b'MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORalso be forging relationships with ENGOs (environmental non- and, for the first time, OSSGA will take a major sponsorship at the governmental organizations) so they better understand the roleAMO policy meeting that takes place in August of each year. of aggregates in Ontario and why we need to mine aggregates close to where they are being used.IalsolookforwardtolaunchingOSSGAsfirstlobbyday at Queens Park this coming April. We plan to have 50 of our Q: What can members expect to see under your leadership? members participate in 50 meetings with elected representatives The OSSGA team needs to offer a solid shareholder valuefrom the Premier, cabinet ministers, MPPs from government and proposition for every member, whether theyre a multinational,the opposition to key civil servants. The lobby days goals are Ontario-wide, or entrepreneurial-led company. We need toto broaden our audiences understanding of how important the be member centred and focused. I also aim to add value foraggregate industry is to Ontario. By the end of the day, we want members by drawing on my knowledge of the machinery ofthem to know that nothing gets built in Ontario without aggregates. government and contacts within the public sector at the provincial andmunicipallevelsofgovernment,withmunicipalities,In one sentence, what OSSGA needs is a greater voice for environmental groups, and First Nations leaders to remove someour industry and for our industry to be proactive and engaged roadblocks and challenges that can slow the process of gettingin building broad and deep relationships with decision-makers licences for new pits and quarries.in governments, environmental NGOs, First Nations, and allied Q: How do you plan to broaden OSSGAs network and raiseindustries in the construction sector, and ensuring that those its voice among Ontario decision-makers? stakeholders understand the importance of Ontarios stone, sand and gravel industry.For an association to have success, it has to follow four simple rules when dealing with decision-makers: be a constant presence,OSSGA has a robust committee system, so I encourage members be consistent with your practices, be coordinated with yourto participate. And if they have any questions, concerns or gripes, members and allies, and have a compelling story to share. ByI want them to pick up the phone and let me know. I will be following this recipe, we will be well on our way to buildingproactively reaching out to members, but I want them all to feel reservoirs of goodwill with the decision-makers and influencers.welcome to call me anytime to help with industry or individual Secondly, I want to establish a solid relationship with TAPMOmember issues. That two-way communication and learning is key (Top Aggregate Producing Municipalities of Ontario) and AMOto what I do. While I have been in the construction industry for (Association of Municipalities of Ontario). I will work with AMO17 years now, I still have a lot to learn, and we have giants in the on a proactive basis so that they better understand our industryindustry from whom I want to learn.Buildinginfrastructure& strongercommunitiesthrough our commitment Waterford provides premium natural stone to innovation and sustainability. and sands, recycled concrete, recycled asphalt, Aggregates Asphalt premium washed and unwashed limestone Ready Mix ConcreteConstruction products, concrete products and ready-mix Trucking concrete for the building trade industry.Waterford Sand & GravelVinemount QuarriesDunnville Rock ProductsLaw Crushed StoneWe are happy to Welcome Norfolk AggregatesCedarwell Excavating from Hanover, ONInter County Concreteinto the Walker family! 519-752-1300|70 Ewart Avenue, BrantfordONBuilding a sustainablefuture, together. www.waterfordgroup.cawalkeraggregates.com\\\\ walkerconstruction.ca8 AVENUESWINTER 2024'