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PACA Conveyor – Week of December 10, 2021
Table of Contents
Easily jump to a section in this newsletter:

1. PACA News
2. Annual Meeting Recap
3. Certification News
4. Other News
5. PACA Emerging Leaders Academy
6. Safety & Health News
7. Industry News

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24 E Blasts
PACA wishes to thank our 2024 Corporate Sponsors for their generous support and commitment this year!
PACA News
Kallie
Annual Meeting Recap
As reported by Kallie Kline, PACA's Director of Member Services.
Email Kallie
Annual Meeting Recap
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Annual Meeting in Hershey Is Where the Future Started
THE FUTURE STARTS HERE

This was the theme of the 2021 Annual Meeting in Hershey and, as you read through this issue of the Conveyor, you will see many articles that prove this point.

And, let's not forget about the first-ever PACAWorks! PACAWorks started the two-day adventure in Chocolatetown USA. Topics touched on the future of concrete promotion in Pennsylvania, the continuing and future effects of MS4 on your company, the future of DEP and their risk management philosophy, the future of sustainability, the future of your business due to the impact of the opioid training program and marijuana legalization. Are you seeing a pattern already and we haven't even talked about Annual Meeting yet!

PACAWorks provided the opportunity for those who do not normally have the ability to attend the Annual Meeting to come together, network and hear valuable, targeted education all in a one-stop shop.

Constructing the bridge between the PACAWorks and Annual Meeting, was luncheon keynote speaker, Retired Fire Lieutenant Joseph Torrillo. While looking ahead to the future, attendees took a moment to look back, reflect and honor those who sacrificed their lives twenty years ago on September 11, 2001 as they listened to Mr. Torrillo's ordeal when he was not only buried once in the rubble of the Twin Towers, but twice, and survived.

Following lunch, it was time to officially open the Annual Meeting. The meeting opened with an exciting start as a video announcing the Annual Meeting theme began, followed by the opening keynote presentation. A secondary underlying theme of the Annual Meeting was workforce issues as you will hear about later in this newsletter. Haydn Shaw's opening keynote presentation built on that secondary theme as he discussed dealing with difficult employees.

Friends from the various departments and associations affecting and assisting our industry also joined in the first day with break out sessions provided by DEP, DCNR, the RMC Research and Education Foundation, NRMCA and more. And, as usual, the day ended with delicious treats provided by our Rock Star Sponsor, Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co.

The Annual Meeting continued on day two with the General Membership Meeting including board elections and the State of the Association address by Board Chair, Bob Housel, Masters RMC, Inc.

Following the General Membership Meeting, the workforce issue continued with the Cornerstone Project presentation by PACA's inaugural class of the Emerging Leaders Academy.

Prior to the Honors Program, attendees were visited by and heard from Pennsylvania State Treasurer, Stacy Garrity, during our newly created Pennsylvania Policymakers Session.

And, of course, nothing says Annual Meeting and screams of the future more than an economic update by our most requested speaker, Anirban Basu of Sage Policy Group. Mr. Basu once again brought his wit and wisdom to PACA members in Hershey. A bonus session held at the end of the day by Patrick Dennison of Fisher Phillips provided much needed information on the future of vaccine mandates and how to deal with this issue as an employer.

The Annual Meeting concluded with the announcement that 2022 will feature the 40th Anniversary celebration of the formation of the Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association.

Please continue to watch for yearlong celebrations in 2022 as we come together to celebrate.
Annual Meeting Recap
Videos Available of Annual Meeting Honors Program and PELA Workforce Development Project
We have added two videos to our YouTube channel from the 2021 Annual Meeting.

One is the PACA Honors Program highlighting the Ambassadors of the Industry Hall of Fame, the Excellence in Concrete Recognition Awards, the inaugural Chairman's Award and the PACA Emerging Leaders Academy (PELA) graduation ceremony.

ACCESS HERE

The other video is the PELA Cornerstone Project presentation on the Future of Workforce Development in the Aggregates, Concrete & Cement Industries. There are some truly staggering statistics included in this presentation as well as the announcement of PACA's newly formed Workforce Development Community.

ACCESS HERE

These videos will also be added to the PACA website at a future date.
Annual Meeting Recap
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Congratulations to our Concrete Recognition Award Winners!
Our Concrete Recognition Award winners were on display at PACA's recent Annual Meeting. We were pleased to honor individuals and companies with our Captains of Concrete, Project of the Year, and Hank Bauer awards.

As a review, here are our winners.

