Hello fellow members and welcome to my first quarterly blog! I am extremely excited about the activities and events that each regional Market committee has been working on during the first quarter of 2015 and what is coming up in the second quarter. I have also included a document with other events and certifications that will be taking place in each of the regions.
I am greatly appreciative of the support and volunteers who have helped to make these events successful and I am looking forward to the 2nd Quarter.
Southern Market (Colorado Springs to NM Border)
Chair – Joe Griego, Pete Lien & Sons/Trans-Colorado Concrete
Co-Chair – Ken Bontrager, CEMEX
March 19 Lunch & Learn
The Southern Market group has focused on education with an emphasis on improving the quality of concrete testing by holding a seminar and Test Fest Event. Kevin Kane, Holcim (US), Inc., presented the “Test Fest Lunch and Learn” seminar which examined the methods for measuring the quality of concrete testing, and made recommendations on ways to improve the quality of concrete testing (pre-construction checklist, Test Fest, etc.) Kevin also presented data collected from Test Fest explaining what the data tells us as an industry, common “errors”, and how we can continue to improve testing from multiple areas. Attendance was great with 21 individuals, including local producers, municipalities, engineering firms and testing labs.
Since inception of the CRMCA Test Fest in late 2013, the second Test Fest within the region was held on March 30th at Transit Mix Concrete in Colorado Springs. The event was well attended and we received participation from local labs, producers, and engineering firms. Team leaders from the local CDOT region and the City of Colorado Springs observed the event. They have expressed interest in the program and reviewing the results. View photos from the event on our Facebook page.
Western Market Committee (Western Slope Wyoming to New Mexico Border)
Chair – Nate Thomas, Everist
Co-Chair – Dana Jenick, Holcim (US), Inc.
Mike Adcock address attendees at the January seminar.
The Western Market has focused on education with the region by holding the “Day at the Concrete Jobsite” seminar on January 30. The seminar took place in Glenwood Springs and was presented by:
- Mike Adcock, Adcock Concrete
- Robbie Lewis, Grand Junction Ready Mix
- Bud Werner, CTL Thompson
- Curtt Coppage, Chryso, Inc.
I’m excited to say that the seminar topic’s reputation has preceded itself – almost 50 individuals, from around the state, were in attendance at this event! CRMCA will continue to bring this important seminar topic to other regions. Stay tuned for more details.
Members of the Western Slope also organized and put on a lunch and learn on the importance of the pre-construction checklist to FCI Constructors. The group continues to arrange smaller, informational meetings on this topic.
The group has also been working on the upcoming presentation and demonstration for the APWA Spring Fest Conference that will be held April 23 – April 24. Tom Pelo, BASF, will be presenting, Slump vs. Strength, “Friend or Foe?” Members of the committee will be donating materials and labor to demonstrate some of the new and refined technologies such as the use of pozzolans, water reducers, and evenly graded combined aggregate gradations to minimize water demand while maintaining specified water to cement ratios.
Central Market Region (Castle Rock to Wyoming Border)
Chair – Dana Rotkovich, Bestway Concrete
Co-Chair – Kirk Johnson, Mountain Cement
The Central Market Committee has been extremely busy this quarter! From presentations at the APWA Construction Inspector Conference, to numerous lunch and learns, and preparing for their upcoming seminar, they have still managed to begin collecting data from residential concrete builders.
Kevin Kane presents at the APWA Conference in February.
During the first week of February, committee members had the opportunity to attend the APWA Construction Inspector Conference. Dana Rotkovich, Bestway Concrete, Tom Cummings, Grace Construction Products, and I staffed the CRMCA booth. We were able to answer inspectors questions, collect data, and schedule lunch and learn. Kevin Kane, Holcim (US), Inc., also gave a presentation on cold weather concreting with innovative technologies and the importance of a pre-construction checklist.
March 17 Lunch & Learn at Martin/Martin Engineering.
The committee’s first Pre-Construction Checklist lunch and learn of the quarter was presented to over 30 Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers staff and was presented by Dan Corneau and Jeremy Stevens, Metro Mix, LLC on March 17. We look forward to the continued exposure this brings to the ready mixed concrete industry.
On April 13, Tom Cummings, Grace Construction Products, and Dana Rotkovich, Bestway Concrete, will give a presentation on the pre-construction checklist at the Metropolitan Government Pavement Engineers Council’s (MGPEC) Annual Meeting. CRMCA will also provide an overview of the certifications we offer and the benefit of certification on the industry.
In addition to the multitude of presentations, the group has created a sub-committee to collect data from the home builders within the Denver metro area. The group aims to find out what challenges the home builders and contractors have faced with concrete. From there, the group will develop a plan to educate to this market accordingly.
Thank you again to our members for their commitment, time, and support to the association and the industry. We had a great 1st quarter and I am looking forward to the 2nd quarter!
If you would like to get involved or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of the chairs or me at stacy@coloradocaa.org.
With Sincere Appreciation,
Stacy
Stacy Ehrlick
Manager of Education and Promotion
Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association
