GRMCA annual meeting draws nearly 200 attendees at Amelia Island

The Georgia Ready Mixed Concrete Association brought nearly 200 attendees and their families to its 57th Annual Meeting July 19-22 at Omni Amelia Island Resort, where members heard industry updates, honored leaders and raised money for scholarships and political advocacy. The turnout highlighted strong engagement across Georgia’s ready mixed concrete sector during a leadership transition at the association.

Why it matters: - GRMCA’s annual meeting showed broad member engagement across Georgia’s ready mixed concrete industry at a time of leadership change. - The event combined education, advocacy and fundraising, all of which support the association’s stated goals of safety, compliance and industry growth. - Record attendance and an all-time high in membership signal momentum for the organization heading into 2027.

What happened: - The Georgia Ready Mixed Concrete Association held its 57th Annual Meeting July 19-22 at Omni Amelia Island Resort. - Nearly 200 registered attendees and their families represented more than 80 member companies. - Sika Corporation presented the meeting. - The event brought together producers, suppliers, industry partners and families for education, recognition, fundraising and relationship-building.

The details: - Outgoing Board Chairman McKenzie Davenport of Fowler Flemister opened the business meeting Monday morning. - Outgoing Executive Director Bill Benzur gave the invocation, and David Ernst of Ernst Concrete led the Pledge of Allegiance. - Incoming Executive Director Jeff Newlin kicked off the business sessions. - Sgt. Keni Thomas, a U.S. Army Ranger, Black Hawk Down veteran, Bronze Star with Valor recipient, best-selling author and Nashville recording artist, delivered the keynote on leadership, teamwork and supporting the person beside you. - Patrick Allen, GDOT Construction Division director, gave an update on Georgia transportation infrastructure priorities. - Emily Engel Fries, GRMCA director of government relations and member services, reported on association initiatives. - Kevin Elrod, president of Spartan Transportation and a former FMCSA safety investigator, discussed preparedness and accurate corporate records after an accident or inspection. - A legislative panel moderated by Tucker Green of Tucker Green and Associates featured Sen. Shawn Still, Georgia Senate Caucus leader for District 48, and Joseph Santoro, executive director of the Georgia Transportation Alliance. - Rajeev Dhawan, director of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, gave members an outlook on housing, construction and the Georgia economy heading into 2027. - Incoming Board Chairman Ben Cantrell of Basic Ready Mix called for a vote on incoming board members and adjourned the business meeting. - Joel Hammond received the Lifetime Achievement Award for career contributions to Georgia’s ready mixed concrete community. - GRMCA presented Exemplary Service Awards to Justin Lazenby of Thomas Concrete, Leslie Prince of Compliance Systems and Hugh Papy of Knight’s Companies. - Bill Benzur, who had served as executive director since 2022, handed leadership to Jeff Newlin. - McKenzie Davenport completed his term as GRMCA board chairman, and Ben Cantrell took over as chairman. - The Annual Meeting Calcutta Auction raised $34,000 for GRMCA’s scholarship program. - The silent auction raised $24,000 for GRMCA’s political action fund. - GRMCA said the fundraising helps strengthen the ready mixed concrete industry’s voice and engagement in Georgia. - The association also used the meeting to give members and families time to renew relationships and build new professional connections.

Between the lines: - The attendance and fundraising totals suggest the association still has strong buy-in from members and donors. - The leadership transition appears orderly, with outgoing leaders turning over responsibilities while the organization emphasizes continuity. - The mix of policy, economic and operational sessions shows GRMCA is trying to give members practical value beyond networking.

What's next: - Jeff Newlin will lead GRMCA as the association builds on its current membership strength. - GRMCA said it will continue focusing on advocacy, education, collaboration and operational excellence. - More information about the association is available at GRMCA’s website.