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PACA News

HARNESS THE POWER!
Hope to See You at the Annual Meeting in Hershey

Please join us at the 42nd Annual Meeting at the Hotel Hershey on November 18 & 19. We have constructed a program that should satisfy all sections of our membership. Equally important is a once-a-year opportunity to network with our peers from across the Commonwealth.

We often label our meetings as a "must event" and it's no different this year. We will have a better understanding of the political landscape over the next two years and how we must address the General Assembly to safeguard our business and workforce.

Technology is at the forefront and AI is in our midst. We are investing time to talk about how AI will affect our business and we will hear from companies that are presently using AI technology to improve our operations.

There will be a presentation by Ms. Chris Norris, P.E., PennDOT Deputy Secretary of Highway Administration, on partnering along with an exciting announcement that will definitely create buzz in our industry.

Let's not forget the Annual Meeting is not just about networking and learning, but also to honor our members and their employees. The PACA Honors program will continue the tradition of inducting individuals into the Hall of Fame and recognize projects through the Excellence in Concrete Awards.

You will also have breakouts to choose from in operations, case studies of the latest technologies from our Corporate sponsors, and hear from experts on the ever-evolving world of regulations and how they affect us each and every day.

Please join us to experience all the best our industry has to offer! And don't forget the PELA Capstone presentation, Women of PACA breakfast, the exhibitor tabletops, caring for our workforce and the brand-new ROCK THE HOTEL event!

See you in Hershey!

For more information on the Annual Meeting, visit our website at https://www.pacaweb.org/events...

PACA Welcomes New Producer Member

We are pleased to announce and welcome our newest Producer Member, Cambria Ready Mix Concrete, LLC. The company official representative is Mr. Tyler Templeton, Assistant Controller.

Welcome Tyler and all at Cambria Ready Mix!

PACA Young Leaders Holds Election at Annual Conference

Last week, PACA's Young Leaders came together for their annual conference in the Gettysburg area.

Along with presentations on leadership, social and political awareness, the group also held their biennial election for their Chair and Vice Chair.

Congratulations to Paul McAndrew, Masters RMC, Inc. who was elected as Chair and Austin Slater, Allegheny Mineral Corporation who was elected to the Vice Chair position. Their leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of the organization.

PACA Seeks Host Locations for 2025 PELA Class Meetings

We are reaching out to our members who may be interested in hosting the PACA Emerging Leaders Academy Class of 2025 in your conference room. Attendance would be up to 23 people max.

Hosts are also invited to provide a tour of your operation/facility if you so wish, along with having your leadership team address the group discussing his/her leadership journey, providing any advice to up and coming leaders, etc.

Dates available are as follows:

May 21-22 - Day one would be from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and day two would be 8:30 AM to Noon

August 11-12 - Day one will be the PA Politics event at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building and day two would be at a member facility from 8:30 AM to Noon

September 24-25 - Day one would be from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and day two would be 8:30 AM to Noon

If you are interested in hosting PELA Class of 2025, please contact Kallie Kline.

A Notice to the Underground Stone Community

PACA will be scheduling a meeting to discuss the public participation efforts surrounding the recent Technical Guidance Document on the Guildelines for Submittal of Benching Plans.

We would appreciate everyone's participation in this effort as the public comment period will serve as our last opportunity to revise the document before it becomes final.

If you have any questions, please contact Megan Dennis.

PACA-PAC Exceeds 2023-2024 Campaign Goal

A big shout out and THANK YOU to all of our members who have donated to the PACA-PAC over this two-year cycle. The initial goal was set at $250,000 and because of our generous and knowledgeable membership, we have exceeded that goal by over $25,000! $275,000+ marks the PACA-PAC one of the top PACs in the Commonwealth.

To date, the PACA-PAC has made over $270,000 in contributions to key races in Pennsylvania and to friends of the aggregates, concrete and cement industries.

Those who made donations to the PACA-PAC in 2023-2024 are cordially invited to an exclusive reception event on Sunday, November 17th at the Hotel Hershey, just before the start of the PACA Annual Meeting. For more information on this event, please contact Kallie Kline.

Just a reminder - MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT by VOTING ON NOVEMBER 5th!

