The Aurora Richland Township Chamber of Commerce and the Aurora Fossil Museum honored Potash Corp of Aurora for its 50^th anniversary on Wednesday. A luncheon was held to celebrate the milestone, bringing together county commissioners, Aurora town officials, Potash management and other special guests.

“We consider it a big honor that the Town of Aurora and the Aurora Richlands Chamber of Commerce as well as the Fossil Museum have decided to put together an event in our honor to celebrate 50 years,” said Ray McKeithan, public and governmental affairs manager of Potash Corp of Aurora. “It makes sense to do it on the anniversary date with our friends here close by because we have been in this together the whole way.”

According to McKeithan, the luncheon was just part of a kickoff of honoring the 50 years and those who have worked here in the past for the remainder of the year. Wednesday marked the exact 50-year anniversary of the day in which plans were formalized to begin phosphate mining in Aurora.

“It is important to us and to the community that we make note of the significant day,” McKeithan said.

McKeithan went on to say that Potash will “continue its commitment of core values: running a safe operation; being good environmental stewards; and giving back to the community.”

“What we are here to really recognize—this is not our event; we are the guest of honor, so to speak—but really we are here representing all the employees who have worked at the plant site for over 50 years,” McKeithan said.

According to McKeithan, the chamber and the museum have a partnership with Potash, collaborating on economic development of the area as well as environmental impact of the company. Potash has also helped the museum, a nonprofit organization, not only sustain its existence but also to grow, attracting visitors.

“They play a big role in the community and the economy,” said Maria Gerber, member of the board of directors for the Aurora Fossil Museum. “They bring a lot of people here and a lot of jobs. They make it so a lot of people can eat with their Nutrients for Life program, which is so important. People seem to forget the importance of phosphate and fertilizer and all the necessary needs we have with what they produce worldwide — it’s so important. We love to have them support us and help us grow.”