Marketing Committee News

Derek Angel as Chairman of TxAPA’s Marketing Committee has worked tirelessly to develop TxAPA’s increased marketing plan. Starting with the 2010 Strategic Planning Session held in Las Colinas, Texas in February, through the 3rd Annual Mid Year meeting held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in June, and finally through the 36th Annual Meeting held September 14–17, Mr. Angel has worked tirelessly towards developing a plan and working to make it a reality. After the Mid Year meeting, the Committees Educational Tool Kit was approved for final production for the ultimate distribution to the TxAPA members. This tool kit was presented by David Kopp, director of business relations, at the Associate Member Technology Showcase held in August. After the Showcase, at the request of the TxAPA Board of Directors, one copy of the Educational Tool Kit was sent to each TxAPA member company along with instructions on how to use the tool kit and how to order more for their use. A total of 10 tool kits are available to members companies for their use at no charge. Additional tool kits above the initial 10 copies will need to be purchased at $10/copy, which is an excellent value as the tool kits cost approximately $15/copy to produce.

The next step past the Educational Tool Kit itself is the use of the tool kit as part of a grass root effort by the TxAPA membership. Here is where Mr. Fuller comes in to the picture, as literally the TxAPA "Energizer Bunny" when it comes to the use of the tool kit. Mr. Fuller takes these tool kits and goes to governmental entities in his area, as well as private developers and consultants. He finds developing pavement plans and proceeds to educate them on the benefits of using the products of our industry. He explains the fact that the asphalt products our industry has to offer are smooth, durable, sustainable, recyclable and economical. He does not stop with one visit to these entities. He literally visits these entities as many times as it takes in order to help them see the benefits of the products that our industry has to offer. His efforts have lead to some engineering changes on some of the projects he intends to bid or projects that he currently has under contract. His efforts have led to various governmental entities changing their views in a positive way towards the products we have to offer. It is a slow process, but a process that Mr. Fuller is totally dedicated to undertake.

If you attended the recent Annual Conference then hopefully you were in attendance when Mr. Fuller made his presentation entitled "Green & Competitive Asphalt." He told everyone how he goes door to door in his area visiting cities, counties, regional mobility authorities, consultants, etc. in order to educate them on the benefits of asphalt. He explained with enthusiasm how these entities light up when he explains the money they can save while at the same time lessening the carbon footprint of what they are trying to build while still receiving a durable product. These various entities become believers by the time Mr. Fuller is finished with his presentations. He is so good through his persistence that to-date he has not needed to go to the next step in the education process, which is to bring in TxAPA staff for follow-up support. We have been put on notice to get ready because he needs our help with a follow-up meeting, seminar, presentation, etc. in order to bring the message home to these entities, but before such a meeting can be arranged he has successfully delivered the educational message.

So in conclusion, the next time you see Mr. Angel or Mr. Fuller thank them for their efforts. Share your efforts with them and the Marketing Committee. It is only with all of the TxAPA membership being energized that we can be successful in getting the word out on the benefits of using the products our industry has to offer.