Pub 3 2020-2021 Issue 1

11 Q: In March of 2011, UAPA came into existence when 10 charter members signed on to a three-year commit- ment to get the association up and off the ground. Now, close to 10 years later, we have 126 members, nine functioning and active commit- tees and councils, one of the largest asphalt-related conferences in the country, and relationships with agen- cies, owners, and partners across the state. This includes work on multi- ple specification revisions, a robust lunch and learn program, and the recent launch of a certification program. Giving credit where credit is due, many of you have helped to make all of what I just listed a reality. What would you like to see the asso- ciation do next? “What we have accomplished far exceeded our original goals. You know, five years ago there was some thought given to the notion that we had plateaued. We’re far from that. I think the sky is the limit.” “We literally house the majority of the technical expertise in the state when it comes to the asphalt paving industry. We’re on the cusp of putting together a world class certi- fication program. We’re a technical body that supports our industry.” This spring, in recognition of the Utah Asphalt Pavement Association’s 10th anniversary, a group of leaders within our organization met and discussed the past, present and future of UAPA. With ten years of history, lessons learned, and industry best practices, our group of leaders reflected on and shared their thoughts on these topics: Q: As an association, UAPA is still largely feeling the effects of COVID-19 (no in person asphalt conference, virtual com- mittee meetings and interactions with partners in agencies, cities, counties, etc.) — as a result of this past year, give me a personal takeaway and an organizational takeaway that has helped you and your organization grow or become better as a result of the pandemic. “I think that we will all continue to feel the effects of this past year. I think we learned different ways to accomplish what we needed to.” “I’m really proud of our industry. I think we adapted. I think we learned some ways of doing business that we will keep. I think people are more versed with “Zoom” meetings and some of that will stay.” DISCUSSION