Ergon México Joins Unidos for a Community Rally Day

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Doing Right, the Ergon Way 
By: José Leal, Vice President of Sales – Latin America

Imagine spending a Rally Day with your family and friends. Picture crossing the “Amazon River” together, navigating obstacles using only your suitcases — holding tightly to prevent the strong current from sweeping them away. Then envision solving a complex maze as a team in complete silence, communicating only through signs. Now imagine becoming a “Ninja,” jumping, crawling and running against the clock to secure valuable prizes.

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The only rule: Every single team member must participate — and have fun. This is certainly not a typical day at the office, but an unforgettable one for Ergon México.

Unidos is a nonprofit association in Mexico dedicated to promoting the full integration of people with special needs into the community through meaningful activities. Their mission is to foster a culture of empathy, respect and participation.

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From the moment the Rally Day event began, our Ergon México Community Reach Team was welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm. Participants were eager to take on every activity we had prepared. No challenge seemed impossible. As we developed strategies and completed each stage, we were deeply moved by the reflections and words of wisdom shared by the participants about what they had learned.

Their joy was genuine and heartfelt. The gratitude expressed toward the Ergon México Team and our families resonated profoundly with all of us. It was an experience that touched our hearts and reminded us why community engagement matters.

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Unidos hosted a Sensitivity Workshop for our team to better understand how to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals with special needs. This experience encouraged honest reflection, strengthened our awareness and reinforced our commitment to inclusion.

Giving back to our community — offering our time, the most valuable gift we can share — had a lasting impact on us and our families. Looking back on that day brings us right back to those moments when we lived out Ergon’s Core Values of Empowered Service and Respectful Relationships at their very best.

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Special thanks to the Ergon México Community Reach Team — Eva De Garay, Perla Peloche and Jazmin Bernardino — for their enthusiasm and dedication in organizing this meaningful initiative. We are already looking forward to the next one.

Mississippi Students Visit Ergon Asia Facility

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In December 2025, 11 University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) students and faculty boarded a plane for an unforgettable opportunity to tour Ergon Asia — gaining insights into the oil and gas industry and learning why engineering and supply chain professions are vital.

“It’s impactful to see how Ergon has successfully expanded its reach overseas. Observing its international presence gave me a new perspective on how interconnected global markets operate,” said Tyneah Buckley, a junior electrical engineering major at Ole Miss. She hails from the Magnolia State Capital — Jackson, Mississippi.

As part of Ergon’s commitment to invest in future leaders, our company partners with an international program, Global Academic Ventures, which coordinates educational industry tours around the world.

“We welcome opportunities to engage with schools and universities whenever there’s a strong educational purpose,” said Henry Chua, Operations Manager for Ergon Asia. “Our goal is to provide students with firsthand exposure into how international companies operate and to inspire them to consider the many career paths available in industries like ours.”

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Touring Ergon Asia
Amid the excitement of the curious group of students arriving at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore, Phyllicia Ong, Marketing Specialist for Ergon Asia, reflected on their enthusiasm from the moment she and Henry picked them up to head to the facility.

“I distinctly remember a student speaking up and sharing what she knew of Ergon’s history and operations,” she said. “That set the tone for the tour. From the start, it was clear the students were eager to understand how a global business like Ergon operates, even thousands of miles from our Mississippi headquarters.”

After arriving at Ergon Asia, the students met the terminal team, viewed a mandatory safety video and attended presentations offering a comprehensive overview of operations, logistics and the supply chain processes that connect to our global network.

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“Seeing the students deeply engaged in the presentations and some furiously scribbling notes showed their genuine interest in what goes on behind the scenes,” Phyllicia said.

The tour then continued on foot.

“They saw where we blend and store the oil, and they met the terminal team. We also explained how we manage customer relationships, navigate international regulations and adapt to shifting market demands,” Henry added.

The experience was designed not only to highlight the technical side of our operations, but also how we strive to meet needs and serve customers with strategic decision-making every day.

