Thursday, December 19, 2013

December UAPA Newsletter - Executive Director's Message

It must be the snow, or maybe it is the cold, but the holidays always seem to be a good time of year to pause for a moment and reflect on all that has transpired in the past year as we look forward to things to come in the New Year.

As I sit here and do the same for UAPA, I am astounded at everything our young association has accomplished in its second full year of official existence.  While I will save a detailed report for our annual meeting at the Utah Asphalt Conference (February 26th-27th at the South Towne Expo Center), here are just a few of the highlights:


UAPA, in successful partnership with the Utah Chapter of the APWA, completely revised and reworked the APWA specifications for clarity, continuity, and quality.  These changes should make a significant difference in 2014 and beyond.
UAPA, in successful partnership with the LDS Church, completely revised and reworked the Church’s specifications for clarity, continuity, and quality.  Similar to the APWA specification changes, these changes should make a significant difference in 2014 and beyond.Thanks to the generous support of our members and others, UAPA successfully raised close to three thousand dollars for Make-A-Wish Utah to help make a wish come true for a Utah child battling a life-threatening illness.
UAPA, through the concerted efforts of some of its members, has negotiated and worked with Questar Gas Company to mitigate the potential impacts of a significant rate increase to the cost of natural gas to our member companies and, more importantly, our customers.
UAPA, in conjunction with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), has worked to provide a significant change to the 02741 Specification involving the introduction of more asphalt to mixes.


There will certainly be more to talk about at the annual meeting in February, but I hope this paints you a broad picture of an association that is actively working to make our industry and our community better.  Challenges remain, and new opportunities will arise in 2014, yet I cannot help but be grateful for all of you and all you do for this association.  Thanks for a great year in 2013!  I look forward to working with you in 2014.

                                                                        -W. Reed Ryan
                                                                        Executive Director

                                                                        The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association

December UAPA Newsletter - President's Message

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE ON UAPA’s BOARD

In last month’s newsletter, Reed hinted at some major changes coming to UAPA in the New Year.  Central to many of those changes will be the opportunity for UAPA members to run-for a position on UAPA’s Board of Directors.
The Charter Agreement for UAPA is set to expire next year, so it is a great time to get involved in our growing association.  UAPA was intentionally set up so each level of membership in the association would have a seat on the Board of Directors.  As with any association, we are sure to face a new set of challenges and opportunities in 2014, so your input and participation on the Board of UAPA would be most welcome.
Elections for board positions will take place in January.  The newly elected officers will be installed at out annual meeting in February.  If you have an interest in serving on UAPA’s Board, please make sure that you contact Reed today.  Serving on UAPA’s Board has taught me many things, and I am grateful for my time serving as president of the association.  The friendships I have strengthened and the new relationships I have forged as a result of my service are invaluable to me and the company I represent.  I would encourage you to experience the same.  Reach out to Reed and express your interest today!
    
-Joe Johnson


Kilgore Companies
UAPA President
April 2013 – March 2014

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Bill Would Nearly Double Federal Gasoline Tax

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) is introducing legislation that would nearly double the 18.4-cents-per-gallon federal gas tax that is traditionally used to pay for federal transportation projects. 

Blumenauer's bill would increase the gas tax by 15 cents, matching a proposal that was included in the 2011 Simpson-Bowles budget reform recommendations. 

The legislation would result in drivers paying an extra 33.4 cents per gallon on their purchases, in addition to state taxes. 


Transportation advocates have pushed for a gas tax increase to close an approximately $20 billion shortfall in infrastructure funding that has developed as cars have grown more fuel efficient.

The current tax of 18.4 cents per gallon brings in about $35 billion per year. The last transportation bill that was passed by Congress included approximately $54 billion in funding per year, which transportation advocates said was barely enough to cover the repair needs of the current U.S. infrastructure system. 


Read More

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

November UAPA Newsletter Executive Director's Message

Happy Thanksgiving!  Along with Joe, I want to thank all of you for making UAPA so great.  If I may, however, I want to jump the gun a bit and look ahead to next year to alert you to a few things that will continue to make the association that much better moving forward into 2014.