Our Captains of Concrete award goes to those individuals or companies in recognition of extraordinary service, dedication and leadership to the Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association and its membership. Coming off a year that saw COVID-19 slow down many organizations' certification programs, our programs flourished due in no small part to the support we received from our members.

Bob Frontino (Sika Corporation) and Pat Gallagher (Admixtures Inc.) were recognized individually. They are fixtures at our certifications and we appreciate their time and effort.

Companies recognized with the award included: Centre Concrete, New Enterprise Stone and Lime Company, Rahns Concrete, and Rohrer's Incorporated. Our programs could not happen without them and we are grateful for their continued support.

2021 saw PACA recognize Project of the Year winners in four categories: Decorative Concrete, Commercial Structures, Commercial Buildings, and Residential Construction. Pictures of each project are included with this article.

Decorative Project of the Year

• Hollidaysburg Swimming Pool & Deck Concrete Producer – New Enterprise Stone and Lime Inc. Concrete Contractor – Bill Wertz and Sons, Inc.

Commercial Project of the Year (Structures)

• SR 15 (88) Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway Concrete Producer – Central Builders Supply General Contractor – Trumbull Corporation

Commercial Project of the Year (Buildings)

• Susquehanna County Public Safety Center and Coroner Buildings Owner – Susquehanna County Concrete Producer – Masters RMC Inc. General Contractor – William H. Lane Architect – bda Architects Engineer – Greenman-Pedersen Inc.

Residential Project of the Year

• North Cornwall Commons Owner – Byler Holdings Concrete Producer – Boger Concrete Inc. Concrete Contractor – Stream Line Concrete Architect – Hex 9 Architects

Lastly, the Hank Bauer Award is presented to our concrete promoter of the year. This year’s recipient has been an ardent supporter of the ready mixed concrete as long as this association has known him. He is always willing to serve our industry whether that requires educating the specifier community, serving on our concrete promotion board, or volunteering as an examiner for our ACI concrete certification program. We are pleased to recognize Steve Somerville (MAPEI) with this award.

Great job to you all! The presentation of all of these awards is available in the Honors video link mentioned in this newsletter. Photos are also available. Please contact Kallie Kline to get copies of these photos.
Annual Meeting Recap
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Stilley Receives First PACA Chairman's Award
There are many that help build the PACA community. All of our members help build the PACA community in one way or another, but, sometimes there are those that work extra hard as the architect, contractor, engineer, leader and advocate all rolled into one. And, they deserve to be recognized for their efforts.

Thus, the creation of the PACA Chairman's Award.

And, the first-ever recipient of this award has never been more deserving of this honor.

During the aptly named Honors Program, Chair of the PACA Board, Bob Housel, Masters RMC, Inc. was pleased to present this award to Mr. Jamie Stilley of Amerikohl Aggregates, Inc.

Jamie continues to construct a strong PACA community by building our membership, by advocating for the association and its benefits and by encouraging non-member companies to become a part of our community.

Congratulations and THANK YOU to Jamie Stilley.
Annual Meeting Recap
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Two Inducted in PACA's Ambassadors of the Industry Hall of Fame in 2021
This year, all at the Annual Meeting were delighted to witness the induction of two worthy applicants to PACA's Ambassadors of the Industry Hall of Fame. This brings the Hall of Fame to well over 100 inductees since its start in 2000.

First, Union Quarries, Inc. nominated Mr. Robert Sherman. Robert recently celebrated his 50th Anniversary with the company and truly shows the sparkle in his eye for his career during an interview by the Harrisburg-based ABC-27 news.

Mike Faller of Union Quarries brought a teary eye to those in the audience when he had the privilege to induct Mr. Sherman during the Honors Program in Hershey last month. The respect Mr. Faller has for his mentor was clearly visible during the presentation.

Mario and Lisa Diliberto of Delaware Valley Concrete Co., Inc. showed their deep care and admiration for their employee, Andrew Shortall, as they both served as the emcees for his induction.

Both Andrew and Robert have served their companies in many capacities, enjoy mentoring their colleagues, work hard and go above and beyond for their companies and are more than deserving of the distinction of being a member of PACA's Ambassadors of the Industry Hall of Fame.

Congratulations!
Certification News
Thank You to Our Certification Hosts and Volunteers - Registration Open for Spring 2022 Session
Let's start by thanking ALL of our host companies for once again allowing us the opportunity to bring our various certification exams to the masses. We couldn't do it without the host companies, but also our many volunteers, proctors and instructors. THANK YOU!

