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“One employee, Greg Howard, a former Marine, took notice of
Duette’s tattered ag,” Barron recalls. “On project day, Howard
came armed with a new one.”
When a tornado tore through Duette in 2016, Four Corners set
up generator-powered lights, and employees from across the
company showed up with heavy equipment to clear debris. “As
a reporter for more than two decades, I’ve met a lot of people
on both their best and worst days,” Barron says. “But it was rare
to nd such a large group of such good people ready to work
hard and just as eager to give back as those I can now call my
coworkers and friends at Mosaic.”
Caring for Employees
Not only does Mosaic give back to the community at every
opportunity; Barron says the company also takes care of its
employees. Voted “One of the Best Places to Work in Tampa
Bay” a few years ago, the company offers everything from
employer matched 401 contributions to bonuses to exible
work schedules and educational assistance.
When Irma struck Florida last year, many Mosaic employees,
particularly those in Hardee County, suffered extensive damage.
“The company immediately stepped up with generators,
tree removal crews, water, gas, and in a few cases, lodging,”
Barron recalls.
“Unfortunately, it’s shocking how few in Manatee know about
the career opportunities within our company,” she adds. “This
has been a source of frustration for me and one I’m determined
to turn around.”
Barron says the industry average salary for a miner is about
4,000 a year, including benets and overtime. The company
recently formed a new partnership with the State College of Florida
to boost local awareness of career potential with Mosaic. “A lack of
awareness coupled with a lack of the right skills has made hiring
locally a challenge,” Barron adds. “We also hope to realize greater
opportunities with Manatee Technical College.”