Held at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, the Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association (TACA)'s 62nd annual meeting witnessed the highest attendance on record for the annual summer meeting event with more than 550 attendees.

Opening General Session

Opening General Session speakers included TACA President Rich Szecsy, Ph.D., P.E., whose State of the Association address brought members up to date regarding material production statistics in Texas for concrete, aggregate and cement, as well as the current issues TACA's members are facing and possible solutions to these issues. Szecsy was also proud to report that TACA itself is continuing to grow and provide value to the industry in Texas. Membership continues to grow. Also highlighted in the presentation were several non-traditional threats to the industry including prohibitions on concrete delivery times in growing cities, the resistance by various communities to the placement of a concrete batch plant and their shared connectivity via digital media. However, there were also some growing opportunities, especially with the launch of the Emerging Leaders program with 43 applicants, and contributed more than 200 hours of community service to the local San Antonio community during the program.

After Szecsy's address, Mark Dotzour, Ph.D., Real Estate Economist, offered an in-depth economic outlook for business decision makers and investors. Looking at the consumer, business and government sectors, Dotzour concluded that households are generally continuing their growth, businesses are increasing their profits and levels of investment, and government growth is being generally held in checkall positive signs.

General Session, Day Two

Friday began with an in-depth update on the Texas and United States legislature by Tim Tuggey and Allen Beinke with The Tuggey Group joined by Texas State Representative Jason Isaac (R-45). TACA's involvement in the Texas legislative and regulatory debate extends from water and transportation funding to issues such as overweight vehicles, business tax relief and beyond.

Following the legislative update presentation, Richard Hyde, P.E., Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality spoke to members about environmental regulatory matters related to the concrete and aggregates industry.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar spoke to members next about the status of the Texas economy and answered questions from members.

Lastly, was an update from the Texas Department of Transportation by Chief Engineer Bill Hale, P.E. In his presentation, Hale reviewed some recent propositions and funding information.

TACA was honored this year to have representatives of Texas' state officials and regulatory agencies present at the annual meeting.

Awards Luncheon

The Awards Luncheon recognized many outstanding individuals and companies who are impacting the industry in a positive way.

High Strength Concrete Competition showcased the material innovations and techniques available in the Texas marketplace. This competition is divided into two categories- plant or truck mix and laboratory mix. 

Winner for plant mix: 
Allied Concrete with 14,610 psi. 

Lab mix winners: 
 1st Place - Redi-Mix Concrete 
with 14,970 psi 
 2nd Place - Argos Ready Mix, Houston 
 with 14,773 psi. 

The annual Safety Awards are given in recognition of an outstanding company safety program.

Winners this year included:

The Public Appearance Awards are given in recognition of outstanding achievement in improving the public image of the industry and demonstrating a commitment to plant appearance and protecting the environment. Winners were: 

Best Plant Aggregate A Category - 
 Hanson Aggregates LLC Servtex Plant

Best Plant Ready Mix B Category - BURNCO Texas LLC Anna Plant;

Best Plant Ready Mix A Category (Tie) - 
 Argos Ready Mix (SC) Corporation Frisco Plant #1009 and 
CEMEX Construction Materials Houston, LLC Galveston Plant.

Two more awards that honor the front-line employees of the industry are the Production Employee of the Year and Truck Driver of the Year. These two awards are given in recognition of career achievement, safety, professionalism, and customer service skills that enhance the public image of the industry. Winner of Production Employee of the Year was Miguel Huerta, Area Production Supervisor, BURNCO Texas LLC. Truck Driver of the Year was Bruce Campbell, Argos Ready Mix (SC) Corporation

Also presented was the TACA Scholarship, which awards $2,500 to a student who submits an essay detailing how the aggregates, concrete, or the cement industry has had a positive impact on their family, life, or community in which they live. The scholarship was awarded to Lola Chambers who is a student at Student at University of Texas at Austin.

Past Chair's Banquet

The Past Chair's Banquet is a special event at the annual conference, because it brings together TACA leaders from generations past so the current leaders can have the benefit of their wisdom and experience. TACA Past Chairs of the Board are the guests of honor and were recognized as well as the TACA Board of Directors, Allied Board of Directors, outgoing Board of Directors and Committee Chairs.

One of TACA highest honors is the Bob R. Beard Good Neighbor Award, which recognizes an individual who exemplifies outstanding effort in making the community more aware of the cooperation from, and the benefits provided by the aggregate and concrete industries in Texas. This year the association honored all past Bob R. Beard Good Neighbor award winners with a commemorative lapel pin.

 Chair of the Board Tommy Abbott closed the Annual Meeting with the traditional Outgoing Chair's Remarks and passed the gavel to Incoming Chair Pat Strader. Chair Strader gave his incoming remarks and announced the 63rd Annual Meeting. 

 Photos by Jonathan Garza