Colorado delegates representing the construction industry at the recent TCC Fly-In in front of the U.S. Capitol. CRMCA representative include Rich Umbel (second from left) and Todd Ohlheiser (far right).
Welcome to the May Executive Director’s blog for the Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Below are a few points regarding the current priorities:
I recently attended the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s 2015 Annual Convention. The national association is currently assessing a feasibility of a “concrete vs wood” as a superior building material for low rise apartments and office buildings. We will continue to communicate with NRMCA and support them in a focused marketing effort if they pursue this initiative.
Also, during the convention I presented information regarding the CRMCA Testing Standards Adherence Program. This initiative is intended to increase the accuracy of in-the-field concrete testing. The program is being implemented throughout Colorado as we are in the beta testing phase. Since the national presentation, the program is now being considered in several other areas across the U.S.
As the Legislative Session has drawn to a close, much work has been done, but much remains. At the time of this writing, there are a few days left in the session, and we are hopeful there are still ways to increase highway and infrastructure funding at the state level without increasing debt. We have been working closely with CCA on this initiative and remain diligent in these efforts. I want to thank CRMCA lobbyist, Totsy Rees, for all her efforts during the legislative session.
Concrete Day at the Capitol was held on Friday, April 24.
On April 24, 2015, CRMCA celebrated the sixth annual Concrete Day at the Capitol – proclaimed by Gov. Hickenlooper! This year’s event was a great success; drawing over 500 Capitol staff, including 50+ State Senators and Representatives. View more event photos on our Facebook page. CRMCA was pleased to partner with the local chapters of the: American Concrete Pavement Association, American Concrete Pipe Association, and the Portland Cement Association. The event would not have been possible without the support of our volunteers. Thanks again to all those who participated!
Lastly, Building upon our theme of “Strength in Numbers”, CRMCA President, Rich Umbel, Oldcastle Southwest Group, Inc. and I attended the Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) Fly-In located in Washington, D.C. This is a unified approach with approximately 400 contractors and construction material suppliers making visits to their elected officials on Capitol Hill promoting various ways to increase highway and infrastructure funding across the U.S. Also attending from Colorado were members of CCA, CAPA, CSSGA and PCA for this unified approach.
Contact the CRMCA office at 303.290.0303 or crmca.org for more information. Thank you.
Todd R. Ohlheiser
Executive Director
Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association
