ASSOCIATION

It seemed like "Asphalt Week” in the Inland Empire. The annual CalAPA Spring Asphalt Pavement Conference & Equipment Expo sprawled across several days of activities and venues that had something for everyone.

The marquee event was the Spring Conference, held March 23-24 at the DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center in Ontario, with an all-star lineup of speakers and presentations designed to inform and inspire industry and agency attendees alike. Kicking off the conference with more sparks than a July 4th celebration was motivational speaker and author Wally Adamchik, who shared best practices on culture and leadership in the construction industry. Dr. Howard Marks, vice president for environment, health and safety for the National Asphalt Pavement Association, a CalAPA partner, also took the stage on the opening day to share eye-opening and timely insights on the national regulatory front.

Another timely presentation was delivered by Tanya DeRivi, senior director for California Climate and Fuels for the Western States Petroleum Association. The oil industry, which produces products that are the foundation for the nation's economy, including asphalt, is engaged with elected officials and regulators at all levels of government.

A Federal Highway Administration perspective was provided by Mike Huner, a consultant with the FHWA, which recently brought its Mobile Asphalt Technology Center (MATC) to California, including an extended stay at the Caltrans Southern Regional Materials Laboratory (SRL) in Fontana. The MATC was featured in a Women of Asphalt California Branch "lunch and learn" event and tour March 22 at SRL. Acting SRL Chief Sarah Hartz participated in the tour and also was