May 2018 Executive Director’s Blog

Hello members of the Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. Wow, we are into May already and the warm days are just ahead. Hopefully our drought conditions across the state let up or we will be in trouble regarding water. You don’t want to see me do the rain dance, that is not a pretty sight!

We had an extremely successful Networking Event recently at the Governors Mansion in Denver. Several elected officials were on hand to interact with members in the beautiful settings of the mansion. Two long time leaders within our industry were recognized, as they both are retiring. These include Tony Waldron with the Department of Natural Resources and Patrick Walker with Martin Marietta.  Both received special awards for their years of dedicated service. Clearly they will be greatly missed.

Our next Networking Event will take place at the Mining Exchange in downtown Colorado Springs on June 19. This is another great way to interact industry professionals and CSSGA board members will be on hand to participate in the Board meeting the following morning. Please make plans to attend this great event to make new acquaintances and renew old ones. Registration is now available. 

Even though the legislative session is wrapping up, we remain very focused on new revenue sources for infrastructure funding. We continue to lobby members of congress to assist in these efforts and are hopeful regarding progress on SB-01. However, our main emphasis is on fundraising to get an initiative on the 2018 ballot for a general sales tax increase that puts money directly towards state and local infrastructure projects. Working with our Construction Industry Coalition (CIC) members that include the Colorado Contractors, the Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete, the Colorado Asphalt Pavement and the American Concrete Pavement Associations, we are planning to raise $2.7M for the construction portion of a statewide coalition. The overall statewide target of $9M is what is needed to run an effective campaign and the Let’s Go Colorado coalition is focused on raising this money. Our board of director’s are very active in the fundraising efforts and are reaching out to all members requesting financial contributions. Please join us in this fight, as now is the time to take action and help resolve the shortcomings of our transportation system across Colorado. Contact me directly if you would like more info. 

Last, but certainly not least, our very own Annelise Shepherd is getting married next month in her home state of Virginia. I know everyone joins me in congratulating her on this exciting time in her life. She is working double/triple time to keep up with our needs, plan a wedding, and still work towards her Master’s Degree. As usual, she is up for the job at hand. Great work Annelise!!

As usual, contact Annelise or myself is there is any information or assistance you need. Thanks for being part of CSSGA and I hope your summer season is off to a great start. 

Todd R. Ohlheiser

Executive Director