Alberta Ready-Mixed Concrete Association leads industry initiatives in safety, quality and opportunity building Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Representing more than 93 per cent of the concrete pro- ducers in Alberta, the Alberta Ready-Mixed Concrete Asso- ciation (ARMCA) is supported by producer, associate and affiliate members as the industry’s provincial voice. The as- sociation has been advocating for the industry for more than 50 years. Executive director Robin Bobocel has been travelling throughout the province since his appointment last April, learning about mem- bers’ needs and concerns, and their pride. “Across the board I am hearing about dedica- tion to quality and the pride at the basis of this industry.” For instance, he says he has heard evi- dence of the industry stepping up to self-po- lice, ensuring everyone is operating as they should. “When an accident occurs related to the industry, the first thing I hear from my members is: ‘Is everyone okay,’ and then, 36 – March 2016 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report ‘What can we do to make sure that doesn’t happen again,’” he said. “Safety and co-operation aren’t just buzzwords in our industry, they’re core principles for how we operate.” He says there is a widespread understanding that the in- dustry is stronger in unity and that if one leg falters, every- one suffers. “You must appreciate this is a capital intensive industry. Between fixed and long-term assets, people who are in the business are in for the long haul so it isn’t just about a storefront closing if there are problems.” Bobocel has also received a members’ mandate to increase awareness of concrete’s sustainability, resiliency and flexibility. “Con- crete is everywhere and involved in virtually every project in one form or another. How- ever, it is a component that is easily over- looked,” he said. This ties in well to Bobocel’s other man- date. With his background as a lobbyist, the association’s board of directors has instructed him to become more active in public policy. Robin Bobocel