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“The students were completely absorbed — taking in towering storage tanks, some with heating elements; the massive loading and unloading area for ships; and a sprawling, highly sophisticated network of pipes feeding products into storage,” Phyllicia added.

The Ole Miss Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship partners with Ergon through its family business initiatives. Tong Meng, Director of Programs at the center and study abroad faculty member, shared her excitement about students touring a third-generation Mississippi-based company.

“It was an eye-opening and transformative experience for many of them,” Tong said. “It showed that it’s not just companies from big cities on the coast that can have a global presence. This demonstrated that Mississippi-based companies like Ergon can compete, adapt and lead globally.”

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Building a Generation of Industry Leaders
Investing in youth education and our future talent pipeline doesn’t begin when someone joins the Ergon family — it starts much earlier.

“Our industry is dynamic, innovative and full of opportunities,” said Lance Puckett, Executive Vice President – Energy & Specialty Solutions. “I hope these students see how our work touches communities everywhere — fueled by collaboration and a commitment to continuous improvement. Those qualities will serve them well no matter where their careers take them. By engaging with future leaders, we’re investing in the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of energy and specialty solutions.”

“Real-world operations involve logistical, financial and operational challenges that add complexity beyond what textbooks can capture. Learning about this has kindled my interest in pursuing international career opportunities,” Tyneah said.

By providing hands-on experiences, we help students connect the dots between classroom learning and real-world application — providing them with an understanding that goes far beyond the textbook.

MOGoil Earns 2025 EcoVadis Badge

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In December 2025, our MOGoil Team received a 2025 EcoVadis Bronze Badge, MOGoil’s first medal distinction since participating in the EcoVadis evaluation. This recognition places us among the top 35% of all evaluated companies and reflects our commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices.

Ergon’s involvement with EcoVadis, a leading global sustainability rating platform, also demonstrates our commitment to support our customers in reaching their sustainability goals. Ergon companies have received EcoVadis ratings since 2014, and we remain dedicated to Doing Right with our products, for our planet, by our people and through our principles.

View the official EcoVadis information on MOGoil and other companies within Ergon’s Energy & Specialty Solutions business segment below:

More information on these and other sustainability initiatives can be found in our Doing Right Report, which you can view and download here: https://ergon.com/sustainability.

25 Years of Partnership: Ergon Trucking and Southern Ionics

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“Once They Tell You They’re Going To Do It, You Can Forget About It.”
Founded in the 1980s in Mobile, Alabama, Southern Ionics is a leading producer and supplier of aluminum, sulfur, ammonia and zirconium products. These products are used in a broad range of applications, including the production of safe drinking water, the removal of pollutants from the air and as a catalyst for clean fuels.

Delivering tens of thousands of loads annually, Southern Ionics handles over 90% of these deliveries in-house.

But where do they turn when it’s time to bring in outside help?

Who can Southern Ionics count on to provide the same level of service their customers have come to expect?

The answer is Ergon Trucking (Ergon). The partnership between Ergon and Southern Ionics began in the late ‘90s. What started as an initial trial run paved the way for decades of collaboration that the Southern Ionics team knows they can always rely on.

“From the dispatchers to the drivers to the office,” said Sam White, Transportation Manager at Southern Ionics. “The relationship that we’ve built over the past 25+ years has proven to be a true partnership. Everybody you talk to is professional, and if they tell you they’re going to do it, you can take it to the bank. They’re going to take care of it. It’ll be done as well as you would have done it with your own equipment and trucks.”

For both companies, the connection runs deeper than logistics. In many cases, frontline workers like truck drivers may be the only interaction customers have with a company. Ergon’s Founder, Leslie Lampton Sr., often said that truck drivers are the face of the business.

The Southern Ionics team shares that belief — and it’s one of the reasons the partnership continues to thrive.

“We take a lot of pride in the people we hire,” said White. “And I think it’s obvious Ergon does the same thing.”

