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PACA News

Summer Summit Sponsorships & Exhibitors

Two marketing opportunities are now open for all PACA members for the upcoming Summer Summit.

We are seeking additional sponsors for the upcoming Summer Summit. What an easy way to get your company name out there, even if you are unable to attend the meeting!

Sponsorships available are:

Monday Reception / Dinner Sponsor ($800.00)

Breakfast Sponsor ($700.00)

Welcome Reception Sponsor ($500.00)

We need just $1300 more dollars to reach our goal!

We also have four more hole sponsorships available to sell out the whole course at $175 a hole.

If you are interested in any of these sponsorships, please contact Kallie Kline.

NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW

We have 9 unsold tabletop exhibit spaces available at the Summer Summit. Corporate Sponsors and VIP sponsors had right of first refusal and we have nine spaces remaining available. Cost is $750 for a tabletop exhibit space with two chairs & electric. Additional fees would be registration fees for any booth attendants coming to the meeting.

If you are interested in purchasing a tabletop exhibit, please contact Kallie Kline for assistance with registration, tabletop space reservations and hotel room information.

Regulatory News

2023 DEP Draft Industry Minerals Report. Comments Requested by June 19.

DEP has recently issued a draft copy of the department's 2023 Industry Minerals Report for employment and production.

DEP has asked that the report be reviewed for accuracy. We already know that several quarry sites are not included in this report. It is imperative that the information in this report is correct and to ensure that the report does not show incorrect production figures to maintain Chapter 77 active status. Minimum production to do so is 500 tons per year.

If you have any questions or find inaccuracies, please contact Peter Vlahos by no later than June 18th.

DEP Establishes a Customer Experience Management Advisory Council to Put Customer Service Front and Center for Agency Leadership

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is establishing a Customer Experience Management Advisory Council (CXMAC) to advise DEP’s Acting Secretary and Chief Customer Experience Officer on strategies and improvements to enhance service delivery to the public. CXMAC brings together a team of experts from private businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

Pennsylvanians should be able to easily access government services – and there should be no wrong door to reaching help. The CXMAC will convene quarterly to regularly evaluate DEP’s customer service experience, make recommendations for improvements, and then evaluate their success. The goal is to ensure DEP’s services are accessible to Pennsylvanians and that DEP is quickly and effectively doing its job for the public – everything from permitting to plugging wells to investigating environmental complaints.

Read the full article.

Certification News

Upcoming Certification Exams
ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I WRITTEN RETEST ONLY
Aug 6, 2024
Rohrer's Concrete
ACI Concrete Strength Testing Technician Certification Exam
Aug 28, 2024
Written Exam takes place at the COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT HARRISBURG WEST/MECHANICSBURG and the performance exam takes place at Barry Isett Mechanicsburg.
Sponsor Spotlight

Continental Placer, Inc.

5010 Lenker Street
Suite 200
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Ph: 717-975-2862

Market Engagement News

Growing PACA & Penn College Partnership - Enhancing the Concrete Science Program

The Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association (PACA) continues a strategic partnership with the Pennsylvania College of Technology to support and enhance the institution's Concrete Science Program. This collaboration aims to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals in the concrete industry through educational support, practical training, and industry engagement.

The Concrete Science Program at Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT) is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. As a leader in promoting the concrete industry, PACA's involvement will significantly enrich the program, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to gain real-world insights and skills essential for their future careers.

How Can PACA Support PCT?

