In the ready-mixed concrete world, summer is no vacation for our members. Between the relentless heat, early-morning pours and demanding hours, balancing business and reprieve serves to be a challenging effort. All the while, our members have supported our events spanning the Carolinas this busy season.

Following the July 4th holiday, CRMCA was back in full swing, conducting educational events from Wilmington to Hendersonville. The Eastern CEC held last week featured guest speakers on Sustainable Building Solutions, focusing on concrete as a fortified material for coastal communities, pervious concrete for stormwater management, solar energy for resilient grids and local initiatives spearheaded by the City of Wilmington and UNC Wilmington.

The NC DOT Point of Placement research project event welcomed UNC Charlotte students and Dr. Tara Cavalline hosted by S&W Ready Mix Concrete. Students and volunteers battled thunderstorms and lightning before the boom arm was able to safely operate. When the storms passed, they collected over 50 samples onsite to support the research endeavor funded by NCDOT.

Concurrently, while the NCDOT Point of Placement Study was taking place, Jessica Wilson moderated a virtual panel discussing artificial intelligence and the associated positive impacts on cost-savings to  business owners. Experts from AICrete, Command Alkon, Giatec and Sysdyne shared their insights on AI’s ability to improve mix designs, logistics, succession planning and supply chain realities. If you missed the webinar, watch it here.

One week later, and roughly 300 miles separating events, CRMCA hosted the Western CEC with guest speaker, Isiaiah Reed, sharing his experience as former NC DEQ inspector on stormwater best practices for ready-mixed concrete producers. From managing discharge flow rates, slurry and storm events, members left understanding the common pitfalls of sustainable wastewater, stormwater, and site management .

With only a few days left in the month, we look forward to reconnecting with our members from across the two states at our Mixer Driver Rodeo on August 17th. We wish our drivers the best of luck and safe travels to Cabarrus County Arena.