When Last-Minute Projects Call, Ergon Answers
“I’ll tell you about our first experience with Ergon,” said White. “We have a barge terminal in Columbus, Ohio, and we were supplying caustic soda by truckload and rail to a customer there. That customer was using product really fast. The rail cars couldn’t keep up. I called a guy and said, ‘Man, you know anybody that’s got any trucks?’”

“He sent two owner-operators up from Petal, Mississippi, and they hauled nonstop for three days. Ergon came through, and they did an unbelievable job. That was the start of our partnership, and it was obvious early on that they were going to do what they said they were going to do,” White continued.

On another occasion, when faced with a customer who needed critical products delivered during the holidays, Southern Ionics once again turned to their trusted partner in Ergon.

“Ergon found two truck drivers who didn’t mind being away from home on Christmas,” said White. “They would load up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, go to Santa Fe Springs, California, get there the day before Christmas Eve or on Christmas Eve, and then they would have to test the product. From there, they’d leave California and drive all the way to Seattle [Washington]. It wasn’t a glamorous job, but they did that load — two trucks, every year — for several years. And we knew we could count on them to do so. Once they tell you they’re going to do it, you can forget about it.”

Built on Trust
Over the years, trust has grown into a deep, dependable partnership. The Southern Ionics team knows they can count on Ergon to provide a high-quality service without the need for micromanagement.

“You make that handoff to Ergon, and you just know they’re going to do a great job,” said White. “They take care of business, simple as that.”

Where Values Meet Action

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Season’s Givings!
Giving back has always been central to what Ergon does, and we know it cannot be achieved alone. Throughout the 2025 holiday season, Ergon donated over $361,000 to organizations and families in need. This was made possible by the dedication of our Ergon family, along with the generosity of donors and partners who share our commitment to supporting the communities we serve.

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Pink Up The Pace 5K, October 2025

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This commitment goes beyond monetary donations, however. We also invest our time, talent and resources in strengthening our communities, and we value every opportunity to volunteer, share our expertise and support causes that make a lasting impact. These larger year-end fundraisers are just one part of our efforts to support our communities. Across our global operations, our teams are investing in the places they call home, and this work will continue into the new year.

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Toys for Tots, December 2025

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Thank you to everyone who helped make this season of giving back such a success, reminding us of what we can accomplish when we come together.

Turning Miles Into Milestones

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What started as an opportunity in Flowood, Mississippi, has evolved into a global role in Singapore — nearly 9,500 miles away from home. Rhyan Plumlee is taking her passion for global work to new heights as she joins Ergon Asia’s team as Business Development and Strategy Manager. With a heart full of ambition, she leads efforts to build the incredible work of the Asia Team, explore growth opportunities, develop strategic partnerships and align regional initiatives.

After relocating to Singapore in October 2025, she is reflecting on her experience with the team so far. “They [Ergon Asia] truly embody Mr. Lampton’s entrepreneurial spirit — developing solutions through creativity, adapting to change and going above and beyond despite time zones and geographical barriers.” Ergon Asia has terminals in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia that support the entire Asia region.

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Rhyan received a warm welcome from her new colleagues at Ergon Asia.

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Building Her Legacy With Purposeful Growth
Ergon’s commitment to creating opportunities for our employees to reach their full potential is evident in Rhyan’s career journey. In 2021, she joined the Ergon family as a Strategic Market Analyst supporting the Energy & Specialty Solutions (ESS) business segment. Later, she stepped into the role of Global Intelligence Manager – Markets & Pricing, where she led a team of business analysts and managed market intelligence operations to support international and regional sales teams.

But it wasn’t the job that kept her with Ergon, it was the heart of the company. “I realized that Ergon truly cares about its people, and I found the company’s Core Values — Empowered Service, Selfless Leadership, Respectful Relationships and Purposeful Growth — fascinating,” she shared. “Unlike many companies that simply list values, they are genuinely lived out at Ergon.”

