South Carolina establishes state aggregate association

South Carolina produced about 45 million tons of aggregate in 2018. Photo by Zach Mentz

The South Carolina Aggregates Association (SCAA) has been formed to protect and promote the interest of the South Carolina aggregate industry, according to the new organization.

SCAA will serve as the state’s leading voice for the aggregate industry, advancing public policy to protect and expand safe and environmentally-responsible use of aggregate that is necessary to build infrastructure in South Carolina and across the country.

As a whole, South Carolina produced about 45 million tons of aggregate in 2018, according to SCAA.

“SCAA members realize that working together our industry voice is stronger and our advocacy program will be more effective,” says Elliott Botzis, vice president and general manager of South Carolina at Vulcan Materials who serves as SCAA president. “Together we speak with a collective voice.”

Association members include producers of crushed stone, sand and gravel, as well as other construction and industrial materials. Equipment suppliers and service providers serving the industry are also supporting SCAA.

According to SCAA, association members produce the essential raw materials found in homes, schools, commercial buildings, roads, bridges and public work projects. The largest users of aggregate are in local, state and federal infrastructure programs.

“New laws and regulations at the local, state and federal level affect our entire industry,” says Jim Thompson, vice president and general manager of the Carolina South Region at Martin Marietta who serves as SCAA vice president. “SCAA will represent the interest of the aggregates industry through active participation in the legislative and regulatory process and community involvement.”

In addition, SCAA named Michael Newman the association’s executive director. Newman previously served as the president and managing director of the Michigan Aggregates Association for 21 years.