The Baltus Company Pride Pumps Benefit Local Schools
A longtime financial supporter of schools in the communities where it has convenience stores, The Baltus Company (doing business as Bread & Butter Shops) has implemented a creative and innovative way to give back to the schools and community through “Pride Pumps.” These pumps are decorated in local school colors, with two cents per gallon pumped there being donated to the featured school.
“A friend who is a petroleum marketer in another community developed the idea,” explained John Baltus, company President. “I liked the concept where we could show our school and community spirit by completely re-imaging a gas dispenser with our local school’s colors, logos, and mascot images.”
Marshfield pumps include a Marshfield High School and Columbus High School location, with designs created and installed by local company, Premier Printing, Inc.
“I enjoyed the challenge to convert the fuel pump from a corporate Baltus theme to the school/sports theme,” said Brian Mortvedt, graphic designer. “I’ve never worked on this kind of object and enjoyed the problem-solving of figuring out how we were going to complete this new project in an attractive way. I hope this brings growing attention to the schools and their sports activities.”
Not only are the pumps festive, they are making a difference for local schools.
“It’s a win-win situation, in that the customer is helping the school of their choice, the schools get a contribution to be used as its administration sees fit, and my company gets appreciation from our customers and the schools who benefit from the program,” said Baltus.
A longtime supporter of their local communities, the Baltus Company is happy to be a part of this unique project.
“This year marks The Baltus Company’s 90th year in business. My grandfather Frank, who started the business, instilled in his son and my father Vernon, who took over the company from his father, the importance of community and giving back to the community and our customers who’ve helped us be successful,” said Baltus. “My parents in turn, instilled that same pride in our community to all of my brothers and sisters, many who’ve worked in the business over the years, and the obligation to give back whenever possible.”
With all of the ten Baltus children having attended either Marshfield or Columbus High Schools, they developed a strong sense of pride for both schools.
“The ‘Pride Pump’ program helps fulfill our obligation to give back to the community,” said Baltus, adding that the company is in the process of rolling out the “Pride Pump” program at The Stratford Bread & Butter Shop, and are also exploring implementation at the Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa stores.
Visit Marshfield’s 1000 North Central Avenue location (adjacent to Walgreens) to use the Pride Pumps.
