NSSGA unveils ‘Rocks Build America’ strategic plan

Aggressive industry plan targeted at rebuilding America’s crumbling transportation infrastructure

THE National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) has announced a bold new strategic plan for the American aggregates industry. Released at NSSGA’s Annual Convention, ‘Rocks Build America’ sets a new course for the organization to lead the policy debate on rebuilding the nation’s rapidly deteriorating transportation infrastructure.

The 2014–2016 strategic plan outlines four key strategic objectives:

1. Strengthen NSSGA’s legislative advocacy leadership role and effectiveness in the construction materials sector.
2. Successfully advocate for members’ interests on health, safety and environmental issues of national importance.
3. Expand NSSGA’s internal and external communication strategies to support its priority objectives.
4. Articulate NSSGA’s value proposition; increase producer membership and revenues.

‘My number one priority as NSSGA’s chairman is to drive aggressive implementation of Rocks Build America,’ said Paul I. Detwiler III, NSSGA chairman and New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. Inc.’s president and CEO.

‘It’s no secret that the nation’s roads and bridges are crumbling while other nation’s race past America to build a 21st century infrastructure. This plan charts the course for our industry to engage in solving this national crisis.

‘NSSGA members have a long, strong history for delivering the materials that built America.  Now, we are positioned to protect our transportation national asset that drives growth, jobs, mobility, trade and global competitiveness.’

‘The aggregates industry has a remarkable past, and Rocks Build America charts a course for an even more remarkable future,’ added Ward Nye, NSSGA chairman (2013–2014) and president and CEO of Martin Marietta Materials. As NSSGA’s past chairman, Nye led the strategic planning process.

‘We crafted Rocks Build America to tackle the critical issues facing our industry today. For example, the Highway Trust Fund is on the verge of bankruptcy, yet policy gridlock is hampering American business and competitiveness. This is unacceptable. Our industry is on course to find common sense solutions.’

‘NSSGA members are fully engaged and ready to fight for solutions,’ said Michael Johnson (pictured), NSSGA president and CEO. ‘Our member companies deliver the products that are the backbone of the nation’s transportation infrastructure. We stand ready to rebuild, renew and refortify America, but we need smart investments and commitment from policymakers. And, we must be able to rebuild infrastructure in a way that allows our members to operate without unreasonable regulation that strangles businesses.’