Don Clem, PCA; Senator Michael Bennett (D – CO); and Todd Ohlheiser at a breakfast meeting this past June.
Hello and welcome to the CRMCA update for July. I hope everyone had a safe Independence Day weekend and now it’s time to get back to work! Here are a few updates from your Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association.
We are in the process of reviewing the results to gain feedback and keep on track. CRMCA is truly YOUR association, member driven and accomplishing objectives to help you in your business. With this in mind, we asked several questions regarding priorities the association needs to focus on. It has been 2 years since our full survey and renewed Strategic Plan, and this is a simple way to ensure we remain on track. We also sought input regarding social media. As this is becoming more mainstream for communication, we need to continue to understand and embrace it. The information from this survey will be presented to the board of directors at the July Summer Conference, and shifts or modifications to the Strategic Plan will be determined at that time.
I attended a small group breakfast with Senator Michael Bennett in June and had a frank conversation with him regarding the overall market and infrastructure funding. As he serves on the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, as well as the Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure (ranking member), he is in a position to make a difference. He is working hard for a long term highway funding bill, but believes a shorter term impact from a Repatriation Bill is more likely to come first. The implementation of a repatriated tax break would give U.S. multinational corporations a one-time tax break on money earned in foreign countries. The Senator acknowledges this is a one-time shot, but believes it is a step in the right direction. Additionally, we spoke of the economy around the state. I was quick to mention the Western and Southern parts of Colorado remain very flat, and now EPA regulations for the Sage Grouse and Yellow Billed Cuckoo Bird are threatening our industry further. Hopefully the Senator can make a difference regarding highway funding and we are working with his West Slope office on the EPA wildlife rulings.
I want to encourage everyone to register for the CRMCA Summer Conference on July 23-24 at the Vail Cascade. This is a beautiful setting for business and effective networking. Lastly, please review activities on the rest of the website -such as the 3rd Quarter Market Committee Blog – as there are many happenings and actions underway at YOUR CRMCA. By the way, do they have a 4th of July in Canada?
Todd R. Ohlheiser
Executive Director
Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association
