We like baseball stories, especially when it’s about companies and people giving back to their local communities. And that’s what Stellar Industries, Inc. has done.
Founded in 1990 in Garner, Iowa, Stellar Industries has since become a 100 percent employee-owned and -operated manufacturer of high-quality mechanic trucks, cranes, tire service trucks, hooklifts, trailers, and service truck and van accessories.
Last year, the company contributed $100,000 to the Xtra Innings Initiative to construct a new baseball and software complex. The new Stellar Sports Complex consists of three fields, a batting cage, and a community gathering space.
The construction sought to help shape future athletes in northern Iowa. In Garner alone, over 300 children are enrolled in youth T-ball, baseball, and softball programs. The Stellar Sports Complex allows youth to have quality field space to master key skills and techniques for both baseball and softball.
Stellar is passionate about supporting local initiatives and investing in the betterment of its hometown. Because of this significant donation, Garner was able to officially open the Stellar Sports Complex with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a first pitch thrown by Mayor Tim Schmidt on July 12, 2024.
“Garner will always be a home base for Stellar, which is why setting the community up for success is so important to our employee-owners,” said Dave Zrostlik, President of Stellar. “This complex will serve not only as a place of celebration for Garner residents but also for outside communities and families to come visit and help Garner prosper.”
In addition to the name of the complex itself, one of the three diamonds is named “Dodd Field,” in recognition of Ivan Dodd, a long-time Garner mayor and Stellar employee.
For more information, visit www.stellarindustries.com.