What are the most pressing issues facing the
transportation construction industry??
CEOs of 4 of the 5 leading transportation construction
materials trade associations met by Zoom conference
September 14, 2020 to address key priorities—
National Ready Mix Concrete Association (NRMCA);
National Stone & Gravel Association (NSSGA);
American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA);
& National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA)
Mike Philips-NRMCA; Mike Johnson-NSSGA; Jerry Voigt-ACPA; and Audrey Copeland-NAPA, concurred that the impacts of COVID-19 on members and association business was a common thread of concern and central to the discussion. The CEOs expressed unity in seeking an extension to the Fast Act. Each has a call to action rallying members to voice support to their Congressional representatives and President Trump, all with the aim of a meaningful extension of the current transportation bill before it expires September 30, 2020.
At this time, the CEO’s were not optimistic regarding relief funding for state Departments of Transportation. “Our lobbyists and government affairs staff all seem to be reading Congress’ position the same way—it is unlikely we will see transportation construction as an element of economic recovery. However, each of us emphasized we will keep fighting for recovery funding for states on behalf of our members,” said Jerry Voigt.
The associations each have been working separately through the challenge of conducting in-person membership meetings during the pandemic. Every group has moved their events to virtual formats, including several conventions planned for the late winter of 2021.
“ACPA was the last group to decide to move our annual meeting to a virtual format,” Jerry says. “For [many] reasons, this was a challenging decision for us, but we do take some solace in the fact that our partners have also made those decisions. In the end, for ACPA it is about the health and safety of our members, staff and meeting participants.”
Jerry added, “The CEOs agreed to continue monthly discussions and to set aside some of the competitive nature of the competing industries to help each other through this tough time in history. We have continued a spirit to share ideas and information for the betterment of all. The way I see it we each ask our members to share experiences for the betterment of their industry, so as association leaders, we are living that model.”