Mark Helm, CEO of Dolese Bros. Co., based in Oklahoma City was elected chairman of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) board of directors on March 6 during NSSGA’s 2017 Annual Convention in Las Vegas.
“We each want to grow our companies, but I believe we have a unique opportunity to help grow our industry over the next year if we’re willing to get involved in our association,” he said at the convention’s Closing General Session.
Dolese recently celebrated 115 years in business. “Our company has been around longer than our state, so we like to say that we helped build Oklahoma from the ground up,” Helm said. He and the 1,000 employees at Dolese are proud of such a long history of supplying aggregates to Oklahoma and neighboring states in addition to ready-mixed concrete, concrete block and various other construction materials.
Helm took over the board from Hal Williford, Jr., the president and CEO of Memphis Stone and Gravel Co. based in Memphis, Tenn.
NSSGA President and CEO Michael W. Johnson congratulated Williford on his year of service. “So much of what we have accomplished is the result of Hal’s untiring leadership and commitment to always to do what’s best for NSSGA and our industry,” he said. “It has been a privilege to serve with Hal, and I know I speak for the members of NSSGA when I say that we look forward to his continued involvement.”
Helm, Williford and Johnson also took time during the Annual Convention to unveil the Rocks Build America 2020 strategic plan. It outlines four areas of focus to direct the growth and success of the association for the next three years.
“A good quarry plan lets us efficiently get the most rock out of each operation. A good plan of engagement can get your team motivated to perform well. A good communication plan can help tell your story,” said Helm. “What we’ve developed here is a great plan for this industry and association, and I am excited to be the first chairman to execute the Rocks Build America 2020 plan.”
NSSGA will continue to develop its role as the industry’s advocate in Washington, D.C., and build a climate for joint advocacy. Advocacy is Job No. 1 for the association, but NSSGA cannot do this alone.
In the coming years, NSSGA will look to bring together advocates from related industries to make the aggregates voice louder and stronger on Capitol Hill. Additionally, NSSGA will look to build membership in key regions of the country and provide tools and resources for member companies to become better advocates and make permitting and community relations easier.