Never afraid to step up

BY CHRIS RECH, A.M. COHRON & SON, INC. KCA PRESIDENT

When we said we were stepping up and going all out for KCA's 100th anniversary, wow did we mean it! Our industry has stepped up in full force this year ... turning out record attendance for our 100th anniversary convention ... engaging in this last election and legislative session to protect our business interests ... and making record contributions through the Action Auction and raffle to help strengthen our industry's political muscle.

But, truth be told, our industry has never been afraid to step up.

100 Years Of Leadership

In 1923, the heavy construction leaders who came before us had the courage and the vision to form a new organization, banding with their competitors, because they knew our industry would be stronger together. They were right.

100 years later, KCA is the recognized watchdog and voice of the Kansas transportation industry. Together, we have spearheaded passage of every state highway plan, led the fight to start reversing the damage of extraordinary transfers from the Highway Fund, and successfully secured existing and new investments in infrastructure.

Leading into our next century

As we enter this next century, there will inevitably be challenges ahead – just as there were challenges facing KCA's founders. At the forefront of those challenges are:

State revenues. While state revenues and infrastructure investments have remained healthy in recent years, we all know what it's like to weather downturns in our industry. That's why our association remains focused on advocating for budget and tax decisions at the state level that will protect the long-term stability of state revenues and transportation dollars.

Workforce Shortages. Like most industries, our members are continually trying to add to our workforce and stay ahead of shortages. KCA is heavily engaged in statewide efforts to attract more high school and college students into heavy construction. Our Construction Education Foundation is focused on helping students connect with, and pay for the training they need to succeed in our industry.

Through any challenge that may come our way, there's no doubt we will continue to find success in stepping up together as an industry. I look forward to serving as your president this year and to seeing what the future brings for our industry, our businesses and our families.

In the meantime, I hope you will mark your calendars because the celebration isn't over yet. Our 100th year will culminate with a dinner in the Flint Hills on November 2, including the release of our centennial book and video. I hope you will join us as we take one more opportunity to celebrate where we've been and where we're going.