Happy Spring!
We’re looking forward to seeing a number of items come into bloom as flowers emerge and trees blossom. Things we all like to do in warmer weather take preparation, hard work, and at the same time, we must be ready for spring storms that can upset the best of plans.
We’re excited first this spring to present the 124th National Western Mining Conference & Exhibition in Grand Junction. We’ve missed presenting our conference in person the last two years, and we have received an enthusiastic response to presenting the conference closer to many CMA member’s operations.
You may have noticed our digital marketing ads that appear in major Colorado online news sites such as the Colorado Springs Gazette. These ads are a wonderful way to promote our keynote speaker, Melissa Harmon of Newmont Corporation.
We encourage members to sign up for the 2022 conference; we know members are eager get together in person, and of course we’re pleased to present our annual awards to members accomplishing great things in Colorado mining.
We are pleased as well to present several topics including updates on the market conditions for coal and hardrock minerals, discussion of workforce recruiting and retention and an update of Colorado politics from Dick Wadhams.
Speaking of politics, the Colorado General Assembly will complete its work by May 11, and new legislative bills continue be introduced. The scope and size of legislative proposals has been overwhelming and combined with the massive inflow of federal relief dollars, proponents have an easier time passing their agendas.
There will be a wide variety of candidates running for state and federal offices this year. Some candidates like Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters have staked out their profile by being arrested on camera. Other candidates such as Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl have been effectively building strong election teams to pursue the difficult task of defeating an incumbent Governor.
The CMA Board met with Heidi last month, and Board members were impressed with her business background (Camp Bow Wow franchises) as well as her interest in hearing how Colorado miners are dealing with a clearly progressive Polis Governorship.
We are looking forward to engaging with candidates going into the 2022 election cycle; please direct them our way if you meet or know someone who has chosen to pursue elected office.
Finally, I want to thank Dianna Orf for providing members with comprehensive reports throughout the session and Jim Sanderson for chairing our Government Affairs Committee. We have a few more hectic weeks, then we can look forward to seeing everyone in Grand Junction!