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In 2024, Rhyan volunteered at the American Heart Association STEM Goes Red Event in Jackson, Mississippi.

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She credits our culture for helping establish a strong relationship with our international teams in Asia. Through Empowered Service and Respectful Relationships, she discovered her passion for global operations — a passion so deep that it motivated her to accept the opportunity of working more directly with these teams. “Moving across the world is never a small decision. This was a chance to step outside my comfort zone and learn from new perspectives,” Rhyan continued.

And like any life-changing career decision, it’s more than just signing paperwork. When the position was offered, Rhyan leaned on the guidance of her family, mentors and colleagues.

“It’s truly a blessing. Purposeful Growth is fostered by the people who challenge you, guide you and celebrate with you along the way. My family and friends have been amazing, and I couldn’t do this without them,” she expressed with gratitude. “I also want to acknowledge my colleagues from the ESS business segment: Gerardo Maldonado, Jay Coleman, Traci Forrest, Rusty Sammons, Chris Marquette, Juan Acosta and Dakota Wilson. Thank you, all!”

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Rhyan’s Mississippi team dressed like her every day during her last week at Ergon Headquarters.

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Planting Seeds of Inspiration
Our commitment to investing in leaders of tomorrow begins with our people. Rhyan is recognized for her innovative contributions to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) with Ergon. Her story is a powerful reminder to youth interested in STEM-based careers that the sky is the limit. “I’m so glad I can be a role model for youth and especially young girls, showing them that they can achieve anything they want in STEM or any other field they set their minds to,” she said.

Rhyan steps into her new chapter with an impactful statement: “Dream big, embrace the unknown and take opportunities. Push beyond your comfort zone, and you’ll discover both the world and yourself.”

Consistency in Culture: The Heart of Ergon’s Success

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Read Executive Vice President – Integrated Services & Logistics Joel Pastorek‘s latest LinkedIn article, as shown below, sharing the role that Ergon’s culture plays in our success.

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I recently had the opportunity to meet with members of our Ergon Oil Purchasing (EOP) and Ergon Midstream Teams. The meeting reminded me that at the heart of our company are the people who make it all happen — men and women whose dedication and collaboration define Ergon’s culture and drive our success. While our industry evolves and our operations grow increasingly complex, one thing remains constant: the strength and consistency of our culture.

Chris Eldridge, Operations Manager – EOP, began his journey at Ergon right out of college as a Maintenance Engineer. Since then, he has held several roles within our Integrated Services & Logistics and Pavement & Coating Resources business segments. Today, he manages all logistics for the upstream and midstream operations of both Ergon refineries, overseeing transportation and scheduling while working closely with our Commercial Team to ensure uninterrupted refinery operations.

“Most people don’t realize how much collaboration and logistics go into keeping the oil and gas industry running smoothly,” Eldridge said. “It’s not just drilling and refining — it’s coordinating transportation, storage, scheduling and regulatory compliance. A single delay in one part of the chain can affect multiple operations.”

Behind these operations is a team of people who rely on one another daily. It’s this shared sense of responsibility and teamwork that keeps our operations running efficiently, allowing Ergon to meet the needs of our customers and partners.

This sentiment is echoed by Darden Bourne, Senior Crude Trader – EOP, who believes Ergon’s culture will carry the company through any future changes. “I can’t guess exactly what the future will look like, but we know things will change,” Bourne said. “Not only will there be changes in our industry, but every new generation of employees will bring a new set of skills. However, Ergon’s values run deep. And it’s our teamwork and shared commitment that allow us to adapt and thrive, no matter where technology or the market take us.”

Aaron Fleming, Vice President of Commercial – Ergon Midstream, offered his perspective on what makes Ergon unique. After more than 14 years in commercial and operations roles across the industry, he joined Ergon through our EnLink Ohio River Valley (now Ergon Midstream) acquisition in 2023. “Throughout my career, I was always impressed by Ergon’s emphasis on people,” Fleming said. “I saw early on that the family culture set Ergon apart from peers, and I’m grateful to be part of that today.”

