July 2020 Executive Director’s Blog

Hello CSSGA membership.  I am hopeful you, your families, and co-workers are safely surviving this pandemic.  This not only challenges our physical health, it remains a huge burden on all aspects of our lives.  Add on the uncertainty of any business or personal economic forecast, and it can be daunting.  We are fortunate to remain an essential industry, and CSSGA continues to work with our national and local industry partners to keep that a reality.  In addition to being an essential industry, we are also a resilient industry, and we will come through this.

With this in mind, CSSGA continues to operate with a hybrid schedule consisting of part remote and part office scheduling.  Our systems and communication processes continue to work well in this time of change.  Board of Director’s and Committee meetings remain Zoom sessions as we work to accomplish projects and tasks in new and innovative ways.

Regarding Zoom sessions, we also ran a very successful Digital Discussion Series in May and June allowing our members to speak directly with individuals like Senator Cory Gardner, State Representative Jeni Arndt, Director of DRMS Ginny Brannon, and others.  Moving forward, we plan to hold these on a monthly basis, so look for information to follow and thanks to those who participated.

Additionally, we are holding educational sessions via Zoom on industry related topics.  The next one is July 29 titled: Capital Equipment: Financing & Tax Strategies Plus Tips for Accessing Gov’t Subsidies.  This webinar is geared towards both small and large businesses allowing for various financing options for primarily rolling stock.  Register today!

I must also make another push for our ROCK PAC funding.  I appreciate the many companies and individuals that have stepped forward regarding funding this important part of the political process.  However, I would also ask all others to help us with contributions.  This money will be distributed to candidates that support our industry, so it is critical to support them during the 2020 election cycle.

Lastly, I want to congratulate the 2 recipients of the CSSGA scholarship program.  Named after our past president, the Gayle Lyman Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in or applicable to the aggregate, construction management, or mining industries.  This year, the CSSGA Board of Directors awarded the scholarship to two students: Cade Mendenhall (Colorado Mesa University) and Angelina Rivera (Colorado School of Mines).  Congratulations to them both!

Thanks for your continued support and interaction with CSSGA.  Please reach out to either myself or Annelise if you need anything to assist your company.  Be safe!

Todd R. Ohlheiser

Executive Director