Texas Asphalt Pavement Association's 46th Annual Meeting

PAVING CORNER

Texas Asphalt Pavement Association's 46th Annual Meeting broke attendance and fundraising records

The Texas Asphalt Pavement Association (TXAPA) recently held its 46th Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio. This year’s president, Craig Odom of Reece Albert Inc., presided over the proceedings along with Harold Mullen, TXAPA’s executive vice president and director. After a year’s hiatus, this year’s meeting was one for the record books with 520 industry members and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) personnel in attendance for the three-day affair. In addition, the association raised a staggering $608,000 for the TXAPA Scholarship Fund, most of which came via the live auction held on the evening of Sept. 23.

The days were filled with technical sessions and discussions on how to improve asphalt designs, as well as the overall health and direction of the industry. My takeaway from the meeting is that there is a great deal of optimism in the industry, and the outlook for large tonnages being let by TxDOT and smaller governmental agencies will continue to grow. This optimism exists despite the universal concerns over supply line issues and some creeping inflation in the industry. Even though the work of the meeting is serious in nature, there is always time for the fellowship during the meeting, especially during the golf and clay shooting events. In short, it was good to be back together.

(L-R) Kirby-Smith’s Vern Gunderson, vice president of road construction & minerals, and Gary Corley, key account product specialist, attended the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association’s 46th Annual Meeting. There were 520 attendees, and the association raised $608,000 for the TXAPA Scholarship Fund.

Even with much optimism throughout the week, the mood was somber when membership paused to recognize the passing of two of our most accomplished members, Kelly Durham of Performance Equipment Service and Eric Johnson of Austin Bridge & Road. Both men were eulogized and recognized posthumously with awards for their great service to the association. These fine gentlemen were each a friend to all and stalwarts of the industry who will be greatly missed.

The TXAPA Annual Meeting is the cornerstone of the association’s calendar and bears witness to the great friendships that are formed in our business. I personally have formed many treasured friendships over the years at these meetings, as well as during my other work with TXAPA. Moving into another calendar year, Kirby-Smith Machinery will continue to make our presence felt through our participation and support of TXAPA and its good work. ■