PACA wishes to thank our 2025 Platinum Sponsors for their generous support and commitment this year!

• ASGCO Complete Conveyor Solutions
• Babst Calland
• Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc.
• Commonwealth Equipment Corporation
• Continental Placer, Inc.
• Conviber, Inc.
• East Rock Solutions
• Groff Tractor & Equipment
• Kemper Equipment, Inc.
• Maurer & Scott Sales, Inc.
• Mellott Company
• SIKA Corporation

A Summer Summit to Remember - From My Family to Yours

By Jamie Stilley, Chair, PACA

As we head into summer, my family and I are already looking forward to one of the most meaningful and fun events of the year - PACA’s Summer Summit. If you’ve attended in the past, you already know what a special experience this is. And if you haven’t yet made it, this is the year to join us.

We’re taking things to new heights - literally - with a change of scenery for 2025. This year’s Summer Summit will be held June 22–24 at the majestic Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains.

What makes the Summer Summit so unique is that it brings together not only our industry peers but also our families. This event is as much about strengthening relationships as it is about education and insight. My wife and kids cherish the memories we’ve made at past Summits - morning walks, swimming in lakes and pools, and laughing together at dinner with new and old friends. It’s rare to find a professional event that truly blends work and play, and this one does it flawlessly.

This year’s agenda is packed with value. We’ll hear from Elaine Pasqua on practical health and wellness tips for the whole family. Chris Stirewalt - who brought the house down last year - is back to unpack the latest political developments in Washington. And we’re especially excited to welcome Greg Blank, Sr. Managing Director of Blackstone, who will offer insights on infrastructure investments and market trends from a global perspective.

Of course, there’s plenty of time carved out for fun, too. Monday afternoon gives you the chance to enjoy the resort, golf in PACA’s annual tournament, join the Sporting Clays event (with a fresh format!), or even try your hand at flyfishing - with guided instruction available for beginners. Space is limited for flyfishing, so be sure to sign up early.

Above all, the Summer Summit is a chance to slow down, connect, and share meaningful moments with others in our PACA family. I truly believe this is one of the best things we do together as an association.

We can’t wait to see you there - bring your family, bring the fun, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories.  As a reminder, discount registration rates expire on June 6th!

June Members Forum Speakers Announced

June 12, 2025 - 11:00 AM

• Sponsor - SIKA Corporation
• Featured Speakers - Randy Shustack and Greg Greenfield, DEP Mining Update

Register for the June meeting here.

PACA and LCTI Explore Certification Opportunies

Ken Crank and Susan Armstrong of the Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association (PACA) recently met with leaders at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI) to explore a collaborative partnership aimed at expanding certification opportunities for students pursuing careers in the construction and aggregates industries.

LCTI, Pennsylvania’s largest career and technical school, offers more than 45 skills-based programs to approximately 2,700 students, focusing on high-demand, high-skill occupations . The institute emphasizes hands-on learning and industry-recognized credentials to prepare students for the workforce.

PACA, representing the state’s aggregates, concrete, and cement industries, is committed to developing a skilled workforce to meet industry needs. By partnering with educational institutions like LCTI, PACA aims to provide students with access to industry-specific certifications and training programs.

This collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between education and industry by aligning LCTI’s curriculum with PACA’s certification standards, offering students pathways to credentials that are directly applicable to careers in construction materials and related fields.

The partnership is expected to enhance students' employability, provide local industries with a pipeline of qualified workers, and strengthen the regional economy by supporting workforce development in critical sectors.

LCTI is also looking for industry partners to serve on their Advisory Councils for the Building Trades programs.  If you would like more information on how you can become involved, please reach out to Susan Armstrong.

Concrete by Design - A Day of Learning

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association (PACA) hosted the Concrete by Design Symposium, a gathering of design and construction professionals focused on innovative applications and sustainable practices in concrete design. This year’s event brought together a lineup of industry experts who delivered insightful presentations across a range of critical topics relevant to the built environment. Our morning began with Frank Mruk and Matt Lemay of NRMCA discussing Healthy Buildings and how concrete contributes to healthier built environments, enhancing indoor air quality, durability,

and sustainability in modern construction.  Our second session, ICF Schools, was led by Carl Kanaskie of McKissick Associates.  This presentation explored the benefits of Insulated concrete form construction in educational facilities, focusing on energy efficiency, resilience and long-term cost savings.  Our morning rounded off with Phil Kresge, NRMCA, discussing Fundamentals of Concrete Parking Design.  This session provided essential knowledge on designing durable and cost-effective concrete parking lots, addressing material selection, construction techniques, and performance factors.

