The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) convened its 2024 Annual Young Leaders Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, USA. The meeting, held April 28 – May 1, attracted more than 338 participants from across the country. This is the aggregates industry's premier opportunity for professionals under the age of 40 to learn more about the industry, build leadership skills and grow a strong network.
During the Monday general session, NSSGA Young Leaders Chair Clay Albright, Caldwell Stone Co., welcomed attendees and shared his enthusiasm for the Young Leaders program.
"It's going to be a great event, filled with networking, educational components and maybe just a little bit of fun," said Clay Albright. "My goal for everyone this week is to be active, attend everything you possibly can, meet a few new faces and leave at the end of the event having learned a thing or two."
Along with keynotes from industry leaders, the meeting included educational breakout sessions on various topics, such as environmental permitting and drone utilisation. Tuesday's general session featured discussions with retired fighter pilot Robert "Cujo" Teschner and Dr. Richard Szecsy of Alamo Concrete Products. Later that evening, the Mark S. Walsh Award, sponsored by Rock Products, was presented to Jordan Russell of Belt Tech Industrial.
Meeting attendees also toured a Vulcan facility, competed in the annual golf tournament and shot sporting clays. As part of the Young Leaders' commitment to community involvement, attendees volunteered their time for two service projects benefitting the Children's Hunger Fund and San Antonio Food Bank.
"Young Leaders is one of NSSGA's most vibrant programs; it is not only an excellent way for those who become involved to invest in their career growth but also where the future leaders of the aggregates industry accelerate their development," said NSSGA President & CEO Michael Johnson. "I hope all the meeting attendees grew their network, learned something new, and most importantly, challenged themselves. The future of industry leadership is certainly bright."
On the final day of the meeting, outgoing Chair Clay Albright passed the gavel to Brendan Devereaux of Summit Materials. Devereaux has been a member of Young Leaders for over a decade and is well-respected amongst his peers and the aggregates industry.
The next NSSGA Young Leaders meeting will be held April 26 – May 1, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia. For more information on NSSGA meetings and events, please visit www.nssga.org.
