Dear Friends and Fellow Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association Supporters,
It has been a challenging year in the asphalt paving industry. We have had an unusually wet spring, making production difficult. We are now in the height of summer, the time of year we all look forward to. The time is now to get the work done.
In a few short weeks, we will be nearing the paving season’s end with weather cooling and shorter days. The finish line is near, so let’s all make safety and quality at the forefront of our management teams and onsite crews. I spend most of my time in the field, and every job site I go through, unfortunately, has distracted drivers on their phones not paying attention. As of August 2025, mobile work zones are treated the same as any other work zones, meaning fines double for violations in both mobile and standard work zones. This zero-tolerance campaign has simple rules: slow down, phone down. We need to create a partnership with our management teams and local law enforcement to be able to cite these distracted drivers on our job sites to help reinforce this safety campaign to the public to keep our crews safe.
“This zero-tolerance campaign has simple rules: slow down, phone down. We need to create a partnership with our management teams and local law enforcement to be able to cite these distracted drivers on our job sites to help reinforce this safety campaign to the public to keep our crews safe.”
To keep building on our success at the AAPA/ARDOT Partnering and Leadership Summit, please join us for the upcoming AAPA/MAPA Emerging Leaders Event on October 20th and 21st and the AAPA Fall BBQ Cook-off on November 6th. We look forward to seeing everyone there.
Let’s all finish the season strong –
Bobby Kennedy AAPA Chairman
Bobby Kennedy
3rd Quarter 2025 Contents
Cindy Williams Time Striping
Lane Loper Asphalt & Fuel Supply
Brandon Finn Past Chairman Emery Sapp & Sons
D.B. Hill, III AGC Representative
Max Mathis Sec/Treas & NAPA Rep Blackstone Construction
Murry Cline APAC-Central, Inc.
Vince Tate Martin Marietta
Brad Marotti Delta Asphalt of Arkansas
Denis Guillette Vice Chairman Redstone Construction Group
Nick Haynes SN Contractors
Bobby Kennedy Chairman CK Asphalt
Mason Cline Emerging Leaders Chair APAC-Central, Inc.
Guy Washburn Cranford Construction
BENSON ARTHUR
Benson Cashion was more than a longtime supporter of the Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association—he was a friend, a mentor, and a man of faith. Serving as Secretary-Treasurer for over 20 years, Benson gave selflessly of his time and energy to ensure AAPA’s success. His dedication to our organization was matched only by his genuine concern for the people within it.
Benson often reached out with a simple call just to check in, to see how I was doing, and to offer encouragement. He cared about others—not only in their work, but in their lives. I will never forget when my father entered hospice with cancer. Benson called me, asked if my dad was a believer, and then shared his own powerful testimony. Years earlier, during a near-death experience, Benson described catching a glimpse of Heaven—the brightest blues, silvers, and golds stretching on forever like nothing he had ever seen on Earth and a peace beyond words that he had in that moment. He told me God had brought him back because he was not finished with him on Earth. Benson encouraged me to share that story with my father, which I did. It brought comfort in a very difficult time for me and my family.
That was who Benson was at the end; he cared about your wellbeing here, but also your eternal hope. I knew Benson for more than 30 years and look forward to seeing him once again.
— Park Estes, AAPA Executive Director
C ASH i ON 1951-2025
This is actually one of the last pictures of Benson. He came to my Dad’s (Dean Crouse) retirement party the day before he passed away. He always made sure everyone knew he was Uncle Benson to me. He will be greatly missed and honored that the Crouse family got to spend his last days together!
