The 42nd Annual OCA Winter Conference returned to the Hilton Columbus at Easton, as 512 association members and transportation leaders participated in the day-and-a-half event, December 16 & 17, to continue the tradition of being the group’s largest in-state event.
The 2024 Winter Conference not only fulfilled its customary featuring of meetings, breakout sessions, industry-related exhibits, keynote speakers and ODOT general sessions, mixers, award ceremonies and more, it was held amid another central Ohio destination event – as the adjacent Easton Town Center celebrated 25 years.
A Tradition of Learning
OCA Winter Conference attendees had the opportunity to take part in the first day’s offering of breakout sessions and meetings.
In the Innovative Accelerated Bridge Construction Panel session, The Ruhlin Co. Senior Project Executive Mark Myers and Brayman Construction Corp. President Tim Taylor talked about how this innovative construction practice was successfully used on the State Route 8 Joint Venture project with Ruhlin and The Great Lakes Construction Co.
A long-time presenter at OCA events, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Chief Economist Ken Simonson provided an Economic Outlook for the U.S. and Ohio heavy/highway construction industry.
Public Awareness/Services Coordinator Jason Broyles of the Ohio Utilities Protection Services/Ohio811 – the “Call Before You Dig” group – provided rules and tips regarding damage prevention for companies and their next construction projects.
With disagreements arising on the project site, it’s good to have procedures in place so the contractor and project owner can find solutions everyone can work with. ODOT Partnering Coordinator Chase Wells and ODOT Deputy Director Josh Bowman presented to a standing-room-only crowd during the Disputes/Critical Success Factor session.
Southern Lighthouse Founder Rachel Kennedy provided a master class on “How to Leverage LinkedIn to Win Projects and Top Talent.” Companies having an on-brand LinkedIn profile can enjoy a more than 40% reduction in hiring costs, as candidates receive a true picture of what your business is about.
The Annual Labor Relations Division Meeting again had a busy lineup of topics covered, from what labor contract agreements expire in 2025 to legal updates concerning the heavy/highway construction industry. In his Legal Update, Taft Law’s Bob Dunlevy provided the Trends and Developments when it comes to OSHA’s Heat Injury & Illness Prevention Rule, Expansion of Overtime Eligibility, the Federal Trade Commission’s Ban on Non-Compete Agreements, Davis-Bacon’s Stalling of Regulations and Highway Lighting & Signalization Dispute and more.
With a busy morning of sessions, Monday’s lunch was perhaps the first opportunity for Winter Conference attendees to visit some of nearly 50 exhibit booths set up in the Hilton Columbus at Easton’s Grand Ballroom and Easton Foyer. With its central location to activities, the Ohio Construction Industry Exhibition was a popular place-to-be throughout the conference’s opening day.
Monday’s General Session
Monday’s General Session provided a double feature of topics and information, as attendees learned immediate action steps to finish the year so they could set themselves up for a successful 2025, and ODOT leaders provided an update of what has happened on the regulatory and funding fronts in 2024 and what is on the horizon in the year ahead.
Speaker Jake Thompson’s billing of being a motivational speaker was put into question when he talked about how 71% of people who leave their job without having a new one to go to is due to a lack of feedback and appreciation. In this day of workforce shortages, Thompson took this uninspiring fact in his “Compete or Collaborate” message, and shared with company leaders on “ways to show you care” so employees want to stick around.
An opening video message from the new ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn opened the General Session featuring several state DOT leaders.
Chief Financial Officer Sara Downs provided ODOT’s Finance Update by looking at the past fiscal year’s revenue and what the financial picture for maintaining and improving Ohio’s road and bridge system will look like. Deputy Director, Division of Opportunity, Diversity & Inclusion, Lauren Purdy provided updates on the state’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives; apprised attendees on the latest actions in the lawsuit regarding the federal Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Program; and acquainted
the OCA members on the recent happenings regarding On the Job Training (OJT). Deputy Director, Division of Construction Management, Josh Bowman concluded the ODOT presentations and General Session by recapping the state’s busy year for transportation projects, which to-date totaled more than 900 state and local projects worth $2.6 billion, and the plan for 2025 –which has a forecasted 620 ODOT projects being let at a value of $
A Tradition of Fun
The hand dealt Monday evening at the Associate Sponsored Reception consisted of cards, chips and camaraderie, as the Winter Conference’s traditional Networking and Casino Night brought members to the Easton Grand Ballroom for an array of friendly games of chance.