Ben Lentine, Heidelberg Materials
Materials Presentation at the 2024 APC-PennDOT Fall Meeting

We are pleased that the APC-PennDOT Fall Meeting Planning Committee has granted us a time slot at the upcoming meeting. Ben Lentine, Heidelberg Materials, was selected to present on Present Strategies and Future Outlook of Sustainability in the Cement and Concrete Industries on Thursday afternoon, November 21, at the Hershey Lodge

Ben Lentine is a fourth-generation professional in the cement and concrete industry and currently serves as a Technical Services Engineer at Heidelberg Materials. He specializes in providing technical support, mix optimization, troubleshooting, and customer and stakeholder education. With a strong emphasis on the future of the industry, he is dedicated to advancing innovative practices and driving positive change.

By blending traditional expertise with cutting-edge techniques, Ben aims to contribute significantly to eco-friendly building solutions, ensuring that projects not only meet high standards but also support a more resilient world. Deeply passionate about promoting the future of the industry, he is committed to implementing solutions that drive sustainable progress and enhance overall performance.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

About Our October Sponsor

Maurer & Scott Sales, Inc.

122 East Thomas Street
Coopersburg, PA 18036

(610) 282-8900

Regulatory News

PA DEP Bureau of Mining Program Updates its Organizational Chart

As of September 30, 2024, the PA DEP Bureau of Mining Program updated its organizational chart.

Greg Greenfield appears on top as Director, and his Environmental Program Manger position is now vacant. Laura Mensch, according to her most recent email, is Acting Environmental Program Manager.

The Regulatory Community will receive an update with any other changes following the November 6th Aggregate Advisory Board Meeting.

Workforce Development News

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PA Build My Future – Partnership with Pennsylvania College of Technology

PA Build My Future is an opportunity designed to immerse students in the vast world of skilled trades, construction, and technology careers. This annual event, held at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA. This event brings together high school students, educators, industry professionals, and employers to inspire the next generation of skilled workers.

One of the event's key draws is the interactive format. Instead of just listening to presentations or viewing static exhibits, students are encouraged to actively engage with professionals and tools of the trade. Stations are set up where participants can learn by doing—and the Concrete Science Technology program provided just that.

Several stations were set up including a concrete overlay station, a concrete staining station, and the molding of a concrete bench station. These experiences gave students a practical taste of the skills they’d need in the concrete field.

Another highlight of the event is the opportunity for students to network with industry professionals. Employers and educators from across Pennsylvania participated, providing students with valuable information on apprenticeships, technical education programs, and employment prospects. This interaction can spark career connections that go beyond the classroom and provide clear pathways for future employment or technical schooling.

Member companies participating in this event included Centre Concrete and Glossner Concrete.

In a society where technical skills are often undervalued, this event flips the narrative, encouraging students to pursue careers that are essential to the economy’s infrastructure. Whether students are interested in the concrete industry, building homes, repairing machines, or wiring entire buildings, the Build My Future event opens their eyes to these possibilities. It’s not just about building projects—it’s about building futures.

PAPA's Mary Robbins Authors Women in Asphalt Article

Congratulations to PAPA's Mary Robbins on a very well written article discussing the opportunities for women in the asphalt industry.

The article, What Does Making Space For Women In The Asphalt Industry Mean? is available HERE.

As a reminder, PACA holds our annual Women in PACA breakfast as part of the Annual Meeting in Hershey. This year, the breakfast will be held on Tuesday morning, November 19th.

Quote & Order Processing Specialist

AIRMATIC, Malvern, PA, has an immediate opening for a Quote & Order Processing Specialist for their mechanical industrial products. The Processing Specialist will be responsible for working closely with fellow Associates to grow bulk solids handing product and service sales with existing and new industrial, construction, and precast concrete Customers. The ideal Candidate is a sharp, self-aware individual that is technically inclined and has ERP experience and strong Microsoft software proficiency. Working out of the company's Malvern Headquarters, this new Associate will work in a fast-paced, well-appointed office with smart, friendly, hard-working coworkers who are driven to generate Customer loyalty by providing great service and support.

For more information, visit PACA's website at https://www.pacaweb.org/indust...

As a reminder, PACA members have the opportunity to post job openings on PACA's website free of charge. To post an ad, contact Kallie Kline.

Certification News

PennDOT Aggregate Technician Certification Exam Schedule Announced

NECEPT and PennDOT have recently announced the Winter 2024-Spring 2025 Aggregate Technician Certification Exam Schedule.

The full list of classes is available HERE.

To review the program highlights, please go HERE.

Members in the News

Pennsylvania Well Represented on Rock Products Top 100 Crushed Stone Producers

Congratulations to all ourmembers representing the Commonwealth on Rock Products' latest Top 100 Crushed Stone Producer list.

