December 2015 Executive Director’s Blog
CRMCA and CSSGA incoming and past Board Presidents at the 2015 Annual Conference. Left to Right: Rich Umbel, Oldcastle SW Group, Garrett Varra, Varra Companies, Todd Ohlheiser, CRMCA/CSSGA, David Hagerman, Martin Marietta, Robb VanderSchaaff, Bestway Concrete.
Hello CSSGA members. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday. It is already December and this is the final eNews and blog of the year. By next month we will be in 2016 and yet another year will have gone by. We had a very busy and successful year at CSSGA and our ambition is to keep this momentum going.
We held our Annual Conference at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs on November 20, and I want to personally thank those of you who attended. We had a very busy schedule, focused on delivering value to our members throughout various sessions and/or panel discussions. CSSGA Board President, David Hagerman, began the day with a presentation regarding our accomplishments and direction. His presentation included committee accomplishments, which are the core of our association. David also outlined specific items we will be addressing in 2016. We then held our Annual Members Meeting with approximately 45 in attendance. During this session the 2016 budget was approved, and the incoming Board of Directors and Executive Officers were chosen. I am pleased to report the following officers for 2016: Garrett Varra, President; Mark Ewald, Vice President; Doug Hartley, Treasurer; Zane Luttrell, Secretary. Thanks in advance for their time and efforts towards our association!
Mike Sheahan, Front Range Aggregates, Stephanie Fancher, Loveland Ready Mix Concrete, and Garrett Varra, Varra Companies Inc., were awarded this year’s Individual Outstanding Grassroots Leadership Awards. Not pictured, David Hagerman, Martin Marietta.
Our next session included a panel discussion led by Annelise Shepherd regarding Social Media. This discussion is very timely as we will launch an aggressive Social Media communication plan in Quarter 1 of 2016. In the afternoon we informed membership of our efforts regarding infrastructure funding with a presentation from Mr. Bill Ray with WR Communications. Also Brian Lewandowski, University of Colorado Leeds School of Business, presented their economic forecast. The afternoon wrapped up with our awards ceremony, recognizing the efforts, accomplishments and dedication of several key members. These accomplishments not only benefit CSSGA, but also the entire aggregate industry.
Finally, the evening ended with our banquet and keynote speaker, Mr. Sean Swarner. This inspirational speaker survived cancer, twice, and went on to accomplish things many of us only dream of. His story is one of inspiration, self perseverance and never quitting. You can learn more about Sean on his website. I want to thank Annelise Shepherd for all her efforts to make the Annual Conference a success. There is a tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes in order to make the process look simple. Hats off to her.
I also want to personally thank Mr. David Hagerman, CSSGA President for 2014 and 2015, for all his efforts. His professionalism and leadership over the past 2 years has benefited our entire industry. Thank you David!! As usual, check out our website for more information and view additional event photos. Thanks for supporting your Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and have a great December.
Todd R. Ohlheiser
Executive Director
Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association