[Image above] Credit: ACerS
Over 100 attendees converged in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, June 24–27 to take part in the combined meeting of the ACerS Structural Clay Products Division, ACerS Southwest (SW) Section, and Clemson University’s National Brick Research Center (NBRC). The meeting was successful due to the combined efforts and teamwork between members of the ACerS SCPD and SW Section and NBRC staff.
National Brick Research Center meeting
The meeting kicked off with the NBRC Spring Executive Committee Meeting on Tuesday morning. NBRC director John Sanders, testing services manager Mike Walker, and graduate research assistant Nate Huygen provided the members with updates at the center.
Technical sessions
On Tuesday afternoon and Thursday morning, attendees heard from 15 industry experts on a wide range of topics including emission reduction, block mining, drying practices, 3D printing, plant safety, computerized maintenance management, regulatory updates, and more.
Brick plant tours
On Thursday, attendees toured four brick plants— General Shale (Mooresville), Meridian Brick (Terre Haute), Brampton Brick (Farmersburg), and Brickcraft (Center Point). The multiple issues encountered with Bus #2 will be no doubt be remembered. The bus finally broke down in front of Brampton Brick and a “rescue bus” was dispatched to pick up stranded attendees.
Frank Richards (Danser) and Brian Newbanks (Danser). Credit: ACerS
Networking and awards
Meeting attendees reconnected with old friends and built new relationships each evening in the hospitality suite, at the Suppliers Mixer reception on Tuesday, and at the awards banquet on Thursday. Danser, Inc. once again took on the role of host for the hospitality suite.
During the banquet, Luke Odenthal (Acme Brick) received a certificate of appreciation for his service as SCPD chair by incoming chair Mike Walker (NBRC). David Ziegler (Prince Minerals) received the SW Section Past Chair Award from Japa Castro (Columbus Brick Company). Mary Ann Keon (Acme Brick) received the inaugural SCPD Best Paper award for her 2018 presentation titled “OSHA’s Silica Rule Deadline is June 23, 2018—Are You Ready?” For the final award presentation, Paul Anderson received the prestigious SW Section Harry E. Ebright Award.
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