The 2022 OCA Winter Conference, held December 5 & 6 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton, marked the 40th year of the association’s largest in-state event.
Forty is quite a milestone, considering the number was featured by Reader’s Digest in its article “This is 40: Bizarre Factoids About the Number 40 You Never Knew.” From being the standard number of hours in the American workweek, to the number of winks needed for a “perfect nap,” 40 is heralded in both religion – Noah’s Ark faced the great flood of 40 days and 40 nights – and science – as it took chemists 40 attempts to develop WD-40.
Since the premiere event in 1982 – when the U.S. was celebrating Saturday morning cartoons of The Smurfs, The Incredible Hulk and Gary Coleman; playing Pac-Man and Frogger; listening to Michael Jackson’s Thriller album; and watching E.T. or Chariots of Fire at the theatres – the OCA Winter Conference has been a “must-attend event” for association and industry members due to its offering of educational seminars and meetings, entertaining keynote speakers and camaraderie. Here’s a look at Winter Conference @ 40 – WC-40, if you will – and while it took chemists 40 tries to perfect WD-40, OCA and its members have been perfecting the two-day event for 40 years.
Prior to the official start of Winter Conference’s 2022 Ruby Anniversary, OCA members and staff gathered Sunday evening to celebrate the career and service of Mark Potnick. Potnick, who retired at the end of the year, served as OCA Labor & Safety Affairs Director for 25 years. The evening’s reception and program included congratulations from OCA members, including Mike Ciammaichella, of The Ruhlin Company, Bob Dunlevey, of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, and OCA President Chris Runyan. Potnick spoke and thanked the many association members for their help and friendship, fellow OCA staff members and his wife, Jan Potnick, for their support through the years.
Monday’s first official day of the 2022 conference provided the 514 attendees a choice of sessions and topics. The morning programs ranged from information regarding construction delays, the future of transportation funding, safety and more.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Addressing Problematic Construction Delays
Partners Aaron Evenchick and O. Judson Scheaf III, of the business law firm Han Loeser & Parks LLP, presented practical strategies for contractors to mitigate costs resulting from construction delays. With ongoing supply chain disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic and new global challenges from the conflict in Ukraine, construction delays are more common than ever. The presenters outlined best practices to preserve a claim for compensation following a delay, strategies for balancing contract risk and the importance of documentation to back up any claim in the face of delays or changes to the agreed upon work.
How Will We Fund the Transportation System of Tomorrow
American author Simon Sinek said: “The future is only scary if you try to avoid it.” Seeing funding projections for Ohio’s surface transportation system declining due to flat revenue, rising inflation impacting construction costs and greater use of better fuel-efficient and electric/hybrid vehicles, ODOT is trying to reduce the fright of how the state funds its road and bridge system in the future by looking for alternative ways now. ODOT Executive Financial Advisor/Innovation Coordinator Rich Winning, CDM Smith Transportation Policy & Finance Andrew McLean and Illuminology’s Karen Hines discussed the 18-month ODOT Revenue Alternative Study that concludes this June. Working with an 18-member External Advisory Committee, which includes OCA, the ODOT Revenue Alternative Study is evaluating 30 transportation revenue alternatives to see what will work best for the state. Speaking of preparing for the future now, DriveOhio Executive Director Preeti Choudhary spoke about the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, included in the federal Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) funding bill. Through NEVI, Ohio plans to build statewide charging corridors located every 50 miles along, and within one mile of, the state’s interstate system.
The Real Cost of Safety
Health and safety management consultant Richard McElhaney offered a candid look at the impact of workplace accidents resulting from negligence and poor planning. These unfortunate incidents affect not only the employee, but their family, coworkers and company as well. McElhaney spoke about six accident-reduction techniques that had the greatest impact over his 26 years in the health and safety field, as well as the importance of the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) as a tool for preventing serious workplace injuries. For more information visit www. TheRealCostofSafety.com.
What Will Buy America Mean for You?
