SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers’ (IAAP) 51st Annual Convention, combined with the Aggregate Miner Safety Conference, showcased expo booths from 75 of IAAP’s associate member companies. The convention, held in Springfield, Illinois, also featured three days of educational workshops and social events.
The new day-long Aggregates 101 program, offered by the IAAP Specifications & Technical Committee, taught basic aggregate principals including uses for aggregates, geology, production methods, stockpiling & handling and material characteristics that asphalt and concrete producers need. Dave Anderson of Anderson 360 Solutions presented the leadership seminar, Being A Leader & Understanding People and Workplace Demands. He spoke about people and workplace demands that help organizations insure prospective and current employees are optimally deployed throughout the organization and how development of supervisors and managers impacts the business.
The first day was capped by a new Rock ‘n Roll Opening Reception, which offered more time for convention attendees to visit the expo, enjoy a drink and network with others while voting for the best themed booth. Martin Implement Sales was named best-dressed in their Wayne’s World themed costumes that evening. For their efforts, the company will receive free booth space at the 2020 convention.
IAAP Committee chairs reported their past accomplishments and future goals at the convention. Randy Boisvert (Hanson Material Service) was honored for serving as Chair of the Sustainability Committee; Boisvert is now the Chair of the Environmental Committee. Josh Quinn (Bluff City Materials) has taken on the chairmanship of the IAAP’s new Clean Fill division and was honored for serving as the Environmental Chair. Special recognition was made for Joanne Klussendorf’s (Weis Earth Science Museum) years of service to the industry and as a founding member of the IAAP’s Teachers Workshop program.
The IAAP Public Information and Education Committee members sold 50/50 raffle tickets at the convention to raise money for educational efforts. Nick Klein (5R Enterprises) purchased the winning ticket and was awarded $2,607. Attendees were also encouraged to visit at least 25 expo booths to enter a drawing for $1,000. Kevin Huey (Vulcan Materials) was the winner.
The special closing session speaker was Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Omer Osman. In his address, he spoke about how Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Legislature are considering a large infrastructure plan this spring to improve the quality of life for Illinoisans. He said that ongoing hearings around the state are gathering citizen and industry input to guide the plan, which will include all forms of transportation: mass transit, water, rail and roads. Osman, who was born in a small town in northern Sudan, said this is the opportunity of a lifetime for him to lead IDOT, and he invited the mining industry to become part of the conversation on the need for infrastructure investment.