Tuesday’s Annual Business Meeting
Tuesday, the second and final day of the 2024 OCA Winter Conference, was headlined by the Annual Business Meeting and Annual Awards Program.
2024 OCA Chairperson Matt Sterling, of Beaver Excavating Co., called the 106th Annual Business Meeting to order, received motions to approve the minutes from the 2023 Annual Business Meeting and then welcomed the morning’s speaker Dave Bauer, the president/CEO of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), who provided the Federal Report.
Bauer, who has represented ARTBA’s 8,000 national members and 36 state chapters since January 2019 and has been with the Washington, D.C.-based organization nearly 24 years, gave a glimpse of what the second term of President Donald Trump’s Administration would be like; talked about the industry’s tightening workforce market; and what is ahead in the way of transportation funding and other issues.
“I guess there was an election,” smiled Bauer, as he said the Trump Administration – more than a month since being re-elected to a second term and more than a month from officially becoming the nation’s 47th president – was moving from campaigning to governing. Of the 4,000 political appointments the Trump Administration was going to make, Bauer said, “The people who are around this president are very indicative of what’s going to happen …” Along with talking about who the potential picks would be for U.S. Secretary of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator and U.S. Secretary of Labor, Bauer discussed the make-up of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives following November’s election. “Things on Capitol Hill are going to be under Republican control. The presence of Donald Trump in the White House is probably going to help House Republican leaders corral their people more so than maybe a Joe Biden in the White House, but it is still a very tight majority,” said Bauer, who indicated that bipartisan actions will be needed in order to address several of the President Trump initiatives – especially over the next two years.
Following the morning’s guest presentation, the OCA Treasurer’s Report was provided by Bill Luttmer, of A&A Safety Inc.
Treasurer’s Report
Following advice given by his wife to “make it short and sweet or I’m going to push ‘Delete,’” Luttmer’s concise Treasurer’s Report message was: “I’m here with only good news, very positive.” Following fall’s audit of OCA, Luttmer reported that the association’s revenue in 2024, to-date, was the highest in dues history and its budget expenses were on course. “It speaks to Chris (Runyan) and the (OCA) staff how we are controlling all the costs associated with running the organization.”
Next was the Memorial Resolution, which provided the opportunity for the association to remember those who died in the past year.
The following OCA members passed away in 2024:
- James D. Braden
- Harold R. Leupp
- Those unnamed who died at their work
New Business
In New Business were the announcements of the 2025 OCA Executive Committee and the newest OCA Board of Directors:
Executive Committee
- Chair of the Board: Mary Fantozzi, J.D. Williamson Construction Co.
- Vice-Chair: William Luttmer, A&A Safety Inc.
- Treasurer: Thomas Frantz, Eagle Bridge Co.
- Immediate Past Chair: Matt Sterling, Beaver Excavating Co.
- Executive Committee Member: Colby “Cole” J. Graham, Shelly & Sands Inc.
Board of Directors
(Approved to three-year terms, 2025-2028)
- Jeremy Angel, The Ruhlin Co.
- Mary Fantozzi, J.D. Williamson Construction Co.
- Thomas Frantz, Eagle Bridge Co.
- Brian Froehlich, Turn-Key Tunneling Inc.
- Mandy Gerken, Gerken Paving Inc.
- William Luttmer, A&A Safety Inc.
- Aiden McDonnell, BOCA Construction Inc.
- Jeremy Sleve, Barrett Paving Materials Inc.
- Jeremy Taylor, Murphy Tractor
- John C. Wagner, E.S. Wagner Co.
Labor Executive Committee
(Announced at LRD Meeting)
- Rob DiGeronimo, Independence Excavating Inc.
- John Igel, George J. Igel & Co. Inc.
- Ken Lake, Kokosing Construction Co. Inc.
- Kyle Lucas, Capitol Tunneling Inc.
- Brad Miller, Miller Bros. Const. Inc.
Outgoing Chair Remarks
Matt Sterling, the co-president of Beaver Excavating, said leading OCA as its 90th chair has been both an honor and a highlight of his career. “I was aware of the legacy for those who came before me, and the significant impact they had on our industry. It is thrilling to join the ranks of these esteemed builders …” Along with thanking the OCA members, OCA President and staff and family, including his company family, Sterling reflected on the association’s 2024 accomplishments – which was highlighted by a three-year comprehensive strategic plan. He also noted the leadership change at ODOT, the work underway for the state’s next transportation bill and the work of OCA’s Legislative, Labor and internal operations in the past year. “In summary, and conclusion, the association has had a successful year,” Sterling said. “Thank you to all of you who makes OCA successful, and thank you for allowing me to serve as the chair of this great organization.”
