Celebrating 115 Years

Columbia families gather to celebrate our 115 Year Anniversary

— By Mike MacDonald, Columbia Steel Customer Service Specialist

On July 16th, we celebrated our 115th year in business with a picnic at Alderbrook Park in Brush Prairie, Washington. By far and away, this was one of the best events our company has ever hosted as so many that attended will attest.

The event brought together many generations of retired and current employees to eat and play the day away with their families. Turnout was perfect as was the weather on a slightly cloudy day. Many families took advantage of the parks various attractions such as mini-golf and paddle boats or simply sat and conversed about times old and new.

Our Picnic Committee was made up of Mark Roeter (CFO), Alan George (Marketing Manager), Dave Faust (Facilities Project Manager), Mike MacDonald (Key Account Representative), Jim Myers (Inspector), Terry Pope (HR Payroll Administrator), Ruth Moehnke (Accounting Manager), and Becky Layns (Cost Accountant). They planned the day with many Company sponsored activities such as a water balloon toss for the kids, horseshoes, a prize raffle and the ever popular dunk tank. Kate Minta (Director of Human Resources), Becky Layns, and Rick Trask (Cleaning Room Supervisor) all graciously volunteered to sit in the dunk tank while scores of lined up grinning employees took turn throwing softballs in hope of “putting them in the drink.” There was so much laughter and good humored fun had by all including some “little” participants who were encouraged to run up and hit the red button even if the ball missed.

Overall, the anniversary picnic was a smashing success and one to not soon be forgotten. After all, 115 years is something special these days. You don’t see as many prolific companies as you used to and we are blessed to be here and still serving our diverse industries and fantastic customers.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all of our vendors that contributed prizes and to the Picnic Committee for putting in so much time and effort to make a special day for everyone.

It is heart-warming to know that even with economic times being tough, our company leaders still thought that our employees past, present and perhaps even future should be able to come together to have some good food and great conversation as a family. Because that is exactly what Columbia Steel Casting is and has always been about — family.