Broadcaster highlights OAIMA meeting

The Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) held its Annual Meeting & Trade Show last week in Columbus, Ohio. About 550 attendees were on hand to visit with 72 exhibiting companies. The event’s featured speaker was Marty Brennaman, Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Cincinnati Reds. Brennaman told stories about his broadcast-booth antics, and he signed autographs to raise money for Wounded Warriors.

Also speaking was Pamela Whitted, senior vice president, legislative and regulatory affairs for the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. Whitted said, “NSSGA’s number one priority is getting a surface-transportation bill.” She discussed the situation in Washington in regards to the highway bill and other legislation, and she encouraged audience members to contact their congressional representatives about highway funding.

Jerry Wray, director of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), addressed the group, as well. Wray told the audience we will standing here a year from now still without a highway bill. “A big bucket of money from Washington is not coming,” he said. Wray also explained how ODOT is working diligently to cut costs.

The OAIMA meeting included educational sessions, a live fund-raising auction, and an awards brunch.