Continuing education and professional development are essential in any thriving career path. ACPA has continuously been a resource in helping professionals obtain their development hours, or at minimum, learn new techniques and best practices that help them be better at their craft. Although plans are already in the works to build out educational programming for 2023, don’t miss the opportunity to finish off 2022 by attending this year’s Annual Meeting.  ACPA’s 59th Annual Meeting, to be held Nov. 29-Dec. 1 in Nashville, TN, offers an expanded line-up of educational and networking opportunities. For example, ACPA will host its well-regarded Concrete Pavement University sessions, which feature a wide variety of presentations from experts on industry topics including a new session on risk and litigation. The three-part session, led by ACPA’s Tim Martin, will encompass the collection, documentation and use of construction site information to mitigate legal risk. The market forums, sessions in which attendees address issues and work together to further ACPA’s strategic plan, also promise to a great learning experience. Last but not least, our new offering this year is the Research and Innovation Hub. This gathering will showcase new products and research for our members to connect with throughout the meeting. If you haven’t registered for ACPA’s Annual Meeting, it’s not too late. While rumors have it the room block is nearly at capacity, there is still plenty of room but don’t delay.

Our commitment to education continues with our launch of a ‘lunch and learn’ series on December 15th. The first topic will be non-destructive testing of concrete paving quality. This session is intended to provide a good examination of pros and cons using certain technologies and how to test if a particular technology is suitable. Save the date, as details will soon follow. The session is free to ACPA members.

Lastly, I always find that being On the Grade with ACPA Chapter State Executives and our members is the best continuing education one could ask for in this profession. This week, I was fortunate enough to travel to Oklahoma for the ACPA OK/AR Board of Directors Meeting with members who clearly are masters at their craft. Special thank you to CSE Brent Burwell, Jim Duit and Mike Lipps of Duit Construction Company, Inc. for being gracious hosts.

This week we highlight a highway in Colorado receiving accolades, updates on several FHWA programs, and new staff throughout the industry.

Cheers!