Among the challenges already identified is the quality of finishing work impacting the final product quality. “We’ll be looking at raising the skill level of finishers through a certi- fied concrete finishing program that in the end, will benefit the consumer and project owner.” Excited by the new federal and provincial governments and their commitments to infrastructure spending and sus- tainability, Bobocel will also use his lobbying skills here. “Sustainability is at the forefront of the provincial govern- ment agenda and we are ready to go to the table with an- swers and solutions.” With respect to the federal government’s promised in- frastructure spending he says, realistically, he has no idea what or how much might be directed to Alberta. However, knowing that concrete is involved in virtually every project to some degree, he is confident this investment will benefit the industry. Other efforts will be made to extend and expand part- nerships with other ready mixed associations across the country. “We’ll also look outside our own interests to groups like the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. By building alliances we leverage resources including knowl- edge and best practices, making us all better and stronger.” These alliances are not limited to Canada. Bobocel par- ticipates in the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) with public and private representatives from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Bobocel says this year’s PNWER summit in Calgary in July will provide an opportunity to present a Concrete 101 outline and share with participants concrete’s story of re- silience and sustainability. “This year we’ll begin the en- gagement, hopefully raising the bar in knowledge and technical language to start and then we can grow from there.” Bobocel says the industry as a whole is committed to safety and quality; both of which require skilled labour. “From the batch mixing person to the driver delivering the product, there needs to be skill and a commitment to safety.” He says the industry prefers to be proactive, creating its own initiatives for the environment and sustainability for in- stance. That same principle applies to safety as the industry begins its efforts towards a pump safety certification pro- gram. “There aren’t a lot of restrictions or conditions now on who can operate these pumps and they’re heavy and potentially dangerous pieces of equipment if not operated properly.” At the association’s annual general meeting in May, he says members can expect to hear some exciting announce- ments about changes to the organization and a new direc- tion and strategic plan. This, he says, has been part of his effort to meet with and hear from members. “As the asso- ciation changes and evolves, it is important to have the members engaged, to know our strengths and weaknesses so we can make changes that will benefit us all.” For more information about ARMCA, visit www.armca.ca. The Canadian Design and Construction Report — March 2016 – 37