The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) celebrated its 25th Young Leaders Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Ariz., last month. Industry leaders imparted advice to a record crowd of more than 200 people, including Rock Products Associate Editor Josephine Smith and Director of Sales Sean Carr.
During the general sessions, attendees heard from industry heavyweights Mark Helm, NSSGA board chairman and Dolese Bros. president; Bill Sandbrook, president and CEO of U.S. Concrete; Tom Hill, president and CEO of Vulcan Materials; Anne Lloyd, executive vice president and CFO, Martin Marietta; and, Sean McLanahan, CEO, McLanahan Corp.
Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) also spoke to the group about Congress’ legislative agenda for the year, and Steve Trussell, executive director of Arizona Rock Products Association, gave an overview of the aggregates industry in Arizona as well as career advice.
Franz Peters of Lehigh Hanson was elected chairman for the coming year.
Joel Galassini, vice-president/general manager – aggregates for Cemex, received the Mark S. Walsh award, sponsored by Rock Products.
Mark S. Walsh was comptroller of producer member Rein, Shultz and Dahl of Illinois and an active member of the Young Leaders Steering Committee. He was an energetic and enthusiastic supporter of the mission, purpose and activities of the Young Leaders. In the two years that he served on the Steering Committee he offered sage advice and unique insights on exactly what the focus and purpose of the Young Leaders should be for new young executives in the aggregates industry, like himself. Walsh died of leukemia in 1999. He was 37 years old.
In memory of his leadership and commitment, the Young Leaders initiated the Mark S. Walsh Annual Leadership Award to be given to the one individual that, according to the award: “Exemplifies the leadership traits of professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment and whose efforts in improving and developing the image and programs of the Young Leaders are in keeping with the example set forth by the honoree of this award.”
“This is an incredible group, and the relationships that you can make here can last throughout your career,” Galassini noted during his acceptance speech.
Attendees took advantage of quality networking time in addition to group activities, including a tour of Gila River Sand & Gravel’s Santan Plant and a community service project at the Wellington Ranch, both located in Sacaton within the Gila River Indian Community.