Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/214806
AGGMAN OF THE YEAR 2013 stopped Rod from leading our government affairs committee and PAC (political action committee)," Vlahos says. "He recognizes that we need to stand up and be counted as individuals and as an industry if we have the chance to affect change either in Harrisburg, Pa., or in Washington, D.C. I look forward to the day that Rod will lead our association much like his father, Glenn, did." While Martin became active in the state association early in his career, it was approximately five years later that a peer suggested he become involved with the NSSGA through its Young Leaders Council (YLC). He attended his first meeting in 1997 and only missed one subsequent meeting — when it conflicted with his son's baptism. From 2004 to 2005, he served as chairman of the YLC and became a strong advocate for it within the industry. "The thing that always impressed me about Rod is his involvement in NSSGA, and, in particular, his dedication to the Young Leaders group," says Sean McLanahan, vice president and CFO, McLanahan Corp. "He is passionate about helping people learn about In 2008, Martin was named the Aggregates in Action Activist of the Year for his work with elected officials, such as Bill Shuster, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. 10 AGGREGATES MANAGER December 2013 our industry and networking with peers and Through its public relations industry professionals to efforts, Martin Stone Quarries advance issues affecting either visits or hosts hundreds of our industry. Add in his students each year to educate commitment to RockPac them about aggregates mining. (where Martin serves on the board of trustees) and his local community by providing tours to civic and school groups, and he is an obvious choice for this prestigious award. He does so much for the benefit of industry, far beyond what most people would realize or comprehend." In addition to YLC, Martin has been an active participant in the association's grassroots efforts. In 2008, he was named the Aggregates in Action (A2) Activist of the Year, and he currently serves as vice chairman of its government affairs committee. "Our business is so heavily focused on the highway industry," he says, noting that both state and federal governments may suffer from funding challenges. "We have a major funding crisis in Pennsylvania," Martin adds. In fact, the legislature's failure to respond to requests from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for adequate funds have recently resulted in reduced transportation access. "We've had two bridges that were weight restricted," he says. The company had to pay a waiver to use one bridge and takes longer, more expensive delivery routes to avoid the other. And federal funding poses similar challenges, particularly in a very partisan political environment. "The country seems so divided right now," he says. "Everybody seems to be in the mindset that they don't want to give anyone a win, whether it's good for the country or not." Regardless, Martin continues to work with elected officials and industry toward long-term solutions. "Rod Martin has been an active and committed government affairs committee member for at least a decade," says Pam Whitted, NSSGA's senior vice president, legislative and regulatory affairs. "Prior to the passage of MAP-21, Rod testified on behalf of NSSGA before the House Small Committee on the importance of the surface transportation law to the aggregates industry and small businesses, specifically. He called for passage of a multiyear, robust reauthorization. Rod is not only a man of words, but of action. He has developed relationships with his members of Congress and maintains those relationships, essential to a successful advocacy program… Rod's thoughtful advice and counsel have been invaluable." From the local chamber of commerce to the halls of Congress, Rod Martin has demonstrated leadership at every level. We are proud to recognize him as the 2013 AggMan of the Year. AM