SPRINGFIELD, IL — This year’s Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers (IAAP) Convention and Safety Conference in Springfield, Illinois, featured everything from lightning talks, casino night, and a silent auction to an awards luncheon, seminars, and committee speakers.
The convention kicked off with the opening session. IAAP Executive Director, Dan Eichholz, announced the newly elected board of directors, recapped the political scene in 2024, and gave everyone a preview of 2025. Next up, the committee chairs presented highlights from the past year and reviewed last year’s award winners. Awards for Environmental Excellence, Community Relations, and Rock Solid Safety were given out.
Educational seminars followed. Nick Scala (Conn Maciel Carey) was back to help in "Understanding MSHA’s New Silica Rule and Potential Legal Challenges." Dr. Hadi Rashidi (NSSGA) taught everyone "How to Develop EPDs for your Aggregate Products at No Cost." Members also listened to Vishnu Srinivasaraghavan’s "Rocks and Minerals of the Energy Transition and Future Reclamation Concerns." Three industry leaders, Becky Kazmierski (Holcim), Kelly Kircher (Vulcan), and Kristina Lee (Vulcan), participated in a panel discussion on the topic: "How to Conduct a Quarry Tour."
The IAAP Convention concluded with the Associate’s and Awards Luncheon. First on the agenda was Jack Keeler (Holcim) presenting the Education Foundation Scholarship Winners: Katie Bottom, Ruby Garey, Lydia Howard, Michael Giaimo, German Laiton-Hernandez, and Hannah McKoon. Next, Jess Hawkins (IAAP) hosted the 2024 Emerging Leaders graduation.
Next up was the Industry Leadership Award, the most prestigious award given by IAAP. Each year, IAAP recognizes member companies and individuals that have demonstrated leadership excellence within the industry, promoted and advanced the image and well-being of Illinois aggregate mining, and energized their peers and the public in the industry’s purpose. This year, one IAAP member stood out above the rest and won the award: Josh Quinn.
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To conclude the convention, Incoming President Will Pyatt (Anna Quarries) congratulated Immediate Past President Alan Shoemaker on his retirement, service to IAAP, and 48th wedding anniversary. Shoemaker was gifted with a plaque for his service and contributions as IAAP President.
