China

A variety of sources reported during the first quarter of this year that China would impose a “consumption” tax on aromatics, light cycle oil (LCO) and bitumen blends in an effort to prevent Chinese buyers from importing LCO and then selling it as low-grade diesel. The cost increase from the consumption tax—which was estimated to be approximately Yuan 1,000 to 2,000 per tonne, or $146 to $292 per tonne—would have decreased oil product exports from China, according to Guangdong Plastics Exchange (GDPE). Reuters later reported that the planned tax resulted in buyers cancelling shipments of LCO in the month of April. By May 18, Reuters showed Chinese buyers had resumed imports. The tax had not come to pass as of the July 12 report on GDPE, with experts projecting a rise in LCO costs from fuel emission standards instead.

Pakistan

The International Code Council (ICC) signed an agreement with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) to support its efforts to update the Building Code of Pakistan, granting PEC the ability to use ICC’s 2015 International Building Code, International Zoning Code and more to modernize Pakistan’s building code.

Singapore

As of Aug. 4, Singapore had exported 1.45 million MT of bitumen to China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. Source: Petrosil Media’s Bitumart

United States

You have until Nov. 1 to submit your award-winning idea to the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc.’s (SME) annual Move Mining competition. The point is to shape the general public’s thinking about the industry that we all rely on. Your team needs to put together a three-minute video that expresses what your idea is about to get you through the first round of judging. Get the details at www.movemining.org, but get moving to meet the deadline!

Colorado

The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association (CAPA) has retained Burns Marketing to craft a plan to support asphalt professionals in attracting and keeping employees. The state association’s top priorities are to support positive attitudes about the asphalt and paving industry, help the community understand the benefits of a career in this industry, encourage individuals to apply for career opportunities at CAPA member companies, and reinforce that the asphalt industry provides opportunities for rewarding, long-term careers.

Florida

See you at the Southeastern Asphalt User/Producer Group meeting at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel this Nov. 13 through 16. Visit www.seaupg.org.

Kentucky

Rogers Group of Kentucky has used its community outreach program to participate in the Kindness Rocks cultural phenomenon. The company posted on its website that its Crittenden County Quarry has donated rocks to local businesses, and the rocks “can be seen painted beautifully and placed in public areas” such as parks and sidewalks with short, inspirational quotes. “Additionally, a teacher at Crittenden County Middle School asked if we would partner with the school and donate a rock for every student for an activity on the first day of school.” The quarry of course said yes.

Massachusetts

Plan ahead to join the Asphalt Pavement Alliance at Greenbuild International Conference & Expo in Boston this Nov. 8 through 10. Visit www.greenbuildexpo.com for registration info.

Minnesota

Make sure you’re at the 2017 semi-annual meeting of the Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association (ARRA) this month. The event is Oct. 16 through 19 in Minneapolis and will include a tour of the MnROAD Pavement Test Track. Get registration info at www.ARRA.org.

Missouri

Your AsphaltPro staff, Fayette, Missouri, has teamed up with hall-of-famer industry consultant John S. Ball III of Top Quality Paving & Training, Manchester, New Hampshire, to bring you an online training course for each member of your asphalt paving crew. Check out free previews of lessons or get started by clicking the green “enroll” button at http://training.theasphaltpro.com/p/asphalt-paving-101.

Ohio

The 8th Shingle Recycling Forum, the biennial event that brings together all stakeholders in the growing asphalt shingle recycling industry, happens this month. The event is Oct. 17 through 19, at the Westin Cincinnati and will include a tour of a shingle recycling facility and a hot mix plant using RAS. Get registration info at www.ShingleRecycling.org.

Tennessee

Bridgestone Americas has named Bridget Neal president of its Off-the-Road (OTR) Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO). Neal succeeds Taylor Cole, who recently was named president of Firestone Building Products LLC. As president, Neal will lead all aspects of the Bridgestone OTR tire business in North America, including strategic planning, product and technology introductions, sales and engineering.

Wisconsin

All Testing Specialists LLC (ATS), Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, has acquired Wisconsin Testing Laboratories LLC of Menomonee Falls. The acquisition allows ATS to provide expanded construction materials testing and engineering services for all of Southeastern Wisconsin, including asphalt design and testing, aggregate testing, and more. Visit www.alltestingspecialists.com.