Single-family housing starts fell back in June after four straight monthly gains as elevated construction costs and rising mortgage rates led to a reduction in home building activity and affordability conditions worsened for home buyers. It takes 400 tons of aggregates to construct the average modern home, according to the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. Overall housing in June decreased…
Read MoreMonth: July 2023
The Rock Products Road Show Rolls into Michigan
The Rock Products Road Show – an “Economics + Equipment” informational session – rolled into Thompsonville, Mich., on July 21 for the Michigan Aggregates Association’s (MAA) summer meeting, held at the Crystal Mountain Resort. “The session was a textbook demonstration of ‘power-learning,’” said Rock Products Editor Mark Kuhar, who moderated the Road Show. An all-star cast of presenters – including Pierre Villere, from Allen-Villere Partners;…
Read MoreNSSGA Applauds VMT Pilot Initiative
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) requires the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to establish a national pilot to “test the design, acceptance, implementation and financial sustainability” of a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) fee system. It requires the creation of a Federal System Funding Alternative Advisory Board that will provide an annual report to Congress and ultimately create…
Read MoreWEDA Present Hayes with 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award
At its Summit & Expo in Las Vegas, the Western Dredging Association (WEDA) awarded Dr. Donald Hayes its 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his lifetime of outstanding work supporting the dredging community and the Western Dredging Association. As a student at Mississippi State University, Hayes earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering (1981) and then an M.S. in Civil…
Read MoreEagle Crusher Adds Mellott as Mid-Atlantic Dealer
Eagle Crusher Co. Inc. named Mellott as the new distributor for Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware, representing the full line of Eagle Crusher heavy-duty crushing and screening equipment in the Mid-Atlantic.
Read MoreThe AVP Pulse Index for July
July 24, 2023 – The AVP Pulse Index this month rose 3.1% month-over-month, while increasing 7.1% year-over-year. The proprietary AVP Pulse Index – a joint effort between mergers and acquisition advisors Allen-Villere Partners, and Rock Products – illustrates the health of the industry in one single trend line, using relevant data that is updated monthly or quarterly. “The previously flattened curve of…
Read MoreHumor Helps – Even in Aggregates
While doing some online research I came upon the website for Manchester Sand & Gravel Co. in Hooksett, N.H., part of the Boston Sand & Gravel family of companies. What caught my eye was the company’s motto: “Customer service & humor, sets us apart from the competition.” Intrigued, I reached out for more information on how humor fits into the…
Read MoreBig Ridge’s 10-Year Anniversary
MSHA’s Authority Under Big Ridge Is Broad, But It’s Not Unlimited. We all know that MSHA possesses a tremendous amount of enforcement authority. For example, an MSHA inspector does not need a warrant to enter and inspect a mine at any time and without any advance notice. With the stroke of a pen, an MSHA inspector may order a mine…
Read MoreHow Will AI Effect PR?
Will PR Professionals Be Replaced By AI-Driven PR Software Programs? By Thomas J. Roach Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is currently developing the ability to perform basic public relations tasks like generating media releases and mission statements. Results are pretty basic right now, but they will improve. Media releases and mission statements are very formulaic, and AI is all about formula…
Read MoreBuilding Partner Relationships
In Arizona, CEMEX’s West Region Is Identifying Community Partners And Building Relationships With Key Organizations. By Therese Dunphy Sometimes, a fresh perspective can lead to exciting new prospects for community outreach. Such was the case in 2020, when CEMEX split its West region into two groups. The move brought in a new president for the Arizona region, David Nabavi, who…
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