January Executive Director’s Blog

Happy New Year CSSGA membership!  I hope everyone had a great holiday season and are ready to get back to it.  2024 is planned to be another strong year for CSSGA as we will build on the successes of last year and add key components to further assist our membership.  I will touch on a few of these items:

• Governmental Affairs starts off immediately as the ’24 Legislative Session starts next week.  Our weekly Legislative calls are now at 8 am Tuesday’s during the session.  In these meetings we work closely with our lobbyist, Totsy Rees, to discuss and take action on current and proposed legislation at the Capitol.  Contact our office if you would like to participate. 
  • Also, we are pleased to be working with our new GA Committee Chairman Chris Oestreich with Burnco Colorado.  With his input we are now adding or expanding:An Educational Session for elected officials that will take place right in the Capitol. Moving our monthly Legislative meetings from a breakfast to a luncheon.  This allows for more member participation and a second speaker.  This month our speakers are Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer and Brian Lewandowski, Executive Director of Business Research Division, Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder.  Make plans to join us at 11:45 on Wed, Jan 24^th!
  • Additionally, we will hold a Governmental Affairs focused Networking Event at the Grant-Humphreys Mansion in Denver on March 27.  Registration for this event is coming soon. Join us to interact with elected officials that are making laws at the Capitol.  This will be a very important event for our industry. 
• New/Expanded Committees include:
  • Our Education and Outreach Committee lead by Tom Hesemann (Tetra Tech) and Tyra Bartuska (United Companies).  Very soon we will have educational tools that members can use to educate groups in their neighborhoods and towns, about the importance of aggregate mining and concrete supply. 
  • Emerging Leaders Committee, lead by Corey Sheldon (Loveland Ready Mix) and Emma Dolan (CSSGA/CRMCA).  Watch for further updates as this committee is just launching, with more to follow.
• The highlight of these committees does not diminish the ongoing committees of Regulatory and Environmental, Safety and the Mine Safety Institute.  The work accomplished with these groups continues to help us drive the industry and are critical aspects of what we do.
• Events: We also have a few other event sscheduled with include Ski Day on Jan 29 and 30 in Breckenridge.  This event will include a Networking opportunity for member and producer engagement, and a full day of skiing or snowboarding in one of the top resorts in North America.  Make plans to attend!

Please join in on our important committee work and events as we work to improve the construction aggregate mining industry throughout Colorado and beyond.  If either Emma or myself can be of assistance, please reach out.  Again, Happy New year!

Todd R. Ohlheiser
Executive Director
Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (CSSGA)
Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA)
todd@coloradocaa.org