Coming soon will be access to an electronic book - our Honors Program booklet from the PACA Annual Meeting. This book highlights all those who help make these certification programs happen because there is just too many to list here and your recognition is truly deserved. It takes a large community to make these certifications happen and we are always looking to grow our community. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Ken Crank.

Register for the Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I Here

Register for the ACI Post-Installed Concrete Anchor Installation Inspector Certification Here

Register for the ACI Concrete Flatwork Associate / Advanced Concrete Flatwork Finisher Here
Certification News
NRMCA Finisher Certification to Meet the PennDOT Requirement
In response for the demand to meet the upcoming April 2022 PennDOT requirement PACA is pleased to announce that we have scheduled NRMCA Finishers Certification Classes consisting of:

  • Eight regional written certification programs across Pennsylvania in February 2022


  • Followed by six regional performance certification programs, also held across Pennsylvania, in April


The written portion of this program and the performance program will each be 1/2 day sessions.

The registration fee of $500 will cover the cost for both portions of this certification. To attain this certification, you must attend and pass both the written and performance portion of this program. ID will be required and checked at each session.

The NRMCA Exterior Flatwork Finishers Certification is the preferred certification program to meet the upcoming PennDOT requirement. This is due to the fact that it carries a lifetime certification and its focuses is on finishing practices to achieve durable exterior concrete.

You can also meet the PennDOT requirement by either holding or getting the ACI Flatwork Finishers certification. That certification is required on many commercial construction projects but it does carry a 5-year renewal. It is one day written certification program and does require submitting a form, filled up by your employer, confirming your hours of concrete field experience.

PACA will be holding an ACI Flatwork Finisher Certification Class on February 1, 2022 in Grantville (Harrisburg) PA. The registration link for this class is https://www.pacaweb.org/certif...

In addition, the Pittsburgh ACI Chapter has scheduled an ACI Flatwork Finisher Class for Feb 19, 2022. The registration link for this class is: https://www.acipgh.org/events/...

The NRMCA Concrete Exterior Flatwork Finisher Certification is designed to provide education and an increased understanding of concrete that will help finishers to place, finish, and cure exterior concrete so that it can provide a durable and long-lasting surface. This class includes a hands-on performance portion, which adds a unique educational opportunity and value.

Register TODAY!
Register Here
Other News
PACA Board and Associate Board Elections and Changes for 2022
An important aspect of the Annual Meeting agenda each year is the election of the next slate of board candidates for both the PACA Board of Directors and the Associate Board of Directors.

This year, once again, the slates for both boards were unanimously elected by voting delegates attending the meeting in Hershey.

Congratulations to the following newly elected PACA Board Members - Term 2022-23-24:

  • Christian Bononi, LafargeHolcim
  • John Kibblehouse, Jr., H&K Group
  • Jonathan Kolbe, Allegheny Mineral Corporation
  • Travis Rohrer, Rohrer's Incorporated
  • Walter Sjogren, WHIBCO, Inc.
  • Christina Edgerton, Pennsy Supply, Inc.; a CRH company


And, congratulations to the following newly elected Associate Board Members as well - Term 2022-23-24:

  • Bob Braun, AIRMATIC
  • Greg Donecker, Kemper Equipment
  • Steve Somerville, Mapei Corporation


Following the Annual Meeting, the Associate Board of Directors met to hold the election of their new Chair and Vice Chair per the guidelines of the Associate Board.

Paul DeAngelo of Skelly and Loy, a Terracon Company's two-year term as Chair of the Associate Board came to end, as well as, Terry Schmidt, Earthres Group's term as Vice Chair. Subsequently, the Associate Board elected Terry as their new Chair and Steve Somerville as their Vice Chair.

The result of this election left a vacancy in the 2022-23-24 term, which is the responsibility of the Associate Board members to fill. In a unanimous decision, Robert Frontino, SIKA Corporation, was elected to fill that vacancy.

Congratulations to all!
Other News
Bylaws Change Adds Additional Board Members
The responsibility of the voting delegates, termed Official Representatives by the PACA Bylaws, is to vote on behalf of their companies for board elections, bylaws changes/amendments, etc.

Recently, the Active Producer Member Official Representatives were asked to vote on changes to the current bylaws which added additional seats to the PACA Board of Directions, increasing the Board from 18 delegates to 24.

The original Bylaws also state that the Board of Directors have the right to appoint members to the Board due to a vacancy and that person shall serve until the next General Membership meeting (held at the Annual Meeting each year).

We are pleased to announce that with this bylaws change, the Board has appointed Susan Armstrong, Central Builders Supply Co. and Yonn Barrick, Keystone Cement Company to serve on the Board until the 2022 General Membership Meeting in Hershey. Congratulations!
Other News
Future start
More About the Future
And the theme continues.

