Newer events at the 2023 OCA Winter Conference attracted new faces among the 488 attendees at the 41st annual gathering, held December 4 & 5 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton.
Recent additions to OCA’s largest in-state event in the form of the Young Professionals Breakfast, which featured a panel of speakers discussing artificial intelligence (AI), a mixer for the association’s new members and dinner for Future Leaders Forum participants bolstered the two-day conference – and made nametags even more important.
Monday’s Day 1 of the 2023 Winter Conference provided attendees with three morning program tracks to choose from, as the two-session agendas featured Industry, Issues and Safety/Labor tracks.
INDUSTRY TRACK
Build America/Buy America
If you still have questions regarding Build America/Buy America (BAMA) guidelines found in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), you’re not alone.
As part of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) review process of existing waivers on projects, the most-recent review since IIJA’s passage produced more than 9,400 comments. While FHWA is currently working through those comments, FHWAOhio Division Program Manager Nicolas Villaveces and ODOT Office of Materials Management Administrator Dan Miller addressed some of BAMA’s main points with Winter Conference attendees.

Villaveces, in discussing the policies of BAMA, simplified the sometimes-confusing requirements stemming from the IIJA by saying FHWA deals with only the Buy America requirements. He further cleared confusion by listing Buy America’s shorter “exclusive list” of construction materials, which includes non-ferrous metals, plastic Nicholas Villaveces polymer-based products, glass, lumber and drywall.
Miller centered his discussion on how ODOT is handling Buy America requirements. He provided examples of construction materials contained in the aforementioned “exclusive list” by noting glass products are utilized in pavement marking materials; plastic polymers are found in geo-synthetic fabrics; and lumber is utilized in guardrail posts and utility poles. Miller added that items exempt from Buy America requirements are materials used in
construction of temporary items (such as forms), and that contractors should be thankful – as is ODOT – regarding the exemption of aggregates from Buy America requirements – noting that Canada is a key aggregates supplier to northern Ohio projects.
As the Central Testing Laboratory for ODOT’s Office of Materials Management, Miller said lists of Buy America-approved products as well as information pertaining to aggregate, asphalt, chemical, concrete, structural steel and new products can be found at: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/working/construction/materials/approved/approved.
AASHTOWare™ Project
There is a simple reason for contractors to buy in to ODOT’s change from SiteManager to AASHTOWare™ Project software. And that is: GETTING PAID.

In 2024, ODOT is completing the switch from a construction project software it has used since 2010 to AASHTOWare™ (AWP) Project. In describing the reason for contractors to get onboard, ODOT Office of Alternative Delivery Administrator Eric Kahlig said that with the current SiteManager construction software sunsetting in 2024, “If we aren’t off this software soon, you want to talk about some people going haywire when you guys don’t get paid …”
Point taken.
Kahlig and ODOT Electronic Project Delivery Management Lead Janet Treadway discussed the department’s transition to AWP – a cloud-based softw
are suite – by answering “why we’re doing it,” “where we’re at,” “where we’re going,” “what we have to do” and “things on the horizon.”
“AASHTOWare™ Project is essentially a whole entire suite which basically engulfs or encapsulates delivery of a project from the start all the way through bidding,” said Kahlig, who added that it includes “the oversight of payrolls, DBEs (and) construction software. It’s a lot bigger thing than the construction process management software that you are primarily familiar with.”

Treadway, who as ODOT AWP-Business Administrator, was nearing completion of a more than yearlong schedule of traveling the state and working with contractors and ODOT personnel on the transition to AWP, said she is seeking help from the industry. “… We are openly asking you to inform us if you are not getting the same experience from district to district …,” Treadway said. “(ODOT has) an expectation that we’ve trained contractors in January and then we started our district training in February, and everybody is going to hear the same message Monday through Thursday. We are at every single training, and we make sure our dialogue between what happens to go to the inspector and to the consultant is the same thing we told contractors.”
Treadway said the open call sessions with contractors to address concerns, questions and provide feedback regarding AWP will continue, but will be moving from weekly sessions to monthly and will be scheduled for either the third or fourth Friday of the month.
An ODOT website, specifically for AWP implementation, provides updates, training videos, documents and contact information regarding the call session at www. transportation.ohio.gov/working/ construction/awp-constructionmaterials.
ISSUES TRACK
Davis-Bacon Rules Update