In his final act as OCA chair, Sterling invited his successor, Mary Fantozzi of J.D. Williams Co., to conduct the ceremonial gavel exchange.
Incoming Chair Address
Like Sterling, Fantozzi also continues a family legacy of leadership in her company and in OCA. In her introduction to members as the 2025 OCA Chairperson, the president of Tallmadge-based J.D. Williamson Construction Co. Inc., Fantozzi admitted nervousness for speaking before the membership; however she acknowledged that her speech tested well when she practiced for her dog – as it received tail-wagging reviews.
Easing her comfort level in giving the Incoming Chair Address was the fact that she was present 16 years prior when her father, Joel Williamson, was sworn in as 2009 OCA Chair. “I had been with the company for several years at that point,” she said. “But I remember my dad always taking me to the different OCA events and getting me involved since day one. He introduced me to all the friends and colleagues he had met along the way and showed me how important it is to have connections in this industry. So, to be able to stand here today and lead the association is really special to me, because it continues a legacy that my family started and gives back to the association that gave so much to me,” she said.
The company president since 2008 commented on several other topics, ranging from OCA’s current sound financial footing and three-year strategic plan; the nation’s strong transportation funding level being achieved through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act – and several of the current projects in the state being funded through the IIJA; work underway for the next biennial state transportation budget; next May’s reauthorization of the Ohio Public Works Commission bonding program; work zone safety; the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program; the 2025 OCA Convention; and more.
Following adjournment of OCA’s 106th Annual Business Meeting, the Winter Conference’s final scheduled event was the Annual Awards Program.
A Tradition of Celebrating
For an event that recognizes individuals and companies for their longtime dedication and service, it seemed only fitting that OCA President Chris Runyan began the 2024 Annual Awards Program with a special recognition of retired ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.
Marchbanks, who had served as ODOT’s 34th Director for five years before announcing his retirement August 9, worked for the department for nearly 18 years over two tenures. He joined ODOT in 1996 and served through 2007 as ODOT District 6 (Delaware) Deputy Director. He returned to that ODOT D-6 position in 2016 and in the 18 months prior to being appointed State Transportation Secretary by Gov. Mike DeWine in 2019, Director Marchbanks served as ODOT Assistant Director for Business & Human Resources.
“In his immediate past nearly six years at the helm of ODOT, he has guided the department through both times of constricting and growing financial resources, a national pandemic and a national attention-getting project, the Brent Spence Bridge,” said Runyan of Marchbanks. Commenting on how Marchbanks shared Ohio’s transportation needs with the legislature, local governments and the public, Runyan added, “Director Marchbanks has accomplished much in his many years in the service of ODOT and the people of Ohio. I can state that I have never experienced an ODOT Director more open to hearing the construction industry’s concerns and suggestions. There was never an unanswered call in response to my inquiries and he has listened with an open mind and discerning ear.”
In thanking OCA and the morning’s audience for acknowledging his service, Marchbanks challenged OCA members to keep working to improve the state’s transportation system. “I’ve already taken my offramp to my favorite destinations of music history and the performing arts,” he said, “but I challenge all of you to continue to take the high road and the down-the-long view to adding value to our transportation system … Thank you so much for this recognition, and again, it has been an honor.”
From the recognition of an individual for their long-time service to the industry, Runyan segued the Annual Awards Program to recognizing companies for their long-time OCA membership.
“Each year, I have the honor of recognizing those companies marking milestone anniversaries of membership with the Ohio Contractors Association,” said Runyan in his acknowledgement of 11 companies being celebrated in 2024 for their 25, 50 and 75 years of involvement in the association. “Their long-term membership and dedication to OCA and the industry is incredibly appreciated.”
25 Years
Anderzack-Pitzen Construction Inc.
Bluffton Stone Co.
Buckeye Ready-Mix LLC
Ohio-West Virginia Excavating Co.
Palmer Engineering
Schroeder & Co., CPAs LLC
Seaway Fuels Trucking Inc.
50 Years
Kurtz Brothers Inc.
Zurich North America Surety
75 Years
Baldwin & Sours Inc.
The Harper Co.
