SKB Honored with 2013 DCTC Advocacy Award

Divisional VP Rick O’Gara accepts award at True Blue Gala

SKB Vice President Rick O’Gara (right) accepts DCTC Advocacy award from DCTC President Ron Thomas

SKB Environmental was honored at the 2nd Annual True Blue Gala with the 2013 DCTC Advocacy Award. SKB has been a leader in the waste disposal and recycling industry for more than 30 years. The DCTC Advocacy Award recognizes an individual or business that has displayed extraordinary support for the college mission through partnerships, community engagement and the promotion of technical education as a pivotal component in the quest for economic prosperity. SKB Divisional Vice President Rick O’Gara was present to receive the award at the True Blue Gala, which was held at Brackett’s Crossing in Lakeville, Minn., on Thursday evening, April 11, 2013.

Under the leadership of O’Gara, SKB’s former owner and president, the company grew from a fledgling new business into the largest privately held waste management firm in Minnesota. In the summer of 2012, O’Gara and his business partner, Mark Ryan, sold SKB to Waste Connections, Inc., a premier national solid waste firm. O’Gara has been instrumental in achieving the company’s remarkable growth and diversification. Under his leadership, SKB Environmental has become the state’s most progressive construction and demolition, and industrial waste management firm.

John Domke, SKB’s longtime vice president, attended the True Blue Gala reception and later gave a pre-recorded acceptance speech. Domke continues to direct SKB operations as a divisional landfill manager. He is in charge of the company’s C & D, industrial and special waste management services. In recognition of his experience, he was asked to help develop a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) certification course for C & D landfill operators. He also served as an instructor.

John Domke acceptance speech for DCTC Advocacy Award

SKB’s commitment to their employees and surrounding communities is reflected in the company’s flawless environmental record and excellent safety record as well as the strong relationships the company has forged with their neighbors and organizations in Dakota County.

SKB has always placed a priority on environmental protection, a guiding principle showcased in facility designs that far exceed regulatory requirements. That principle is also advanced through the responsible management of precious resources that includes recovering valuable materials from landfill sites. SKB is perhaps most proud of never receiving a single environmental violation at any SKB facility throughout the company’s entire history.

In 2008, SKB received a Meritorious Achievement Award from Governor Tim Pawlenty and the Minnesota Safety Council in recognition of excellence in injury prevention performance and occupational safety. This award resulted from more than 210,000 work-hours without a reportable incident.

SKB has gone above and beyond to be a good corporate citizen and valued asset to the community. In addition to championing many community organizations in Dakota County, SKB has proudly supported DCTC and the important role the college plays in educating and training the state’s future workforce. SKB has funded several annual scholarships for more than a decade, donated in-kind earthwork services for the construction of the campus soccer complex, and provided tools for students working in technical program labs. Over the years, on top of other numerous contributions, SKB has hired DCTC graduates, including the company’s most recently hired technician.

DCTC President Ronald E. Thomas, Ph.D., was more than pleased by SKB’s selection as this year’s winner of the DCTC Advocacy Award. “SKB Environmental’s generous support of the college mission represents collaboration at its best between industry and higher education,” Thomas said.