After a lot of work this summer by a dues structure task group, and with approval from our board, there will be some changes to the dues structure for the association.  UAPA’s year, for ease in accounting, etc., will now move to match the actual calendar year that we are in – whereas before UAPA ran from April to April each year, the association will now operate within the calendar year from January to December.  This will allow our members, where beneficial, to pay renewal dues at the end of the current year for membership in the upcoming year.  Concurrently, the proration of dues for joining UAPA during the year will also change to match this move.  There will also be a slight increase in dues for members to help match the needs and demands of our growing association and its commitments.  As the Charter Agreement for the association expires, these changes, taken as a collective, should help to place our organization on the firm footing it needs to move forward for the foreseeable future.

As the Charter Agreement expires, elections will also take place to elect the next Board of Directors for UAPA.  These elections will take place in January and allow us to install new officers at the first ever Annual Meeting for the Utah Asphalt Pavement Association, which will be held in conjunction with the Utah Asphalt Conference in February.  While at that same meeting, we will review the accomplishments of the association over the past year and present our shared vision for the association over the year to come – I hope you will join us there! 

Change can be difficult, but I am personally looking forward to all the good things that will be happening for UAPA in 2014.  Our work is certainly not done, so please feel free to reach out to me (reed@utahasphalt.org) if you have an interest in serving in any capacity either on the board or as a chair/member on one of our committees.  Change is coming to UAPA, but with the strength of our members and the support of our industry, 2014 will be a great year for this association!

                                                                        -W. Reed Ryan
                                                                        Executive Director
                                                                        The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association  

November UAPA Newsletter President's Message

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM UAPA!

With the Thanksgiving season upon us during the month of November, I just want to take a moment to thank all of the people that make UAPA what it is today.  We have come a long way in just two short years!  We are now close to fifty members strong and roughly represent over seventy-five percent of the asphalt pavement industry in Utah. 

As we give thanks this week, UAPA has much to be grateful for even as greater challenges lie ahead.  I am confident that this association will meet those challenges head on and even exceed our own expectations in the coming year.  As you will read in the message from our Executive Director, there are changes on the horizon for UAPA.  A lot of thought and work has been done to make those changes a reality.  More work will be required to ensure the success of this organization.  I encourage you to get involved in any way that you can.  There is committee work to be done, a major conference to plan, and we are moving forward to the construction season that now awaits us in 2014.

Above all, however, please know how grateful our Board and our Executive Committee are for the work that has already been done.  We are the first state asphalt pavement association to be organized, founded, and now fully operational in over twenty-five years!  That alone says something about the great state, community, and industry within which we all work.  Thank you for helping UAPA become a reality.  I look forward to working with you in 2014 and seeing you at the Utah Asphalt Conference in February.

-Joe Johnson
Kilgore Companies

UAPA President

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Herbert Inches Closer to Calling for Gas Tax Hike

GOP Gov. Gary Herbert walked right up to the edge Tuesday in calling for an increase in the state gasoline tax.
But he stopped short.
In a speech to a transportation summit, Herbert listed a number of reasons why state funding of transportation is insufficient to keep up with demand for new roads and maintenance of existing roads.
“Unfortunately, while our transportation needs remain in the fast lane and are even accelerating, the gasoline tax we use to fund these needs is stuck in the slow lane in second gear,” said Herbert. 
He listed how several other states have recently increased their transportation funding – Wyoming raised its per-gallon gas tax and Virginia and Georgia placed a sales tax on gasoline.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Executive Director's Message UAPA Newsletter October 2013

I had the privilege a few days ago to join with a UAPA member in hosting some students from the University of Utah as they took a tour of all the steps that go into making a good road – from mining to production, these civil and environmental engineering students were given a first-rate tour that they will not soon forget.

Throughout the entire tour, I was amazed at the level of engagement from the students.  Their questions were insightful and their responses to the inquires we asked of them were enlightening.  Take, for example, that most of the students, despite their excellent education, did not know that asphalt pavements are America’s most-recycled product.  At the time, I was glad to share this fact with them, but it also caused me to think about how we might do a better job of educating others about the benefits and versatility of asphalt pavements. 