Andy Martone, president/CEO of St. Louis-based Hesse Martone, P.C., provided an overview of the recent updates to the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) regulations. First passed in 1931, DBA regulations require contractors and subcontractors performing work on federally funded construction projects to pay a government-determined prevailing wage and benefit rate on an hourly basis to on-site construction workers. These regulations were recently reviewed and revised for the first time in nearly 40 years and went into effect in October.
Martone emphasized that the updates are significant and should not be overlooked, as he highlighted several key changes:
Material Suppliers & Davis-Bacon: The Department of Labor (DOL) has tightened the criteria for material suppliers to be exempt from DBA requirements, making it more challenging to qualify for the exemption.
Transportation Workers: The new rules expand the categories of transportation work covered by DBA. This includes situations where transportation workers spend a significant amount of time at the jobsite, changing the previous interpretation of DBA’s applicability to transportation.
Survey Workers: The coverage of survey workers under DBA has been redefined, as determination will be made on a case-by-case basis that will consider the nature of work and its relation to the construction project.
Demolition Work: The scope of demolition work covered by DBA has been expanded. This includes work that may be part of a subsequent construction project.
Flaggers & Energy Infrastructure Workers: The rule clarifies that flaggers and workers installing energy infrastructure (such as solar panels or electric car chargers) are covered by DBA.
Prevailing Wage Calculations: The method for calculating prevailing wages has been updated. This includes returning to the 30% rule for wage-rate determination and regular updates of non-union prevailing wages based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Subcontractor Liability: The rules increase the liability of contractors for DBA violations by subcontractors, emphasizing the importance of due diligence in subcontractor selection and monitoring.
Administrative Actions & Retaliation Protections: The new rules introduce administrative actions against employers for noncompliance as well as strengthen protections against retaliation for workers asserting their rights under the DBA. Martone stressed the importance of contractors understanding these changes and adapting their practices accordingly to comply with the new DBA regulations.
Protecting Your Bottom Line

Are contract disputes cutting into your profits? Attorney Aaron Evenchik, of Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, provided a wealth of practical advice to help contractors safeguard their financial interests. Evenchik emphasized the importance of understanding and managing contractual provisions, particularly in situations where things may go awry. Using the example of a construction-related accident at the recent Las Vegas Formula 1 race, Evenchik illustrated the complexities and potential pitfalls in contracts, especially regarding unforeseen circumstances like delays or damage.
Evenchik advised contractors to be proactive in understanding their contracts, likening a contract to a Swiss army knife with various tools at your disposal. He stressed the necessity of giving timely notices to avoid waiving rights, understanding insurance coverage and being aware of consequential damages in contracts. He also highlighted the significance of proper documentation and recordkeeping in supporting claims and disputes.
Additionally, Evenchik touched on the topic of value engineering, economic waste and partnering in construction projects. He underlined the critical importance of clear communication and following stipulated procedures in contract documents to avoid waiving claims and ensuring equitable adjustments. The presentation was aimed at equipping contractors with knowledge and strategies to navigate complex contractual landscapes and protect their financial interests effectively.
SAFETY/LABOR TRACK
OSHA
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Cincinnati Area Director Ken Montgomery delivered remarks on a range of topics, including the importance of following safety guidelines, the consequences of violations and the need for consistent enforcement of safety policies. His presentation emphasized the role of employers in maintaining a safe working environment, the impact of noncompliance on businesses and the significance of training and discipline in preventing workplace accidents.