— Crystal Crouse Fredrich
These pictures are from our fishing trip in 2024. It is hard to put into words what the Cashion Company and Benson has done for us and Larco over the years. We were blessed by both many times. We were also good friends and enjoyed each other’s company quite often on the weekends at Mountain Harbor. Benson and myself over the last few years had tried to go walleye fishing with our friend and guide, Chris Darby. He came to me during the AGC fishing tournament and said he wanted to go fishing again and for me to get the trip set-up. Our trip was scheduled on July 22, 2025 for this year. After Benson passed, I was kind of torn as to whether to go on the trip without him. Darby and I decided to take the trip and, on this trip, we were going to try to catch a “BIG ONE” in Benson’s honor. After the first couple of hours, we had our limit, but remained one fish short to go look for the “BIG ONE.” Over the next hour or so, we caught several fish, but not the one we were looking for. We went to the timber and brush and left the open flats. There we hooked several fish, but kept breaking our line and getting hung up. With about 15 minutes left, we had our fish on the line. This fish did not come easy! After several attempts to break off in the timber, he made a run and cleared the brush. Once we landed the fish, it became very clear that maybe not for Darby, but for me it was a personal best. We decided to name this legendary fish “BENSON.” I will never forget this fish nor will I forget my FRIEND. — Stephen Bolin, Larco Inc.
Paving Award Winners
Region 1
*indicates Statewide winner
Two Lane Highway-ADT Greater than 2000 Delta Asphalt of Arkansas
Two Lane Highway-ADT Less than 2000 Atlas Asphalt, Inc.
Paving Award Winners
Region 2
Two Lane Highway-ADT Greater than 2000 Jet Asphalt & Rock Co.
Two Lane Highway-ADT Less than 2000 Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel
Multi-Lane Jet Asphalt & Rock Co.
State Aid Roads-County Redstone Construction Group
State Aid Streets-City Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel
Pavement Preservation Jet Asphalt & Rock Co.
Paving Award Winners
Region 3
Pavement Preservation Redstone Construction Group
State Aid Streets-City Rogers Group
State Aid Roads-County Smackover Paving
Two Lane Highway-ADT Greater than 2000 Cranford Construction
Multi-Lane Blackstone Construction
Paving Award Winners
Region 4
*indicates Statewide winner
Paving Award Winners
Region 5
*indicates Statewide winner
Two Lane Highway-ADT Greater than 2000 Cranford Construction*
Local Road/Street: Crossland Heavy Contractors (Oak & Uptown)
Airport Paving: CMS Corporation (AALZ Camp Robinson for Little Rock AFB)
Other: Emery Sapp & Sons (Porter Road Townhomes)
CLAY SHOOT WINNERS:
1st: Ty Clary - APAC
2nd: Jacob Whitby - DELTA
3rd: Jesse Allen - ROGERS GROUP
Last: Zoey Tedford - APAC RV
Thanks to all the folks that came out to the Emerging Leaders summer event! In addition to the clay shoot, attendees went to a Travelers baseball game. The Emerging Leaders have several events each year, and if you’d like to be more involved, email office@ arasphalt.com or go to www.arasphalt. com/emerging-leaders.
AAPA/MAPA
Emerging Leaders Event
October 20-21, 2025
Hilton Promenade, Branson
Quality Conference
January 8-9, 2026
Embassy Suites, Little Rock
Fall BBQ Cook-Off November 6, 2025
Judd Hill Farmers’ Market, Jonesboro
Annual Convention April 28-30, 2026 Oaklawn, Hot Springs
Women of Asphalt
3rd Quarter Update
By Courtney Quinn
Several Women of AsphaltArkansas members attended the AGC Arkansas Happy Hour on August 19th. Thank you to all who came out and enjoyed a drink at Rockwater Marina in Little Rock in support!
There are several events in the works, including:
September – Be on the lookout for an email about upcoming tailgate events.
October – We are looking to partner for a Susan G. Komen breast cancer awareness event in the NEA area in partnership with the national WOA chapter.
November – AAPA Fall CookOff. Last year, we hosted a breakfast and “recovery” bar at this event, and it was great fun! Stay tuned to see how we might help out this year.
More to come via email on the next exciting upcoming events. Lastly, we would like to announce the newest and youngest member of the Women of AsphaltArkansas chapter, Ms. Kinley Grace Richards. Congrats to Katie Russell, former chair of WOA, on the BEAUTIFUL new addition. She is a DOLL!
