March 2019 Executive Director’s Blog

Hello CSSGA members and those in the mining industry.  Here is a brief re-cap of what is going on at the trade association.

• With the legislative session underway, the CSSGA and CRMCA legislative committee meets at the State Capitol every Monday morning to discuss pending legislation with our lobbyist, Totsy Rees.  Members of both associations are welcome to attend. Additionally, we still have 2 monthly Legislative Breakfasts remaining on the 3^rd Wednesday of March & April.  Obviously, we are focused on infrastructure funding once again, in addition to other bills.  Look for details on the website or call for more information.
• A new event has begun for us that includes members of both CSSGA & CRMCA.  This is the new Combined Ski Outing, which was held in Breckenridge, CO early February. We began the event on February 7 with a Networking Event at Bold Restaurant.  We were thrown for a loop when all the ski lifts in Summit Country were closed for a few hours the next day, but those willing to wait were able to take advantage of great snow conditions.  A luncheon closed out the event on February 8.  I want to thank all those who participated and sponsored the event. Hopefully this is another event that proved to be worthwhile to members going forward.  Regardless if you attended or not, I encourage you to fill out the Post-Event Survey as your feedback helps us shape future events.
• I was also able to attend the CAPA 25th Annual “Best in Colorado” Asphalt Awards Dinner & Program this past week.  At this Denver event, CAPA recognizes superior asphalt projects across the state and awards/recognizes the people who made it happen.  I want to thank Tom Peterson, CAPA Executive Director, for the opportunity to be seated at the VIP table and interreact with key award winners.  We have a great working relationship with CAPA.  Thanks Tom and Great Work!
• Moving forward we have the Joint CRMCA/CSSGA Networking Event at the Governor’s Mansion on March 19. We will be inviting members of the state legislature, along with several regulatory branches. This is always a great time to network with industry professionals, association members, and those elected to office in a small group setting. Use this link to register for the event.

Finally, as many of you know, Colorado lost a great industry leader last month.  Christopher Varra passed away on February 10 and will be greatly missed by his friends, colleagues, and most of all his family.  Chris’ obituary can still be accessed on the Darrell Howe Mortuary’s website.  Chris’s son, Garrett Varra, has been a driving force and past President of CSSGA, we wish him and the immediate family the best moving forward.

Thanks for all you do for the industry and your commitment to CSSGA.  Let me or Annelise if there is anything we can do.  Be Safe!

 

Todd R. Ohlheiser

Executive Director

Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association