  1. 1. Financial Support: PCT is looking for financial support for students wishing to participate in the ACI Pervious Concrete competition to be held at the ACI Convention hosted in Philadelphia November 3rd through the 7th. This financial aid will help alleviate the burden of travel costs, enabling more students to pursue their passion for concrete technology and construction.
  2. 2. Material Donations: Material donations are needed for the students to continue with their hands-on training with concrete. Cement, supplementary cementitious materials, aggregates and admixtures are among the materials in demand.
  3. 3. Plant Tours: Conducting plant tours, offering students a direct connection to current trends, innovations, and challenges in the concrete industry. These sessions will bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry applications.
  4. 4. Internships and Field Training: Provide internship opportunities and field training experiences for students. These hands-on placements will allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, gaining invaluable experience and networking opportunities.
  5. 5. State-of-the-Art Equipment and Resources: Assist in the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and resources for the Concrete Science Program's laboratories. Access to the latest technology and tools will enhance the educational experience and better prepare students for careers in the industry.
  6. 6. Research and Development Initiatives: Collaborative research projects between PACA and Pennsylvania College of Technology will be encouraged, focusing on innovative solutions and advancements in concrete technology. Students will have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research, contributing to the industry's growth and sustainability.
  7. 7. Career Placement and Networking: PACA will facilitate career placement services and networking events, connecting graduates with leading employers in the concrete and construction sectors. These initiatives will ensure that students have a clear pathway to rewarding careers upon graduation.

This partnership underscores PACA's commitment to fostering educational excellence and advancing the concrete industry through collaboration and innovation. Together, PACA and Pennsylvania College of Technology are paving the way for a stronger, more sustainable future in concrete science and technology.

About Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association (PACA): PACA is a leading trade association dedicated to promoting the interests of the aggregates, ready mixed concrete, and cement industries in Pennsylvania. Through advocacy, education, and industry initiatives, PACA supports its members and the broader community to ensure a robust and sustainable construction industry.

About Pennsylvania College of Technology: Pennsylvania College of Technology, a special mission affiliate of Penn State, is a national leader in applied technology education. Located in Williamsport, PA, the college offers a range of degree programs that blend hands-on learning with theoretical instruction to prepare students for successful careers in various fields.

Contact: Susan Armstrong
Director of Specifications and Sustainability
Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association
Phone: (570) 428-2338
Email: [email protected]

John Dibucci
Instructor, Construction Building Technology, Concrete and Masonry
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Phone: (570) 320-2400, ext 7405
Email: [email protected]

Targeted Overlay Pavement Solutions Concrete Workshop

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) hosted a workshop focused on Targeted Overlay Pavement Solutions (TOPS) on June 12, 2024, at the PennDOT Laboratory in Harrisburg, PA. This specialized workshop brought together over 65 industry experts, engineers, and stakeholders to explore innovative pavement overlay solutions aimed at improving road durability and performance across the state.

The TOPS Workshop is part of FHWA's ongoing commitment to advancing transportation infrastructure through cutting-edge technology and best practices. With Pennsylvania's vast network of highways and roads, the need for durable, cost-effective, and sustainable pavement solutions is paramount. The workshop provided a platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing new materials and techniques, and fostering collaboration among transportation professionals.

PENNDOT News

PennDOT EPD Notification to Bulletin 41 Producers

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is in the development stage of implementing the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Every Day Counts-7 (EDC-7) Initiative: EPDs for Sustainable Project Delivery. EPDs communicate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of construction materials in a transparent and standardized manner. They provide an opportunity to reduce negative environmental impacts of building and maintaining our transportation infrastructure while also identifying possible energy and cost savings for producers while manufacturing material.

The Department is committed to the EDC-7 initiative, and this letter serves as the Department’s notice that plant specific EPD collection for all asphalt mixtures will begin during the 2025 Job Mix Formula (JMF) year. Currently, the Department plans to utilize eCAMMS for submission of the EPD in PDF format using the attachment feature. Producers will attach the EPD when submitting their 2025 JMFs for approval to the district’s materials unit. GHG information from the EPD will also be entered by the producer in reference data fields so it can be extracted for industry averages and benchmarking efforts in order to define low carbon asphalt mixtures. The district materials unit will verify the data entered into eCAMMS matches the data on the EPD attachment for the specific JMF prior to approval.

The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) has developed the Emerald Eco-Label EPD Program (asphaltepd.org) to assist producers in development of EPDs for their JMFs. Cost of this software varies between NAPA members and non-members. The Department is currently exploring various mechanisms to reimburse producers for the costs associated with developing these EPDs.