Though it has been around in some form for more than 40 years, recent revisions and expansions of the Build America Buy America (BABA) Act in the current federal infrastructure funding bill has created confusion. Helping turn confusion into clarity regarding BABA, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Ohio Division Project Delivery Team Leader Ron Garczewski and ODOT Deputy Director, Division of Construction Management, Josh Bowman talked about what is contained in BABA regarding manufactured products, construction materials and the proposed waivers. Bowman tried easing the minds of heavy/highway contractors by saying ODOT is trying to make the new federal changes as seamless as possible, saying, “I think we are in a pretty good spot with working with the industry on staying in compliance with Buy America.”
DBE Regulations are Changing
ODOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program aims to level the playing field by providing small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts. Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America Highway & Transportation Division Director Deniz Mustafa provided a detailed overview of proposed changes to DBE regulations. Highlights from these updates include increasing DBE capacity by aligning the program with the federal Small Business Act; raising the personal net worth cap and the exclusion of retirement assets from eligibility calculation; and streamlining the process for DBE’s seeking certification across state lines.
Annual Labor Relations Division Meeting
What was the state of the OCA’s labor relations in 2022? In short, very good, according to Director of Labor Relations Mark Potnick. The year saw collective bargaining agreements for five major unions successfully renegotiated. The Laborers’ Union agreement was extended for three years; won a 75 cents per-hour shift differential for nightshift; and gained an annuity for union members. The Cement Masons’ agreement was also extended for three years, with a new uniform statewide rate to be phased in over that term. Potnick chalks up the organization’s successes to workable collective bargaining agreements and good relationships with union representatives. The Annual Labor Relations Division Meeting paused to recognize the careers of Potnick and Labor Executive Committee member Dan Smith, both of whom retired at the end of 2022. Dave Coniglio was introduced as Potnick’s replacement and received a glowing endorsement from his predecessor. Additionally, the terms of Labor Executive Committee Members Andy Leffler, Chris Stutz and Jim Chamberlin Jr. were renewed for another three years, with Leffler named committee chair replacing outgoing chair Mark Sterling.
At the conclusion of the morning’s more than seven hours of informative sessions, 2022 Winter Conference attendees had lunch in and adjacent to the Ohio Construction Industry Exhibition. The venue provided access to more than 50 exhibitors showcasing the latest in equipment and services provided by OCA Associate Members. (See a listing of exhibitors on page 28.)
GENERAL SESSION
Monday afternoon’s General Session allowed attendees to learn about the historical times our current workplace is in regarding the melding of multiple generations, as well as an update from ODOT officials.
Success: Managing Your Multi Generational Team
With people living on-average 20 years longer compared to just a century ago, individuals are choosing to extend their working careers. This phenomenon, according to The Generational Imperative Inc. Founder and Winter Conference Keynote Speaker Chuck Underwood, is that for the first time our workplaces have the opportunity of featuring six different generations. And as the audience learned, “different” is the optimal word. From the G.I. to the Gen-Z generations, Underwood detailed the individual and common characteristics of the six groups co-existing in the workplace and provided insight on how generational tendencies should be handled by employers when it comes to employee recruiting, onboarding, training and managing.
“Generational training and generational knowledge and generational strategies, when learned accurately and learned plurally, are essential to every single one of us in American business and government and education and religion and politics, and every other discipline that involves people. Especially you folks who are in the business of people management,” Underwood said.
By the way, here is a list of the six American Living Generations in 2023:
| Generation | Period Born | Age |
| G.I. | 1901-1926 | 97+ |
| Silent | 1927-1945 | 78-96 |
| Boomer | 1946-1964 | 59-77 |
| Gen-X | 1965-1981 | 42-58 |
| Millennial | 1982-2000 | 23-41 |
| Gen-Z | 2001-Present | 18-22 |
ODOT Update
A collective thanks, insight on funding, how that funding will be used and what the vision is for the department were all provided during the ODOT Update. ODOT Chief Engineer Dave Slatzer was the first of four department leaders to speak to OCA members, as he thanked the contracting industry for its continual partnering despite the recent years’ hardships of a pandemic, inflation and labor and material shortages. ODOT Chief Financial Officer Sara Downs discussed Ohio’s transportation funding sources and their current trends, which is providing for a more than $4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2023. ODOT Deputy Director, Division of Construction Management Josh Bowman took his second opportunity of the day talking at Winter Conference by discussing highlights of the 2022 construction season, such as the statewide Little Monsters pilot program that spotlighted partnering on several of the state’s smaller, single season projects, and the year’s 613 ODOT-let and 225 Local Public Agency (LPA)-let projects. ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks concluded the session by discussing the continued importance of working with the industry, as ODOT manages the challenges of a massive program, massive projects, educating new Ohio legislators about the state’s transportation program and continuing the work of making work zones safer for workers and the traveling public.