Montgomery also touched on the challenges faced by smaller companies in adhering to safety standards and the necessity for ongoing employee education to foster a culture of safety, while highlighting the serious repercussions of willful or repeated safety violations and the legal implications for businesses. Overall, the presentation underscored the critical importance of workplace safety in the construction industry and the role of both employers and employees in upholding these standards.
In addition to Cincinnati, OSHA also has Ohio Area Offices in Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo.
Labor Relations Division Meeting
A significant focus of this year’s annual Labor Relations Division Meeting was the introduction of new partners, specifically the Carpenters Union. Presenters Bob Dunlevey, of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, who serves as OCA Labor & Employment Law Counsel, and Indiana/Kentucky/ Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters (IKORCC) Director Anthony Holbrook highlighted the union’s important role in the field of highway construction, with emphasis on the union’s advocacy for fair wages and benefits and commitment to safety and quality craftsmanship.
IKORCC represents more than 35,000 trades professionals in 36 local unions – including 15 local unions and four training facilities in Ohio. The Carpenters Union’s efforts in education and training were showcased, including its apprenticeship programs and specialized training for jobs related to the roadwork field. Also highlighted was the importance of continuous education and adapting to new technologies and methods in carpentry. Additional discussions centered on challenges in attracting younger generations to the construction industry and the importance of early engagement through school programs and career fairs. The union’s commitment to providing a skilled and reliable workforce was emphasized along with its efforts in continuous training and development for young wouldbe contractors.
Finally, the potential impacts of recent legislation on contractors were explored, including recreational marijuana laws and E-Verify requirements. These changes underscore the need for updated policies and retraining.
With the conclusion of the morning’s educational tracks, Winter Conference attendees enjoyed lunch and had the opportunity to visit the exhibitors taking part in The Ohio Construction Industry Exhibition (see list on page 33).
GENERAL SESSION

With the first opportunity for Winter Conference attendees to gather in the same immediate area, Monday’s General Session – like the Regents meeting rooms – was a busy place. The more than two-hour session provided OCA members to hear from Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, learn about AI coming to the industry and an update from ODOT officials.
Husted provided a positive message to the afternoon assembly, as he noted:
- Ohio’s current 3.6% unemployment rate
- The more than 5.6 million jobs in the state
- The welcome mat that has greeted 54 West Coast corporations to Ohio since 2019
- The half-million expected moveins to Central Ohio in the next 10 years
- The record number of 253,000 people currently employed in Ohio’s construction industry
To summarize, Husted, 56, who is in his fourth year serving as lieutenant governor, exclaimed, “Opportunities that weren’t here 10 years ago are here today!”
However, issues exist as a result of Ohio’s good news. The chief issue: “The state is growing. We need a workforce,” Husted said. Along with mentioning programs in-place to get adults trained in skilled labor and technology, Husted said Ohio can’t forget about its youth. “If we want a future workforce, we have to start doing better with our kids.” In helping the next generation, the lieutenant governor said it is up to parents to set limits on their children’s social media use. “Let’s do this. Let’s help these kids be prepared mentally and physically and academically and intellectually to go out and work …”

The General Session’s keynote speaker Misha Nikulin, of Deloitte Consulting LLP, touched upon the mix of labor and technology in his discussion regarding “The Future of AI in the Construction Industry.”
Mentioning sustainability, technology, economic uncertainty and cost volatility among the top engineering and construction (E&C) trends to watch in 2024, Nikulin said the No.1 thing keeping contractors awake at night are job vacancies. With 350,000 unfilled jobs in the nation’s construction industry, Nikulin stated there is a need for workers – as nearly seven in 10 companies are having a difficult time finding workers. This is why AI is being looked at as a possible answer.
Defined by Nikulin as mimicking “the way humans perceive information, devise insights based on experiences and making decisions accordingly,” AI was invented in the 1950s, but present days’ big data technologies and cloud computing has led to its growth in 2023. Nikulin listed AI’s facets of “cheaper solutions,” “faster workflows” and “better insights” as reasons for acceptance by industries such as construction. “AI is inherently about augmenting humans with machines to reach greater heights,” he added.
Nikulin also noted implementation challenges facing AI and looked into the future of this technology.
ODOT’s Josh Bowman, Sara Downs and Dave Slatzer concluded the General Session with an update on the department’s funding and transportation projects as well as talked about safety and partnering.

