Pub. 2 2019-2020 Issue 2

2 These are the people that truly understand there is always a choice. For the foreseeable future as we all, together, work through the consequences of COVID-19, I can see that even though we have been limited in some capacities, we still have a choice. Reed Ryan Executive Director The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE LOOK BACK TO MOVE FORWARD I f I am speaking honestly, I had a little trouble writing my message for this issue of On the Road because it largely features the great successes we all enjoyed at the 2020 Utah Asphalt Conference this year. My reviews of the drafts leading up to the publication of this issue brought back a flood of goodmemories from the conference, including simple joys such as the ability to shake someone’s hand or the opportunity to stand side by side next to your peers. I remain hopeful that the future holds many such opportunities for us to gather again. However, as we all know, so much since the time of the conference has simply changed. We have changed how we communicate (how many times have you heard someone ask “can everyone hear me?” on conference call over the last three months?); we have changed how we work; we have changed how we teach our children; and we have changed, whether we realize it or not, our collective futures. So how do we, as an industry, move forward? If I may, I would like to answer that question with one simple bit of advice: look back. Now I understand that is not very futurist of me, but let me explain. As much as things have and will continue to change (even at accelerated rates due to COVID-19), the more we should be willing to look back and build on the values, the people, and the culture of our industry that have made it what it is today and what it will become tomorrow. I may not be able to shake your hand right now, but I can still give you my word. That trust between us, our customers, and even our competitors should never change. Or, I may not be able to gather for a UAPA-sponsored Lunch & Learn, but I can still engage in edu- cation in new and promising formats to better understand my job and what lies ahead. That drive, to be the best, should always remain. These, among many other things, are the things we can look back on as we push our industry ahead into a new reality in the world that cur- rently surrounds us and will be a part of how we all ‘go to work’moving forward. The people I consider the best mentors from my own life are the ones who consistently take consequences that are largely out of their own personal control and turn them into opportu- nities instead of blame. These are the people that truly understand there is always a choice. For the foreseeable future as we all, together, work through the consequences of COVID-19, I can see that even though we have been limited in some capacities, we still have a choice. So, take a minute to look back on what made you, your family, or your organization what it is today and make a choice to use those same principles to move yourself, your family, or your organization forward. UAPA remains committed to this approach. I appreciate the chance to look back on the Utah Asphalt Conference in this issue, but rest assured, the association is moving forward. We miss seeing many of you in person. We’re hopeful you remain healthy and happy in these unprecedented times andwe stand ready to assist you in any of your industry-related needs. 3