Hello CRMCA members. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Holiday Season! 2015 wrapped up with several major events. I’ve listed the highlights below, along with a few areas of focus for 2016.
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) held their annual conference in Denver November 8-12, and CRMCA participated. Stacy Ehrlick and I attended many of the ACI committee sessions, interacting on proposed changes with several certification programs. Additionally, CRMCA hosted an exhibit booth, displaying information on CRMCA’s Adherence to Standards program, our Pre-Construction Checklist program, and all ACI Certifications scheduled for 2016. Over 2000 people attended this year’s conference, allowing us to disburse information on our initiatives to a very large audience.
We also held the CRMCA Annual Conference at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, in conjunction with CSSGA. At this conference, several new CRMCA board members and Executive Officers were elected. I am pleased to report the following appointments for 2016: Board President, Rich Umbel (Oldcastle SW); President Ex-Officio, Robb VanderSchaaff (Bestway Concrete); Vice President, Randy Brenner (Everist Materials); Treasurer, Abbott Lawrence (Martin Marietta); Secretary, Keith Minor (Metro Mix, LLC). At large board members include Dale Brooks (Aggregate Industries), John Conlin (Aggregate Industries), Tom Cummings (Grace Construction Products), Brad Fancher (Loveland Ready Mix Concrete), Joe Finnegan (GCC of America), Roger Iverson (LafargeHolcim), Casey Mendenhall (Mountain Cement), Dana Rotkovich (Bestway Concrete), Mac Schafer (Transit Mix Concrete), and Bud Werner (CTL Thompson).
The entire conference was focused on delivering value to our members thought various sessions and/or panel discussions. The day started with a presentation by NRMCA President Robert Garbini. We were very fortunate to have him attend and provide highlights of what is happing at the national level. CRMCA Board President Rich Umbel then spoke regarding our accomplishments and direction. His presentation included committee accomplishments, which are the core of our association. Rich also outlined specific items we will be addressing in 2016. We then had several Technical updates from key members; Rick Wheeler and Dana Rotkovich. The morning then concluded with a panel discussion led by Annelise Shepherd regarding social media. This discussion is very timely as we will launch an aggressive social media communication plan in Quarter 1 of 2016.
The afternoon and evening included information regarding our efforts towards infrastructure funding, economic forecast by the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business, and our awards ceremony recognizing the efforts, accomplishments and dedication of many key members. Finally, the evening ended with our banquet and keynote speaker, Mr. Sean Swarner. This inspirational speaker survived cancer, twice, and went on to accomplish things many of us only dream of. His story is one of inspiration, self-perseverance and never quitting, which are great lessons for us all.
Thanks to everyone for all your support in 2015. Look for information in 2016 regarding social media, as well as our new iPhone and Android App regarding Technical information. We are excited about both. As usual, check out our website and social media outlets for more information. I hope everyone’s 2016 is off to a great start!
Todd R. Ohlheiser
Executive Director
Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association
