SKOKIE, Ill.—Portland Cement Association (PCA) recognized Ernie Peterson as a finalist for the 2012 John P. Gleason, Jr., Leadership Award.

Presented at PCA’s annual fall committee meeting, August 28, 2012, in Chicago, 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 two categories of key strategic initiatives: Business Continuity and Market Development. Peterson was honored in the Market Development category.

Peterson, now vice president of Midwest sales for the Ash Grove Cement Company and who was previously based in Omaha, Neb., formed strategic alliances with several partner organizations that became vital to the passage of the Build Nebraska Act. This legislation dedicates one-quarter percent of existing sales tax, currently going to the General Fund, to transportation. Significant funds are earmarked for completion of the state expressway system plan, with concrete-intensive, full-depth, four-lane highways. Working with PCA-North Central, concrete and cement industry participants were involved during the entire process, including attendance at public hearings and contacting legislators and the governor.

Peterson raised the visibility of this critical opportunity. This included financial support and management of professional lobbying; face-to-face meetings to deliver the Nebraska Department of Roads Road Facts book, made a joint presentation at the AGC Annual Convention; and creation of the Better Nebraska Association website. Peterson co-authored the Better Nebraska Association website. He also spearheaded a pothole photography contest, social media links, links to legislators, and sample support correspondence as vehicles to get the message out.

Peterson is chair of the PCA-North Central Regional Committee.

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
The Portland Cement Association, based in Washington, DC, with offices in Skokie, Ill.,  represents cement companies in the United States. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. For additional information, visit http://www.cement.org.