SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers (IAAP) recently met for their annual convention at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. The convention began on a Tuesday afternoon as producer and associate members met over drinks in the Expo Hall at the Opening Reception. Associate members had the opportunity to purchase a booth at the reception, helping producers learn about the goods and services provided by associates.

Dinner Tuesday evening was accompanied by the Live Auction to support the IAAP PAC fund. There were 24 items up for bid this year, a record number. Prizes ranged from a backyard grill to Kenny Chesney tickets to a weekend in southern Illinois and more. This year a total of $10,809 was raised. The night concluded with Casino Night.

Wednesday kicked off with the Opening Session. IAAP Executive Director, Dan Eichholz, announced the newly elected board of directors, recapped the political scene in 2023, and gave a preview of 2024. The committee chairs then presented highlights from the past year.

Educational Seminars were next up on the agenda. Nick Scala (Conn Maciel Carey) was back to discuss MSHA’s New Silica Rule and what this means for producer companies. Anne Leslie, President of Raimonde Drilling and the IAAP Associate’s Division, led a panel of five industry leaders in a discussion called, "How to Use Your Team’s Untapped Talents and Hidden Strengths." John Yzenas, a Technical Consultant with the NSSGA, gave a preview of "Developing EPDs for Aggregates." Finally, members listened to the "Economic Outlook for the Construction Materials Sector" by George Redden, Managing Director for FMI Capital Advisors.

The IAAP Convention concluded with the Associate’s and Awards Luncheon. Jack Keeler (Holcim) presented the Education Foundation Scholarship Winners: Farren Ackerman, Roman Boisvert, German Laiton Hernandez, Hannah McKoon, Aaron Mickelson, and Matthew Tipton. Safety Committee Chair Angie Nickel (Holcim) presented the Innovative Safety Award to Terry Croxford and his team at New Frontier Materials. Many companies and sites accepted awards in Rock Solid Safety, Community Relations, and Environmental Excellence. Wrapping up the committee awards, Sustainability Chair Carolynn Kloese presented West Side Tractor with the Sustainability Award for being a leader in green thinking, low impact facilities, workforce development, and more. The IAAP Industry Leadership awards were given this year to Ozinga and West Side Tractor.

Shawn McKinney, who retired this year as IAAP Assistant Director, was recognized for his 17 years of service to the aggregate mining industry. Personalized gifts and many kind words were heaped upon McKinney during the convention. “I think the thing that stands out the most is you’ve always cared about this industry and the people that work in it," Eichholz said. "You’ve proved that every day of your 17 years with the IAAP.”