Important Notice: Salt Price Adjustment Due to Shortage

Dear Valued Customer,

We want to proactively share an important update regarding salt availability and winter deicing operations for the remainder of the season.

Due to heavier-than-usual early winter snow and ice events across Ohio and surrounding states, salt demand is significantly outpacing supply. Salt producers and mines that supply our region are struggling to keep up, and by law are required to prioritize municipal contracts to ensure public safety. As a result, availability for commercial customers has become limited, and both material and transportation costs have increased substantially—currently by approximately 70%, with the potential for further escalation if material must be sourced from outside the region.

We want to assure you that EMI has been proactive in preparing for these conditions and is actively taking steps to mitigate both cost and material usage. These efforts include:

• Increasing the use of liquid deicing applications when weather conditions allow
• Applying salt only when absolutely necessary and at calibrated, efficient rates
• Prioritizing high-risk and high-traffic areas to maintain safety while reducing excess material use
• Expanding our in-house brine production and investing in capital equipment to reduce reliance on bulk salt

Because of these proactive measures, EMI is well positioned to continue servicing our existing clients with no notable changes to service levels. Clients should not expect extended delays, such as multi-day lags in deicing operations, as our operational strategy and resources allow us to maintain timely and effective service.

While we do currently have salt inventory on hand, replenishment remains uncertain. EMI is absorbing a portion of these cost increases and remains committed to responsible material management without compromising safety.

We will continue to monitor conditions closely and adjust our approach as needed. If availability or conditions change, we will communicate updates promptly.

Expanded Brine Production & Liquid Deicing Capabilities

This season, EMI made a significant investment by constructing our own in-house brine production facility. Unlike many providers who must truck liquid deicing materials in from outside markets such as Toledo or Indianapolis, EMI now produces brine locally. To date, we have already produced more than 25,000 gallons of brine for use this winter.

Producing brine in-house provides several important advantages. From a cost perspective, it reduces our reliance on outside suppliers and transportation, helping us control expenses during a time of regional shortages. Operationally, it allows us to customize the liquid deicing solution based on real-time weather conditions. For example, during extreme cold, we can adjust the blend to remain effective at lower temperatures, or modify the solution to be less corrosive and more environmentally responsible.

Additionally, liquid applications allow the material to adhere better to paved surfaces, particularly in high-traffic and high-traction areas, reducing bounce and scatter while improving overall effectiveness. This proactive investment strengthens our ability to serve existing clients reliably while using materials more efficiently and responsibly.

We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership as we navigate these industry-wide challenges. If you have any questions or would like to discuss how this may impact your property, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued trust,

EMI Snow & Ice Management Team