As ODOT’s Chief Financial Officer, Downs answered the question that comes to everyone’s mind when she talks about her role: “How much money does the department have, or the state of Ohio is going to be expecting, and what will we be doing with these dollars?” In her financial summary, Downs provided an overview of ODOT’s estimated $5.37 billion budget for Fiscal Year 24 – detailing its nine funding sources. She also highlighted the anticipated uses of that budget – which includes 90% being utilized for preservation and maintenance of Ohio’s transportation system.

Bowman, ODOT’s Deputy Director for the Division of Construction Management, mentioned how participation by ODOT at OCA events is an annual highlight. “I always look forward to participating in this conference in anyway that we can,” he said. “I truly feel the cross participation in the many of the things we do really sets us apart as an agency and industry from other states …” Also setting current times apart from others are the number of projects ODOT is letting out to bid, as Bowman said, “2023 was again a year to be proud of. Since January 1 of 2023, through our partnership with you, we successfully awarded almost 585 projects totaling about $1.9 billion thus far – and by the time we get to the end of the year it will be well over 600 (projects) and $2 billion.” While these stated numbers regarded ODOT projects, Bowman estimated an additional 300 projects, approaching $500 million in local projects were let.
Other big numbers from the ODOT Program in 2023, according to Bowman, came in the form of:
- Replacing enough road striping to travel from New York City to Los Angeles – and back – 10 times
- Placing enough concrete to fill 33 Olympic-size swimming pools
- Installing 27 million pounds of structural steel – including rebar – which is the weight of 62 Blue Whales
- Laying 1.8 million cubic yards of asphalt – which would fill one-third of Ohio Stadium
“… That’s impressive for a state that is 35th geographically in size across the nation,” Bowman remarked.

ODOT Assistant Director/Chief Engineer Slatzer concluded the department’s update by talking about the long history of partnering between ODOT and OCA and the many things currently going on between the groups to continue strengthening that relationship. Slatzer said in closing, “What I can say is that I know that we at ODOT have the commitment of OCA at the highest levels, and you all at OCA have the commitment of ODOT at the highest level to continue on that journey, as we work to provide a system for the citizens of Ohio that is safe, accessible, well maintained and positioned for the future.”
WHOSE NEW & WHOSE DEALIN’
Following Monday’s more than 12 hours of track and general session programs, the opening day of the 2023 Winter Conference turned to early-evening mixers and receptions.
New Member Mixer
With more than 30 companies in 2023 joining the OCA membership, the New Member Mixer provided the opportunity for a true meet and greet. Here are the companies joining OCA in 2023:
- Apple Growth Partners
- Bane-Welker
- Brown Edwards
- Buckingham Doolittle & Burroughs LLC
- Cem-Base
- Crum & Forster
- Damage Prevention Solutions
- Duffey Concrete Cutting & Drilling Co. LLC
- EIUS Co.
- ETI Global & Cylinder Repair
- FODS
- Fechko Excavating LLC
- Fleet Spartan
- GPD
- Gray Guy Group LLC
- GroupTensar International Corp.
- HNTB Corp.
- HRV Conformance Verification Associates Inc.
- Hilti North America
- iReportSource
- JLD Construction (DBE)
- Mobilease Modular Space Inc.
- Newman Tractor
- Old Republic Surety
- Premiere Concrete Admixtures
- RDR Utility Services Group
- RMI Cement (DBE)
- Reclaim Co. LLC
- Richland Engineering Limited
- SAR Solutions Inc.
- Unik Logistiks
- Val’s Crane & Equipment Company (DBE)
- Yoder & Frey Auctioneers LLC
Casino Night & Reception
Just across the hallway from the New Member Mixer, The Associate Member Sponsored Casino Night & Reception provided a meeting spot for camaraderie and the opportunity to not only try your hand at Vegasstyle games but also visit the latest equipment and services at the Ohio Construction Industry Exhibition (see exhibitors listing, page 33).
Day 1 of the Winter Conference concluded with a Future Leaders Forum Dinner and casual gatherings and dinners at adjacent Easton Town Center establishments.
Tuesday, the second and final day of the 2023 OCA Winter Conference, featured the Annual Business Meeting and Annual Awards Program.
105th ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
2023 OCA Chairperson Meg Rietschlin, of Rietschlin Construction Inc., opened the 105th Annual Business Meeting by welcoming the large, second-day crowd as well as the morning’s featured speaker.