The common thread among these stories is clear: while our industry evolves, the consistency of Ergon’s culture remains steadfast. It is the dedication, collaboration and drive of our employees — eager to make a difference for customers, communities and each other — that enable us to navigate change successfully.

“When I started, the company was much smaller, and I couldn’t have imagined the level of growth, expansion and operational complexity we’ve achieved,” Eldridge reflected. “Seeing how far we’ve come and being part of that journey has been both surprising and rewarding.”

At Ergon, no matter how complex our operations or how fast the industry moves, our culture is the constant that guides us. It is our shared values, teamwork and commitment to excellence that ensure we continue to thrive together, today and into the future.

There Is No Time for Complacency: Four Keys to Ensuring Your Business Stands the Test of Time

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Read Ergon President & CEO Kris Patrick‘s latest LinkedIn article, as shown below, sharing his four keys to ensuring business continuity through evolving industry demands.

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Global manufacturing and infrastructure are moving faster than ever. If you want your business to thrive for the long haul, you simply cannot stand still. You must keep pace with change or, better yet, stay ahead of it. You must outpace while simultaneously holding tightly to the values that made you successful in the first place.

Transformation – No Time for Complacency
The strategy that brought you to this point will not always be the one that takes you where you need to go next. That does not mean you must abandon your identity or vision. You must be willing to adjust how you reach the goal. At Ergon, we aren’t moving away from our culture. In fact, we are doubling down on it. However, we recognize that our tactics must change for us to continue to be successful.

We have embraced the mindset that what got us here may not get us where we are headed. We constantly look for ways to expand our ability to serve customers, not only for today’s needs but also for tomorrow’s. While we market current products to meet immediate demands, we are also working behind the scenes to research, develop and deliver solutions for challenges our customers do not yet know they have.

Change is not something we fear. It is something we welcome with intentionality, careful thought and an unwavering focus on the customer.

Innovation – Staying Focused on the Customer
Any company can follow a blueprint. The companies that endure are the ones that solve problems no one else is solving.

At Ergon, we invest in people who study long-term trends and bring forward ideas driven by anticipation of what customers will need next. Our scientists work to turn those ideas into practical solutions. Sales and technical teams engage directly with customers to understand their definition of success and help them achieve it. Supply chain and quality teams protect the consistency and reliability of every product we deliver. Administrative teams create a smooth, straightforward experience for our customers. Every function works toward the same goal — helping our customers succeed through innovation and service.

In short, everyone plays a role in innovation. If you ask anyone at Ergon, they will tell you there is always something new happening. A new product, a new process or a new initiative is always in motion. That is not by accident. It is essential for business success today.

Motivation – Giving Change a Purpose
Change is only possible when people believe in what they are doing. It is easier to embrace change when it is tied to a larger purpose.

The Lampton family, and especially the second generation — Leslie, Lee, Bill and Robert — have carried forward the standard of showing genuine care for people and treating employees like family. They have continued to lead with the belief that when Ergon succeeds, everyone succeeds. That principle still guides us today.

We show up for each other. We lead with genuine care. We connect the work we do to a greater impact, both locally and globally, so our people know their efforts matter.

Foundation – Staying True to Your Values
Our mission is simple. Meet needs. Support families. Serve customers. Everything we do ties back to that. No matter how much we grow, we remain at our core a service company.

That is our legacy, and it is also our future. The question we will continue to ask is the same one that has guided us from the start: How can we serve?

Service and humility are core mindsets that have kept Ergon strong for over seven decades, and it is what will carry us forward. The real question is this: What will carry your business into the future?

Meet Miro Pribyl — Managing Director of Ergon International

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At Ergon, we are dedicated to fostering Purposeful Growth and creating long-term value for our employees, customers and partners. Since stepping into the role of Managing Director of Ergon International in September 2024, Miroslav “Miro” Pribyl has played a pivotal role in integrating Ergon International and MOGoil, helping create a unified and stronger organization.