Take Your Skills to the Next Level.
Fresh off the press! The Women of Asphalt x Caterpillar Paving Operations Scholarship is back for 2025.
This exclusive opportunity will provide six (6) WofA members hands-on training at Caterpillar Paving School in Clayton, NC, the week of December 8, 2025.
Scholarship includes:
• Full course tuition to Caterpillar’s immersive week-long paving operations training.
• All travel, lodging, and food expenses.
• $6,000 + total value per participant.
Requirements:
• Must be a National WofA member.
• Must be in the asphalt industry or interested in a position in the industry.
• Submit your application by 11:59 PM ET, September 8, 2025.
Application Timeline:
• Application Opens: August 18, 2025
• Application Closes: 11:59 PM ET, September 8, 2025
• Notification Date by: October 20, 2025
September 11, 2025 | 1:00-2:30 PM
APAC-Central
Asphalt & Fuel Supply
Atlas Asphalt, Inc.
Blackstone Construction
The Cashion Co.
Cranford Construction
CWMF Corp Delta
Emery Sapp & Sons Ergon AAPA Hot Mixers Club 2025 Forsgren, Inc.
Highway Graphics Jet Asphalt & Rock Co., Inc. Kiewit Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Riggs CAT Rogers Group, Inc.
Stribling Equipment Time Striping
on October 20-21?
On Monday, check into the Hilton Promenade (3 Branson Landing Blvd.). The opening night reception will be in the Old Glory Meeting Room.
Golf will take place on Tuesday at Branson Hills. Branson Hills Golf Club has been named #1 course in Missouri by Golf Missouri.com, GOLFWEEK for seven years.
On Tuesday morning, we will hear from Jon Harrison of VIP Leadership.
Dinner on Tuesday evening will be at Andy B’s. We’ve booked the entire place for the group to enjoy!
AAPA & MAPA EMERGING LEADERS EVENT Registration Form
OCTOBER 20-21, 2025
HILTON PROMENADE AT BRANSON LANDING - BRANSON, MO Register Online - www.arasphalt.com
Company: _______________________________________ Main Contact Name: ____________________________________
Main Contact Email: _________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________
Attendee Details
PM Arrive at Hilton Promenade 6:00-7:00 PM Social hour with light hors d’oeuvres Old Glory Meeting Room Dinner on own List all attendees below
late fee after Oct. 6
*Do you want all the golfers on this form to be on the same team? □ Yes □ No
Schedule of Events
October 20
*All events are casual dress*
Payment Details
Mail Registration with Payment to: P.O. Box 24304 Little Rock, AR 72221 Or email to office@arasphalt.com
Tuesday, October 21
Breakfast provided
8:00-10:30 AM Guest Speaker: Jon Harrison, VIP Leadership Old Glory Meeting Room
12:00 PM Golf at Branson Hills Golf Club 100 North Payne Stewart Dr. Branson, MO 65616 Box lunches provided. 7:00-9:00 PM Dinner at Andy B’s 405 Branson Landing Blvd. Branson, MO 65616
Sponsorships
All sponsors will have their company name appear on the agenda, on the website, & on event signage.
Me: □ Total Amount Owed: $ Check #:___________
or Visa* # _________-__________-__________-_________
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS Must be requested in writing by October 6. Refunds will be subject to an administrative fee of $25. For more information: 501-219-1100 or office@arasphalt.com
Event Location
The Hilton Promenade is located at 3 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson, MO. Make reservations by going to the AAPA website and clicking on the link on the “Emerging Leaders” page to receive the special group rate of $174! Group rate offered until 9/20; after that date, rate & hotel availability can’t be guaranteed.
ARDOT Crews Compete in Annual Equipment Operators Roadeo
Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) crews across the State came together Thursday, June 12 to compete in the 2025 Equipment Operators Roadeo. This event allows crews to put their equipment skills to the test. Each competition category was designed to reinforce real-world safety practices in a controlled, hands-on way. The Roadeo is one of the ways the Department keeps crews sharp while also increasing safety awareness of employees working in or around heavy machinery.
