Our Culture: Traditions That Bring Us Together
At Kyanite Mining Corporation, we love a good reason to celebrate—and what better reason than our incredible team? Over the years, we’ve built a handful of traditions that bring us closer, keep things fun, and remind us what makes this place so special. Here’s a look at some of our favorites:
Winter: Spreading Holiday Cheer
The holidays are a big deal around here! Every year on the Friday before Christmas, we gather for our Christmas Lunch at the Dillwyn firehouse. It’s a day full of good food, laughter, and some well-earned recognition. There’s always something to look forward to:
A delicious meal cooked by the employees
Gifts—this year, everyone got a pair of Red Wing boots!
Bonuses, Christmas hams, and drinks to take home.
Guy always shares a few words, and we leave feeling merry and proud of all we’ve accomplished together!
Spring: Celebrating Service and Community
Spring is all about showing appreciation:
Over the years, so many remarkable individuals have dedicated their time and talent to KMC, and it’s our privilege to give them a memorable send-off during our annual Retirement Party. This year, we celebrated five outstanding team members who’ve collectively contributed an incredible 181 years to KMC! The evening was filled with dinner, live music, dancing, and an open bar—a perfect way to honor their legacy and toast to their next chapter.
Our admin team deserves the spotlight, and we make sure they get it. Each April on Administrative Professionals' Day, we treat them to a special lunch. Fun fact: years ago, Guy’s father, Gene, would fly the team to spots like the Greenbriar and Chincoteague Island for lunch—talk about memorable!
We’re proud to call Buckingham County home and love giving back to keep it clean and beautiful. Alongside our year-round commitment to sustainability, our annual Trash Pick-up Day sees KMC employees take to the local roads and highways to pick up liter. This year, we hauled in 479 bags of trash and 31 tires!
Summer: Connecting with Vendors
Summer wouldn’t be complete without golf and KMC frequently holds a Golf Tournament at The Manor in Farmville. The outing brings our team and vendors together for a day of friendly competition, vendor-sponsored holes, and a great time all around!
Fall: Fun for the Whole Family
Fall is when we really bring everyone together:
Our Employee Appreciation Picnic is a team—and family—favorite. We gather at Peaceful Valley, situated on the family property where Guy’s grandparents once lived, for a Saturday of food, music, and games. T.C.’s Brunswick stew and Randy’s BBQ chicken are always a hit, and the kids love the bounce houses and games. Another fun fact: the beautiful outdoor pavilion in Peaceful Valley once sat atop Willis Mountain as a fire lookout post.
We go all out for Halloween. From costumes and a team lunch to candy deliveries for every employee (thanks to HR Manager, Casey driving around the plants to deliver treats!), it’s always a blast.
These cherished traditions bring us together as a team, creating moments to celebrate, connect, and strengthen our bonds—not just as colleagues, but as people.