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Pribyl, who co-founded MOGoil of Germany in 2006, became part of the Ergon family in 2023 following Ergon’s acquisition of MOGoil. Based in Prague but frequently traveling to Brussels and Berlin, Pribyl brings a wealth of industry experience and commitment to strengthening Ergon International’s position as a global leader in providing innovative solutions for the specialty oils industry.

As Managing Director, Pribyl focuses on identifying synergies between Ergon and MOGoil to enhance relationships and deliver greater value to our suppliers and customers. “My vision for Ergon International and MOGoil is to strengthen our teamwork, so that we operate as one Ergon family — united by shared values and working together to serve our markets effectively,” stated Pribyl.

One early success of this vision is a joint logistics initiative between the two companies. By coordinating transatlantic shipments of MOGoil’s and Ergon’s products on shared vessels, both companies, along with our customers and partners, benefit from greater efficiency, reduced transportation costs and optimized shipping volumes. This collaboration highlights the value of working together to drive operational improvements and deliver shared success across the supply chain.

Pribyl’s strong industrial experience, combined with his background at MOGoil — which operated in the spirit of a family-run company — has made him well-suited for this role. Having thrived in that close-knit, collaborative environment, Pribyl deeply values treating employees, customers and partners like family. “In addition to my other responsibilities, I have made it a goal to reinforce the family spirit across all our companies in Europe,” Pribyl explained. Building on Ergon’s longstanding history as a family-owned company, he is committed to further strengthening this collaborative culture, ensuring that everyone, regardless of business or location, feels part of the Ergon family and contributes to shared success and growth.

We look forward to Pribyl’s continued contributions to Ergon’s ongoing expansion and leadership in international markets.

Meet Crafco’s Tony Ramey, Heart Attack Survivor

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February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States.

This cause is deeply personal to the Ergon family, and we are committed to raising awareness each year. For Tony Ramey, Supply Center Supervisor — Crafco Inc., an Ergon company, heart health is more than just a message – it’s a reality.

testPictured is Tony Ramey, Supply Center Supervisor for Crafco’s Millbury Supply Center.

Two years ago, Ramey suffered a massive heart attack. Months later, he went in for a routine checkup, which unexpectedly led to open-heart bypass surgery.

Ramey’s heart attack and surgery put a lot of things into perspective for him. “My heart health doesn’t just affect me, it affects many,” he shared. “It took me time to accept what was happening to me, but with the support of my incredible wife, loving family, friends and all the doctors and nurses, I am working my way back to normal.” Following this life-changing experience, Tony prioritizes healthy eating habits, regular check-ins with his medical providers and consistent exercise. He also prioritizes doing what he loves – playing with his grandchildren, golfing with his wife and spending quality time with family and friends.

testCrafco Team Members showing their support for Wear Red Day at the Millbury Supply Center in Millbury, Massachusetts.

Ergon is committed to supporting employee well-being, including physical, mental and financial. Our Ergon Active initiative was created to promote healthy lifestyles and provide a sense of community as employees work toward healthy habits for improved quality of life. The program was launched on Valentine’s Day in 2022, emphasizing the impact healthier choices have on improving overall heart health and ensuring you are there for your loved ones.

In addition to our organization-wide efforts such as Ergon Active and more, we are also proud to support the efforts of organizations, like the American Heart Association (AHA), that provide resources for people to live healthy lives. Throughout American Heart Month, the AHA promotes initiatives to educate the public on heart disease risk factors, encourage healthy lifestyle choices, support research and advocate for heart health policies.

After his own health scare, Crafco’s Tony Ramey knows full-well the importance of investing in organizations that can impact the lives of so many. “I definitely know how important it is to support heart health awareness and the organizations who do so much to support this cause,” he shared.

Special thanks to the AHA for all they do to promote healthy hearts. We encourage everyone to start prioritizing heart health today. You can start by checking out healthy tips from the AHA here!