May 2022 Executive Director’s Blog

Hello CSSGA Members. Welcome to the latest version of your association Blog. Here are a few highlights of recent activities, things to come, and areas of importance.

Involvement regarding Advocacy. We have joined forces and are assisting COGA and the Colorado Chamber of Congress in drafting a white paper to the Air Pollution Control Division and the Attorney General’s Office to summarize the legal authority for the Division to issue air permits without first modeling the ambient air quality impacts of the new or modified facility.  We are hopeful that this united front will help us in having regulatory guidelines that work for our industry and allow members to continue operating. 

Mine Safety Updates. The CSSGA and DRMS are in the final stages of completing the filming of updated videos and one-page fliers for the program for the Brookwood Sago grant. This has been a great partnership that could now lead to updating the Mine Safety Institute video programs, although that would be in the future. Thanks to Bill York-Feirn for creating the grant, Annelise Shepherd to orchestrating the process, and to L.G. Everist and Martin Marietta for participating in filming. Here is a preview of what’s to come!

Gayle Lyman Scholarship Award application deadline is quickly approaching on June 3. Help us get the word out on this great award as we provide up to $2500 in scholarship money for those seeking an education in our field.

Past Event Recap

• CRMCA/CSSGA Spring Networking Event took place on April 19 at ACE Eat & Serve in downtown Denver. It was very well attended as members are clearly wanting to re-engage with other members on the business and social front. Thank you to our generous sponsors including:
  • Brooks & Nelson
  • CarbonCure Technologies, Inc.
  • Continental
  • Jackson Kelly PLLC
  • Monarch Mountain Minerals and Aggregates
  • Mountain Cement Company
  • Tetra Tech, Inc.
• Legislative Breakfast. Before the board meeting on April 20, Senate Minority Whip, Paul Lundeen, spoke at the joint CRMCA/CSSGA Legislative Breakfast. It was a great opportunity to discuss specifics underway at the Capitol and gain insight on bills to follow. Here is a link to the summary of bills CSSGA is tracking with the Legislative Subcommittee. With only a few weeks to go, there is a lot of activity underway. I thank Totsy Rees for her efforts in representing the industries’ needs.
• Concrete Day at the Capitol on 4/29. While this is a CRMCA event, several CSSGA members participate, as we all are aware of our united approach on legislative matters.  Therefore, I am including info on this.  Many members worked to B-B-Q hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone at the state Capitol. This is our way to keep the concrete industry at the forefront and say “Thank You” to the elected officials and hardworking staff at the Capitol. Thanks to all those who participated, braved the wind and pivoted half way through to move the food indoors! We are grateful for the flexibility from the elected officials, Capitol staff, and state patrol.

Upcoming Events

• Western Slope Networking on June 21 – it is time to host another Networking Event on the West Slope as we are again able to move throughout the state. Join the groups for a raft trip and BBQ in Fruita, CO.
• Summer Conference in Steamboat on July 21-22. Save the date now and registration/details will be coming in the next month. I look forward to seeing everyone in Steamboat!

There is a lot going on. Contact myself or Annelise if we can be of assistance. Thank you.

Todd R. Ohlheiser, CAE

Executive Director