Helping congratulate the companies for their long-time OCA membership was 2024 OCA Chair Matt Sterling.
This year’s companies celebrating their OCA membership know the role that the association’s network of local chapters play in providing a “valuable benefit of membership.” Talking about the year’s efforts of those nine local chapters was OCA Director of Chapter Development & Workforce Awareness Melanie Kitchen.
OCA Local Chapters Recognition
In 2024, OCA’s local chapters held 75 meetings across the state consisting of industry-specific programs such as work forecast and social events. “Many of these events raised funds for scholarships awarded to students pursuing construction-related careers,” said Kitchen, who reported that more than $40,000 were awarded in 2024 as a result of these endeavors.
Along with supporting scholarship opportunities, the local chapters assisted their respective areas of the state through organizing hands-on community projects and career and workforce events.
“In addition, nearly all of our chapters benefited local organizations through fundraisers conducted at holiday socials,” said Kitchen, who added that 12 local non-profits were assisted through toy and monetary donations.
Acknowledging the work of OCA membership at the local levels, Kitchen made special mention of nine individuals serving as chapter chairs:
2024 OCA Chapter Chairs
Akron-Canton: Marvilla Miller, Barbicas Construction Co. Inc.
Cleveland: Nicole Kiesta, The Ruhlin Co.
Columbus: Brent Poston, George J. Igel & Co. Inc.
Dayton: Dennis I. Goecke II, Ernst Concrete
Eastern Ohio: Megan Temple, Shelly & Sands Inc.
North Central Ohio: Scott Parsons, National Lime & Stone Co.
Southwest Ohio: Brian Ralph, Barrett Paving Materials Inc.
Toledo: Morgan Montgomery, Vernon Nagel Inc.
Youngstown: Brandon Hamrick, Shelly & Sands Inc.
Chapter of the Year
The celebration of OCA’s local chapters continued with the announcement of the 2024 Chapter of the Year. This honor is based on the competition among the chapters to encourage growth in the areas of member participation, new members, Political Action Committee contributions and hands-on community service projects. In announcing the 2024 Chapter of the Year Award going to the Toledo Chapter, Kitchen said, “Our chapter winner has a devoted committee of volunteers who worked together to have a strong and consistent participation and growth among their chapter.” Accepting the award for the Toledo Chapter was Chair Morgan Montgomery of Vernon Nagel Inc.
Regarding OCA’s Local Chapter Program, Kitchen said, “We encourage all of our membership to get involved in your local chapter activities, as we do look forward to a whole year of events in 2025.”
Annual Safety Awards
When it comes to safety, OCA members in 2024 proved “competition breeds excellence.” In announcing the year’s awards, OCA Director of Labor Relations & Safety Affairs Dave Coniglio said, “I’m proud to share with you that this year we had more people apply and send information to us than we have ever had in the past … There was a lot of competition in picking the winners.”
Coniglio said the criteria in deciding the year’s nine winning companies consisted of essentials for a successful safety program, which includes having:
- A written safety program that serves as a foundation for the entire plan
- Robust training to teach and instill what is included in the program
- A vehicle in which to enforce – or hold individuals accountable to – the program
- Support of company ownership/management
- A created culture where safety is something employees want to do, and not because it is simply required
“All the winners did just that.” said Coniglio, in announcing the 2024 Jerry Keller Memorial Safety Awards,
Jerry Keller Memorial Safety Awards
The Jerry Keller Memorial Safety Awards, based on hours worked with the lowest accident incident rates, are named after the late, long-time OCA Safety Committee member and SK Construction safety director.
Division I
Miller Brothers Construction Inc.
Division II
Trucco Construction Co.
Independence Excavating Co.
Division III
Rietschlin Construction Inc.
J.D. Williamson Construction Co. Inc.
Brown County Construction Co. LLC
Cleveland Barricading Systems
Union Industrial Contractors Inc.
Zero Accidents & Injuries
Brown County Construction Co. Inc.
Cleveland Barricading Systems LLC
Independence Excavating Inc.
J.D. Williamson Construction Co. Inc.
Rietschlin Construction Inc.
Union Industrial Contractors Inc.
Helping honor the Jerry Keller Memorial Safety Awards winners were OCA President Chris Runyan and OCA Chair Matt Sterling.
The final honors announced at the Annual Awards Program recognized long-time service and dedication to OCA – which this year included individuals receiving a Past Presidents Service Award, a Distinguished Service Award and Hall of Fame Award.
