The end of November brought much colder temperatures and the first edition of Virginia Asphalt, VAA's new asphalt magazine. Mailed to much of our membership and industry personnel, it is also available online. If you would like a hard copy and did not receive one, please contact the VAA office (cfahed@vaasphalt.com) to be added to the mailing list.

Look for Virginia Asphalt to be published semi-annually in Spring and Fall. Let us know what you think of the first edition and if you would be interested in contributing to the next edition. We are looking for interesting articles dealing with the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of pavements.

Our colleagues at the Plantmix Asphalt Industry of Kentucky (PAIKY) have produced an excellent 5-part video series describing the basics of asphalt. This series provides brief explanations of various aspects of asphalt production and placement. The first in the series covers the basic ingredients of asphalt.

Other videos in the series will cover different aspects of a paving operation, such as the basics of an asphalt plant, how the pavement is placed and even quality control. We are excited to share this information and want to recognize our colleagues in Kentucky for producing such an outstanding educational tool.

Join VAA on Flickr and see if you were caught on camera! This year's Annual Meeting, Fall Asphalt Conference, Asphalt Expo and Asphalt Classic photos are posted to the VAA Photo Album. VAA will continue to add photos to Flickr as new meetings and events take place. Check back often using the Flickr Link or from the VAA website under "About/Photo Gallery."

2016 is quickly coming to a close and there are now only four weeks left to go before the first Material Certifications School classes of the 2017 class year. Last month we introduced the VECAT instructors who will be leading the Plant I and II classes, and this month we are spotlighting our field instructors.

In an effort to help explain the different procedures necessary to register for classes or get recertified, we have included step-by-step instructions in this month's update. *Class Enrollment Reminder*: 2017 VECAT schools are still open for registration on the Germanna Community College website. These certification classes include Plant Levels I and II, Field Levels I and II, Slurry Surfacing, Surface Treatment and Mix Design. Class size is limited to 25 individuals per location, so make sure your employees sign up early to secure a seat.

Impacts of Change in Administration at EPA in 2017 With the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, there will be significant turnover in the federal government and, in particular, at EPA. President-elect Trump announced he will nominate Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt as the next Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has selected Catherine C. McGhee, P.E., a 23-year VDOT veteran, as director of the agency’s research program at the Virginia Transportation Research Council, based in Charlottesville. "From driverless vehicles to roadway paving materials to bridges, the Virginia Transportation Research Council is committed to conducting research in order to find innovative solutions to transportation issues in Virginia and beyond," said Charles Kilpatrick, VDOT commissioner.