In what would be his final time addressing an OCA Annual Business Meeting as Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) CEO, Steve Sandherr did what he has done for the past nearly 30 years leading the organization – provided a thorough update of how his beloved national trades association is serving the commercial construction industry and representing its Ohio Chapter. Sandherr, who is retiring in March after serving as AGC’s CEO the past 27 years, provided a here-is-wherewe-are Federal Report of what he termed “the regulatory onslaught in action.” Along with detailing greenhouse gas (GHG) performance rules requiring DOTs to set declining carbon dioxide emission targets, he discussed work zone safety legislation and workforce development efforts. In addition, Sandherr talked about AGC’s involvement in lawsuits regarding the National Labor Relations Board and expansion of the Davis-Bacon Rule (see page 21 for additional information) and ongoing talks on Build America Buy America standards (see page 20) in the current federal Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA).

OCA’s Treasurer’s Report followed Sandherr, as Mary Fantozzi, of J.D. Williamson Company Inc., provided a “positive outlook for 2024” regarding the association’s finances.
Next was the Memorial Resolution, which provided the opportunity for the association to remember those who died in the past year.
Memorial Resolution
The following OCA members passed away in 2023:
- Bruce C. Gilbert
- John F. Gradel Sr.
- Those who lost their lives in the line of duty
New Business
In New Business were the announcements of the 2024 OCA Executive Committee and newest OCA Board of Directors; a vote to sunset an association committee; and recommendations relating to the Dues Task Force Committee.
Executive Committee
- Chair of the Board: Matt Sterling, Beaver Excavating Co.
- Vice-Chair: Mary Fantozzi, J.D. Williamson Construction Co.
- Treasurer: William Luttmer, A&A Safety Inc.
- Immediate Past Chair: Meg Rietschllin, Rietschlin Construction Inc.
- Executive Committee Member: Thomas Frantz, Eagle Bridge Co.
Board of Directors
The following were approved by the membership to three-year terms on the Board:
Chuck Ehlers, Encore Precast LLC
Mike Killilea, The Righter Co. Inc.
Bernard Lewis, B.G. Trucking & Construction Inc.
Matt Malone, Kurtz Bros. Inc.
John Strawser, Strawser Paving Co. Inc.
The other New Business included a sunsetting of the Associate Members Executive Board Committee, which was voted on and passed by the Board of Directors and OCA members in attendance.
In addition was a proposed increase in hourly dues and fees for the association. As a result of recent year-over-year high inflation and that OCA hourly dues for craft labor, Active Member annual membership, maximum dues caps and Associate Member annual-tiered membership fees were last raised as far back as 1984, the association’s Board of Directors created a Dues Task Force. The task force recommended fee and dues increases to be considered as well as modifications in OCA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement language.
Labor Executive Committee

