Cemstone + RSI
Building Trust
Amid Skepticism
Aggregate Quarry Project
Background
Cemstone, a leading supplier of ready-mix concrete and construction materials across Minnesota, sought to advance a proposed aggregate quarry project in Denmark Township, Washington County. The project would create a new local source of aggregate material to support regional construction demands and supply Cemstone’s network of ready-mix operations. The proposal includes a 71.5-acre quarry within a larger 179.4-acre leased project area.
While the project presented clear economic and supply-chain benefits, it had faced significant challenges gaining momentum. Like many aggregate projects, concerns related to traffic, environmental impacts, noise and community character contributed to skepticism among some residents and stakeholders.
Challenge
When Cemstone engaged Rapp Strategies, the project had experienced a number of engagement roadblocks as they moved through the standard permitting process. The company faced a familiar challenge in identifying how to move beyond opposition and uncertainty by creating a process that community members viewed as credible, transparent and responsive.
Success would require more than traditional public relations. Cemstone needed to demonstrate that it was willing to listen, answer difficult questions and engage directly with those most impacted by the proposal.
The company also needed to build productive relationships with local leaders, neighboring property owners, community organizations and residents while navigating a complex public review process.
Our Role
Rapp Strategies developed and executed a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and public affairs strategy designed to rebuild trust and create meaningful opportunities for dialogue.
That work included:
Identifying and prioritizing key stakeholders, including local elected officials, adjacent landowners, community leaders and organizational partners.
Conducting direct outreach and relationship-building efforts with individuals and groups most affected by the proposed project.
Developing messaging and communications materials focused on transparency, responsiveness and factual project information.
Advising Cemstone leadership on community engagement strategies and public meeting preparation.
Creating opportunities for two-way communication that allowed residents to ask questions, raise concerns and receive direct answers from project representatives.
Coordinating a highly visible community open house designed to encourage participation and constructive dialogue.
A central element of the strategy was demonstrating that Cemstone was committed to listening — not simply presenting information. By emphasizing accessibility, responsiveness and transparency, the company was able to change the tenor of the conversation surrounding the project.
Results
The public engagement effort helped re-establish momentum for the quarry project and strengthened Cemstone’s standing within the community.
Most importantly, the engagement process demonstrated Cemstone’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Community members were given meaningful opportunities to learn about the proposal, ask questions, and provide input, helping build credibility as the project moved forward through review and permitting processes.
Key outcomes included:
Successful outreach to critical community stakeholders and local decision-makers.
Increased public understanding of the project and the regulatory review process.
Creation of multiple channels for community feedback and ongoing dialogue.
Improved relationships with neighboring organizations and residents.
A successful community open house hosted at Carpenter Nature Center, a neighboring property owner, that attracted approximately 80 attendees and fostered constructive discussion.
Strong participation from residents who engaged directly with project representatives, asked thoughtful questions, and shared feedback in a respectful environment.
Most importantly, the engagement process demonstrated Cemstone’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Community members were given meaningful opportunities to learn about the proposal, ask questions, and provide input, helping build credibility as the project moved forward through review and permitting processes.