The Future of the PACA Conveyor

In 2022, we will begin to send the PACA Conveyor once monthly toward the end of each month. To continue to receive more timely e-blasts on targeted information affecting your job and your company, consider signing up to be a part of one of PACA's many communities in 2022. More on that coming your way soon as we expand our community portfolio.

The Future of the PACA Members Forums

Also in 2022, the PACA Members Forums will now be once a month. They will continue to include a featured speaker and updates from PACA Staff. Watch your email inbox for announcements on the forum schedule.
Other News
Image of Hotel
Mark Your Calendar - YLDG Conference 2022
Mark your calendar for the Young Leaders Development Group's 2022 Leadership and Team Building Conference:

September 26-27, 2022

Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, 55 West Bay Drive, Erie, PA, 16507

Join us at this absolutely BEAUTIFUL location on the waters of Lake Erie for an exciting opportunity for education, networking, community service and more!
PACA Emerging Leaders Academy
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PACA Emerging Leaders Academy Graduation Brings a Successful End to a Successful Inaugural Year
All good things must come to an end as they say and the inaugural year of PACA's Emerging Leaders Academy was definitely a good thing, no, a GREAT thing!

It’s 2020 and our members, most of the world at that, are locked down working from home amid the worst pandemic of our lifetime. PACA continued its crusade for our members, although remotely, throughout the national and international crisis.

Our Young Leaders Development Group (YLDG) formed a taskforce to review educational and virtual networking opportunities for PACA members ages 40 and under during the pandemic. Over several Zoom meetings, the need for a leadership program going beyond that of the one YLDG conference a year came to light. Thus... the PACA Emerging Leaders Academy or PELA was born.

The taskforce agreed that age should not be a limitation to this program, as the need was too great to prevent anyone and everyone from participating. The program is open to any employee, of any age, of any PACA member company - aggregates, concrete, cement and our business partners - that a company colleague or supervisor sponsor foresees the possibility and likelihood of moving into a leadership role within their company.

PELA is a 10-month hybrid program consisting of both online and in-person educational sessions and networking opportunities. Complete commitment to the full ten months is the key to success in this program, led by instructor and facilitator, Greg Coker. Class size is limited to up to 20 students as selected by the members of our PELA Board of Trustees. The curriculum is exceptional and includes mandatory participation in a Cornerstone Project to be presented at the PACA Annual Meeting.

This year, 16 students were selected and welcomed into the inaugural PELA Class of 2021. The bond formed among these 16 over their ten months together is as solid as a rock. They have cemented relationships that will be cast in concrete and last a lifetime. They have used the word "family" to describe themselves and PACA staff couldn't agree more.

One of the highlights of the year was a trip to the Gettysburg Battlefield with leadership lessons from the Civil War as researched and described by Sean Lundgren of New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. As described by Mr. Coker, companies pay thousands of dollars for leadership programs such as this and Sean took it upon himself to put it together and provide a truly valuable educational day for his fellow classmates. Sean was recognized at the Annual Meeting with a small token of appreciation for his contribution to the curriculum. Thank you, Sean!

It all came together at the Annual Meeting in Hershey as attendees viewed their Cornerstone Project presentation on The Future of Workforce Development and watched them all graduate as true leaders in the aggregates, concrete and cement industry.

Congratulations to all the graduates of the inaugural PELA Class of 2021. We wish you all the very best and our deepest gratitude for not only being a part of the very first class, but for helping to shape and grow the program for future classes.

As the Annual Meeting theme described, the future most definitely starts here.
PACA Emerging Leaders Academy
Wanted - PELA Class of 2022 - Applications Due December 17th
We are now accepting applications for the 2022 Class of the PACA Emerging Leaders Academy. Nominations are made in two parts - one is a nomination form completed by a supervisor or mentor of the potential class member and the other is an application form completed by the actual applicant themselves.

Applications will be reviewed by the members of the PELA Board of Trustees in early January with announcement of the final roster soon thereafter. The class is capped at 20 people per year.

Trustees are:

  • Jason Blase, Conewago Ready Mix
  • Megan Dennis, Skelly and Loy, a Terracon Company
  • Corey Hull, Laurel Aggregates, LLC
  • Rod Martin, Martin Stone Quarries, Inc.
  • Vince Pagano, Highway Equipment & Supply Company
  • Lisa Stephen, Wayne Concrete/Wayne Gravel Products
  • Chris Wright, Union Quarries, Inc.


