April-May 2013 • North American Quarry News • Page 12

OAIMA 2012 Annual Meeting and Trade Show Diana Barnum, Correspondent An estimated 50 percent of Ohio’s aggregates go into the state’s roads and infrastructure, a major topic of discussion at this year’s Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) 2012 Annual Meeting and Trade Show. And while this can result in any number of permit, construction and other holdups and headaches for businesses, event attendees could rest assured that the Common Sense Initiative (CSI), another major topic of discussion, seeks to overcome industry roadblocks. “We hope you will use us (CSI) to intervene on your behalf,” said Ohio Lt. Governor Mary Taylor. “CSI acts as an ombudsman to eliminate bureaucracy that holds businesses back.” Taylor shared an example of how CSI can help with project red tape by making calls to the right parties in her opening ad-

dress to OAMIA event attendees. Known as the trade association that represents all of Ohio’s mining operations, except coal, OAIMA goods and services include mostly natural as well as manmade construction materials. Among these are aggregates (i.e. sand, sandstone, crushed limestone, slag, dolomite), clay, salt, gypsum, shale, building stone, industrial sand, cement, recycled concrete and lime. The group’s 2012 Annual Meeting and Trade Show is a two day event. It was held at the Hilton Columbus at Easton on November 15-16. Pat Jacomet, OAIMA executive director noted that attendance at the annual event was up this year with just over 500 industry professionals in attendance. “We are very proud of our members and their continued support of the OAIMA mission, especially in these tough economic times” said Jacomet. Among other popular

topics at the event this year were discussions on health care costs for business owners, the rising costs of gasoline and other project costs. “About 50 percent of what you supply goes to roads and infrastructure,” said Richard Winning, acting deputy director finance, Ohio Department of Transportation. “And the price of a gallon of gas does have an effect on our bottom one percent growth during years 2012-2015 and zero percent growth from 2016-2019. Mr. Winning announced a $1.7 billion construction budget for 2013. Other event activities included an opening procession with military personnel presenting the U.S. flag and all attendees citing the Pledge of Allegiance. Opening welcomes, presentations and a general session on day one featured OAIMA President Dennis Phillips, Phillips Companies, OAIMA Executive Director Patrick Jacomet, Ohio

Ohio State Representative Dave Hall receives the “Robert A. Wilkinson” Award from OAIMA President Tony Price (National Lime & Stone Co.)

Model Single Dual Three Four

Price $2,685 $3,185 $3,685 $4,185

P.O. Box 95 Left Hand, WV 25221 Phone: 304-201-2354 Fax: 304-755-3883 www.conveyweigh.com

Accuracy 1 - 2% 0.50% 0.25% 0.25%+

Lt. Governor Mary Taylor, Director Government Affairs National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) James Riley, Acting Deputy Director Finance, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Richard Winning and Economist Professor Richard Veddar. In addition, lunch, sponsored by Stone Products, Inc., featured former OSU Football Coach Earle Bruce. A brief business meeting and elections also took place at this time. And after lunch, attendees could network in the surrounding sold-out trade show area. Topics during the general sessions featured the following: • NPDES in the Aggregates Industry with Mary Novak, Dine Comply, Inc.; • Wetlands, Oil, Gas and Aggregates with Bill Acton, Civil and Environmental Consultants; • Maximizing Cone Crusher Productivity Through Proper Mainte-

Former Ohio State Football Coach Earl Bruce addresses a sold out OAIMA luncheon crowd.

nance and Operation with Mark Kennedy, Metso Minerals; • Oil and Gas Projections with Tom Stewart, Ohio Oil & Gas Association; and • Electric Rates (and how to minimize the impact of rising rates) with Sherri Loscko, Commercial Rate Services, Inc. Other event opportunities included a spouse program for the ladies to go to German Village for some fun and shopping plus a presentation by nationally recognized Comedian and Mayor of Hillsboro, Ohio Drew Hastings. In addition, attendees could enjoy a silent auction and reception plus Achievements Awards Brunch.

In summary, Jacomet said, “Our Annual Meeting Committee members continue to put together a first class program that is both informative and entertaining. In addition, our Associate Member support is outstanding as we sold out all of the exhibit spaces for the 12th straight year.” For more information about OAIMA, contact them at 162 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Call toll free 800OH-ROCKS (647-6257); fax 614-428-7919 or email: rocks@oaima.org. Visit them online at www.oaima.org where you can check their calendar for upcoming events.

Ohio Lt. Governor Mary Taylor addresses the 2012 OAIMA Annual Meeting.