September 2021 Executive Director’s Blog

Hello Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association members.  Here are the latest updates regarding what’s going on at CSSGA.

I know it sounds like a broken record, but I cannot seem to write a blog without mentioning the virus and now the variants of the virus.  Just when we thing we have this thing under control, it comes back around.  As I stated before, I hope you are able to safely operate your business, and remain safe.  We are dealing with cities and agencies that are considering the implementation of vaccination requirements.  In these cases, we are working with our industry partners in pushing for reasonable options to allow for construction projects to continue.  The regulations will likely be changing in some cases as we work toward that balance of continuing to work as an essential industry and finally beat this virus.  I know I am not alone in strong desire to move ahead.

Speaking of our essential industry, I strongly encourage you to reach out to your federal Representative and urge them to support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), critical legislation which will finally provide needed investments in infrastructure. Use this form letter from our partners at the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association.

Regarding events, we just completed our Summer Conference in Vail on August 12-13.  This was the first year we partnered with CRMCA for a summer event, as CSSGA had previously had a separate event a little later in the year.  The Joint Summer Conference proved to be very successful with over 100 attendees!

• The event began with Board of Directors meetings the afternoon of Aug 12, followed by the first annual Rock Race!!!  Yes, we actually raced rocks down a ramp, toward a finish line.  And also, yes, some rocks did not pass the finish line, and wobbled to a stop.  Congratulations to Joe Finnigan from GCC Cement for winning the event with the fastest rock!  Keep an eye out for the perfect rock, and make plans to race next summer.
• Then, on the following day, there was a golf outing, networking and dinner.
• Two people I need to thank for the success:
  • First is Jeff Mulder, the Executive Director of the Nebraska Ready Mixed and Aggregates Association for building and delivering the Rock Race Track, and overseeing the race event.  He did a great job with all aspects.  We plan to incorporate the rock race into future summer conferences.
  • Also, Emma Dolan stepped up and did a fantastic job of pulling the entire conference together.  Thank you Emma, as all your attention to detail paid off!

We now turn our sites on the Annual Conference at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs on Nov 18 & 19.  This is always a great time to network with industry partners in a beautiful setting along the foothills.  I am hopeful there are no restrictions in the upcoming months and the conference is once again the highlight of our year!  Registration and details are scheduled to be out soon, so mark your calendars now, and plan to attend.

Lastly, I want to welcome Annelise back from her parental leave.  She and husband Mike recently welcomed a healthy baby boy, Owen, into this world.  I was able to meet him for the first time recently, and am happy to report they are all doing great!  Once again, congratulations Annelise!

As usual, let us know if there are any questions or ways to help your business.  Thanks and be safe.

Todd R. Ohlheiser

Executive Director