ARDOT employees are given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in operating the heavy equipment they use daily to maintain the State’s Highways and Interstates. Crews were tested for precision, safety awareness, and efficiency in seven key equipment categories: Lowboy Truck, Tandem Axle Dump Truck, Single Axle Dump Truck, Tractor/ Mower, Backhoe, Motor Patrol, and Skid Steer. Competitors enter individually and represent the ARDOT district they work in.
2025 ARDOT Equipment Operators Roadeo Results
• Lowboy Truck
First Place: John Harvey – District 2
Second Place: Tyler Phillips – District 5
Third Place: Tommy Bull – District 8
• Tandem Axle Dump Truck
First Place: TJ Pulley – District 1
Second Place: Tony Ruhl – District 10
Third Place: Brad Brown – District 1
• Single Axle Dump Truck
First Place: Kirk Fossler – District 5
Second Place: Jon Carter – District 8
Third Place: Kyle Jones – District 1
• Tractor/Mower
First Place: Rodney Armstrong – District 1
Second Place: Colt Holland – District 8
Third Place: Travis Swanson – District 9
• Backhoe
First Place: Chad Foster – District 9
Second Place: Stephen Norris – District 5
Third Place: Will Ring – District 10
• Motor Patrol
First Place: Nick Rushing – District 5
Second Place: Nathan Daniels – District 9
Third Place: Ryan Wages – District 7
• Skid Steer
First Place: Larry Logsdon – District 4
Second Place: TJ Pulley – District 1
Third Place: Jon Carter – District 8
• Crew Winners
First Place: District 5
Second Place: District 1
Third Place: District 9
The top two winners in each individual category will advance to represent ARDOT at the Southeastern Regional Equipment Operators Roadeo in Lexington, Kentucky, later this fall. This regional competition brings together top operators from multiple states (thirteen) for a multi-day showcase of equipment agility and knowledge.
Arkansas Asphalt News
Quarterly Magazine
Keep up to date with the latest asphalt pavement industry news in Arkansas with the Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association’s Quarterly digital Publication. Circulation for the AAPA quarterly magazine includes AAPA members, Arkansas Dept. of Transportation Officials, County Judges, City Officials, State Legislators, Consulting Engineers and other industry allies.
Advertising Rates
Ad space is available in the sizes listed below in full color. Placement of less than full page ads varies by quarter.
Full Page: $650 per issue
(7.50” wide X 10” tall)
Half Page: $550 per issue
(7.50” wide X 5” tall)
Third Page: $450 per issue
(2.75” wide X 10” tall)
Quarter Page: $350 per issue (3.75” wide X 5” tall)
Sixth Page: $275 per issue (5” wide X 2.5” tall)
Material Specifications
Completed ads must be press ready, 300 dpi, 150 line screen, 100% actual size, and include all embedded images and fonts. Submit ads electronically to: office@arasphalt.com
If you do not have a completed ad, we will set your ad for you for $25. Please submit your ad copy in one of the following formats: PDF, TIFF, EPS, JPG, along with any photos/logos to be included in the ad. You will receive an emailed ad proof to approve.
P.O. Box 24304 Little Rock, Arkansas 72221 (501) 219-1100 www.arasphalt.com office@arasphalt.com
Cranford Construction Company is Central Arkansas’ leading producer of quality asphalt and preferred asphalt contractor. Call today and put our team to work for you.
Greg Day, Sales: 501-416-4565 or greg.day@cranfordasphalt.com
ROADS LEAD TO WEEKEND ESCAPES.
Roads are literal and metaphorical connectors. They provide essential delivery of our daily needs – they also lead us to the things that matter most. As Americans, we depend on them for our safety and for our livelihoods. At Ergon, we are proud to work in communities across America helping build and maintain vital infrastructure that connects us all to what matters most.
