SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers’ (IAAP) 54th Annual Convention and Aggregate Miner Safety Conference gave those working in the aggregates industry a chance to learn about the goods and services offered by 57 of IAAP’s associate member companies. Over the course of two days, attendees could participate in educational workshops, booths, and social events at the conference, which was held in Springfield, Illinois.

The first day was capped by an opening reception inside the expo area, where attendees could visit vendors and socialize before moving on to the Casino Night event. In addition to playing real casino games for chances to win prizes, attendees were also served dinner and drinks while some bid up the live auction items. Casino Night ticket sales and the live auction raised nearly $20,000 for the IAAP political action committee.

The Aggregate Policy Seminar on day one coincided with the full-day Aggregate Miner Safety Conference, offering in-depth education on critical topics. These, and other convention topics, were organized by IAAP member committees for the benefit of all members and their companies.

During the opening session on day two, IAAP Committee chairs reported their committee’s past accomplishments and future goals. Eighteen vendors also delivered “Lightning Talks,” which inform others about the goods and services each vendor provides.

The IAAP convention created an opportunity for members to socialize, network, make business contacts, and recognize the contributions member companies are making to the industry and their employees. In addition, the new Sustainability Committee booth gave attendees the chance to demonstrate their knowledge to win prizes.

Vince Caputo (Ozinga) successfully gathered all of the Clue Game clues and was the drawing winner for a $1,000 prize. IAAP Public Information and Education Committee members sold 50/50 raffle tickets raising money for their educational efforts. Jim Bottom (Hanson Material Service) purchased the winning ticket and donated his $1,948 prize back to the PIE Committee for a total of $3,895 to support the teachers workshop and public outreach.

The convention closed with a tribute to the late George Dirkes, IAAP’s first Executive Director. Anne Leslie (Raimonde Drilling) and George’s daughter, Jennifer Dirkes, recounted George’s life and commitment to the aggregate mining industry before Leslie presented an IAAP Industry Leadership award to George’s family. The keynote address was by Greg Coker on Building Cathedrals: The Power of Purpose. Coker spoke about the personalities and practices of effective leaders, along with giving an introduction to the way he will be facilitating the IAAP’s new Emerging Leaders program in 2023.