Midyear sessions center on funding, workforce
The NAPA 2025 Midyear Meeting continued Thursday with general sessions and microsessions aimed at spurring discussions on workforce solutions, federal funding forecasts, and work zone safety.
Dunn Construction’s Chris Stricklin tackled the industry’s workforce constraints as only a former fighter pilot could, drawing connections between his career with the U.S. Air Force and the factors that lead to employee retention in any industry.
Stricklin said when he first entered the asphalt pavement industry, he felt worker recruitment efforts were missing the mark.
“There were so many workforce worries, but it didn’t feel like we were coming up with people solutions,” he said. “We were coming up with industry solutions — specific solutions that help us, not solutions that help people.”
Stricklin pointed out the difference between promoting fulfilling careers in the asphalt pavement industry compared to jobs, which employees typically take just for the paycheck. He said one way to understand the contrast is that with jobs, workers are excited for Friday, while careers attract employees that are just as excited to get back to work on Monday.
Suggesting that the so-called “labor crisis” is instead a generational crisis of personal identity and purpose, Stricklin explained how Dunn Construction spun off Dunn University through a partnership with Jefferson State Community College. Through the new educational component, new hires spent the first two weeks training, allowing them to grow into their position during their first days with the company instead of a daunting traditional onboarding that can drive these recruits away.
“Think about the power of a ticket to the middle class for people who have no prospect of a career,” he said. “We need careers with career progression pathways.”
NAPA members heard the latest on federal funding from the American Road Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), with Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Alison Black leading a third general session that examined trends nationwide. Black said recent years have seen an increase in projects that add capacity, like lane expansion, as well as new construction.
Members got an even more in-depth look at the prospects for future federal funding during the Legislative Meeting, which included a visit from U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Kentucky). McGarvey offered a vision for future collaboration in Congress around topics like roads. As co-chair of the Bourbon Caucus, he also offered his recommendations for Kentucky’s signature spirit across various price points.
The August recess is a great time to host your Member of Congress at your plant or jobsite.
Interested? NAPA’s Government Affairs team can help!
NAPA has the resources to support your efforts to build strong relationships with your elected officials while also creating policy champions that will help safeguard the longevity of the asphalt pavement industry.
Email Vice President for Government Affairs Nile Elam or Government Affairs Director Mitch Baldwin to learn more.