A Mix of Food, Drink, Camaraderie & Learning
Following the General Session, OCA members concluded their full day by attending several early evening mixers and receptions. OCA’s newest members had the opportunity for introductions and networking with fellow counterparts at the New Member Mixer. Across the hallway the Associate Members’ Reception & Casino Night, a Winter Conference tradition, provided further camaraderie, as association members could participate in Vegas-style games and have another opportunity to visit and learn about the latest equipment and services of OCA Associate Members at The Ohio Construction Industry Exhibition (see listing, page 28).
Tuesday, the second and final day of the 2022 OCA Winter Conference, included the Annual Business Meeting and Annual Awards Program.
ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
After a morning welcome to the 104th OCA Annual Business Meeting from 2022 OCA Chairman Joe Griffin, of Griffin Pavement Striping Inc., the morning’s featured speaker ARTBA President/CEO Dave Bauer was introduced.
In his first appearance at OCA Winter Conference since December 2019, Bauer talked about the many events that have occurred since. The four year ARTBA leader – not to overlook Dave Bauer the COVID pandemic and its effect on the nation’s industry – spoke about the 2021 passage of the IIJA. The federal infrastructure investment bill has meant a nearly 30% increase in formula funding for Ohio. While inflation has certainly taken a bite out of that increased funding, Bauer said there are more projects underway and planned. Despite inflation’s tarnish on the IIJA’s uptick in funding, Bauer said, “It is upon us (the heavy/highway construction industry) to really think about not only how we make this (increased funding) work in the way that it is intended, but how we maintain it.”
Beaver Excavating Company’s Matt Sterling was next with a precise, concise Treasurer’s Report, prior to the Memorial Resolution Reading & Adoption and New Business.
Memorial Resolution
The following OCA members passed away in 2022 and were recognized and remembered:
- George Frankenstein IV
- Charles Sheley
- Dusty Wilson
New Business
Here are the newly elected members to the OCA Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Associate Members’ Committee and Labor Executive Committee for 2023:
Executive Committee
Chair of the Board: Meg Rietschllin, Rietschlin Construction Inc.
Vice-Chair: Matt Sterling, Beaver Excavating Co.
Treasurer: Mary Fantozzi, J.D. Williamson Construction Co. Inc.
Immediate Past Chair: Joe Griffin, Griffin Pavement Striping Inc.
Executive Committee Member: William Luttmer, A&A Safety Inc.
Board of Directors
- Colby Graham, Shelly & Sands Inc.
- Pete Guzzo, Complete General Construction Co.
- Mary Sharrett, CAP-STONE & Associates Inc.
- Tim Tehan, The Shelly Co.
- Mitch Trucco, Trucco Construction Co.
- Jason Tucker, The Great Lakes Construction Co.
Associate Members’ Executive Committee
- Floyd Crooks, EJ USA Inc.
- Michael J. Madigan Esq., Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter Co., LPA
- Mark Nelson, Assured Partners
- Ronald Rainsberg Jr., Tiremaxx
Labor Executive Committee
- Jim Chamberlin Jr., Miller Cable Co.
- Andy Leffler, Chairman, Shelly & Sands Inc.
- Chris Stutz, The Great Lakes Construction Co.
- Timothy Tehan, The Shelly Co.
Outgoing Chair Remarks
Joe Griffin took the opportunity of his Outgoing Chair Remarks to thank OCA staff, members and others for their work and diligence during his successful year of leadership as OCA’s 88th chairperson. Griffin individually acknowledged OCA staff members, mentioning their individual roles, and specifically thanked OCA President Chris Runyan for administering the association’s strategic plan’s core objectives of improving infrastructure funding, work zone safety, workforce development, partnering and diversity and inclusion. Along with thanking his wife, Carolyn, and associates at Griffin Striping for their support over the past year, Griffin also credited the OCA membership for their involvement of the association’s 2022 Political Action Committee and on the various committees at the chapter and state levels. “I would encourage all OCA members to actively participate in our association at either the chapter committee or statewide level,” Griffin said. “It’s an investment for your company and your career that will be a rewarding experience.”