Individual Awards
In announcing the honors, Runyan said, “Each year, OCA recognizes the work of individuals who have put forth an inordinate amount of time and effort in support of the association’s members and mission. It is my honor to announce these award winners for 2024.”
Past Presidents Service Award
Referred to as “the glue” of an OCA local chapter, Mid Atlantic Maintenance Corp. Project Manager Therese Mizer, who was honored with the 2024 Past Presidents Service Award, is now working to connect the highway industry with future talent.
The OCA Past Presidents Service Award was established in 1998 to honor individuals having contributed to the association throughout their career. Mizer’s more than 15 years of service on the OCA Eastern Ohio Chapter Executive Committee has been not only instrumental to the growth and success of the local chapter, but has also helped expand the group’s membership. She is now trying to expand the heavy/highway construction industry’s workforce through a video project being supported through a grant from the OCA Advancement Foundation.
In announcing Mizer as the 28th recipient of the Past Presidents Service Award, Runyan said, “Her leadership, commitment of service and vision for the future have encouraged other members to contribute more actively within our chapters.”
Distinguished Service Award
The year Brian James joined Rudd Equipment was the beginning of both his membership in and service to OCA. Asked to serve on the Columbus Chapter Executive Committee in 2011, James’ participation in OCA was only the beginning. With his employer being an equipment dealer, “the natural next step” for the Rudd Equipment sales representative was to get involved in OCA’s Big Machines event.
James did just that, as his participation in OCA Big Machines includes leading the coordination of equipment donations and placement of equipment. It’s a “BIG” reason for him to be honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Big Machines is one of the largest events each year to be held at the Center of Science & Industry (COSI) in Downtown Columbus – attracting approximately 20,000-25,000 visitors. The event provides youth, along with their parents, exposure to heavy/highway equipment and how they are used on the construction site.
“It has been said that the earlier a person is exposed to a possible career option, the more likely that option will be considered as that person matures,” Runyan said in announcing the honor. “Big Machines is definitely creating that opportunity. And Brian is leading the effort with the support of many other OCA members, which he asked me to thank, and the Operating Engineers’ Union.”
In the 20 years since the Distinguished Service Award originated, James is the honor’s 11th recipient.
Hall of Fame Award
Continuing the trend of this year’s OCA individual award winners being dedicated to helping develop tomorrow’s industry members, Mike Ciammaichella has been an inspiration in not only serving as a judge for the annual Student Estimating Competition but also in his many other roles he has served in his 40+ years of industry involvement. This career-long dedication has earned the The Ruhlin Company Senior Vice President of Strategic Involvement admittance into the OCA Hall of Fame.
The OCA Hall of Fame is the association’s highest individual honor. Ciammaichella, the 144th individual inducted into the Hall of Fame, was elected to the OCA Board of Directors in 2012. In 2020, he became OCA’s 86th Chair, which incidentally coincided with COVID. “During those intervening years, starting in 2015 and to this day,” said Runyan, “Mike has been a judge for the Student Estimating Competition, while also encouraging other employees of The Ruhlin Company to engage as coaches for participating with student teams.”
In addition to his service on the OCA Board and at the Estimating Competition, Ciammiachella has participated in the OCA Heavy/Highway Specification Committee, serving as chair since 2016; represented OCA member companies on the Teamsters/OCA Health & Welfare and the Teamsters/OCA Apprenticeship & Journeyman Training funds; and been an active recruiter by bringing new members into OCA.
In accepting his induction, Ciammaichella said, “I am very humbled and honored to receive this award. Humbled to be included with many esteemed Board members who preceded me … You guys were great examples for me as I started going through my Board (of Directors) process. I’m also honored to serve with many talented current members.” Ciammaichella also thanked family and company members and the OCA leadership and staff for their support throughout his OCA service. “What I want members to take away today is involvement and engagement in the OCA – it’s a choice … Step up … get involved in any level you can.”
Closing the morning’s events and the 42nd OCA Winter Conference was the recognition of the OCA staff. Along with introducing each of the 10 staff members, Runyan made special mention of retiring Administrative Assistant, Receptionist Kim Dillon and her 40 years of service to OCA.
Upcoming OCA Events
2025 Conaway Conference
February 18 & 19, Hyatt Regency Columbus
2025 OCA Annual Convention
March 5-13, Milan, Italy
2025 OCA Winter Conference
December 8 & 9, Hilton Columbus at Easton