California Asphalt Pavement Association
Vol. 16, Issue 4 || Jan. 23, 2023
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Greetings!
This weekly report contains news and information of interest to the asphalt pavement industry, customers and agency partners in California. Please feel free to distribute this newsletter to others who may be interested in asphalt pavements. To provide feedback or story ideas click HERE. Having difficulty viewing this newsletter? View as Webpage
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Insurance and risk management services tailored for asphalt paving companies in California announced by CalAPA, NIP Group |
NIP Group, a specialized business insurance and risk management intermediary, has announced the launch of AsphaltPro in collaboration with the California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA).
In California, asphalt covers about 95% of paved surfaces in the state and has become the pavement of choice for public and private owners because it is smooth, quiet, safe, cost-effective, and 100% recyclable. The paving industry’s work maintaining the state’s freeways, highways, streets, and parking lots is essential to California’s economy and quality of life. But the construction industry has some of the highest annual risk of any industry simply due to the complex nature of the work being performed.
The collaboration announced this week brings together two recognized experts in this field. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, NIP Group has demonstrated it understands the unique insurance coverage needs of paving businesses. CalAPA, founded in 1953, represents the asphalt pavement industry in California, including asphalt producers, refiners, paving contractors, testing labs, suppliers, engineering firms and others who make up the industry.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate with such a respected association and bring this specialized insurance program to their members,” said Tom Doherty, SVP of Specialty Programs for NIP Group. “The paving industry has unique coverage needs and we are honored that CalAPA trusts us to protect their members’ businesses.”
AsphaltPro is a comprehensive insurance program offering coverages tailored specifically to the paving industry and competitive pricing for businesses of all sizes. It is available exclusively to CalAPA members, and the policy includes membership for new/renewing members. It includes risk-management services tailored specifically to the asphalt pavement industry.
“As the only statewide association in California that focuses exclusively on asphalt pavements, CalAPA is pleased to enter into this collaboration with NIP Group,” said CalAPA Immediate Past Chairman Scott Fraser. “Like CalAPA, NIP Group understands the unique challenges faced by asphalt paving companies and what it takes to succeed. This collaboration is very complementary and leverages the expertise of all parties.”
The collaboration announced nationally Jan. 18 will lead to the enhancement of the many services CalAPA offers that are tailored to asphalt pavement companies, including training classes, educational webinars, networking events and the CalAPA "Quality Paving Certificate" program that has established the standard for excellence in the industry. Information on the Quality Asphalt Paving Certificate Program can be found HERE. Like all CalAPA programs, the collaboration is built around the central idea as set forth by the CalAPA Board of Directors of helping companies work smarter, safer and more profitably.
The official joint press release announcing the collaboration between CalAPA and the NIP Group is HERE. Additional information on the AsphaltPro program can be found HERE.
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CalAPA Sacramento lobbying firm announces expansion |
The advocacy firm that represents CalAPA in Sacramento, recently named one of the top lobbying firms by the Sacramento Business Journal, has announced it is expanding.
The firm will now be known as Carpenter Garcia Sievers LLC. The new firm is a result of a merger of Carpenter Sievers LLC and Garcia Government Affairs LLC and principals Mike Carpenter, Jeff Sievers and Eloy Garcia. The combined firm's new website is HERE.
According to a company announcement, "This collaboration will increase our ability to serve our great corporate, non-profit and trade association clients in the automobile, energy, entertainment, government services, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation and other sectors."
Carpenter, Garcia and Sievers are seasoned legislative and regulatory advocates and lawyers with more than 75 years’ combined experience representing clients before the California state Legislature and state regulatory agencies.
