ACIA Emerging Leaders Program Kicks Off with Successful Inaugural Session

Industry tours, executive insights, and leadership development highlight two days in Birmingham

The Alabama Concrete Industries Association (ACIA) officially launched its inaugural Emerging Leaders Program on October 27–28 in Birmingham, bringing together 12 rising professionals from across Alabama’s concrete industry for two days of industry education, leadership development, and networking.

Designed to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders, the program combines firsthand exposure to different segments of the concrete industry with practical leadership training and opportunities to learn directly from accomplished business executives.

And if the first session is any indication, this inaugural class is off to an outstanding start!

Day One: Behind the Scenes of Alabama’s Concrete Industry

The program kicked off Tuesday afternoon as participants boarded a passenger van and headed to their first destination, Ready Mix USA.

Following an introduction to ACIA and its mission, participants heard from Evans Duncan about the history and evolution of Ready Mix USA. An informative discussion with Chris Bailey, the company’s Senior Quality Control Manager provided insight into the technical aspects of producing quality ready-mixed concrete, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility and its Quality Control Laboratory.

Next, the group traveled across Birmingham to Wade Sand & Gravel, where owner Robin Wade personally welcomed participants and shared the company’s history and his experiences in the aggregate industry.

Wade then led an extensive tour of the company’s operations, including its quarry facilities. Participants also learned about a unique community initiative through which Wade Sand & Gravel provides local artists with space on its property to create and showcase their work. The visit offered a fascinating look at both the business of aggregate production and the company’s commitment to giving back to the community.

Following an afternoon of industry tours, the group headed to Topgolf for dinner, golf, and an evening of networking. The relaxed atmosphere provided the perfect opportunity for participants to get to know one another, share experiences, and begin building relationships that will continue throughout the program and beyond.

Day Two: Learning from Industry Leaders

Wednesday’s activities took place at the corporate headquarters of Vulcan Materials Company, where the day began with an exceptional opportunity to hear directly from one of the industry’s most accomplished executives.

Vulcan Materials CEO Ronnie Pruitt graciously spent an hour with the Emerging Leaders class, sharing his personal career journey, leadership experiences, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

His candid discussion offered participants a unique perspective on the work ethic, decision-making, perseverance, and personal qualities necessary to advance into leadership positions within a major publicly traded company. It was an inspiring and memorable experience for the inaugural class.

Following the executive discussion, Chris Stricklin, a retired U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot and current leader of Dunn University, led an engaging leadership development workshop.

Stricklin guided participants through three important topics: Leadership 101, DiSC Behavioral Styles, and Emotional Intelligence.

Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants explored their individual leadership and communication styles, gained a better understanding of how to work effectively with others, and learned valuable strategies for becoming stronger, more self-aware leaders.

Investing in the Future of Our Industry

The inaugural session provided a tremendous start to what ACIA hopes will become a longstanding leadership development initiative.

Beyond the valuable educational experiences, one of the program’s most important objectives is to build meaningful relationships among emerging professionals representing different companies and segments of Alabama’s concrete industry.

By bringing these individuals together and providing opportunities to learn from industry veterans, explore various operations, and strengthen their leadership abilities, ACIA is helping prepare the next generation of professionals who will lead our member companies and the industry into the future.

A special thank-you goes to Ready Mix USA, Wade Sand & Gravel, Vulcan Materials Company, Chris Stricklin, and everyone who helped make our inaugural session such a tremendous success!

The Emerging Leaders Program will continue with its second session on January 13–14, 2027, featuring additional industry experiences, leadership development, and networking opportunities.

We look forward to watching these 12 Emerging Leaders grow throughout the program and seeing the positive impact they will have on Alabama’s concrete industry for years to come!