The afternoon brought two panel discussions.  The first panel discussed Innovations in Concrete Materials.  The panelists included:

• Julie Buffenbarger – St Marys Cement
• Clay McCabe – Quikrete Cement
• Ben Lentine – Heidelberg Materials
• Andrew Wittle – York Building Products
• Patrick Grasso – Urban Mining Industries

The audience learned about advancements in concrete materials, including cement, slag, calcined clay and ground glass pozzolans, and how these products will enhance performance and reduce environmental impact.

Our afternoon ended with an engaging discussion on concrete testing.  The panel included:

• Julie Buffenbarger – St Marys Cement
• Wade Armstrong – Delaware Valley Concrete
• Brandon Bender – LV Concrete LLC
• Nick Bauer – Barry Isett & Associates, Inc.

The discussion centered around understanding best practices, the importance of communication between all parties involved in a project and industry standards for testing. 

NRMCA and PACA would like to thank all those who attended and participated as speakers in the event!

Three Dates/Locations Available

June 10, 2025 - 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Pine Grove Mills, PA (State College, PA)
Hosted by Centre Concrete Company

June 12, 2025 - 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Coraopolis, PA
Hosted by Bryan Materials Group

June 17, 2025 - 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Gap, PA
Hosted by Delaware Valley Concrete Co., Inc.

For the Concrete Finisher

• Get the required lifetime PennDOT certification here

For more information, review the flyer HERE.

For the Design Professional

The Pennsylvania Aggregates & Concrete Association has scheduled three opportunities to learn alongside concrete finishing professionals throughout the Commonwealth.  

• Learn how to protect the concrete placed this year from next year's winter.
• Learn how to specify durable concrete
• Earn 8 PDHs by attending
• Learn alongside experienced concrete finishers through both hands-on and classroom learning
• Cost: FREE!

More information is available HERE.

PCA Announces Name Change

On May 7, Portland Cement Association, the national association representing U.S. cement manufacturers since 1916, announced it is changing its name to the American Cement Association (ACA). President and CEO Mike Ireland shared the news in Birmingham, AL, during the 67th IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference.

More than 1,200 cement industry professionals from around the world attended the event last week, which is hailed as the cement and concrete industry’s premier annual conference. The association will begin launching the new brand identity in June across websites, digital and print assets, and more.

“The most important reason for the name change is that in recent years, U.S. cement manufacturers have expanded the types of materials they produce beyond portland cement, working to develop more lower-emission cements in an effort to decarbonize the industry and increase domestic cement manufacturing capacity. The name ‘Portland Cement Association’ no longer accurately reflects the modern mindset of today’s manufacturers, or the materials they currently produce.” Ireland said.

Lower-emissions cement consumption has grown more than tenfold since 2021 and now accounts for more than 60% of total cement consumed in the U.S. In 2024, all 50 state Departments of Transportation approved the use of  portland-limestone cement (PLC). PLC reduces the carbon footprint of projects by up to 10%.

“Additionally, the rebranding makes it clear that we are a national association that speaks for cement manufacturers across the country,” Ireland said.

During last Wednesday’s announcement, Monica Manolas, Region President — Ash Grove Cement , and ACA Board Vice Chair, shared a video with conference attendees, revealing the association’s new slogan: Sustainable Cement for Resilient Concrete.

“The slogan summarizes the industry’s commitment to staying the course with our Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality,” Manolas said. “We continue to focus on developing new technologies and products to achieve not only net zero by 2050 but also to increase the capacity of American cement manufacturing to meet demand.”

VIEW VIDEO.

Big Things Happening with BOLDer Magazine

Big things continue to happen for PACA member Q4 Impact Group and their publication, BOLDer Magazine - supported by PACA and its Board of Directors.

Recently, the magazine received an endorsement from the American Cornerstone Institute, which as a reach of 250,000 elementary-age students.

Also, Dr. Ben Carson's team reached out to contacts at the magazine to arrange an interview about BOLDer on his Common Sense Podcast.  Please watch for more information on the availability of this podcast.

Warfordsburg High School seniors provided comments and feedback on the magazine and their thoughts are so insightful.  Read more HERE.

Last, but definitely not least, Q4 representatives Bronwyn Weaver and Maggie Archibald (photo included), met with three Congressional offices, the Director of the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce and the Assistant Secretary of Labor and Chief of Staff of MSHA to discuss the magazine as well.

Congratulations to all at Q4 Impact Group!

Skelly and Loy, a Terracon Company Announces new Senior Scientist

Skelly and Loy, a Terracon company recently welcomed Brandon Ruhe as their new Senior Scientist at the company's Harrisburg location.

Brandon has studied and worked with Endangered Species for over 25 years, particularly as a herpetologist (study of amphibians and reptiles).  

