This year marks the 25th anniversary of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) founding. I can’t believe it has been that long already. I was there when it all happened.
I had a very good relationship with both Joy Wilson, the head of the National Stone Association (NSA) and Charlie Hawkins, the top dog of the National Aggregates Association (NAA). I knew, courtesy of a few behind-the-scenes sources, that the merger was being discussed. I even wrote an editorial about it, saying a merger was a good idea for the industry.
They got the deal done and it resulted in a unified voice for aggregates producers. Up to that point NAA had largely been the point organization for smaller producers, and sand and gravel producers, while NSA represented the big crushed stone operations. They didn’t take my suggestion for a name, however. I wanted the combined entity to be known as the Surface Transportation Organization for North America & Everywhere (STONE). No one liked my idea much, but that’s okay.
The first convention of the new association was in San Diego. I wish I could remember more about it. The only thing I remember from that trip was going to the Jim Croce bar that used to be in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Since its inception, NSSGA has served as the leading voice and advocate for the aggregates industry in Washington, D.C. It now represents over 500 aggregates and industrial sand producers and manufacturers and services members.
To commemorate the 25th anniversary, NSSGA is showcasing its past leaders and achievements through an anniversary webpage and branded collateral highlighting the milestone. The webpage collates anniversary resources to highlight a dynamic timeline, board chair recognition and more.
The association also encourages all members to participate by sharing their own memories. Through specific prompts, members can submit a memory online, which will be featured in future NSSGA communications and social channels. Attendees to any of the 2025 NSSGA events will also receive a collectible poster commemorating the anniversary.
Congratulations to everyone over the years who have worked to make NSSGA a success. To learn more about the 25th anniversary, visit NSSGA’s webpage at nssga.org/25.
Mark S. Kuhar, editor
[email protected]
(330) 722‐4081
X: @editormarkkuhar