It is an exciting time to be involved with the Virginia Asphalt Association as we evolve to address ever-changing concerns and challenges faced by the asphalt industry. Our Environmental Safety and Health Committee (ES&H) is at the forefront, working with government agencies to stay ahead of the permitting processes and the more stringent regulations the industry must comply with daily. Then there are the EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations). We all know they’re coming, but we must continue collecting data to ensure the regulations developed are realistic and attainable. Every industry is challenged to reduce its carbon footprint, and our ES&H Committee is helping lead the way for the asphalt industry. We have an enthusiastic and energetic Leadership Engagement and Development Committee (LEAD) that helps organize and promote VAA events, develop innovative options to improve work zone safety and create a mentor program for the association. LEAD is instrumental to the success of VAA and our industry since they are the future. I am excited to see what ideas come out of this committee as they continue to evolve and relate to the next-generation workforce. Our Legislative Committee is continuing to navigate its way through uncharted waters as VAA is only a couple of years into lobbying efforts. Fortunately, we have skilled committee members who have been involved in lobbying through other associations. This past February, we had our first VAA day at the Virginia State Legislature. Members met with delegates to enlighten them about the asphalt industry and extend invitations to our plant facilities. Legislators need to hear our story firsthand. We are the largest recycling industry in the country, and we need to ensure that it is heard. The Education Committee has developed a Build Your Future (BYF) Scholarship to accompany the Richard J. Shreck Scholarship awarded over the years. BYF aims to offer financial assistance to employees pursuing credentials in welding, electrical, diesel mechanics, or heavy equipment operators who are already in our industry or interested in obtaining a career in construction. We continue to educate and train our workforce through opportunities with the Virginia Education Center for Asphalt Technology (VECAT) and working with CHAIRMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Learn from the Past, Plan, and Live in the Moment Bobby Hedrick, Director of Asphalt Operations, Branscome local community colleges and the Virginia Infrastructure Academy. Women of Asphalt is growing, but we can still do more to advocate and foster relationships for women working in the asphalt industry. Our industry has some spectacular women working as truck drivers, plant operators, paver operators, lab technicians, accountants, sales representatives, and senior management. Although women are a minority in construction, we have many success stories that need to be heard as we continue to support and promote women in our industry. We have a lot of exciting, positive developments in the asphalt industry, but we also need to continue to address threats. It’s human nature to worry about all the challenges and changes that life throws at us. One quote I have tried to practice over the years to help calm some of the anxiety is, “There is no need to worry. If you can’t control something, don’t worry about it; if you can control it, do something about it.” As you have read above, there are plenty of opportunities for members to get involved in determining the industry’s future. You only get out of the association what you put into it, so I challenge you to engage. As we learn from the past, plan the future, and live in the moment. It’s human nature to worry about all the challenges and changes that life throws at us. One quote I have tried to practice over the years to help calm some of the anxiety is, “There is no need to worry. If you can’t control something, don’t worry about it; if you can control it, do something about it.”
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