SKOKIE, Ill. — Portland Cement Association (PCA) named Bill Larson the winner of a 2015 John P. Gleason Jr., Leadership Award.

Presented at PCA’s annual fall committee meeting, the awards honor employees of member companies who have exhibited industry leadership by taking the Association in new directions. Awards are presented in each of PCA’s three categories of key strategic initiatives: Business Continuity, Market Development as well as Young Leaders.

Larson, winner in the Business Continuity category, is recognized leadership in addressing issues, activities, and events affecting the ability of PCA member companies to continue viable operations. Potential areas include regulatory challenges, legislative issues, industrial standards, safety and health, manufacturing and operational issues, and technical application of research results.

Mr. Larson, vice president of marketing at CalPortland Company, is honored as a leader in influencing state agencies, legislators, and local government officials to adopt policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with rigid pavement. Through his work with the California EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) the cement industry has maintained its strategic position as an environmental leader.

The award is named after John P. “Jay” Gleason, Jr., who served as PCA president from 1986 until his retirement in 2007. Gleason was known for his consensus building among both members and allies and for his strong leadership skills.

About PCA

PCA represents America's cement manufacturers and has been a widely-recognized authority on the technology, economics, and applications of cement and concrete for nearly 100 years. PCA is a vocal advocate for sustainability, economic growth, sound infrastructure investment, and overall innovation and excellence in construction.  More information on PCA is available at www.cement.org.