Josh Carter, John R. Jurgensen Co. Jim Ruhlin Jr., The Ruhlin Co. Mark Sterling, Beaver Excavating Co. Rick Kusmer, Mosser Construction Inc.
The final official business at the morning meeting was perhaps the most important, the changing of OCA’s member leadership between Rietschlin and 2024 OCA Chairperson Matt Sterling, of Beaver Excavating Company. Following the gavel ceremony and an exchange of honorary gifts, the two provided their outgoing and incoming comments.
Outgoing Chair Remarks
Meg Rietschlin, the president/ chief financial officer of Crestlinebased Rietschlin Construction Inc., thanked the association for her opportunity to serve as OCA’s 89th chairperson. A 40-year veteran of Ohio’s heavy/highway construction industry, she recognized OCA staff, members and others for their work and diligence during the past year – specifically thanking OCA President Chris Runyan. She noted among the highlights of the year was the “open sharing of ideas” among OCA members. Rietschlin, who will continue her service on the OCA Executive Committee as the 2024 Immediate Past Chair, is the third women to serve as Chairperson of the Board for OCA. Rietschlin was proceeded in that role in 2014 by Ann Nerone, of Ballast Fence, and in 2019 by Amy Hall, formerly of Ebony Construction.
Incoming Chair Address
In his introduction to membership as the 2024 OCA Chairperson, Matt Sterling, the executive vice president of Beaver Excavating Co. in Canton, said that despite good news surrounding the heavy/ highway construction industry there are also challenges. But with those challenges are opportunities. The 90th OCA Chairperson mentioned the “good place” infrastructure funding is in thanks to Ohio’s recent state motor-fuel tax increase and the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act’s federal funding bill. He said both those funding increases are further helped by the current strong working relationship among OCA, state contractors and ODOT. Sterling added, though, that there are challenges to fully utilize strong funding and relationships due to workforce issues where there are more jobs than people. And regarding opportunities? Sterling promoted a survey the association was circulating to membership in late-December to help define the future role OCA should have. He also invited members to attend the 2024 Annual Convention. The San Diego site for the March 6-13 convention is a closer-to-home destination that OCA is hoping to attract younger families. Sterling is a third-generation family member of the 70-year-old company as well as a second-generation OCA leader – as his father, Mark Sterling, served as 1993 President/Chair.
Following adjournment of OCA’s 105th Annual Business Meeting, the final scheduled event of the two-day Winter Conference was the Annual Awards Program.
ANNUAL AWARDS PROGRAM

OCA President Chris Runyan calls the Annual Awards Program “a timehonored tradition” of the association in recognizing and acknowledging companies for their longtime membership, dedication to safety, fellow members and more.
The first members recognized were companies marking “milestone” anniversaries with OCA. Of the nine OCA companies celebrating either 25th, 50th or 75th anniversaries in 2023, Runyan said “their long-term membership and dedication to OCA is very much appreciated and continues to strengthen the solid foundation from which the association has operated in the past, and upon which we will operate in the years to come.”
25 Years
In 1998, search engine Google was founded; Viagra was approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration; U.S. President Bill Clinton denied “sexual relations” with a White House intern; “Armageddon,” “Titanic” and “Saving Private Ryan” were popular at the movie theaters; the Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers to win the first of two consecutive Super Bowls; the Chicago Bulls beat the Utah Jazz for the NBA title; the New York Yankees swept the San Diego Padres in four games to win the World Series; and these companies became OCA members:
- Ballast Fence
- Core & Main
- Eaton Construction Co. Inc.
- Heidelberg Materials
- Specialized Construction Inc.
- Vermillion Tree & Land Clearing Service
- Werk-Brau Inc.
50 Years

1973 was the year the Viet Nam War ended; U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade ruling protected abortion rights; Secretariat was the first horse in 25 years to win the Triple Crown; Richard Nixon began his second term as U.S. President; “All in the Family,” “The Waltons” and “Sanford & Son” were the most-watched shows on television; “The Exorcist” was the top-grossing movie; professional sports titles went to the 18-0 Miami Dolphins in the Super Bowl, New Year Knicks in the NBA and Oakland A’s in the World Series; New York City’s World Trade Center became the world’s tallest building; and this company joined OCA:
- V.O. Menuez & Son Inc.
75 Years
In 1948, Harry Truman served as the 33rd U.S. President; Candy Land board game is invented; the first Polaroid camera is sold; on television, the first network telecast of a