Incoming Chair Address
After reciting OCA’s leadership oath and presenting the chairman’s service pin to Griffin, 2023 OCA Chairperson Meg Rietschlin provided her Incoming Chair Address. The president/CFO of Rietschlin Construction acknowledged her fellow 2023 Executive Committee members, the new and former OCA Board members and OCA staff for their service to the association. She also recognized OCA Director of Labor Relations & Safety Affairs Mark Potnick for his 25 years of service and welcomed Dave Coniglio, who assumed Potnick’s role at the beginning of the year. OCA’s third women chairman provided a look at some of the main issues facing the association and heavy/highway construction industry in 2023, mentioning the state’s two year transportation bill and warning of legislative challenges in the form of gas tax holidays and increases in force account caps and scopes. Rietschlin spoked about the opportunities afforded her in her career and said that among her efforts as OCA chair will be continuing to provide opportunities to tomorrow’s workforce.
ANNUAL AWARDS PROGRAM
The final scheduled event of Winter Conference is the Annual Awards Program, which highlights and honors OCA members for their long-time membership; leadership in the past year at the chapter level; safe work throughout the year; and individual dedication throughout their careers to the association and industry. OCA President Chris Runyan honored several companies that celebrated milestone anniversaries as association members in 2022:
25 Years
The year when President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore were beginning their second term; the Green Bay Packers won their first Super Bowl title in 30 years; the Cleveland Indians made it to the World Series – but lost to the Florida Marlins; and the first Harry Potter book was published was 1997. It is also when the following companies became OCA members:
GBQ Partners LLC
- Mt. Carmel Stabilization Group
- Ohio Bridge Corp.
- Oswald Companies
- Parnell & Associates Inc.
- Pipelines Inc.
50 Years
The year when the song “American Pie” and movie “The Godfather” debuted; U.S. Olympic swimmer Mark Spitz won seven gold medals and set seven world records; the Watergate Scandal was uncovered; and the Equal Rights Amendment passed the U.S. Senate, these two companies joined OCA:
- Olen Corp.
- V.O. Menuez & Son Inc.
OCA Chapters Recognition
OCA Director of Chapter Development Melanie Kitchen mentioned the association’s fortune “in being able to reach across our state through the work that is being accomplished by our nine chapters.” This is made possible through the time and efforts of members’ volunteering to serve as OCA Local Chapter Chairs. Kitchen acknowledged the year’s nine chapter chairs, who were honored with plaques and $75 gift certificates for their service.
2022 OCA Chapter Chairs
- Akron-Canton: Jim Milligan, Advanced Drainage Systems
- Cleveland: Nicole Kiesta, Kokosing Construction Co. Inc.
- Columbus: Christie Howard, Surety Bonds
- Dayton: Sean Wade, Eagle Bridge Co.
- Eastern Ohio: Josh Reed, Shelly & Sands Inc.
- North Central Ohio: Scott Parsons, National Lime & Stone Co.
- Southwest Ohio: Chuck Ehlers, Encore Precast LLC
- Toledo: Chad Hartman, Ebony Construction Co. Inc.
- Youngstown: Joe Cappuzzello, Pipelines Inc.
Chapter of the Year
Though one of OCA’s smaller local chapters, the Eastern Ohio Chapter and Chair Josh Reed were acknowledged for their efforts in growing its membership in winning OCA’s 2022 Chapter of the Year honors. Accepting the honor on behalf of the Eastern Ohio Chapter was Sam Haverty of Shelly & Sands.
Annual Safety Awards
Saying “good morning everybody, so long everybody,” OCA retiring Labor Relations & Safety Affairs Director Mark Potnick announced for his last time the OCA Annual Safety Awards, which were being celebrated and awarded for the 20th year. Since 2002, the association has celebrated and honored the best-of-the-best years in safety among OCA members by awarding the Jerry Keller Memorial Safety Awards. The awards’ namesake honors the late, long-time member of the OCA Safety Committee and safety director for SK Construction. Along with recognizing the top companies in four divisions – based on hours worked – six companies were recognized for achieving work accident- and injury-free years in 2022.
