October 2015 Executive Director’s Blog

Hello CSSGA members.  The fall season is here!  I know everyone is busy wrapping up projects while the weather cooperates.  Here are a few updates and happenings at CSSGA.

As mentioned by David Hagerman in last month’s President’s Blog, in August we held our first Industry Outreach with a luncheon, industry presentation, and operational site visit.  While hosted by CSSGA, it was in cooperation with the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association and the Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association.   Based on the success of this outreach, we are considering conducting others around the state in 2016.  This is an important step to help educate state officials regarding our industry, and to discuss challenges and opportunities for reasonable solutions.  Thanks again to those who participated and to Martin Marietta for hosting the event.

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CSSGA Board Members and Staff at the September 2015 Networking Event.

Last month, on Sept 15, we held a well-attended Networking Event at the Mining Exchange in downtown Colorado Springs.  This setting was a great place to interact with both CSSGA board and associate members.  We hold these events throughout the state over the course of each year, rotating between Denver, Grand Junction and Colorado Springs in an effort to interact with members across Colorado.  If you haven’t yet attended, look for information regarding activities over the coming months and click here to view photos from last month’s event!

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Land Use & Environmental Committee members at the June Industry Roundtable.

Additionally on October 16, during our Land Use & Environmental Committee Meeting, we are conducting our second Industry Roundtable meeting, which will again include leadership from Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) Water and Air Departments, Division of Reclamation Mining & Safety (DRMS), and the State Engineers Office (SEO).  Senior leaders from these agencies and CSSGA will engage in conversations about upcoming changes, challenges and future expectations.  It is critical to have a strong turnout for this session, so I encourage everyone to attend.  We must be proactive when interacting with these groups and avoid dealing with issues after the fact.  Look for an email with specifics and PLAN TO ATTEND.

As we focus on other important items for the 4th quarter of 2015, I would encourage everyone to participate in our annual conference in Colorado Springs on November 20.  Also, I encourage you to complete the application process for the awards section of that conference.  These include the Grassroots Awards, Rodman C Stewart Memorial Safety Award, and the new Safety Innovation Awards.  Also, the Jack Starner Memorial Reclamation Award with our partners at DRMS will be awarded at the conference, so it is important to complete that application, as well.  These awards share best practice and recognize industry leaders, so I encourage you to participate.  View the detailed agenda and register before October 9 to receive early bird pricing.

As usual, check out our website and social media channels for more information.  Thanks for supporting your Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association!!!