The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) recent Fall Board Meeting advanced the association’s Rocks Build America strategic plan with noted association consultant Glenn Tecker who led a two-day, leadership workshop. The purpose of the seminar was to align the goals of membership, the board and association staff to strengthen the aggregates industry, the association said.
“Harnessing the energy of the entire membership to grow the scope, size and influence of NSSGA will ultimately serve the best interests of every aggregates producer and the companies that support them,” said NSSGA President and CEO Mike Johnson.
Members heard from the association’s different divisions on a wide range of successes, challenges and future plans.
- The most pressing topic on the legislative and regulatory front is NSSGA’s push to get Congress to pass a multiyear, well-funded surface transportation bill before the end of the calendar year. NSSGA actively supported the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act passed by the House in September and is encouraging the Senate to support a companion bill. NSSGA’s current “Get Out The Vote” campaign is to ensure that the aggregates industry has a strong voice on Election Day.
- The Communications Division reported on several new communications channels, including the “Aggregates Minutes” (industry news available for review in 60 seconds) and “CEO Update” for the Executive Committee. A new version of the weekly eDigest newsletter is expected to be rolled out soon and will be more responsive to members’ needs.
- In an effort to grow the membership base, NSSGA created a virtual membership category for small producers with 1-10 employees operating a single stone, sand or gravel operation based on the U.S.
- Despite launching AGG1 in 2009, one of the worst years the aggregates industry had experienced in decades, the Academy and Expo have grown each year, both in the size of the exhibit floor and in numbers of attendees. All signs point to the 2015 show being the biggest and most successful show yet.
“The state of our association is strong and growing. Continued interest and hard work from our board members to grow our membership, grassroots involvement, AGG1 and other offerings will only make us stronger.”
The association also released a video that outlines the important role that stone, sand and gravel play in countless industries, including construction, transportation, agriculture and manufacturing. The three-minute piece is part of NSSGA’s three-year strategic plan to build a stronger industry and a more effective association.
In simple graphics, it portrays the significant economic impact that 10,000 aggregates operations have on the nation and how the future of America is tied to the success of the industry and its 100,000 employees. The video can be viewed here: www.NSSGA.org/AggsWell