View the list HERE.

National News

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PACA Team Member Attends NRMCA ConcreteWorks

PACA's Director of Specifications and Sustainability, Susan Armstrong, had the opportunity to attend NRMCA ConcreteWorks 2024 in Aurora CO and was not disappointed.

The event provided many educational opportunities and was balanced with wonderful networking opportunities. From updates on Research, Engineering and codes and standards, information on the status of the EPA Grant for EPDs to Promotion Committee meetings to the amazing Concrete Mixer Driver Championship, the event was phenomenal. NRMCA has realigned territories for the PaveAhead initiative and our new representative is an old friend: Phil Kresge.

On the sustainability front, the industry can expect the updated Product Category Rules (PCR) to be published in February 2025 and the updated industry averages for Global Warming Potential (GWP) hopefully by March or April. Lionel Lemay, Exec. NRMCA VP, Structures and Sustainability, reviewed the EPA grant program that will be administered by NRMCA. Even if your company already has EPDs, it is still possible to be awarded a grant. The pass-through grants will hopefully begin in mid-2025.

PCA Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality Celebrates 3rd Birthday

Three years ago this week, Portland Cement Association launched its Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality, and there are many reasons to celebrate—millions, in fact, when you look at its stats.

More than 6 million metric tons of carbon have been avoided since 2021.

• 2023 became the most energy-efficient year for the cement industry.

• 77% of PCA member company plants are using alternative and/or renewable fuels in cement production.

• Alternative fuel use rose to a 16% share of the industry’s fuel mix—an all-time high for U.S. cement manufacturing.

• Natural gas’s share of fuel consumption in cement manufacturing is at its highest level since the 1970s.

• Lower-carbon cements comprised approximately 50% of the cements consumed in the U.S. in 2023, up from less than 5% in 2021.

• More than 60% of cement produced in the U.S. is now lower-carbon cement.

• Earlier this year, all 50 State Departments of Transportation approved the use of portland limestone cement, a blended cement that reduces the carbon footprint of projects by some 10%.

To learn more about PCA’s progress toward carbon neutrality, visit www.cementprogress.com

PACA Supports NRMCA DOE Grant

NRMCA is applying for another grant, this time from DOE, to develop two new courses, one on design of low-carbon concrete mixtures and one on installing and finishing low-carbon concrete.

PACA has submitted a letter in full support of this effort and look forward to more announcements on the courses from NRMCA in the future.

Questions on this effort and the new courses may be directed to Peter Vlahos.

Have You Checked Out BOLDer Magazine? If Not, You Should!

BOLDer Magazine is more than just an earth science magazine. BOLDer explores why our natural resources are so important to our way of life and how we all should be inspired to be stewards of nature. We think you will agree this is an awesome resource for the whole family. We hope you enjoy the inspiring stories, fun activities, and curiosity-sparking content.

The magazine's promise to deliver:

  • Monthly: Created to inspire and teach every month about nature and our natural resources
  • In Print: We know you value non-digital resources — especially for children. We have invested in high-quality production so that this 80-page magazine can be handed down from child to child, still being beautiful without falling apart.
  • Bonus Content: We are not anti-technology and know it is an important tool. You will find in the magazine QR codes that lead to narration, earth science curriculum, and more!
  • Witty and Clever: Our goal is not to be boring! We want to engage and educate the whole family.
  • Hopeful: Our content is focused on how we can use our resources wisely and be good stewards of the environment.

Subscribe at https://www.boldermagazine.com/subscribe/

and use promo code PACA25 for 25% off your subscription (perfect gift for the holidays)

Interested in your company becoming a Partner?

Benefits:

  • Your logo is printed in the magazine
  • Your logo is featured on our website with a hyperlink to your site
  • Copies of the magazines every month
  • FREE access to our new monthly Earth Science Curriculum for teachers/parents

Suggested Uses for Copies:

  • Employee Appreciation
  • Teachers/Schools/Libraries/Community Outreach
  • Proactive Community Relations/Neighbors

Interested in being Featured in BOLDer?

  • Do you have equipment to be featured in the “Mighty Machine” Spread?
  • Do you have a cool project that would make an interesting story?
  • Do you use natural resources or reclamation in an interesting way? Don’t worry—we will help write the story!

Email Maggie Archibald at [email protected] for more information on Partnerships and Features.

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