Our Lunch and Learn Series for UAPA is a good start.  Coupled with the Utah Asphalt Conference each year, we are well on our way to filling a need here in the state.  More is on the way, however, and I hope that you will join us as we develop literature, training programs and certificates, and specifications that both provide and prove the value of the product which we provide. 

Both our Operations and our Technical committees are fully engaged in this effort.  It is an excellent time to become a part of the association.  We are crafting our vision for the future of the asphalt pavement industry in Utah and we want everyone to be a part of that – from students to sages in the profession, your input is vital.  Help us make a great industry become even better.

                                                                        -Reed Ryan
Executive Director

The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association

October UAPA Newsletter President's Message

Planning for the 2014 Utah Asphalt Conference is now in full swing.  At last year’s conference we had over five hundred registered attendees, forty vendors, and thirty-two educational breakout sessions that were second-to-none.  This year is promising to be just as great!

Registration for the conference attendees will open soon.  In the meantime, if you would like a booth or space to display some larger equipment in the Exhibit Hall, I would encourage you to reach out to Reed (reed@utahasphalt.org) right away.  He will be happy to send you some more information and to reserve your space today.

As in years past, the quality of the education provided will be key to a successful conference in 2014.  If there is a particular subject you would like to learn more about, let us know!  If you would like to be a part of the planning committee, let us know!  The strength of this association comes from ideas both large and small.  We can do none of this without you, so let us know how we can make the conference in 2014 the best possible experience for you.  I look forward to seeing you there!

                                                                        -Joe Johnson
                                                                        Kilgore Companies
                                                                        UAPA President
                                                                        April 2013 – April 2014

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Combining Forces to Improve Nigeria’s Road Infrastructure


Geneva Rock Products welcomed the Ministry of Works Department of the Nigerian Government to its Point of the Mountain Quarry in Draper last week as part of a cross-country educational partnership. The 19 member delegation came to Utah for a week-long introduction to Superpave asphalt technology. Guests included John Azubuike Ibe, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Public Works and Musa Ibrahim, PhD, the Ministry’s Director of Finance and Accounts.

After years of turmoil and political reconstruction, Nigeria is taking steps to improve state sponsored infrastructure country-wide. The Ministry of Works Department is currently transitioning from building traditional Nigerian roadways to using Superpave technology to improve longevity of their road systems. Geneva Rock was happy to be a resource for this education.
“We consider this a fabulous opportunity to not only build our community, but to help build the world,” said Jim Golding, President of Geneva Rock Products. “Sharing information through progressive relationships is simply another way we can give back in a format that provides great value.”

Monday, September 23, 2013

Utah’s Highway Boss Wants More Transparency, Collaboration


The Utah Department of Transportation has not been transparent enough about its decisions and spending, fueling scandals and eroding public trust.
Sometimes, the agency has been so focused on building big road projects quickly that quality concerns came second. And it has missed opportunities to partner with other agencies to reduce air pollution by connecting better with mass transit or adding bicycle lanes and better walkways.
Instead, they come from Carlos Braceras, UDOT’s new executive director.These criticisms come not from the environmentalists who often fight UDOT or the stuck-in-traffic commuters who often curse it.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Transportation Experts to Lawmakers: Problems Loom, Plans in Place


There is a looming problem with Utah’s transportation system, namely that cities, counties, the state, and the nation simply don’t have the money necessary to fund new projects while maintaining the system we currently have.
It is with that backdrop Thursday morning that lawmakers in the Transportation Interim Committee listened to ideas addressing the $26 billion shortfall expected to befall the state over the next 30 years—even with smart planning, the state is expected to be short $11 billion in current dollars by 2044.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

UAPA Makes Connor's Wish Come True

As a part of the UAPA Golf Classic, donations were collected for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The UAPA received the following in response:

Hi Reed,
Thank you for the generous donation of $2,600 from your golf tournament! I will let you know a final total when Dixon comes in with their donation. I have attached the wish story of the child you have helped to sponsor! Also the Utah fact sheet of information!

Let me know if you need anything else!

