About CSSGA
Introduction
The Colorado Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (CSSGA) is the new rebranded name of the Colorado Rock Products Association (CRPA) as of January 1, 2008. This statewide trade association has represented members of the Colorado aggregate industry for over 50 years.
The Strategic Plan has been developed by the CSSGA Board of Directors and summarizes the membership, legislative and regulatory guidelines and objectives of CSSGA.
Review the full Strategic Plan here.
History
Just over 50 years ago, on September 5, 1956, the Colorado Sand and Gravel Producers Association filed papers of incorporation with the Colorado Secretary of State. The association was created because the aggregate industry was experiencing a great deal of zoning related issues. In the early years the association lobbied the Colorado General Assembly for regulations and more restrictive laws so all of the aggregate producers would conduct their business responsibly. In 1982 the name was changed to the Colorado Rock Products Association and CRPA helped the state establish the Mined Land Reclamation Act. The Association’s critical involvement with the creation of this legislation was the beginning of a long and very productive relationship with the members of the Colorado General Assembly and the Governor’s office.
Members Benefits
The leadership of CSSGA strongly believes that active member participation will provide you and your company with excellent industry relationships, a strong and clear understanding of the legislative and regulatory issues of the day, and overall a superb return on your membership investment.
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Legislative Committee: This Committee is very active during the Legislative Session between January and May. The Committee’s work is critical to our industry as we seek to maintain a balanced presence with policy-makers; the long-term consequences are too important not to be involved with the Governor and the Legislature. During the session the group typically meets every Monday morning at the Capitol with the CSSGA lobbying team, Managing Director, and interested members. Producer and Associate members are invited to participate on this Committee even if they cannot attend all of the meetings.
Legislative Breakfast Programs – The leadership of CSSGA invite legislative leaders, regulatory representatives, and members of the Governor’s administration to visit with members of CSSGA. This program runs from January through May.
Land Use and Environmental Committee: The focus of the Committee is as diverse and wide-spread as the various regulatory issues impacting the Aggregate Industry: land use, permitting for new plant operations, equipment permitting, water discharge/storage/augmentation/testing, air permitting/ RAQC (Regional Air Quality Commission), etc.
The Committee meets every month on the third Friday of the month and usually a guest speaker from one of the regulatory or cabinet agencies attends the meeting leading a discussion of topical issues.
Safety Committee: Safety is an essential and critically important attribute of any mining operation. All of CSSGA’s producer members are focused on worker safety with a safe and well managed plant operation. This Committee has a strong working relationship with numerous agencies including: MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation). In 2000 the Committee created the MSHA (Part 46) New Miner Training CD. This excellent instructional video is in its third edition and it continues to receive national recognition from MSHA and other industry associations.
The Safety Committee meets on the third Tuesday of the month from 11:30 to 1:00.
Equipment Committee: This Committee was founded in 2012 in order to meet our members’ growing needs. It was agreed the Committee will strive to be proactive in identifying issues deemed important to future operations of CSSGA members. Guest speakers and visitors will be invited to attend Equipment Committee Meetings to continue building on CSSGA member’s knowledge of safety, Best Management Practices, efficient engine and vehicle operations, and other current issues.
The Equipment Committee meets quarterly.
Additional Membership Benefits: In addition to a strong emphasis on the legislative, regulatory and safety issues, membership in the CSSGA also includes the following benefits:
Affiliation with NSSGA: CSSGA is aligned with our national association the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. This relationship provides CSSGA members with timely and on-going legislative and regulatory monitoring and advocacy at the federal level. NSSGA has placed a major emphasis on legislation for federal transportation and funding for Colorado highway projects. NSSGA also has a strong regulatory staff which keeps us apprised of the latest developments on water, air, MSHA, EPA, environmental issues, etc.
Affiliation with CAPA and CRMCA: We value our working relationships with the Executive Directors, Board of Directors, and Members of our industry partners the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association and the Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Collectively these associations are working to provide a united front on transportation funding, and other issues of the day, with the Governor, members of his administration, and members of the Colorado General Assembly. CSSGA also has an excellent working relationship with the Colorado Contractors Association (CCA) and we are strong supporters of CCA’s transportation funding efforts at the state level via MOVE Colorado.
Annual Meeting & Networking Events: Membership in CSSGA also includes participation in our on-going events. There is an annual meeting, usually in November, and a series of networking events are held quarterly.
Membership Dues: Financial support, along with member participation, is a critical element of any organization.
Associate Member Dues: There is flat $750 annual fee for all of our Associate Members.
Producer Member Dues: Membership dues for these members are calculated on a sliding scale assessment on a per ton “out-of-the-gate” basis as follows:
Producer Membership Fee Scale
* 1 through 100,000 tons Flat fee of $1,500
* 100,001 through 500,000 tons Rate per ton = $0.0100
* 500,001 through 1,000,000 tons Rate per ton = $0.0095
* 1,000,001 through 3,000,000 tons Rate per ton = $0.0085
* More than 3,000,000 tons Rate per ton = $0.0070
Summary
We hope you will consider joining CSSGA as a Producer or Associate Member. Please do not hesitate to call the CSSGA Executive Director, Todd Ohlheiser, at 303-771-5290 if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.