NSSGA was created to be the single association to represent the crushed stone, sand and gravel—or construction aggregates—industries. It was officially signed into existence in 2000. Shortly thereafter, Joy Wilson Pinniger of NSA was named as the first president & CEO of NSSGA. Charlie Hawkins of NAA was named the executive vice president and chief operating officer.

They joined their staff in working with the mission to be the leading voice and advocate for the aggregates industry. Many of the two associations’ existing programs were refreshed to represent the entire aggregates industry.

For example, the NSA’s political action committee known as STONEPAC was transformed to be ROCKPAC, which has grown immensely over the past 25 years. Additionally, REVIEW magazine which traditionally shared academic research, was renovated to share the latest aggregates industry news from the association staff in Washington. NSSGA also continued the budding Young Leaders Program to encourage the youth of the industry to get active and participate with the association.

NSSGA also built upon its industry awards program by continuing the renowned Awards of Excellence and adding to it several other individual awards. The Environmental Leadership Award was started in 2006 and honors an individual involved with the association that has made extraordinary contributions to the industry’s environmental responsiveness. The ROCK Star Award was started in 2018 to recognize members of Congress who serve as champions for the industry on Capitol Hill. In 2019 the Paul Mellott, Jr. Award for Political Excellence was created to honor an industry leader who works tirelessly on behalf of the industry to promote ROCKPAC and the importance of political advocacy. Finally in 2022, NSSGA created the ICON Award to recognize a stalwart supporter of the aggregates industry that has made tremendous contributions during their career.

Celebrating 25
To keep the anniversary top of mind, the NSSGA Communications team has created an anniversary logo, graphics and updated materials with the new branding to commemorate the occasion. These materials will be hosted on our 25th anniversary webpage, located on nssga.org. The webpage will highlight NSSGA’s history and celebrate those who helped the association become the success it is today.

The webpage will also include an interactive timeline, which recounts the historic events of NSSGA’s past. These highlights include the association’s start in 2000 to the first co-located "AGG1 Aggregates Forum & Expo and World of Asphalt" in Cincinnati, OH in 2010 to the recent news of NSSGA membership surpassing 500 members in 2024.

The association will also be releasing a special anniversary video, which features producer and M&S members who share their memories of engaging with NSSGA. We thank all our members who shared their stories and historical documents.

A special anniversary article will be featured in each issue of REVIEW magazine throughout the year. Future topics will cover the association’s historical events, highlight political achievements, reflect on our growing membership and share how members can get participate in our anniversary celebrations. For the latest news on the NSSGA anniversary, please visit nssga.org.
 

Originally published in the Jan./Feb. 2025 Stone, Sand & Gravel Review.