There is no better way to elevate the potential leaders in your company than by having them participate in this program. However, the commitment to the ten-month program is key. The program is a hybrid of in-person and virtual meetings, travel with overnight stays throughout Pennsylvania is a required part of the program.

Class members have the opportunity to meet key industry and legislative leaders throughout the Commonwealth, tour industry plants and facilities throughout the state, learn valuable leadership and life lessons skills that they can bring back to the benefit of their company and their peers.

And, now, the only thing left to do is APPLY TODAY!
Access Application Package
PACA Emerging Leaders Academy
Become a PELA Donor in 2022!
Help shape the future of the PACA Emerging Leaders Academy and its ever-expanding curriculum by becoming a PELA Donor.

Already the following companies have signed on as Donors in 2022:
  • Civil & Environmental Consultants - Sponsor Level
  • Martin Stone Quarries, Inc. - Cornerstone Level
  • New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. - Cornerstone Level
  • Union Quarries, Inc. - Cornerstone Level


Levels are Cornerstone Level ($2500), Sponsor Level ($1500) and Friend Level ($500).

The Donor Program will assist in the cost of instructors, travel, expanded curriculum, meals and other opportunities for the members of the 2022 PELA class.
Donate Here
Josie
Safety & Health News
As reported by Josie Gaskey, PACA's Director of Environmental, Safety & Health.
Email Josie
Safety & Health News
CDC and NIOSH on Marijuana and Driving
On November 23, 2021, the CDC NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health) posted a news article on its website providing information and best practices recommendations entitled, "Marijuana and Driving: How to Keep Your Fleet's Drivers Safe."



Should you have any questions or comments, contact Josie Gaskey.
View Posting
Industry News
Peter
Industry News
As reported by Peter Vlahos, PACA's President.
Email Peter
Industry News
PennDOT Announces Highway Administration Central Office Reorganization
In accordance with Executive Board Resolution OR-21-003, dated April 27, 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced the following Highway Administration Central Office organizations, Bureau and Office Directors, and Division Chiefs were transacted. These actions officially reorganize the former Bureau of Project Delivery into separate Bureaus, Offices, and Divisions, as outlined below:

Bureau of Construction and Materials, Christine Norris, Director
  • Systems Management Division; Kelly Barber, Division Chief
  • Construction QA Division; Brent Trivelpiece, Division Chief
  • Materials Division; Joseph Robinson, Division Chief


Bureau of Design and Delivery, Christine Spangler, Director
  • Contract Management Division; Michele Harter, Division Chief
  • Right-of-Way, Utilities, and Grade Crossing Division; Mark Chappell, Division Chief
  • Environmental Policy and Development Division; Mark Lombard, Division Chief
  • Highway Design and Technology Division Chief (Vacant)


Bridge Office, Thomas Macioce, Director

In addition to the above actions, the Department will be scheduling interviews for the Chief Executive position as well as posting the Director positions for both the Bureau of Operations and Bureau of Maintenance.
Industry News
Consider Making a Tax-Deductible Contribution to the RMC Research & Education Foundation
It is not very often that we ask you to consider financially supporting another organization….with one exception…..the RMC Research & Education Foundation.

Why invest your hard-earned money? The Foundation over the past 30 years has delivered lasting resources to increase quality, professionalism, and sustainability in the ready mixed concrete industry by funding and implementing research and education programs.

What is the immediate benefit? Two years ago, the USGS issued a map showing “potential” locations of Pyrrhotite across the US. This map was prepared at the request of the US Congress in response to the concrete foundation deterioration experienced in Connecticut, which was traced back to one quarry source. Unfortunately, the map showed many more potential locations of Pyrrhotite across the nation, including a portion of Pennsylvania. The current test methods for aggregate to determine the presence of Pyrrhotite are very limited at best and specifications to mitigate against Pyrrhotite expansion in concrete are far from standardized.

Recently, RJ Lee Group in Monroeville, PA presented a research proposal to develop and standardize an improved test method to determine Sulphur content (the basis of Pyrrhotite) in aggregate. Jim Casilio has helped to facilitate a discussion with the RMC Research & Education Foundation and a core group of NSSGA members and staff for their support of this research. Jim has reported that that both groups have offered to help fund this research. There is also ongoing research at Penn State into the mechanism of this complex expansion in concrete.

We feel it is important that our industry not only supports this type of research, but also has a seat at the table to guide the research so that it provides benefits and solutions for our industry, and not just additional hurdles.

The RMC Research & Education Foundation is our best way to achieve it!

Thank you for your consideration!
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Industry News
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