We have 7 different asphalt projects going on right now. Add some well earned vacation time to the mix, and you are going to be stretched thin. Thanks to all who helped out, from the summer help running hot boxes, to family members of the staff working for us, to Brad Wendell, and a special thanks to Sally Slaven who came over from Manatts and helped for a whole week. That's teamwork!!!

This workload we are experiencing will help make the difference in our season. Also, the phones are starting to ring. This, with the experience of our sales histories, makes me think this season is going to be OK after all; no barn burner, but slightly better than our worst years and “that's a good thing.” (Is that gal still around??)

Since the last Mirror, I have had the opportunity to spend some time with our federal association called NSSGA (National Sand Stone and Gravel Association) and some local folks like the Iowa Limestone Producers Association (ILPA) and the Association of General Contractors of Iowa (AGCI). A couple of subjects that keep coming up are reauthorization of the next Transportation Bill and the continued need for safety in our workplace.

Firstly, some thoughts on the next, six-year transportation bill. This is one source of our monies needed for our infrastructure here in the USA; more particularly here in Iowa, where WE work and play. These dollars are budgeted for roads, bridges, airports and other transportation needs. Without a good program, the roads of this great nation will start to decline. If you have ever traveled near a big city during rush hour you know that more needs to be done to improve the system we already have, not to mention just the maintenance to keep what we have in top shape.

The part of the reauthorization that I find most important is the fact that jobs are created out of the need to work on roads. Without the much needed funding, not only are the road jobs missed, but so many people down the line are out of work as well. For example, if the work load is short out there for construction companies, then the materials needed for those jobs are also not needed. It goes on and on. Many suppliers suffer, but the one who suffers the most is you and I. Good roads mean, good jobs, good economy, and means lets get things rolling again..!!!

The whole point here is, let your senators and representatives know how important this is to our industry. A fly-in is scheduled for our top industry leaders to go to Washington DC and express this important issue to those senators and representatives. Something you and I can do is call, write, or e-mail our elected officials to express our important message. If anyone would like to know more or how to contact their representatives just call or e-mail me and I will help.

About safety: How could anything be more important than bringing you home safely every night? Let’s help each other meet this goal everyday.