political convention aired, CBS begins network programming and ABC opens its first New York station; NASCAR holds the inaugural Daytona 500 for modified stock cars; Cleveland wins the World Series – beating the Boston Braves; the Philadelphia Eagles win the NFL Championship; Washington Bullets win the NBA title; the first Ohio Highway Engineering Conference, now known as the Ohio Transportation Engineering Conference (OTEC), was held; OCA incorporates and names a sevenmember board of directors; and this company joins OCA:
- Paul Peterson Co.
Helping recognize the companies for their long-time OCA membership was 2023 OCA Chair Meg Rietschlin.
Next was the recognition of OCA members for their dedication and work at the local chapter level and to companies who worked safely in 2023.
OCA Local Chapters Recognition
Speaking on behalf of the entire association, OCA Director of Chapter Development & Workforce Awareness Melanie Kitchen thanked the more than 100 volunteers who helped the association’s “reach” in 2023.
“We feel very fortunate to be able to reach across our state through the work that we accomplish through our nine chapters, and it’s because of our volunteers who are volunteering their time and effort,” said Kitchen, who has been working with OCA’s local chapters for the past 10 years. She said it is because of the association members’ involvement in the local chapters that 75 events were held throughout the state in 2023. “OCA is seen in our communities, our schools and within the heavy/highway industry by other firms,” Kitchen added. Acknowledging the work of OCA membership at the local level, Kitchen made special mention of nine individuals, saying, “First among those volunteers are our chapter chairs. We realize that the success that we accomplish through our chapters cannot be done without someone stepping up making the commitment to help guide those efforts.”
2023 OCA Chapter Chairs
- Akron-Canton: Jim Milligan, Advanced Drainage Systems
- Cleveland: Nicole Kiesta, Kokosing Construction Co. Inc.
- Columbus: Brent Poston, George J. Igel & Co.
- Dayton: Sean Wade, Eagle Bridge Co.
- Eastern Ohio’s Matt Powell, Triton Construction Inc.
- North Central Ohio’s Scott Parsons, National Lime & Stone Co.
- Southwest Ohio’s Chuck Ehlers, Encore Precast LLC
- Toledo’s Morgan Montgomery, Vernon Nagel Inc.
- Youngstown: Joe Cappuzzello, Ferguson Waterworks
In acknowledgment of their service in 2023, each of the local chapter chairs were given a recognition award and $75 gift card.
Chapter of the Year

The celebration of OCA’s Local Chapters continued with the announcement of the 2023 Chapter of the Year. This award is based on the competition among the nine local chapters in attracting new members to the association, member participation at chapter events, contributions to Political Action Committee funds and hands-on community efforts. The 2023 Chapter of the Year Award was presented to the Dayton Chapter, which received a plaque recognizing its efforts and $2,000. Accepting the award on behalf of the Dayton Chapter was Sean Wade, of Eagle Bridge Co., who served as chapter chairperson.
Annual Safety Awards
Having been a company safety director for nearly 25 years prior to becoming OCA Director of Labor Relations & Safety Affairs, Dave Coniglio knows the essentials for a successful safety program:
- 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
Coniglio, who officially began as an OCA director in January 2023, was making his first appearance at Winter Conference to announce the seven winning companies in the 2023 Jerry Keller Memorial Safety Awards and the year’s OCA member companies recording zero accidents or injuries.
Zero Accidents & Injuries
- APBN Inc.
- Butler Asphalt Paving Co.
- Rietschlin Construction Inc.
- Union Industrial Contractors
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. In 2023, seven companies were recognized for their safety success:
Division I
Shelly & Sands Inc.
1,668,803 work hours
Division II
Barrett Paving Materials Inc.
565,250 work hours
Division III
Trucco Construction Co.
305,011 work hours
Division IV
Butler Asphalt Paving Co.
35,681 work hours
Union Industrial Contractors Inc.
29,308 work hours
APBN Inc.
21,729 work hours
Rietschlin Construction Inc.
17,723 work hours
Helping honor the Jerry Keller Memorial Safety Awards winners were OCA President Chris Runyan.
The final honors announced recognized long-time service and dedication to OCA.
Individual Awards
This year’s individual honors included the Past Presidents Service, Distinguished Service and Hall of Fame awards.
Past Presidents Service Award