With regards,
Paula

A wish for Connor



7-year-old Connor has A.L.L. Leukemia and has experienced a lot of treatments and doctor visits that have left him feeling a bit discouraged. Though he has had a rough time, Connor is a strong boy who is fighting against cancer and looking to come out on top.

Connor loves things that have to do with science, such as bugs, rocks and volcanoes. He enjoys taking pictures, playing on his iPad and playing games on the Wii.

When Connor came to A Wishing Place, he wished for a hot tub. He used to have a hot tub in his old home and enjoys the way the water soothes him and helps him feel better. With his very own hot tub, Connor will be able to take a break from hospitals, treatment and doctors, and have fun relaxing in the comforting warm water swirling around him.


President’s Message: UAPA Newsletter September 2013

I would be remiss if I did not take this chance to thank everyone who came out and supported the Utah Asphalt Pavement Association’s 2013 Golf Classic at Eaglewood Golf Course.  We had over 150 players and sold out of all of our sponsorships two weeks before we even teed off!  Thank you for that amazing level of support! 

As one of the marquee events for UAPA each year, the tournament serves an important purpose for our industry by allowing us to interact outside of the rigors and competitiveness of our industry.  Not to say that the competition was not fierce at the tournament, but it was great to see so many colleagues and friends enjoying a day at the course.  You can find pictures of the tournament and most of foursomes that played by visiting (and hopefully ‘liking’ UAPA’s Facebook page).
More importantly, with the funds that we collected both before and during the tournament, we were able to fulfill a wish of a Utah child suffering with a life-threatening medical condition.  Special thanks to Make-A-Wish Utah for partnering with UAPA to help make Connor’s dream come true (read more here).

With the golf tournament over, the 2014 Utah Asphalt Conference is right around the corner (February 26-27, 2014) and planning for the conference has already begun.  With over 500 attendees and two full days of education at last year’s conference, we have set the bar high for 2014.  Mark your calendars now for the Utah Asphalt Conference, and I hope to see you there for the next great event for our industry!

                                                                        Joe Johnson
Kilgore Companies
UAPA President

April 2013 – April 2014 

Executive Director’s Message: UAPA Newsletter September 2013

I was reminded of the importance of a good road the other day as I took advantage of Utah’s newly expanded 80 MPH speed limit zones on a trip down to St. George to visit with a member of the Utah Asphalt Pavement Association (UAPA).  Because I had a lot of time to think (I forgot the cord that connects my iPhone to the car’s stereo), I spent a good portion of the drive actually paying attention to the surface and condition of the road I was driving on.  Now this group is a little different, but that is an exercise that most of us probably never do, at least not on a regular basis!
As I pulled into my driveway that night, it was not the great-performing asphalt pavements that I saw that impressed me most (although there are a number of great sections of asphalt-paved roads between here and St. George!).  Rather, it was the impression of just how important our roads our to the lifeblood of our state, its economy, and its people.  In the simplest of terms, our roads make our life go.

And although that may be a very simple statement, it comes with a great deal of responsibility to ensure that we are doing our absolute best to design, engineer, produce, construct, and preserve roads that will perform and exceed our expectations.  As an association, this is what UAPA strives for each and every day.  We do this through small things such as making sure you receive the latest communications and updates through a newsletter, and we do it through large and monumental undertakings such as adopting new and proven technologies and specifications in the field.

I am drawn to this industry because it continually asks how it can become even better.  And I know that I am not alone in this sentiment.  That’s why in the coming months and years, you will see UAPA undertake this very question time and time again.  We are off to a good start with our revamped newsletter that you see here, but collectively we can do so much more.  Soon you will see an Industry Improvement Survey.  I hope you will take the time to give us some feedback so we can continue to grow as an association.  I hope you will continue to support our Lunch and Learn events throughout the rest of the year.  I hope that we will see you again at the 2014 Utah Asphalt Conference. 

More good things are coming for UAPA, but it does not happen without you.  The support of those who have already joined us has been invaluable.  If you have yet to join UAPA, the time is now.  Together, I know that we will continue to build some of the best roads in the entire nation.  Why else would the legislature let us go 80 MPH?
                                                                        -Reed Ryan
                                                                        Executive Director

                                                                        The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association