The 2025 CRMCA Fall Workshop brings members together for two days of connection, learning, and industry insight. From inspiring keynotes and interactive breakout sessions to timely discussions on policy, safety, promotion, and technical innovations, the workshop is designed to equip you with practical strategies and forward-looking perspectives. Explore the full education below and make the most of this year’s workshop.
Everyone Leads: How Safety Culture Really Spreads
Speaker: Camille Oakes, Better Safety
In this industry, most safety breakdowns don’t happen because people don’t know the rules. They happen when people are distracted, disconnected, or trying to get too much done at once. This keynote will explore how a strong safety culture doesn’t come from one person or one department, but from consistent actions and decisions across every level of leadership.Through relatable stories, practical strategies, and audience interaction, Camille will help attendees understand how to lead safety from wherever they sit. It’s not about being the safety cop, it’s about influencing behavior, setting the tone, and staying connected to the people doing the work.
Fleet Compliance & Driver Readiness: Navigating State and Federal Regulations
Speaker: Kevin Elrod, Spartan Transportation LLC
Ensuring your fleet operates safely and in compliance with regulations is critical for protecting your employees and your business. In this session, Kevin Elrod will provide guidance on preparing for inspections and crash scenarios, maintaining complete and accurate Driver Qualification Files, and understanding the differences between state and federal regulations. Participants will gain practical strategies to reduce risk, avoid violations, and stay audit-ready. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, this session will equip fleet managers, safety officers, and operators with the knowledge needed to maintain compliance, enhance driver safety, and protect both personnel and company assets.
Know – Like – Trust: Your Social Media Blueprint for Success
Speaker: Seth Fargher, Construction Video Pros
Social media is more than promotion – it’s about building authority in your space and fostering meaningful connections with prospects, customers and employees. In this session we welcome Seth Fargher of Construction Video Pros who will provide simple, straightforward insights into the world of social media and how brands and individuals can develop meaningful relationships online that drive growth. From personal connections to building raving fans, participants will learn effective strategies to connect and engage with and leave a lasting impact that builds Know, Like and Trust among their audience.
Breakout Sessions
From Story to Strategy: Growing Your Brand & Business
In today’s market, your story is your strength. This breakout session highlights how CRMCA members across the Carolinas are turning authentic storytelling into tangible business growth. Through real examples of local producers, contractors, and industry partners, we’ll explore how strategic use of social media builds stronger connections, elevates brand presence, and drives new opportunities. Participants will hear success stories that demonstrate how sharing project highlights, community impact, and innovation can set businesses apart. Join us to learn practical takeaways for transforming your own story into a strategy that strengthens both your brand and bottom line.
Technical: NCDOT Point of Placement Research Results
Quality testing is essential to ensuring strong, reliable concrete. This session will share findings from recent NCDOT Point of Placement research, highlighting how testing practices directly affect performance, durability, and project outcomes. Participants will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities uncovered by this research, with a focus on improving consistency and accountability across the industry. Join us to explore proven strategies that strengthen quality assurance, support producers and contractors, and build greater confidence in the results that shape successful projects.
Speaker: Dr. Tara Cavalline, UNC Charlotte
Supercharge Your Safety Team
Track 3 – Safety & HR
A safety team can be a powerhouse—or a complete waste of time. This hands-on session focuses on how to build or revamp a team that actually drives results. Attendees will learn how to identify the right members, set clear goals, track meaningful metrics, and turn passive meetings into action-oriented teams. This breakout complements the keynote by showing how to turn safety culture principles into a specific structure—creating ownership, accountability, and energy around safety at the team level.
Speaker: Camille Oakes, Better Safety
November 18 Education
Carolinas Political Outlook & PAC Engagement
CRMCA Lobbyists: Ben Homeyer, Susan Vick and Tom Fetzer
Policy and politics shape the future of the concrete industry across the Carolinas. In this session, participants will gain timely insights into the regional political landscape, key issues affecting construction and infrastructure, and what to expect in upcoming legislative sessions. We’ll also highlight the role of CRMCA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) in amplifying the industry’s voice, strengthening relationships with policymakers, and driving positive outcomes for members. Learn why active engagement matters, how contributions make a difference, and ways you can participate. Join us to better understand the challenges and opportunities ahead—and how our collective influence can grow.
Panel Discussion: The Future of Cement & Cement Forecasting
The cement industry is rapidly evolving to meet shifting market demands, performance expectations, and long-term resilience goals. This panel brings together technical experts to discuss innovations in cement production, new blends and materials, and the role of forecasting in preparing for future growth. Attendees will gain insight into the economic, regulatory, and technological factors shaping supply and demand, as well as practical perspectives on how these changes will affect producers, contractors, and designers. Join us for a forward-looking conversation that connects cement innovation with real-world market trends, helping you plan and position your business for what’s ahead.
Economic Outlook for Ready Mixed Concrete: 2026 & Beyond
Speaker: Pierre Villere, Allen-Villere Partners
Gain valuable insights into the economic and industry trends shaping the Carolinas. This session will provide a 5-year outlook for both states, highlighting key factors that impact growth and development. He will also share his perspective on the ready mixed concrete industry and the broader construction sector, equipping members with the information they need to plan for capital expenditures, anticipate market shifts, and make informed business decisions.
