Mr. Dave Reppert was raised in Kreidersville, Allen Township. He graduated from Northampton Area High School in 1974, where he was active in the Konkrete Kid athletic program and student council.

Members of Dave's wife's family have worked for over a century in the cement industry at both the Penn-Dixie and Keystone cement companies.

After earning a degree in accounting at Northampton Community College, Dave embarked on a career in cement, gaining employment at Plant 4 of the Penn-Dixie Cement Company. Starting as a laborer, he later progressed to kiln burner, a position requiring considerable training and skill. Unfortunately, he saw the famous plant close in 1979.

An energetic young man, Dave co-owned and served customers at the Outer Limits Tavern in Northampton until he returned to the cement industry in 1987. He was hired by the Keystone Cement Company.

Mr. Reppert has gained a wealth of experience at the plant as a kiln burner, utility man, shift foreman, general mill foreman, yard supervisor and safety manager.

"Working here is like a class reunion," he says. "Many of my co-workers were classmates at Northampton Area High School."

As safety manager, Mr. Reppert works closely with Mining Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency which closely monitors the industry, conducting comprehensive inspections.

"We have a good relationship with MSHA. I hold certification in safety and first aid and have been given training at the Mining Academy in Beckley, W.Va.," he says. "As safety manager I am responsible for safety throughout the plant."

Safety meetings are required at the plant, all employees strive to make safety a number one priority. Each department has a weekly safety update.

Mr. Reppert enjoys his daily interaction with a team of good co-workers. A dedicated employee, he was a fine student of this writer at Northampton Area High School. His daily challenge is to maintain a safe work environment. A goal he takes very seriously.

Dave has been married to the former Patricia Yost for 28 years. They are proud of Courtney, a Temple Universty educated pharmacist, and Alexandra, a Northampton Area High School student.

Dave has given many years to coaching our young ladies in basketball and softball and is treasurer of the Girls Basketball Boosters. The family resides in Northampton.

We wish Mr. Reppert and my friends at Keystone a safe year at the plant and also wish a happy, healthy retirement to Mr. Stephen Hayden, Keystone plant manager.