AGG1 Rocks Baltimore

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This year’s AGG1 2015 show was a huge success, with registered attendance exceeding all past shows, exhibit sales a record and education ticket sales a new all-time high, according to show organizers the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA).6 AGG1 400

The event was held March 17-19 at the Baltimore Convention Center in conjunction with World of Asphalt. AEM and NSSGA reported:

  • More industry networking: Record registered attendance totaled more than 7,600, an increase of more than 1,000 over the previous record and 26 percent over the last edition of the shows; registrants came from all 50 states, 9 of the 10 Canadian provinces and more than 50 other countries.
  • More product innovations: Both shows set exhibitor and exhibit space records with a total 450 exhibitors taking more than 135,000 net sq. ft. to showcase the latest technologies and products.
  • More industry-driven education: A record 10,000-plus education session tickets were purchased by attendees for the shows’ signature learning programs.

“The enthusiasm and industry support have been wonderful; it’s really important for us to come together to talk with and learn from each other, and that’s what these shows delivered,” said Rick Feltes of Lafarge North America and 2015 Chair of NSSGA’s AGG1 Academy & Expo, representing NSSGA. “The people and companies who were here understand the importance and the value of education and networking; and they’re the ones who will succeed.”

“This has been a tremendous event; the interaction and energy on the show floor as exhibitors connected with customers has been great, very positive,” said 2015 World of Asphalt Show and Conference Chair Rick Moore of Lehman-Roberts, representing the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).

“Attendees were focused and here to learn, to examine the latest equipment and products and make the wise choices for their businesses to stay competitive in today’s business environment,” Moore said.

Among the show visitors were Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing Chandra Brown, who toured the exhibits and met with show officials.

7 AGG1 400Attendees “made some noise” during a short rally on the show floor March 18 to help improve America’s transportation infrastructure, telling Congress how important it is to act to #FixTheTrustFund without delay.

The 2015 event offered added value through a new partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, and its International Buyer Select Program. The program helped attract visitors from around the world, increasing the networking and business connections for all show participants.

Attendees could take advantage of more than 110 education sessions focused on industry best practices, solutions and benchmarking. Education included NSSGA’s signature AGG1 Academy and NAPA’s People, Plants and Paving Training Program.

Industry partnerships and support increased the learning and networking opportunities for show participants:

  • Nearly 30 industry-related associations and groups worldwide were official show supporters.
  • Co-located events included the Maryland Asphalt Association annual conference, North East Asphalt User/Producer Group executive board and steering committee meetings, and American Road and Transportation Builders Association Safety in the Work Zone conference.

“Exhibitors and attendees alike cited the value of face-to-face dialog with so many industry professionals and companies in one place, and the consistently high-quality environment of the shows,” stated Show Manager Rich Prausa of AEM.
Planning is already underway for the 2016 World of Asphalt and AGG1 – to be held March 22-24 in Nashville at the Music City Center. 


NSSGA CONVENTION

At the NSSGA convention, held concurrently with AGG1, Charles Luck IV, president and CEO of Luck Companies, Richmond, Va., was named 2015 Chairman of the Board. His election came during the NSSGA Board of Directors’ meeting.7 AGG1 2 300

“Charlie’s insights into what the aggregates industry faces each day, coupled with his values based leadership, will take NSSGA to the next level,” said NSSGA President and CEO Michael W. Johnson. “He is well-prepared to lead and execute our Rocks Build America strategic plan and will advance our association as the leading voice of the industry.”

In his acceptance address to the NSSGA Annual Membership meeting, Luck urged all to think about how the aggregates industry impacts America. “Let’s never forget that we are building the future infrastructure of our country that enables a quality of life that many other countries can only wish to have,” he said.

He also called on the entire industry to be a part of the effort and to make a difference. “When all of us are engaged and committed, NSSGA is doing well. When NSSGA is doing well, we are building a better future for this country.”

Luck also outlined a key priority for 2015: a Board Evolution Initiative. “We have a best-in-class strategy, now how do we get a best-in-class board structure?” he asked.

The plan calls for a task force to provide recommendations on a new board structure and rule changes to align the governance of NSSGA with the Rocks Build America strategic plan. “The goal is to have representation in every state with highly qualified and highly committed leaders to ensure the long-term health of NSSGA and the aggregates industry,” Luck said.

Luck considers himself the guardian of a family legacy, built on the founding principles of honesty, integrity and reliability. A 1983 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Luck is an active member in several professional and trade associations as well as numerous community organizations.

He oversees a growing corporation that employs 800 and has locations in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast through its four distinct business units: Luck Stone; Luck Stone Center, Har-Tru Sports and Luck Development Partners. One of Luck’s goals is to ensure the future growth and development of employees and the corporation, while maintaining the company’s leadership role in the aggregates industry.

Founded in 1923 and having thrived under the leadership of three generations of the Luck family, Luck Companies has embraced creativity, commitment, leadership and integrity as its core values, and strives to build a culture centered on the success of others. Luck Companies inspires its associates, customers, partners and communities to positively impact their lives and the lives of those around them through Values Based Leadership. Luck Companies believes the best path to exemplary personal and business performance is through making a difference in the lives of others around the world.

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