This Executive Update features the "Asphalt Performs" ad campaign from APA, recent activities from Women of Asphalt, a new opportunity in Wisconsin to Just Fix It, and NAPA's international stone matrix asphalt conference.
Vavrik

"Asphalt Performs" Ads

The Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA) continues its ongoing series of print ads and infographics highlighting asphalt's benefits with a new set of materials centered around the theme of " Asphalt Performs."

In four striking print advertisements, the appearance of iconic images -- gold bars, light bulbs and other items -- are "paved" with asphalt to create eye-catching imagery. These tell the story of why asphalt is the high-performing paving product of choice when it comes to value, innovation, sustainability and flexibility.

Click on any image to download the high-resolution PDF.






Please visit our website for the full suite of APA's "Asphalt Performs"  Print Ads and Infographics , as well as previous campaigns. All materials are co-branded with WAPA's logo and website information.
NAPA

Women of Asphalt

Women of Asphalt (WofA) was formed in 2017 as a national coalition to support women in all aspects of the asphalt industry through mentoring, education and advocacy, and by encouraging women to seek careers in the asphalt industry.

Since its founding, WofA has established an impressive platform on outreach opportunities: a formal mentoring and networking program, a podcast series, and a number of roundtable discussions at state and national asphalt meetings. WAPA applauds WofA and its members for engaging in this important work and helping foster a diverse asphalt industry. We are stronger for their efforts.

In addition, we are pleased to report that WAPA's own Engineering Director Deb Schwerman was named to WofA's  Women of Asphalt 100 List. She joins the company of 99 other women who are leading the way in technical, management, and executive roles in asphalt. Deb received this honor after being nominated by her peers as a "woman who makes a difference in the asphalt industry."

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Deb!



Engineering


An Opportunity to Just Fix it

A New Direction in Wisconsin

Incoming Governor Tony Evers ran for office on a platform that included improving roads as a central theme. Early into his tenure, Governor Evers is making good on this campaign promise. 

The Transportation Stakeholder Task Force is a panel of 34 individuals, including lawmakers from both parties and representatives of local governments, economic development organizations, planning commissions, tourism entities and business groups.

According to a press release, these panelists "understand and represent the comprehensive needs of Wisconsin's transportation system." They are charged with helping the governor's office form a "comprehensive, long-term solution to the state's transportation needs."

The panel is moving on a fast track, with input to be incorporated into Evers' budget due by the end of February.

Even as solutions are being drawn, according to FDL Reporter, new WisDOT secretary Craig Thompson indicated that "he believed more money was needed for transportation and the best way to get it would be to increase gas taxes or vehicle fees." WAPA has been advocating for a robust user-based funding system for years, and we are pleased to see action in this direction at the highest levels of government.

As the state moves forward, the governor is committed to a coalition-based solution. "The people of Wisconsin want some answers," according to Evers in the Wisconsin State Journal. "I know there's a nonpartisan way to solve these problems."

Building Awareness at Home and in D.C.

The effort to educate decision-makers continues both Wisconsin and in our nation's capital. The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) has a Grassroots Toolbox with guidance on how to take action now . Resources on NAPA's checklist include:
Four
 International SMA Conference

NAPA held its First International Conference on Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) last November in Atlanta.

NAPA reports that approximately 250 people from 20 countries and 32 states shared experiences with SMA, learned more about the performance, economic, and sustainability benefits of SMA, and heard about research pushing this material in new and innovative directions.

Wisconsin was among the first states to work with SMA, and WAPA Technical Director Deb Schwerman put Wisconsin on this national stage with her presentation titled WisDOT's Experiences with SMA. During her talk, Deb provided a historical perspective of Wisconsin's pilot projects, discussed the evolution of SMA specifications, and outlined best practices, challenges, and future needs.

 Save the Date!

Please save the date for our 2019 conference:

WAPA's 60th Annual Conference and Business Meeting
December 3-4, 2019
Ingleside Hotel (formerly Country Springs Hotel)
Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Please look for more details on our website, in our newsletters, and by email later this year.

As always, please let me know if you have any question or if WAPA can be of service. As winter turns to spring, we wish everyone a safe and successful paving season.