I am the Treasurer of the New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association, as well as a member of the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Executive Committee. Since its inception in 1955, the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) has been working to protect the national interests of the industry. Lobbying on behalf of both asphalt pavement material producers and contractors, NAPA represents them before Congress, other government agencies, national trade organizations, and business groups. The Association also actively supports research efforts for improving paving technology and addressing important environmental issues. Members of NAPA receive valuable training and education from the association on topics ranging from technical skills to marketing techniques. Members of NAPA include asphalt pavement material producers, materials suppliers, equipment distributors, engineering firms, paving contractors, manufacturers, and consultants as well as almost 1,200 companies around the United States. Recently, NAPA has been placing an emphasis on educating its members about environmental issues and how to expand and run businesses in an environmentally friendly fashion. The Association has offered Ecological Awards since 1971 to recognize companies that are making strides to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. The awards, sponsored by Roads and Bridges Magazine, judge facilities based on their layout, the cleanliness of operations, maintenance practices, and activities within the immediate community. In 2007, my company was chosen to receive the existing plant award for over three decades of ecologically responsible operations. The Earle Companies is also dedicated to serving the community and has offered support to many service organizations and projects, including the sponsorship of a Thanksgiving food drive led by a local radio station. The 2007 Ecological Award winner for new plant was the Des Moines Asphalt and Paving Company, which was praised for its response to city officials and residents during construction. The new plant utilizes environmentally friendly technologies and was built to blend into the surrounding landscape.
Tags: Farmingdale, New Jersey, T.J. Earle, Thomas Earle
