Hello 2021, it’s good to see you. And 2020, I am very glad to see you go.
While last year was certainly chock full of challenges, we have much to be thankful for. With the aggregates industry being classified as an “essential industry” work continued, stone was produced, and although there will likely be a downturn in production when the U.S. Geological Survey comes out with its end-of-the-year numbers, it could have been much worse.
In this issue we present our annual state of the industry report. With lots of data and comments from industry experts, you will get a clear sense of where the industry is headed. Pay especially close attention to the comments from state association heads, lots to chew on there.
I am looking forward to getting back on the road, and into the quarries. In the second half of the year when the tradeshow season starts up, it will be good to see many of you again. Especially looking forward to MINExpo in September.
Unfortunately, one person we won’t see at trade shows in 2021 is Kevin Peterson of Vortex Global, who is retiring after 25 years of industry service.
During his 25 years with Vortex, Kevin held many key positions including director of marketing, special projects director, regional sales manager, and director of business development.
While at Vortex, Kevin traveled throughout North America to meet with companies involved in the processing, handling and transportation of dry bulk material. He authored hundreds of case studies including numerous articles for Rock Products that shared his industry knowledge in the area of dry bulk material handling.
Kevin was always one of those guys you would see at every show, and he always had a positive word to say and important information to offer. In short, he is one of the good guys in this industry and I am sorry to see him go, but on behalf of all of us here at Rock Products, we wish him a great retirement. Happy trails Kevin.
Now let’s get 2021 rolling.
Mark S. Kuhar, editor
[email protected]
(330) 722‐4081
Twitter: @editormarkkuhar