EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE WHERE WE’VE BEEN AND WHERE WE’RE GOING RICK JOHNSON Executive Director, UAPA As we enter 2026 and prepare for the opportunities ahead, I want to extend my appreciation to each of our members, partners and industry friends. Last year was one of tremendous movement for UAPA — increased participation, expanded educational efforts and a renewed sense of unity across the state. TRAINING & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: A SIGNIFICANT YEAR OF GROWTH Our training programs saw exceptional engagement in 2025. Compared to last year, we experienced a 474% increase in the number of individuals trained, a powerful reflection of the industry’s desire for continued professional development. Our Lunch & Learn program also expanded rapidly, growing from zero events last year to 10 well-attended sessions in 2025, engaging more than 680 participants statewide. SCHOLARSHIPS: INVESTING IN UTAH’S FUTURE WORKFORCE One of the highlights of this past year was awarding 23 scholarships across Utah, totaling more than $20,000 in support for students pursuing education related to our industry. These scholarships represent our ongoing commitment to developing Utah’s future workforce and strengthening the long-term pipeline of skilled professionals who will support our state’s infrastructure for years to come. We invite you to read the summaries from the students who presented their projects at our Vernal and St. George conferences — you’ll see more of these scholarship opportunities in the future, as their work offers valuable insight and benefits to our entire industry. MEMBERSHIP GROWTH: EXPANDING OUR REACH AND IMPACT Last year also marked significant growth in our association membership. In 2025, UAPA increased from 1,500 individual members to over 2,700, and the number continues to rise. Our new association management platform, GrowthZone, has supported this expansion by streamlining communication and improving member services. We are especially pleased to now extend membership to cities and counties, offering them reduced rates for courses and conferences, as well as a stronger connection to statewide asphalt industry resources. CHARITABLE PARTNERSHIP: SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SERVE We also continued our commitment to the Warrior Rizen Ranch Foundation, UAPA’s charity of the year. The work they do with veterans and first responders is both inspiring and deeply impactful. It was UAPA’s honor to support them throughout 2025, and we look forward to doing even more in 2026. I invite each of you to support their mission — your involvement makes a meaningful difference for heroes right here in Utah. THE YEAR AHEAD This year, we remain focused on expanding opportunities for training, education and industry collaboration. UAPA is introducing a dedicated Safety Corner in both our quarterly magazine (including this very issue) and monthly email newsletter, ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of every project and operation throughout the year. We’re also excited to continue growing our workforce development offerings. This includes expanding our scholarship program and strengthening the pipeline of students entering the industry, helping counter current trends where more individuals leave the workforce than join it. Our relationships with UDOT, as well as cities and counties across Utah, continue to grow, and we look forward to deepening these partnerships this year. Additionally, UAPA is now offering certification courses in Asphalt Inspection, Asphalt Preservation and a statewide Pre-Season Training Course, all designed to elevate knowledge, readiness and consistency before the construction season begins. A tentative calendar outlining opportunities in the months ahead is included in this issue. Thank you for your continued trust, involvement and support. Together, we are building a stronger, safer and more resilient asphalt industry for Utah. 6
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