From The Top: A Legacy That Doesn’t Let Up

• 71 years since NAPA was formed (originally as the National Bituminous Concrete Association).
• 61 years since the first industry awards program.
• 51 years since plant certification began – and pavement recycling gained speed.
• 48 years since the Hotmixers (now the IMPACT Leadership Group) formed.
• 40 years since NCAT (the National Center for Asphalt Technology at Auburn University) was founded.
• 35 years since the printing of the first asphalt textbook.
• 32 years since the first NAPAREF scholarships were awarded.
• 25 years since World of Asphalt debuted.
• 16 years since Larry Lemon chaired the NAPA Board of Directors.

These are just a few of the many, many milestones that mark NAPA’s legacy as we enter our 71st year and Jay, Larry’s son and third generation of Haskell Lemon leadership, takes the volunteer helm as Chair of the Board.

In the past year alone, we’ve expanded our advocacy, formed new relationships and partnerships, and continued to refine the very best resources and technical minds to advance this industry.

We are particularly proud to grow our seat at the table where decisions that impact our industry and America’s connectivity are made by elected and appointed officials, along with agency decision-makers. This past year, we sat down with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves, among others.

In a first, Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster addressed attendees at our 2026 Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. He shared insights befitting our highly engaged members and staff who lead on health, safety, policy, and technical implementation with federal officials.

And that brings us to another milestone – along with a call to action. Following the historic passage of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act of 2021, we are now facing:

6 months until highway funding is due for renewal and reauthorization

The government functions at its best when it partners with industry – a role NAPA excels at. Your support through active committee and advocacy engagement accelerates our collective work and impact.

Most notably, the $200,000+ you contributed to NAPA PAC in 2025 is driving momentum as we affirm asphalt champions, educate congressional leaders on the industry’s many benefits, and work toward a meaningful highway bill before September ends. It’s already Spring – time is of the essence and we can’t let up!

A new calendar year brings new opportunities to support your industry, and we’re asking you to consider how you can continue to do that: through your membership commitment, active engagement, and effective advocacy. Every one of us has a role in ensuring our future, and the future of the nation’s infrastructure.

If you aren’t sure what role you can play, please reach out to any volunteer leader or staff member to learn how you can personally impact this industry and how our collective power benefits us all. We’re here to serve and we welcome your input.