia donated to Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization, to aid in on-the-ground relief efforts for Hurricane Helene. Employees at plants in Georgia and North Carolina were particularly commended for their efforts in supporting colleagues and the community during this crisis.

Covia demonstrates its commitment to biodiversity through various local initiatives across its operational footprint. The company partners with organizations to protect and restore habitats for native species. Key projects include:

1. South Jersey Quail Project: Protecting quail habitats in New Jersey.
2. Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre: Supporting turtle rehabilitation and education in Canada.
3. Swallow conservation in Southern Ontario.
4. Fish and turtle habitat preservation in Huntingburg, Indiana.
5. Dunes Sagebrush Lizard protection in Kermit, Texas.
6. Fox den development in Junction City, Georgia.

These efforts showcase Covia's dedication to preserving local ecosystems and endangered species. The company provides funding and organizational support for these community projects, emphasizing its commitment to positive environmental impacts.

Covia, a company focused on cultivating a safe work environment, has implemented innovative safety measures in 2024 to improve workplace safety. Key highlights include:

• Introduction of wearable safety sensors to prevent injuries by providing instant feedback on hazardous movements
• Development of digital workplace inspections to streamline safety procedures and enforce SMHS guidelines
• Continuation of the 'Safety Starts with Me' program, an employee-led initiative to create a positive work environment
• Organization of Safety Days, focusing on different elements of health and safety, including emergency preparedness drills

Covia's efforts were recognized by NIOSH with the Mine Safety and Health Technology Innovations Award for their wearable sensor program implementation.

John Hargrove, Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator at Covia's Hephzibah, Georgia, plant, is recognized for his dedication to safety and leadership. With a background in the U.S. Marine Corps and mining industry, John joined Covia in 2018 as a utility operator. His passion for learning and growth led to promotions, ultimately becoming the EHS coordinator.

In his role, John manages environmental and safety responsibilities, including industrial-hygiene testing. His experience across various positions helps him effectively communicate safety practices. Under John's guidance, the Hephzibah plant recently achieved 20 years without a lost-time incident, emphasizing the plant's commitment to the 'Safety-First' mindset and the principle of 'safety before production'.

Covia (NYSE: CVIA) has implemented advanced reporting and measurement capabilities to enhance the quality and reliability of safety data tracked at its sites. The company uses a Safety Performance Scorecard, updated monthly and shared quarterly, to monitor performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) and internal targets. This scorecard includes standard injury statistics and leading indicators.

Covia also focuses on Leading Indicator KPIs, encouraging employees to report incidents, near-misses, and concerns. The company aims to complete dust sampling and in-field safety evaluations on time, with the goal of meeting or exceeding KPI targets annually. Covia's commitment to safety engagement and performance transparency is demonstrated by making key safety metrics available on its intranet and updating them regularly.