When Rock Products acquired Aggregates Manager, one of the key pieces of that deal was the Aggregates Industry Atlas. This issue marks the first time this industry favorite publication has been produced under the Rock Products banner.
We are very pleased that we were able to acquire and compile this updated version of the Atlas in such a short time. We have big plans for future editions of this publication, and we hope to be able to share those with you in the months ahead.
This issue is the first that has come out since ConExpo-Con/Agg. The show, as usual was a resounding success, with more than 130,000 attendees. That was one huge accomplishment, especially in light of a word that not that long ago many people had never heard: coronavirus.
ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 went on as planned just as COVID-19 was beginning to get a foothold in the United States. The show organizers put extraordinary measures in place: social distancing, no handshakes, hand sanitizer everywhere. There was a lot of optimism at the show, but also a bit of anxiety. Not surprising as 130,000 people gathered in close quarters.
Well, the Las Vegas we knew just a few weeks ago is literally gone. As in many states and cities across the country, hotels, shows, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and casinos, as well as trade shows, have shut down putting many out of work. It is almost inconceivable to imagine what has transpired.
The road ahead is uncertain. What is certain, is that our industry will take some economic fire. Maybe not as bad as the Great Recession, but there will be a temporary downturn.
I might remind all of our elected representatives, that at a time when we need any economic stimulus we can muster, there is one that would do a great deal toward getting the economy back in the right direction: Pass a massive infrastructure bill.
This is not a monetary hand out. People will be put to work. Every state benefits. The country benefits. I urge you to contact your representatives and tell them to get a bill passed immediately. It literally is a matter of life and death.
We will get through this together. In the meantime, stay well.