Concrete Pavement Progress www.acpa.org 4 G U E S T E D I T O R I A L AS THE 2022 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AMERICAN CONCRETE PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION (ACPA), I am honored to help lead this organization as we sit on the precipice of unparalleled opportunity. I have served on ACPA’s Board since 2016 and have been part of the concrete pavement community for over 15 years, and I can’t remember a time where there was so much excitement about the prospect for growth. As I look at the road ahead, I am energized by the landscape in front of us. Last year’s passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and its ongoing implementation will bring historic levels of funding into the concrete pavement industry. These additional financial resources will help DOTs make materials choices and build out infrastructure systems that will meet reliability, resiliency, and sustainability goals—goals that concrete pavement will not only meet, but inmany cases exceed. And while the year ahead is not without cause for concern—supply chain issues, a challenging labor market, and even pavement selection bias—I am confident ACPAmembers are well-positioned to ensure that our industry can take full advantage of the projects and the dollars that are working their way through the system. Our industry has proven time and time again that we can deliver long-lasting pavements across our numerous applications. The IIJA should give us a chance to expand our markets and retire some of the outdated narratives about concrete paving. To strengthen our industry and our federation, ACPA is engaging in a multipronged approach that will serve everyone from our largest chapters to our smallest members. Beginning with fortifying our state/chapter affiliates, who take the lead in promoting concrete pavement in their local markets, ACPA will ensure everyone engaged in promotional efforts have the tools and resources to effectively demonstrate the value of concrete pavement. By advancing new markets and technologies, ACPA will continue to identify new areas for growth. And by continually improving the quality of concrete pavement and integrating innovations, ACPA will continue to redefine the conventional wisdom surrounding our product. Lastly, ACPA will fight for a seat at the table where pertinent decisions are being made. From conversations in halls of power in Washington D.C. to fair treatment of concrete pavement in county engineers’ offices nationwide, ACPA will work to have the interests of our industry favorably represented wherever decisions are made. The year 2022 will be transformative for our industry. While there will certainly be unforeseen challenges, we are in a great position to make the best of every opportunity we encounter. To meet the high expectations I’ve heard from members and Chapter/State Executives across the country, every member and staff will need to be ready to work day in and day out to promote our shared goals and interests. The energy and enthusiasm I’ve already seen as Chairman gives me every reason to believe that together we will achieve our goals. Ed Griffith Chairman, ACPA Board of Directors Vice President of Sales and Marketing, St. Marys Cement ACPA Paving the Way in 2022 Ed Griffith, Chairman ACPA Board of Directors
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