Hello CRMCA Membership! This time of year remains very busy at the Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Among other things, this is mostly due to the active Legislative session underway. Here are a few highlights:
- Recent and upcoming activities.
- Industry Education Day at the Capitol. Understanding legislators are very busy this time of year, we believe they still need to learn about the importance of concrete and construction aggregate mining, along with the benefits of having local sources. Therefore, on Feb 1st, CSSGA conducted a Mining Education Day in one of the committee rooms at the Colorado State Capitol. Lead by our Joint Governmental Affairs Chairman Chris Oestreich (Burnco Colorado), we held the short training session every hour throughout the day. Several elected officials and/or staff was able to attend and engage with conversations about the concrete and aggregate industry.
- We also meet weekly to discuss bills and proposed legislation weekly with our lobbyist, Totsy Rees. Here members can weigh in on helping us decide on direction and strategies to help our success. I encourage all members to participate and be part of this important process.
- We continue to hold Legislative Luncheons downtown Denver on a monthly basis during the session. This keeps all interested members involved in the process and allows them to have input. Additionally, we have expanded these luncheons to include outside speakers or areas of interest. For example in January, we heard information regarding the economic forecast for Brain Lewandowski from the Leeds School of Business. Very informative and forward looking.
- Additionally, we will hold a Governmental Affairs focused Networking Event at the Grant-Humphreys Mansion in Denver on March 27. Resister for this event and interact with elected officials that are making laws at the Capitol. This will be a very important event for our industry.
- Then on May 1, at the end of the 2024 legislative session, CRMCA will host the “Concrete Day at the Capital” once again. This will again be held in conjunction with our partners at the Concrete Pipe and the Concrete Pavements Associations. All members are welcome to volunteer with the many positions necessary to pull this event off. Look for the registration online, or reach out to Emma Dolan.
- Key Legislation. One of the key bills we are supporting involves the permitting and program oversight aspect of the Dredge & Fill activities for the state of Colorado. We are supporting SB-127, which was recently introduced by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer. The State of Colorado will be expanding the Waters of the State, as the Waters of the US (WOTUS) has changed on a National level. Therefore, we believe this bill provides the correct guidelines for such a bill and puts the location of this program with the Division of Natural Resources (DNR). With a long session to go, and an additional bill regarding WOTUS being brought forward from the House, we look forward to working with both groups in order to have the best water program possible for the State of Colorado.
- CTAC. I also want to comment on our expanding CTAC program that is driving toward improvements in the world of concrete testing. I am happy to report the Georgia and Texas have now joined us in our efforts. These are very large states that are important to have on our team. If you would like more information on CTAC, reach out to JT Mesite and join in on our initiative.
- Summer Conference. Lastly, we are building toward our Summer Conference and Outing planned for July 18 and 19 at the Hotal Colorado in Glenwood Springs. This is a great time to cover importance business issues and hold a lively Networking Event for members, and those interested in membership throughout the state.
Please reach out to any of us on our cell numbers or at the office at 303-290-0303 or crmca.org. Thank you.
Todd R. Ohlheiser
Executive Director
Colorado Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (CSSGA)
Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA)
Office: 303.290.0303
todd@coloradocaa.org
