Hello CRMCA members. This month I have some good news, and some bad news. First for the bad news. As we all continue to deal with COVID-19 and civil unrest in our country, it can be daunting at times. It can seem as though our lives are spiraling, many times out of control. While we have fought hard to remain an essential industry during this time, the basic operating model of your businesses have changed. Six months ago I thought Social Distancing was when my wife stayed away while I smoked a cigar. Now we can’t operate without constantly thinking about it. Clearly, primary functions like management meetings, employee interaction, concrete loadout and delivery, and customer/finisher interface on the jobsite have changed. Even little things like opening a door or getting coffee from the break room are different. Compound all this with the same type of changes required at home, with child care, with visiting elderly parents, and again, it can be daunting. This is the bad news.
Now for the good news……………………………………………………………. Yes, there is some……………………………………. What about?? …………………………. No that’s not it………………………….. Oh yes, never mind……………………… In all seriousness, I believe there are and will continue to be many good things that come out of this. A lot of technology is changing for the better that will continue to improve the concrete industry. Remote ticketing is being implemented, meetings are being held electronically, many times limiting work related travel, work schedules and traffic patterns are shifting, etc.
More impressive to me is a renewed recognition for essential workers who give their all – every day. There has been much said about thanking delivery drivers across the country and this is especially true for concrete delivery drivers. Many times, once they arrive on the job, the real challenges only begin. I applaud these front line employees, as well as everyone behind the scenes making our industry work. As Cole Jacobs mentioned in his blog last month, “the employees’ ingenuity to get the job done during stressful times has been remarkable”. I must say, this includes the staff at CRMCA who have impressed me with new ideas and ways to enhance the association during these times.
While many of our events have needed to be canceled or postponed, all our committee and board meetings continue remotely as we work to assist your business in any way possible. Also, ACI Certification Sessions are back up and running. While much different with small class sizes and social distancing, JT Mesite and Emma Dolan have worked with the CDOT facilities to develop a solid operating plan and many options are available for those needing certifications. Also, our popular Digital Discussion Series will resume soon as we enhance our outreach and ability to interact. Look for information on ACI and all other activities on our website or social media.
So the good news is: we will get thought this and be better for it. However, much has to do with our personal approach in meeting these challenges, and by doing and giving our personal best. As the challenges have completely changed our work and personal lives, I will end with a quote by Winston Churchill that hopefully challenges us to keep giving our best in both situations. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Thank you!
Todd R. Ohlheiser
Executive Director
Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association