Individually, both A&A Safety Inc. President Bill Luttmer and Paul Peterson Co. Vice President Aaron Peterson have distinguished themselves as devoted OCA members through the time, energy and resources they have given in support of Ohio’s heavy/highway construction industry. However, it was their combined efforts toward a common cause that resulted in them being honored with the 2023 Past Presidents Service Award.
The OCA Past Presidents Service Award was established in 1998 to honor individuals having contributed to the association throughout their career.
For several years, Luttmer and Peterson have combined efforts to work with industry peers, legal counsel and Ohio’s Department of Taxation to help define clear guidelines and language in the Ohio Revised Code, which identifies items applying to sales tax exemptions. Previously, the payment of sales tax on a construction project’s non-permanent features – such as maintenance-of-traffic items – resulted in adverse audit findings and penalties for contractors. As a result of Luttmer and Peterson’s work in refining language in the Ohio tax code, OCA President Chris Runyan, in announcing the service award honorees, said, “This will result in reduced bid costs for owners, less exposure to contractors during the audit process and increased funds being made available for the actual construction of Ohio’s highway transportation system.”
Luttmer and Peterson are the 26th and 27th recipients of the Past Presidents Service Award.
Distinguished Service Award

In his nearly seven years of being an OCA member, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers/Iron Planet Account Manager Stewart Dotson has taken his volunteerism on behalf of the association across the state.
Of his active participation in OCA’s Akron-Canton, Columbus, Eastern Ohio, Dayton and Southwest local chapters, Runyan said of Dotson, “This statewide involvement is a strong statement about dedication of an individual who has hung with OCA and our chapters regardless of where they have been assigned across the entire state.”
Dotson’s efforts, along with his past service on the Eastern Ohio Chapter’s Executive Committee and current service on the Dayton and Southwest chapters’ Executive Committees, symbolizes what the OCA Distinguished Service Award is about. The Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes an OCA Associate Member’s “exceptional service” to the association and its membership, began in 2004 and is voted on by the OCA Board of Directors, Past Chairpersons and the Associate Members Executive Committee.
“He never fails to offer his enthusiastic support however it is needed, at every OCA event he attends as a member or committee member,” Runyan said of Dotson. “Whether it is putting out sponsor signs, greeting people at registration, selling raffle tickets or happily donating door prizes or sponsorships, he can be counted on to offer and follow through with his support.”
The Distinguished Service honor was last awarded in 2021, as Dotson is the 10th recipient.
Hall of Fame Award

True dedication and service is not dictated by one’s time in office or committee; that goes especially for members inducted into OCA’s Hall of Fame.
Dave Guzzo’s induction as the 143rd member of OCA’s Hall of Fame – the association’s highest individual honor – spotlights the true meaning “of outstanding service within the heavy/highway industry and our association,” said Runyan in announcing the induction of the Double Z Construction Company President. “Few have seen the lifetime of service that Dave Guzzo has shared with the OCA.”
Guzzo has presided as chairperson of OCA’s Columbus Chapter twice over a nearly 20-year span, the first in 1992 while working with Complete General Construction, and the most recent in 2010 after establishing Double Z Construction. It was his work during the multiple times he served on the Columbus Chapter’s Executive Committee that exposed Guzzo to opportunities with the association on the state and federal levels as an OCA

Board of Director – which he joined in 2012. His additional participation on OCA state committees earned Guzzo the 2013 OCA Past Presidents Service Award. The individual honor inspired Guzzo to do even more, as he began serving as an OCA officer in 2014 and ascended to the OCA Chair in 2017.
“Most notable, is that his service and engagement have not diminished since graduating off the Board as a Past Chair,” Runyan said. “Dave has remained a faithful attender of Board meetings, Finance Committee meetings, Long-Range Planning meetings and various other offerings through OCA.”
Following the Annual Awards Program, the 41st OCA Winter Conference concluded with the Board of Directors meeting and new faces turning to acquaintances and perhaps long-lasting friendships.
UPCOMING OCA EVENTS OCA
Annual Convention
March 6-13, San Diego, Calif.
OCA Winter Conference
December 16 & 17, Hilton Columbus at Easton