NSSGA names Rock Star Award winners

By Jack Kopanski| September 27, 2023

John Hay of CRH, left, presents Rep. Troy Balderson, R-Ohio, with the Rock Star Award at the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Legislative & Policy Forum. Photo: NSSGA

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) awarded Reps. Troy Balderson, R-Ohio, and Greg Stanton, D-Arizona, with its Rock Star Award during the last day of the annual Legislative & Policy Forum.

The Rock Star awards are given annually to members of Congress that go above and beyond for the aggregates industry, according to NSSGA.

Both Balderson and Stanton played key roles in the ROCKS Act, which was included in the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act signed into law in 2021.

“We applaud congressman Balderson and his staff for their dedication and work to ensure our industry is able to supply the essential materials needed to modernize our aging infrastructure systems,” says Michael Johnson, NSSGA president & CEO. “Congressman Balderson has been a staunch champion of our industry, and I am proud recognize his stalwart support with our Rock Star Award.”

Johnson also praises Stanton’s efforts in working with NSSGA toward policies that benefit the industry.

Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Arizona, speaks at the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) Legislative & Policy Forum after receiving the association’s Rock Star Award. Photo: NSSGA

“Congressman Stanton and his outstanding staff have been tremendous allies of the construction material industry,” he says. “We are proud to present the congressman with NSSGA’s annual Rock Star Award in recognition of his work advancing policies which allow our industry to provide the materials necessary to meet the infrastructure needs of our nation.”

Since arriving in Congress, NSSGA says Balderson has a proven track record of advancing policies that help the aggregate industry move materials to projects and build our communities. Balderson currently serves on the Energy & Commerce Committee.

“I am grateful to receive the Rock Star Award by the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association,” Balderson says. “During my time in Congress, I have been able to tour quarries, see the production of aggregates first-hand and meet the incredible people responsible for producing our nation’s essential building materials. Ohio’s 12th Congressional District and the surrounding areas continue to grow at a record pace, and I am thankful for each of the hardworking individuals in the industry who make it possible. In Washington, I am proud to be a voice of support for the industry, and I will continue to support policies that will help America build.”

As a long-time member of the House Transportation Committee and a former mayor, NSSGA says Rep. Stanton knows the importance of infrastructure investment for the continued success of our local communities and economy.

“I was proud to work with the team at NSSGA, and with my colleagues across the aisle, to pass legislation making it easier for growing communities to access aggregates resources – the stone, sand and gravel products essential to all construction and public works projects,” Stanton says. “Now, with thousands of projects underway thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, I’m focused on getting it implemented as quick as possible. The NSSGA has been an instrumental partner throughout this process, and I’m honored to be recognized for our work.”