Posted on September 9, 2024 |
At Blattner, success is driven by teamwork, and our project site team in Monticello, Indiana, exemplifies this spirit.
On a sunny day this summer, our team came together to support the HardCharger 5K Run, Walk and Ruck event in Monticello, Indiana, hosted by White County Veterans Services, a division of the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs. All proceeds from the event go directly to benefit U.S. military veterans in White County. This is the second time the event has been held following a successful launch in 2023. Teams started their treks from Roosevelt Middle School and wrapped up with a community lunch, including live music and pulled pork sandwiches from Chapman’s BBQ. The event was a true display of community engagement and heartfelt support for veterans.
The team's involvement started this spring when Site Safety Manager James Lovelace was approached by Nathan Baker, White County Veterans Services Service Officer, while he was pumping gas into his Blattner vehicle.
“Our trucks are all over the Monticello area and are very recognizable,” James said. “The community is well aware of the large solar project under construction.” Nathan invited James to pass along an invitation to the Blattner team to participate in the HardCharger event. James shared the card with Site Manager Mike Sprague, who immediately saw an opportunity to give back to those who have given so much.
“Anything we can do for vets, we need to do,” Mike said, and he wasn’t just talking about a donation.
Mike rallied the team of Site Safety Managers, including Rita Finch, Jermale Cromerdie and James Lovelace, and they reached out to the rest of the project team, ultimately gathering 22 participants to join the 5K. Blattner donated $1,000 to the event and partnered with the project developer, who covered all the competitors' entry fees, ensuring that the money went directly to support the cause.
Our team didn’t stop there. When the ice and water vendor fell through, the project site also provided water and ice for the runners, walkers and ruckers and even covered the cost of the after-event BBQ meal for all 92 participants. “It was a spur-of-the-moment goodwill gesture,” said Mike, “and it was absolutely worth it.”
The event wasn’t just about financial support—it was about showing up, building relationships and demonstrating Blattner's Basics and values in action. As James reflected, “What impressed me the most was how quickly everyone was ready to participate. It wasn’t hard to get people involved—they were eager to support.”
Rita captured the essence of the event: “As a team, we value this opportunity. Supporting veterans is amazing and aligns with what we believe in here at Blattner. Being part of a company that values this is something special.”
For Blattner, this wasn’t just a corporate responsibility—it was an opportunity to connect with the community, make a meaningful impact and showcase the power of our people. Commissioning Foreman Lawrence Tyler summed it up perfectly: “It was worth way more than money. It was about showing who we are and how we treat each other and the communities where we go.”
The Monticello solar project team’s participation in the HardCharger 5K is a testament to the strong relationships we build and the enduring value we create, both within our teams and in the communities we serve. It’s moments like these that truly power up Blattner, highlighting the culture of care, respect and community that makes us a great place to work.