The firm has represented CalAPA at the Capitol since 2013. The firm helped facilitate a speech by Gavin Newsom at the CalAPA annual dinner in Los Angeles, and also a subsequent tour by Newsom of an asphalt plant in Southern California. The firm also helped facilitate appearances at CalAPA events by numerous other prominent elected officials, including State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Senate Bill 1 author Sen. Jim Beall, and, earlier this month, Assembly Transportation Committee Vice Chair Vince Fong. The firm also coordinates periodic "fly-ins" to the State Capitol in Sacramento where CalAPA members have an opportunity to meet with legislators and brief them on issues important to the asphalt pavement industry in California. In addition, the firm also tracks and analyzes the thousands of bills that are introduced in the Legislature every year and develops legislative strategies in consultation with the CalAPA Legislative Committee, Political Action Committee and Board of Directors.
The current CalAPA Legislative Committee Chairman is Steve Ward with Pavement Recycling Systems. The current PAC Committee Chairman is Brian Handshoe with Kenco Engineering. Learn more about the CalAPA Legislative engagement HERE. A story in CalAPA's association magazine about the CalAPA legislative program is HERE.
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Gavin Newsom (second from left) is pictured with CalAPA 'Hall of Fame' members following his speech to the association's annual dinner in Los Angeles in 2014. Also pictured, from left: Juan Forster, Paul Rademacher, Carlos Hernandez and Scott Lovejoy. |
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State Treasurer Fiona Ma (fourth from the left) is pictured with CalAPA board members at last year's annual dinner in Los Angeles. Also pictured, from left: Jeff Benedict, Toni Carroll, Scott Fraser, Scott Bottomley and Jordan Reed. |
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Jeff Sievers (left) meets with Sen. Jim Beall, D-San Jose in his Capitol office. Beall authored SB1, the $50 billion Road Repair & Accountability Act of 2017. Beall is wearing a special asphalt scarf presented to him by CalAPA at a previous association event. |
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Don't take our word for it. Just ask AI (Artificial Intelligence) |
In the world of asphalt, mention AI and it is likely that it will be regarded as a reference to the Asphalt Institute, the venerable, century-old organization that represents oil refiners, liquid asphalt suppliers and related companies. AI is also an important strategic partner of CalAPA, and AI Senior Regional Engineer Bob Humer is a familiar face at CalAPA events and anywhere else where insight about asphalt is needed and valued.
But in a broader sense, of course, AI has come to be known as “Artificial Intelligence.” As you’re reading this, AI is learning more and more about our world, how to mimic us, and developing new and fascinating (or terrifying) ways of doings things humans have traditionally done. The social, cultural, economic and practical implications of what that will mean for our world is barely comprehended by us mere mortals.
While AI might not be ready to engineer a road yet, or create an asphalt mix design, it clearly is developing some expertise on the subject. Just for fun, we went on one of the AI beta sites (ChatGPT) and entered the phrase “top reasons to choose asphalt for a paving project.” What follows, word for word, is the response we received from AI:
1. Durability: Asphalt is highly durable and can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
2. Cost-Effective: Asphalt is the most cost-effective option for paving projects due to its affordability and low installation costs.
3. Low Maintenance: Asphalt is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional sealcoating and crack-filling.
4. Weather Resistance: Asphalt is highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, making it ideal for areas that experience heavy rain, snow, or hail.
5. Versatility: Asphalt can be used for paving projects of all sizes, from driveways to highways.
6. Eco-Friendly: Asphalt is a sustainable and recyclable material, making it an environmentally friendly choice for paving projects.
7. Quick Installation: Asphalt is fast and easy to install, with most projects taking only a few days to complete.
We must say, that’s a pretty impressive list. Sure, we could quibble with a few things. On the durability point, for example, regular readers of this publication know that certain long-life asphalt pavement designs have been shown to last 40 years and longer with minimal maintenance. And there are no shortage of opinions on which maintenance treatments are called for in various situations. But still, this is a reasonable representation of our product.
We’re curious, however, about why AI picked seven items, rather than three or 12 or 20, and why it put them in that particular ranked order. And what about other key attributes of asphalt important to humans, like smoothness, safety and noise-reduction? We suppose those are questions for another day and possibly a future iteration of AI (Are you listening Skynet?) In the meantime, we'll end this report with a famous movie line former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger often used when ending a speech: “I’ll be back.”
