5 Years of Joint Leadership
This March of 2018 marks the 5 year anniversary of the Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and the Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s combined leadership initiative. Over the last 5 years, the associations have adhered to the Strength in Numbers axiom and continued to create synergies where needed and maintain division when necessary while operating the two groups. This strategy has led to recognition from both the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) as well as the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA). Most recently, our Executive Director, Todd Ohlheiser, was named as NSSGA’s State Executive of the Year. So, congratulations to Todd, the CSSGA leadership, membership, and our combined staff for laying the groundwork to be recognized by our national affiliate. As a committee driven association, I strongly believe this recognition would not have been possible without the robust efforts from our Educational, Governmental Affairs, Land Use & Environmental, and Safety Committees. Please read on for the most recent updates from each committee.
Educational Outreach. The Educational Outreach committee continues to host an annual Industry Tour in cooperation with the CRMCA and the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association (CAPA). The 2017 event took place in Grand Junction and included participation from federal, state, and local elected officials and staff. The group plans to host a tour later this year and will announce details as they materialize. Also, be sure to login to the Members Only section of the CSSGA website to access educational resources and don’t hesitate to reach out to Chairperson, Mike Sheahan, or me with any questions.
Governmental Affairs. The joint Government Affairs Program is a robust program operating on a year-round basis. Beginning in January with the start of the 120-day legislative session, the program is updated annually for continuous improvement. The Legislative Subcommittee continues to meet on a weekly basis at the Colorado State Capitol with Ben Frei of Albert Frei & Sons and Totsy Rees closely monitoring bills that affect the industry. Chairperson, Garrett Varra of Varra Companies, continues to actively participate in the Colorado Construction Industry Coalition (CCIC) as the CSSGA’s representative. The CCIC itself is invested in finding a long-term, dedicated funding source for transportation infrastructure in the state.
Land Use & Environmental. Under Loveland Ready Mix Concrete’s Stephanie Fancher’s leadership, the Land Use & Environmental Committee has continued to flourish. The committee continues to have sizable turnout at the monthly committee meetings and has incorporated an annual Industry Roundtable. The Industry Roundtable has served as an opportunity for open discussion between CDPHE, SEO, and DRMS and the CSSGA members. The goal of these meeting is to continue to promote proactive discussion and open communication with industry and regulatory bodies.
Safety Committee. After restructuring the committee in 2015, the committee has continued to gain participants across the state, develop healthy relationships with regulatory agencies, and update the New Miner Training. The committee has and will continue to present webinars to include a wide range of member participation. Recently an OSHA Regulatory Roundtable was held with OSHA Compliance Specialist John Olaechea (view the presentation here). And, in addition, the Mine Safety Institute was launched in early 2018, be sure to take advantage of the 50% member discount when purchasing training. Thanks to Committee Co-Chairs, Dana Svendsen of Sherman Howard and Tom Woerdeman of Transit Mix Concrete for their guidance. Use this link to view a recent Committee Update that was presented to the CSSGA and CRMCA Boards of Directors.
On a personal note, I want to thank Todd for continuing to provide opportunities for growth within the association and to the CSSGA Board of Directors for their guidance, direction, and transformational leadership. I am looking forward to continuing our work at the CSSGA in 2018! Please reach out with any questions or ways to get further engaged.
PS – Remember to register for the March 20 Networking Event at the Colorado Governor’s Mansion!
Annelise Shepherd
Communications & Administrative Manager
Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association