Zero Accidents & Injuries
- Cleveland Barricading Systems LLC
- Cox Paving LLC
- J&B Steel Erectors Inc.
- Rietschlin Construction
- Turn-Key Tunneling Inc.
- Walls Bros. Asphalt Co.
Jerry Keller Memorial Safety Awards
Helping honor the Jerry Keller Memorial Safety Awards winners were 2022 OCA Chair Joe Griffin and OCA Board of Directors Safety Committee Liaison Dean Breese, of Gerken Paving Inc.
Potnick is not only known for his dedication to OCA, its members and the industry, he is known for his sense of humor. Being his last time announcing the OCA Safety Award winners, Potnick didn’t disappoint. He noted that while his contact information would remain for anyone needing to reach him during his retirement, he would be updating his answering service message to: “I’m not available right now but thank you for caring enough to call. After my retirement I am making changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes.” Potnick’s service and humor will be missed.
Individual Awards
The final two honors presented at the morning’s Annual Awards Program were the Past Presidents Service and Hall of Fame Induction awards.
Past Presidents Service Award
As a student at the University of Akron, Andy Leffler saw the volunteer service of OCA’s members when he attended a 1998 Contractor For A Day (CFAD) event. Since joining the industry and working with Shelly & Sands Inc., Leffler continued what he saw at the CFAD event by volunteering his time and efforts for OCA. This dedication to many OCA initiatives earned him the 2022 Past Presidents Service Award, which was established in 1998 and honors individuals for having contributed to the association throughout their career. Soon after joining Shelly & Sands, Leffler, who is the 25th recipient of the Past Presidents Award, helped lead the OCA Akron Chapter’s CFAD efforts for 10 years. Along with eventually serving as Akron Chapter chair, Leffler also was an active member in the Youngstown Chapter. In addition to his dedication to OCA at the ocal level, Leffler has served the association on the state level. He has been a member of the Heavy/Highway Specification Committee since 2008 – being instrumental on the industry receiving recent retro-active fuel price adjustments; has been the prime contractor representative since 2016 on the DBE Committee; participated for more than 12 years in OCA’s collective bargaining sessions; and in 2012 began his 10 years and counting of serving on the OCA Labor Executive Committee (LEC). This year he is the LEC chair. In his acceptance of the award, Leffler said, “If you are not yet involved in a specific committee or role in OCA, look around within OCA for an opportunity to get involved in something that has an interest to you.” He added that by “giving a little, you will be awarded in meaningful work, good friendships and great memories.”
Hall of Fame Award
When Brent Gerken, president of Gerken Paving Inc., looks in the mirror, it’s hard for him to imagine that he has 80 years when totalling all of his years of service on various board of director groups affiliated with the heavy/ highway construction industry. As a result of this dedication, Gerken received OCA’s highest individual honor – becoming the 142nd inductee into the association’s Hall of Fame. Gerken helped pay for his business/finance degree from The Ohio State University and law degree from the University of Toledo by working in the family business. Upon returning to the company full-time, Gerken worked in all aspects of the paving company – from estimating/ scheduling, working in the field and accounting. Heeding his father’s advice to get involved with industry associations, Gerken got involved with the OCA Toledo Chapter; worked his way onto the chapter’s Executive Committee; and has continued working at the association’s local and state levels. Gerken served on the OCA Board of Directors from 1998-2016. In addition, he served 20 years on the board of the Ohio Aggregates & Industrial Minerals Association; for 30 years, and counting, has served on the Flexible Pavements of Ohio board; and for the past 12 years has served as the state director for the National Asphalt Pavement Association. As he accepted his induction into the OCA Hall of Fame, Gerken said he was humbled. “I’ll tell you what, those 80 years on those boards have given me back tenfold of what I put into it,” he said. “It has been so special to learn so much from the best people in the industry … If you listen, and you observe – and then you devote yourself to it – it definitely gives you back so much. I strongly advise everybody in this industry to get into it – get into your association …”
Throughout the events of the 2022 OCA Winter Conference, many industry, company and individual milestones were celebrated – and among those was the 40th year for this association event. Hey OCA Winter Conference, you look good as a quadragenarian.
