News
Presidential Overburden – October 2024
IMAA Members,
If you were ever concerned about the need for aggregate in Indiana, take a short drive in any direction and you will be reassured that aggregate is paramount to providing the foundation for growth in our Hoosier State. INDOT is at full throttle improving and maintaining our existing interstate infrastructure as well as easing congested arteries and completing the I-69 connection over the Ohio River. Commercial and Industrial construction is equally as impressive with many projects across the state requiring our products. All of this expansion will support the future of residential development and construction.
Our industry relies on the IMAA to be ready to confront the challenges that may arise when Indiana builds at a high rate. The committees that serve our industry provide education and structure to navigate the rules and regulations, implement technological innovations, and help provide training to promote the safety of our workforce.
The IMAA Staff continues to offer unique events and make available relevant learning opportunities to position our members to be engaged and encourage leadership in our industry. A special thank you to the IMAA staff for all of their hard work throughout the year.
The 2024 Winter Workshop proved to be another successful gathering offering industry insight and updates in addition to opportunities to develop personal management and leadership skills. Record attendance by the membership, a full house for the Associate Members in the Trade Show room, and an extensive array of insightful and applicable breakout seminars hosted by all of our committee chairs.
The summer meeting was a huge success. IMAA joined with the IRMCA for educational and social events in Cincinnati. As a complement to the board meetings and educational seminars, Members and Associates had the opportunity to explore the history of this scenic river and rail town, attend a Reds baseball game, and relax on a riverboat cruise.
The Winter Workshops and Summer Meetings are great opportunities for all members to invite those in their workforce who want to actively participate in the IMAA. There are 10 working committees in the IMAA that are always welcoming new members to participate. I challenge all Members and Associate Members to encourage your colleagues to join a committee to learn and grow within the IMAA.
The 2024 IMAA Blast institute, held in Bloomington, continued our community outreach tradition and commitment to education. This biennial event held over five days welcomes teachers and school leadership from across Indiana to learn about our industry and its significance to all Hoosiers. The next Blast Institute will be in Summer 2026. I encourage you to invite the educators in your community to attend and consider sponsoring one or many of them for this unique professional development event.
I would like to thank Kris Luce and the IMAA Dues Committee for their work to restructure the dues format that will be reflected in 2025 invoices. This new structure is intended to stabilize and strengthen the financial health for the future of the IMAA.
As I commute along our Crossroads of America or am just enjoying a leisurely drive through our beautiful Indiana farmlands, I am often reminded of one of our traditional sayings –“If it can’t be grown, it must be mined”. We are fortunate to have an abundance of both in Indiana. IMAA is dedicated to the growth of our industry and helping to “mine” for the best resources to offer our members.
I want to personally thank the Board for their leadership and commitment to serving the IMAA. And, on behalf of the Board of Directors and the IMAA staff, I wish all of our members a safe and healthy conclusion of 2024.
Sincerely,
Brian Duncan, IMAA 2024 Board President