NSSGA Hits the Road
By Will Carlson, NSSGA
Although our work often takes place around D.C., NSSGA’s focus is not limited to the nation’s capital. In fact, NSSGA staff frequently hit the road to visit our members, participate in conferences and tell the story of the aggregates industry. Here are just a few of the many events our staff have recently attended:
Director, Sustainability Kyle Brashear participated in the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s (NAPA) Road Forward International Summit in Chicago. Hosted Sept. 29-Oct. 1, the summit focused on sustainable pavement challenges and solutions. Kyle was part of an industry panel session on the role various industries can play in decarbonizing asphalt pavements. He spoke about how material availability, permitting considerations and utilizing quarry fines can impact aggregate sustainability. He also mentioned the importance of balancing the asphalt industry’s increased use of reclaimed asphalt pavement without compounding the stockpiling of underutilized fines. Finally, Kyle highlighted how NSSGA members are addressing these challenges with new initiatives and technologies.
Emily Hargrove, Director, Occupational Health & Safety visited Alabama from Oct. 27-31. She began the week by touring Vulcan Materials Company’s Helena Quarry. She then attended the Southeast Mine Safety and Health Conference in Hoover, where she presented updates from MSHA, OSHA and D.C., held a breakout session on the MSHA silica rule and led the stone, sand and gravel discussion group.
The NSSGA Meetings Team visited Las Vegas for IMEX America. Held Oct. 7-9, IMEX America is North America’s largest trade show for global meetings, events and incentive travel. The team conducted dozens of meetings with show exhibitors, including hotels, destinations and event software companies. These meetings helped the team identify future event locations and learn about the latest event technologies and trends. Additionally, building and maintaining relationships with hotel and service providers enables our staff to negotiate the best hotel experiences, room block rates and customer service for members at our events.
Emily Coyner, NSSGA’s Senior Director, Environmental Policy, spoke at the Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association’s Environmental Sustainability & Safety Seminar in San Antonio. On Oct. 30, she delivered an update on federal environmental policy, including the latest on Trump Administration priorities and NSSGA engagement on the proposed Waters of the US rule (WOTUS), stormwater permitting, air permitting issues and the Endangered Species Act. Emily also spoke about Congressional efforts on permitting reform.
Jen Dugas, Vice President, Meetings & Membership represented NSSGA at Conn-Weld’s 50th anniversary celebration in Princeton, WV on Oct. 17. Conn-Weld, an M&S member company, celebrated their anniversary with a day of appreciation for employees and excitement for what lies ahead. Homer Hickam Jr., author of Rocket Boys and inspiration for the movie October Sky, delivered a keynote address.
Of course, there’s no place like home. On Oct. 14, Manager, Advocacy Engagement Ashley Taylor attended the National Association of Business Political Action Committees’ (NABPAC) Insight Annual Conference in downtown Washington, D.C. NABPAC is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and professionalizing corporate and trade association political action committees (PACs). Ashley attended sessions on marketing and fundraising for PACs, received political updates from Washington insiders and heard from Chair of the Federal Election Commission Shana Broussard. Opportunities like the Insight Annual Conference help our staff grow ROCKPAC and stay informed on PAC issues and best practices.
If you are interested in inviting NSSGA staff to visit your facility, speak at your meeting or participate in your event, simply email that staff member.
Originally published in January/February 2026 NSSGA REVIEW.