The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) will recognize four active advocates for their efforts to influence federal policy during 2014 at its Annual Convention in Baltimore, Md.
Robert F. Weldon of Weldon Materials will receive Grassroots CEO of the Year; Brian North and Steve Whitt of Martin Marietta will receive Grassroots Coordinators of the Year; and Rich Lehman of Edw. C. Levy Co. will receive Grassroots Advocate of the Year.
In 2014, Weldon, the vice chairman of NSSGA’s Government Affairs Committee, participated in a number of meetings with members of Congress, attended the Washington, D.C., fly-ins and provided feedback on his meetings to NSSGA.
North and Whitt both fought the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water Act overreach. North coordinated a letter-writing campaign opposing the EPA’s proposal to expand federal jurisdiction over waters that have little or no connection to flowing steams and rivers. Whitt provided examples of the rule’s effects on operations, including the economy, to the White House and EPA staff.
Lehman was active in meetings with members of Congress, participated in fly-ins on Capitol Hill and provided the NSSGA with information from his meetings.
“We leverage our grassroots to drive important messages to members of Congress on key issues such the need for a well-funded, multiyear surface transportation bill and greater oversight of EPA and MSHA,” says Mike Johnson, president and CEO of NSSGA. “I applaud these four dedicated individuals for their efforts as grassroots activists for the aggregates industry and urge every NSSGA member to follow their example.”
The Grassroots Awards will be presented as a part of NSSGA’s Closing General Session March 18.
