Pub. 2 2019-2020 Issue 4

2 Reed Ryan Executive Director The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE W e made it! Welcome to the end of 2020 and the promise of all things ahead in the year 2021. Somehow, two weeks to “flatten the curve” has now turned into a prolonged, nine-month battle for health, safety and life. Like you, I’m saddened at the loss of life we have experienced this year. By now, at a minimum, many of us have known of at least an acquaintance who has passed away due to the global pandemic. And as tough as this year may have been on schedules, on schooling, on our jobs and even on our association, the personal loss many of us have borne helps to keep things in perspective. As 2020 ends and 2021 begins, I am excited that news of vaccines and their distribution gives us all hope for light at the end of this tunnel. In fact, as I read through this final 2020 issue of On The Road, I think that great things are coming in 2021 both for UAPA and for our industry. Specifically, how great is it that UAPA was chosen to be one of the first few state asphalt pavement associations to create a Women of Asphalt Branch within our association? Nicole Shields is one of the kindest and most highly driven individuals I have met through UAPA, and I cannot wait to see what she can do with our Women of Asphalt branch as the chair in 2021. Similarly, despite major obstacles to meeting in person, UAPA launched our second regional leadership council, the Northern Utah Regional Leadership Council, during the fall of 2020. With Craig Fabrizio from Staker Parson Materials & Construction at the helm, this group is off to a wonderful start setting some major goals for 2021 and beyond. As we have all come to realize by now, 2020 has changed us. The things we learned this year will shape us into better people for many years to come. There is more we have yet to do, however, and that’s why I am grateful that a portion of this issue is also dedicated to our collective and proverbial Elephant in the Room — substance abuse. This is an issue and a beast that often leads to heartbreak, loss of employment, and, sadly, at times, loss of life. I have personally witnessed the ravages of this monster on several occasions in my life. I have seen loved ones and friends battle, I have seen them win the fight, and I have seen them lose the fight as well. Simply put, I hate it. And I wish substance abuse wasn’t a problem, but we need to be better as an industry at dealing with it. I’m hopeful our article here will help build awareness. So, in 2021, let’s take better care of each other. Let’s watch out for each other. Let’s keep our hope bright and our knowledge strong that we are united in providing an essential service and workforce to the state of Utah. I can’t wait to see all of you — in person! — come 2021. I know that time is soon at hand, and I am oh so excited for that day! Until then, I hope you will continue to use UAPA as a resource to address the needs of owners and industry alike. We’re always better together — here’s to a New Year! 3 With appreciation, Reed Ryan Executive Director The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association WE MADE IT! As we have all come to realize by now, 2020 has changed us. The things we learned this year will shape us into better people for many years to come.