

Fall 2015
NCRWA.COM27
small resources—the Town of Marshall is no
exception. The town’s maintenance crew is
responsible for everything from running the
water plant to garbage collection. With such
limited resources, rehabbing the tank on their
own dime would likely be substituted by
putting Band-Aids on bullet wounds until the
Band-Aids no longer stick. And then what?
Then you hope and pray that there’s a loan or
grant out there that can keep your town afloat.
Or you increase taxes or water rates, or both! A
gift of this magnitude will benefit the citizens
of the town and surrounding areas, not just
now, but for the foreseeable future. During the
reveal ceremony, the Town’s Mayor, Lawrence
Ponder, expressed his gratitude to CMT for this
gift. Mayor Ponder referred to CMT as “good
stewards”, expressing heartfelt gratitude for
gifting the town with their time and resources.
So what kind of company gives away a
$45,000 project? The kind who’s mission
statement includes “…improving the quality
of life for our employees and their families.”
The kind who doesn’t forget where they came
from or who helped them get where they are
today. This is the third year in a row that CMT
has awarded a rural town with limited funds
with a complete tank rehabilitation. The CMT
Gives Back initiative came about when CMT
celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2013, as
their way of giving back to the industry and
the communities that have supported the
company throughout the years. “We know
there is not enough money – we just want to
do our part to shine our light for the greater
good,” said CMT co-owner Wendy Banks.
Terry Boger added “Personally, I enjoy being
a part of these projects. I often get asked
“what do you do” and “ who is CMT”. When I
explain, I usually talk (brag) about doing these
jobs. Most everyone is amazed when you tell
them you do these jobs for free. Our society
is so focused on self-gratification that good
stewardship is nearly a thing of the past. It
is a great feeling to know you are a part of a
company that has values and is willing to go
against the grain and make a difference.”
The previous winners of the CMT Gives Back
Winners were: 2014 – Town of Dobson; 2013 –
Town of Burnsville.
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