Throughout his career, he has worked closely with state and federal agencies throughout the United States and with international partners on several continents.  Brandon's work includes achieving environmental review resolutions for clients that have state and/or federal amphibian and reptile permit conflicts, including many complex projects with novel solutions.  He is a qualified surveyor for the federally-listed Bog Turtle and Eastern Massasauga and is also credentialed to provide services for many other rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) species in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and throughout the eastern Bellied Cooters, and other RTE species strongly positions him to support a variety of clients.

Brandon is a demonstrated expert in the field and has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, technical papers and book contributions.

Welcome, Brandon!

Delaware Valley Concrete Wins Mid-Rise Building Award for Montgomery County Justice Center

Delaware Valley Concrete has been honored with the Mid-Rise Building Award by the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) for its outstanding work on the Montgomery County Justice Center in Norristown, PA.

This prestigious award recognizes excellence in concrete construction, and the Justice Center stood out for its innovative use of ready-mixed concrete in a complex, multi-story government facility. Delaware Valley Concrete supplied over 25,000 cubic yards of high-performance mixes, meeting strict specifications for strength, durability, and sustainability.

The project, which supports the county's growing judicial system, showcases concrete's versatility in architectural and structural applications. Delaware Valley Concrete collaborated closely with the construction team to ensure timely delivery and consistent quality—key to maintaining the aggressive construction schedule.

Congratulations to the Delaware Valley Concrete team on this well-deserved recognition and for contributing to a project that will serve Montgomery County for decades to come.

 

Conn Weld to Celebrate 50th Anniversary with Eat, Greet, Mingle Event

All are invited to participate in a celebration ceremony for PACA member Conn-Weld as they celebrate 50 years in business.

Event Summary:

Conn-Weld 50th Anniversary

Start Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

End Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:  BOOK HERE

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Princeton for 149.00 USD per night –

• Last Day to Book: Thursday, September 25, 2025

• Tel.: 304.913.5101

Special Guest and Keynote Speaker - Author Homer Hickman, Jr. - author of Rocket Boys

Agenda also includes tours and an expansion ribbon-cutting ceremony.

For more information, GO HERE.

To RSVP, please contact [email protected] or Carrie at 276-970-2844 or Anna at 304-308-0274

SAVE THE DATE—MINING PA 2025—All about Innovation

Article provided by:

Barbara J. Arnold, Ph.D., P.E.
Chair of Mining Engineering
Professor of Practice in Mining Engineering
John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering
The Pennsylvania State University

PACA members are invited to help celebrate innovation in Pennsylvania mining August 11-13, 2025, at the Penn Stater. MINING PA 2025 follows our successful inaugural event on August 14-16, 2023, when we hosted 157 attendees and 12 exhibitors. We had nine different states represented, 35 attendees from Academia, one attendee reporting they were a consultant, 28 attendees from Government, 92 attendees from Industry, and one attendee from the media. Our graduate students starred in their poster presentations.

We’re almost ready to launch the MINING PA 2025 website, but I wanted to make sure you have this on your calendar! We’ll start with a reception in the evening of August 11 and host two days of technical presentations. The past two recipients of SME’s Murray Innovation Award are PA companies, and we’re honored to have both CONSOL Innovations and Eriez as two of our keynote speakers. They will be joined by Komatsu and Heidelburg Materials as the event anchors for each session. We do have a few openings for speakers, so please contact me ([email protected]) ASAP if you are interested in speaking.

Registration rates have remained the same as in 2023 (speaker registration is comped):

Full Conference Registration (reception, breaks and lunch): $325.00
One-Day Registration (breaks and lunch): $175.00
Student Registration (breaks and lunch): $150.00

As in 2023 for our inaugural Mining PA, we are offering the following sponsorship packages:

 The Silver Sponsorship Package($1000) includes:

• Logo printed in abstract booklet

• Logo shown on screens in session rooms during breaks

• Logo displayed at poster session

• Logo displayed on website with link to company website

• Logo displayed in pre-conference marketing materials

 The White Sponsorship Package ($2500) includes:

• Everything included in the Silver package

• Logo displayed on a large banner in the hotel

 The Blue Sponsorship Package ($5000) includes:

• Everything included in the Silver and White packages

• Company materials included in attendee packets

• Two free registrations

Please register for sponsorships by July 31, 2025, to receive these benefits.

 And we’re looking forward to hosting several exhibitors again this year. The cost of an exhibit table is $750, which includes one full conference registration. 

There is a room block at the Penn Stater, and we’ll make that information available on our website when it launches.

 

Please contact me, Barbara Arnold, Chair and Professor of Practice, Penn State, Mining Engineering program, [email protected], with any questions! 

Looking forward to seeing you in August! All proceeds support the Mining Travel Fund—used for student travel to conferences and mine tours.

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© 2025 Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association