Executive Director’s Message By Ches Blevins – TMRA 2020 Annual Meeting: With Planning, Commitment and Care Comes Opportunity

Executive Director's Message: TMRA 2020 Annual Meeting: With Planning, Commitment and Care Comes Opportunity

With the Planning, Commitment and Care of TMRA Members and Leadership, our 2020 Annual Meeting at The Horseshoe Bay Resort was a Resounding Success! While we were limited in scope and participation because of COVID-19, we nonetheless, once again, had strong Member Support and, yes, even from many that couldn’t attend!

For those Members that just couldn’t attend, we absolutely understand. You WERE missed and we look forward to working together, with you and IN PERSON when that’s possible, during the remainder of 2020 and heading into our 2021 Texas Legislative Session and a year where we all MUST focus on our common goals and objectives. Our TEAM effort and commitment do make a difference.

During our Monday “Fun Night” we Honored our Legislator of the Year, Rep. Cole Hefner, who was able to join us. His support for our State and for our TMRA Industries has been consistent and strong. He is always available for our input and feedback. HoltCat, once again, made this Honor even more special by providing, at no cost to TMRA, the Award.

We also had the privilege of hosting and hearing from Lanny Erdos, Principal Deputy Director of the Federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM). Having the opportunity for face-to-face conversations with Dir. Erdos and his Staff is always the best way to communicate. We really appreciate OSM taking the time to come and be with us, especially during these COVID-19 times.

Finally, and we were thrilled to be together to do this in person, we Honored Francye Hutchins for her years of Leadership in developing and fostering our, clearly, Nation’s Best Teacher Education Program! Fortunately for TMRA and our Education Program, we have Cheryl Allison stepping in for Francye as our Education Director after having both attended our Workshops and being mentored and trained by Francye.

Our Annual Board Meeting was, as set by our Bylaws, held on Sunday afternoon during our Horseshoe Bay Annual Meeting. It too was a bit different from years past as about half of our attendees participated by phone. Others via Proxy. Nonetheless, we faithfully considered our agenda items which included approving our 2021 Budget and electing our Officers.

Thanks go to our now Immediate Past Chairman, Jeff Mason, for his outstanding leadership during this year of Challenges. With Jeff and our other Officers and Leadership, TMRA is and has been able to remain strong. As for our Officers, let me set out and THANK our Officers and Support Board Members for 2021 as follows:

TMRA Officers for 2021 
Chairman: Andy Hawbaker, Sabine Mine
Vice-Chairman: Steve Eckert, Capitol Aggregates
Treasurer: Peter Luthiger, Energy Fuels
Secretary: Rebecca McGrew, North American Coal
Immediate Past Chairman: Jeff Mason, Luminant

Support Board Members for 2021
Mike Nasi, Jackson Walker LLP
Robert Gentry, Allstate Fire Equipment
Michael Wilcox, Benchmark Industrial Services

Your participation IS IMPORTANT! Right now, while it’s in front of you, mark your calendar for our 2021 Committee Meetings and, for sure, our Annual Meeting at The Galvez, Galveston, TX. Check the TMRA website often for updates on dates and more information.

Take care and stay safe and well!

Ches Blevins,
TMRA Executive Director