The Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association (TACA) welcomed more than 600 attendees to its 70th Annual Meeting at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Attendees included producer members, allied members, and all other members associated with TACA.
This year's theme was “Preserving a Strong Foundation” to support a commitment to the environment and foster a workforce that will carry the industry into the future. Outgoing TACA Chairman Kevin Kipp, Few Ready Mix Concrete Co., noted the thinking behind the theme.
“‘Preserving a Strong Foundation’ pays homage to those who have committed to preserving the environment, well before conservation was in the spotlight,” Kipp said. “And it underscores one of our most important assets — our people — who will lay the foundation for the next 70 years.”
Keeping with the theme, keynote speaker Aaron Witt from BuildWitt discussed building a strong workforce. Known as the “Chief Dirt Nerd,” Witt helps the Dirt World tackle workforce issues, as 40 percent of the construction industry and 50 percent of the mining industry are retiring or will be retiring soon.
As part of his talk with members, Witt focused on what he calls, “the characteristics of a winning company.” First, he said these companies train daily and build this into their culture and company leadership. Next, he said that they communicate nonstop. Third, he pointed to the pride the companies take in the work they do. Fourth, he said that a winning company tends to have humility. Their teams care about workers and can adapt if they need to ensure they are cared for.
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TACA President & CEO Josh Leftwich provided an overview of the state of TACA in 2024 and its economic outlook. Leftwich told members that the state is faring well economically and showing promising signs of growth and stability compared to other states. He also pointed to key metrics showing that materials production in the state remains strong.
Vance Ginn, Ph.D., with Vance Ginn Economic Consulting, and Robert Mineo II, PE, LEED AP, with FMI Capital Advisors, provided additional insights on the state and national level. Attendees of TACA’s Annual Meeting received information from subject matter experts and important updates on the association, the industry, and regulations associated.
A topic gaining more attention is the health and safety of workers in the construction industry, specifically their mental health. Members heard a presentation about total worker health from Libby Pritchard with the National Stone, Sand, & Gravel Association about the Total Worker Health program. This program looks at proactive approaches to ensure companies have the resources to address issues before they arise.
The artificial intelligence (AI) panel proved to be a popular discussion as more and more companies look to embrace the technology. The conversation highlighted how AI can revolutionize the industry through production and its broader impact on the workforce. The key message the panelists hammered was the benefits of AI, which include automation, enhanced efficiency, and improved decision-making. With that in mind, they also addressed concerns about job security. In addition, they emphasized the importance of embracing AI and doing as much research as possible on how to use the technology.
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TACA’s Annual Meeting was not all educational. On the second day of the three-day event, attendees took time to network and golf at TPC San Antonio, home of the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open. Some also participated in the Sporting Clay Shoot. In addition, spouses and guests could spend the morning drinking mimosas and making custom hats at The Hat Bar from Cadillac Hats.
Students from TACA’s Emerging Leader Academy (ELA) built bicycles as part of their service project requirement for the program. The bikes were donated to the San Antonio Police Department’s San Antonio Blue Santa program. The two-year ELA program provides participants with the foundation to help them become leaders. This includes a curriculum of leadership concepts and a better understanding of TACA’s importance to the aggregates, concrete, and cement industry.
At the Past Chairman’s Banquet, Kipp passed the gavel to incoming Chair Juan Castillo, Cemex. The entertainer for that night, Sean Bott, also performed mentalist feats for attendees.
The second and third day of the Annual Meeting brought Annual Awards for members and companies who strove for excellence in public appearance, safety, and individual excellence. Stan Dacus with Heidelberg Materials received TACA’s Bob R. Beard Good Neighbor Award, an award given to individuals who greatly impact the industry and the association. Colin Keane with McCourt Equipment and Juanita Brown with Knife River Corporation won the Sherry L. Moore Industry Professionals Award, an award given to a TACA member employee who has contributed to their respective company over a career of service in the administrative, sales, marketing, or support side of the industry.
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TACA would like to thank its sponsors, speakers, members, and attendees for contributing to the success of the 70th Annual Meeting and is looking forward to next year’s 71st Annual Meeting.
