September 2017 CSSGA Executive Director’s Blog

Hello CSSGA members.  Labor Day!!  How did that happen??  Weren’t we just talking about all the things we were going to get done this summer or the places we were going to go?  Next year, for sure…..

Things remain very active at CSSGA, and I know for all of you as well.  Here are the recent highlights:

• The August 17 MSHA/CSSGA Roundtable event had the highest level of participation yet.  The meeting served as a way to clearly understand MSHA’s initiatives, priorities and areas of emphasis while creating open dialogue with industry.  Many producer and associate members attended the event as the MSHA team distributed and discussed a document highlighting accidents and near misses over the past few months.  Top MSHA Metal/Nonmetal leadership were in attendance, including David Weaver, newly appointed Rocky Mountain District Manager, Dustan W. Crelly, Assistant District Manager, and Eric Johnson, Assistant Manager.  Everyone was able to meet David Weaver for the first time since replacing Richard Laufenberg.  As the Rocky Mountain District covers Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and parts of Idaho, we were fortunate to have Mr. Weaver attend the event.
• In other news regarding MSHA, the Trump administration recently announced that Wayne Palmer will serve as acting assistant secretary for MSHA until a permanent appointee is nominated and confirmed.  Palmer has been serving as Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta’s chief of staff and previously served as chief of staff for former Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., and is an outspoken supporter of regulatory reform.  The temporary appointment of Palmer does not require Senate confirmation and establishes senior political leadership at MSHA.  Joe Main held this position for seven years during the previous administration.
• Also, the CSSGA Industry Tour occurred in Grand Junction on August 22.  Representatives from Senators Gardner and Bennett’s offices were on hand, as well as State Representative Marc Catlin, along with key personnel from DRMS.  During the tours, attendees were able to see operating mine sites, concrete and asphalt plants, along with lively truck dispatch centers.  Thanks to Pete Siegmund (Oldcastle) and Mark Gardner (Whitewater) for opening their doors and allowing us to tour their facilities, as well as Mike Sheahan (Martin Marietta) for presenting at the Lunch & Learn.  These dedicated individuals and companies continue to do a great job representing our industry.  Thanks again guys!
• Also, as a reminder, there are 2 key events occurring this fall.  First is the Fall Networking Event to occur on Sept 19 in Fort Collins.  This year we will try an informal setting at the Tap & Handle, located in Fort Collins (307 S College Ave).  Hopefully we get a strong turnout as we travel to the Northern part of the state.  Click here for details and registration.
• The other late fall event is the CSSGA/CRMCA Annual Conference, to be held November 16-17 in Colorado Springs.  This is a great opportunity to network and keep up to speed on industry and association news.  Use this link to register!

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check us out at Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Thanks for supporting your CSSGA!

Todd R. Ohlheiser

Executive Director