Editor's Note: The photo of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger above was taken by CalAPA at a 2010 event where an association representative was an invited participant. The photo, like others that appear in this publication, is the property of CalAPA, is protected by U.S. Copyright Law, and may not be used by others without obtaining prior written permission by the association.
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Each week we highlight a word, acronym or other term commonly used in the asphalt pavement industry in California.
FULL-DEPTH ASPHALT PAVEMENT: An asphalt pavement in which asphalt mixtures are employed for all courses above the sub-grade or improved sub-grade. A full-depth asphalt pavement is laid directly on the prepared sub-grade.
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Paving Pointer of the Week |
Each week we highlight a key point or best practice of interest to asphalt paving crews, inspectors and others working in the field. We welcome suggestions. More tips can be found in our "Asphalt Parking Lot Construction Checklist" HERE. Information on the CalAPA "Quality Paving Certificate" program is HERE.
PROJECT BOUNDARIES: Prior to the start of paving, the foreman and crew should "paint out" the boundaries of the project and mark the paving lanes to identify the proper paving sequence. Once paving starts, the inspector must monitor many items, including mix temperature, layer thickness, smoothness, possible mix segregation and joint construction. These are done through observation and utilization of numerous tools, including a straight edge, thermometer and density gauge.
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Each week we highlight a term that is specific to climate-change issues related to the asphalt pavement industry. This feature is intended to raise awareness of the asphalt industry's climate-change initiatives and the specialized terminology that goes with them. More information on "The Road Forward" asphalt industry climate initiative can be found HERE.
UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: Call for countries to tackle climate action, life and justice issues.
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"Stay in your lane."
– Walter White (Bryan Cranston)
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CALAPA CALENDAR:
View all CalAPA events HERE.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Topgolf Networking Event
Wednesday, March 22, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Topgolf Sports & Entertainment Complex, 1050 N. Archibald Ave., Ontario.
Details soon!
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SAVE THE DATES!
2023 Spring Asphalt Pavement Conference & Equipment Expo.
Thursday & Friday, March 23-24
Doubletree Hotel Ontario Airport, 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario, CA
Registration opens soon.
For exhibitor and sponsor information, contact Sophie You at (916) 791-5044.
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There's never been a better time to join the California Asphalt Pavement Association! Members receive insight and advanced notice on critical issues that impact every company's bottom line. CalAPA members also receive invitations to exclusive member-only events, in-depth "Member Alerts," our comprehensive asphalt market forecast for California, discounts and industry-specific networking opportunities not available anywhere else. CalAPA's new searchable on-line membership directory helps connect potential customers with member companies. Click HERE to download our Member Service brochure. Click HERE to view Vol. 1 of recent testimonials. Not convinced? Click HERE to view Vol. 2 of recent testimonials. With so much changing in the asphalt pavement industry, what you don't know can cost you! Click HERE to send us an e-mail inquiry, or contact Russell Snyder with CalAPA at (916) 791-5044. |
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We hope you enjoy CalAPA's Asphalt Insider newsletter. We are committed to providing you with the most up-to-date information on technical issues, regulation, news, analysis, events and trends in California that is of interest to the asphalt pavement industry and our various agency partners. Click HERE to contact us with any comments or suggestions.
Sincerely,
Russell W. Snyder, CAE
Executive Director
California Asphalt Pavement Association (CalAPA)®
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The "Asphalt Insider" is an official publication of the California Asphalt Pavement Association. For more information or to inquire about membership, call (916) 791-5044, or click HERE to contact us. Copyright © 2023 California Asphalt Pavement Association -- All Rights Reserved. The CalAPA name (No. 5,621,794) and logo (No. 5,621,795) are registered trademarks with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
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P.O. Box 981300, West Sacramento, CA 95798
1550 Harbor Blvd., Suite 120, West Sacramento, CA 95691
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