The Department will be partnering with the Pennsylvania Asphalt Pavement Association over the next several months to develop additional guidance for including EPDs with 2025 JMFs along with cost reimbursement which will be provided to all producers later this year.

Additional information related to FHWA’s EDC-7 Initiative, EPDs for Sustainable Project Delivery, is available at:

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innov...

2025 EPD Collection Notification – Bul. 41 Producers

Page 2

June 7, 2024

If you have any questions or require additional information regarding this notification, please submit them to [email protected].

PennDOT Personnel Changes

PennDOT has recently announced that Brent L. Trivelpiece will serve as Acting Director for the Bureau of Construction and Materials effective May 13, 2024.

Brent began his career in PennDOT’s Engineering District 3-0 in 1992 as an Engineering Technician. During the next 12 years, he progressed through various positions within the District’s Construction Unit to Transportation Construction Manager 1.

In 2004, Brent accepted a position in the Bureau of Construction and Materials’ Construction Quality Assurance Division where he has progressed through as a QA Team Member, a QA Team Leader, and since 2018, the Construction Quality Assurance Division Chief. He earned an Associate Degree in Architectural/Civil Engineering Technology from the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology.

The Department has also announced that Michael J. Hoffecker will serve as Acting Chief for the Bureau of Construction and Materials’ Construction Quality Assurance Division (CQAD) effective May 13, 2024.
Michael began his career in PennDOT’s Engineering District 8-0 in 2012 as a Transportation Construction Inspector. In 2013, he accepted a position in Central Office as a Civil Engineer Trainee. After completing his trainee program, he was assigned to CQAD in 2014 and progressed through the ranks as a Civil Engineer, Senior Civil Engineer Supervisor, and Transportation Construction Manager 3.

Michael has been serving as CQAD’s Support Services Manager since 2022. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology from Penn State University.

Members in the News

Command Alkon Appoints Ron Carlson as Sr. Vice President, Industry Liaison

Carlson’s New Role Will Provide Customers with A Trusted Advisor, Guiding Them into the Vast World of Command Alkon’s Products and Resources with Ease

Command Alkon, the leading software and solutions provider for the heavy building materials industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Carlson as Senior Vice President, Industry Liaison. In his new position, Carlson will play a crucial role in enhancing customer engagement, providing strategic industry insights, and fostering long-term relationships with key accounts. With a proven track record of success, Carlson's extensive experience in the heavy building materials sector will be invaluable in helping Command Alkon continue to innovate and deliver exceptional value to its customers.

"Ron Carlson's appointment underscores our commitment to being a customer-driven organization and our dedication to the Heavy Building Materials industry," said Martin Willoughby, CEO of Command Alkon. "His deep understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities, combined with his strategic vision, will help us refine our approach and better serve our customers. We are thrilled to have Ron on board as we continue to drive innovation and excellence."

Carlson brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to Command Alkon, having previously served as the Executive Vice President of Operations at Superior Materials, a VCNA company based in Detroit, Michigan, and Wingra Ready-Mix and Stone Company based in Madison, Wisconsin. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in building strong operational foundations company-wide and supporting the professional growth of his team through action-first leadership and daily mentorship. Carlson's expertise also includes the successful implementation of numerous technological advances and initiatives, including the installation of Command Alkon solutions, COMMANDqc and TrackIt.

Before his senior operational roles, Carlson spent a decade with Ozinga Ready-Mix in Chicago, Illinois, where he gained valuable experience and technical skills in various positions. Ron currently sits on the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s Operations Environment and Safety Committee, and he has also served as an elected board member of the Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association.

His in-depth understanding of the operational landscape from the ground up, coupled with his numerous technical certifications, makes him an ideal fit for his new role as Senior Vice President, Industry Liaison at Command Alkon.

"I am honored to join Command Alkon and contribute to the company's commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional value to its customers,” said Carlson. “This commitment aligns perfectly with my own values, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to support our customers and help them achieve their business goals leveraging Command Alkon’s solutions.”

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