January Executive Director's Blog & Vlog

Hello CRMCA Members. 

As we are already to February, the new year does not seem so new anymore.  I hope everyone is off to a good start and making the best of the winter months.  Below is a brief update regarding CRMCA.

Getting 2025 off to a strong start. 

• With each new year comes the new Legislative Session, and this year’s session runs from January 8th to May 7th.  We are already in the process of reviewing many bills with the guidance of our lobbyist, Totsy Rees and GA Chairman, Chris Oestreich.  As a reminder, we meet virtually every Tuesday morning at 8 am to review the growing list of bills, discussing important strategies on ones that can impact the ready mixed concrete and mining industries.  All members are welcome to participate as we discuss details of bills working through the system.
• Additionally, we are holding our Legislative Luncheons for 2025 at the Tetra Tech office in downtown Denver.  We are grateful for the generosity to open their doors to our members for these sessions.  I especially want to thank Tom Hesemann and Fred Charles with Tetra Tech for their involvement with our association and helping to host the meetings.
• On an extremely positive note, we just held our first Luncheon this week on Jan 29.  Over 50 members were on hand to hear about political updates and general information about our industries.  Our Legislative speakers included Rep Shannon Bird, District 29, and Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, District 23.  Both legislators are in leadership roles on the Joint Budget Committee, and shared their knowledge on not only the process, but also the current status and challenges.
• Additionally, we were joined by Michael Cunningham, Director of CO Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety.  His insight on the DRMS and ways they are trying to improve were very helpful to those in the audience, particularly the mining community.
• Also, I want to touch on our Concrete Night at the Rodeo at the Denver Stock Show, held on Jan 16.  The event began at the Forney Museum, across the street from the Denver Stock Show rodeo arena with a catered BBQ dinner.  Then we walked to the rodeo to see the world’s best men and women in the sport compete and show their skills.  It was a great event for seeing a great sport, as well as an opportunity to excellent business networking.

Looking Ahead

• Our Ski Day is next week in Breckenridge on Feb 3 and 4.  If you are not currently scheduled to attend, call for information or look on our website or social media for this and other events.
• Also, the next few Legislative Luncheons that I mentioned above will take place on Feb 26 and March 19.  Again, reach out for info or simply go online to register.  As this is free to members, it is a great way to keep up to speed with the important aspect of Governmental Affairs.

Thanks again to our members for your support.  I especially want to thank our dedicated staff of Emma Dolan, JT Mesite, and Megan Kinghorn for all their efforts that make CRMCA the strong association it is today.  Be safe!

Todd R. Ohlheiser
Executive Director
Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (CSSGA)
Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA)
Cell:  303.882.6879
Office: 303.290.0303
todd@coloradocaa.org