Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - January/February 2008 - (Page 9)

CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTARY A s my year of being Chairman wound down, I reflected upon a host of experiences that a year of travel and speaking opportunities has provided. It has indeed been a year to remember, and one I’m proud to have been given the chance to live. Recognizing this as perhaps my last opportunity to share a message with the industry, I am drawn back to a theme that has resonated with me from the earliest visits with state associations around the country – that it is our duty, our obligation, even our privilege, to seize the moment and make a difference. Very often things that could be achieved aren’t because we fail to see the opportunity, heed the warning signs, or recognize its importance. We don’t act today because we’re too busy, it’s easy to put off, and besides, we think everything will somehow miraculously work itself out. Fortunately, many among us recognize the critical nature of the present and respond by taking action today when the ability to have an impact still exists. What are some of the current national, regional, and statewide activities where an action today may well make for a better tomorrow? From a national and global perspective, the IARC Monograph that addresses the classification of asphalt fumes is moving forward. What can you still do? Educate yourself on the potential far-reaching implications of this initiative and, if you haven’t contributed to NAPA’s effort, make a contribution so that we can continue to provide an effective program of research, science, and education. Facing competitors The competition we have from other products intensifies with each passing day. Competing industries are using distortions, misinformation and untruths about hot-mix asphalt. If we stand by and allow their actions to go unchallenged, then we are providing them the opportunity to succeed. We must double our efforts to educate the specifiers regarding hot mix, to provide our members with the tools needed to effectively challenge the competition, and to spread the truth about hot mix. Our product is the obvious choice when all the facts are known – let’s get them out there. I believe we are only in the first chapter regarding environmental focus and initiatives. At every turn across our country the discussion generates incredible interest and concern. We’re bombarded with the meaning and implication of global warming, questions about the urban heat island effect, environmental sustainability, and odor. When confronted with these issues we should address them head-on and successfully deal with them. We should be espousing the benefits of RAP, promoting the potential of warm mix, recognizing the environmental benefits of Perpetual Pavements, and showing our product to be the “green” choice that it really is. Funding at every level has an impact on all of us. The federal-aid highway reauthorization deadline is nearly two years away but requires our attention today. We cannot afford to allow success to slip through our fingers because we think there’s plenty of time. We have an excellent program to guide us through the process, but it requires your involvement now. At the state level, it’s not unusual to see new specifications, unnecessary requirements, or even the occasional bias toward our product creep into the system before a balanced evaluation has been completed and discussed. This can lead to uncertainty, By Ron White Seize the Moment inaccurate pricing, and risk evaluation – unwanted results for all concerned. Many states, with the help of industry, have created joint cooperative committees – asphalt and DOT partnerships. These groups meet at the district and statewide level to talk about any industry-related topics which may be under consideration, about to be implemented, or are already part of the system, but need review. This type of group can solve the vast majority of problems before they ever get started. If you’re doing this in your district, your region or your state, you have experienced its value. If you haven’t, start today – you’ll be extremely pleased with the outcome. We are part of a wonderful industry. We want to see it grow. By seizing the moment and acting today, we will be able to respond successfully to the challenges and demands confronting us. HMAT Ron White is the Chairman/CEO of Superior Paving Corp., in Gainesville, Va., and the 2007 Chairman of the National Asphalt Pavement Association. Hot Mix Asphalt Technology – JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008 • 9

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - January/February 2008

Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - January/February 2008 Contents Chairman's Commentary President's Perspective A Conversation with the New NCAT Director NCAT Test Track: Real-Time Testing for Real-World Results Warm Mix: The Lights are Green Illinois Tollway Tests RAP in Fast Forwarded Research Big Creek Teams with TxDOT to Pave Using Innovative Asphalt Mix Diamond Achievement Commendation Issues a Call for Quality Calendar of Events CONEXPO-CON/AGG Product Review Index of Advertisers Advertisers.com

Hot Mix Asphalt Technology - January/February 2008

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