Outlook

AEMA is a proactive organization dedicated to the advancement of the asphalt emulsion industry,

constantly focusing on system preservation and the construction of the world’s infrastructure. The Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA) exists to promote the increased and more efficient use of asphalt emulsions. Since 1973, the Association has served as a forum for discussion, a clearinghouse of information, and a platform of action for the asphalt emulsion industry. Through its meetings, seminars, website, and publications, AEMA has helped to bring state-of-the-art asphalt emulsion technology to all parts of the world. The Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association is an excellent network for information exchange and technology transfer among professionals in the highway industry. Although the Association does not maintain a technical staff, it is able to address concerns of a technical nature by calling upon the tremendous bank of expertise that exists throughout its membership.

A cornerstone of AEMA's technology transfer program is the International Technical Committee (ITC). Charged with developing technical activities, programs, and publications, in response to and in anticipation of market and production requirements, the ITC functions with four standing committees and several more subcommittees, all with specific areas of technical and program responsibility. The AEMA Technical Committee Guide and the ITC Committee Chairmen listing appear elsewhere in this directory.

AEMA continues to take steps to increase its visibility on federal, state, local, and international levels. We have conducted joint meetings with the Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association (ARRA) and the International Slurry Surfacing Association (ISSA). AEMA officials in the past year have come to Washington, DC, to meet with key Federal Highway Administration officials and highway industry association executives. AEMA's membership in the American Highway Users Alliance (AHUA), the Road Information Program (TRIP), and the Transportation Construction Coalition, three of the main forces behind the passage of SAFETEA-LU and leaders in making sure that SAFETEA-LU funds are spent on the highways, helps keep us attuned to what is going on at the Federal level and provides us with key contacts. And our membership in the International Bitumen Emulsion Federation assists our involvement in the international arena. A cornerstone of AEMA's efforts to increase the market share for asphalt emulsions has been our work through local organizations, universities, and technology transfer centers to conduct seminars to benefit those involved in the design, construction and maintenance of streets, roads and highways. Throughout the year, AEMA members have again participated in a wide range of local, regional and national seminars and conferences to promote the industry and the recent improvements in technology. In early 2006, AEMA was in attendance at the Transportation Research Board’s Annual Convention in Washington, DC, as part of the Foundation for Pavement Preservation, and has been a part of launching the new National Center for Pavement Preservation. Members continue to participate at other more regional professional gatherings, and serve as speakers for programs sponsored by various state superintendents’ organizations, county engineers associations and other highway-related groups. As continuing evidence of AEMA’s commitment to technology transfer, the Association conducted ISAET ’04, the Third International Symposium on Asphalt Emulsion Technology in Washington, DC, in October 2004. Members will meet in October 2006 at the SFERB World Symposium on Asphalt Emulsions and the 4th World Congress on Emulsions in Lyon, France.

In the coming months, AEMA is concentrating on its Asphalt Emulsion Technologies Workshop, November 8 – 9, 2006, in Dallas, Texas, a program focusing on the use of emulsion applications in the construction and preservation of road systems. AEMA will continue its work in the areas of technical specifications and other educational services. More specifically, we have two videos on asphalt emulsions and their uses and applications, and we have made the Basic Asphalt Emulsion Manual available on cd-rom, all in partnership with the Asphalt Institute. Introduced is a new version of the Recommended Performance Guidelines, produced on the same cd as the BAEM, providing two great tools in one convenient location. A new marketing brochure was introduced earlier this year, providing yet another tool for members to use in promoting asphalt emulsions. More than 7,500 copies have been distributed so far. Furthermore, the Association will continue to enhance its involvement with various governmental agencies and other segments of the highway industry and, in fact, is an active participant with the Federal Highway Administration and the Foundation for Pavement Preservation in producing the Pavement Preservation Short Course with the National Highway Institute, to complement the FHWA/FP2/AEMA video: Preventive Maintenance – Project Selection – Right Road, Right Treatment, Right Time. Members and others can look forward to new enhancements at www.aema.org, AEMA’s website (please check the FAQ’s). AEMA has participated in a program with the Pine Chemicals Association HPV Task Force to participate in the EPA’s High Production Volume (HPV) Chemical Challenge Program. We are pleased with the results from our chip seal performance study in Texas, and from our participation in the World of Asphalt, as a presenter, an exhibitor, and a co-sponsor. In the past year, the AEMA’s new booth was again on display at the International Public Works Congress, and other industry trade shows, to emphasize AEMA’s enduring efforts to showcase asphalt emulsions as the choice when it comes to pavement preservation and rehabilitation technology.

A list of AEMA's Board of Directors appears on this site, with an overview of the committee structure. All interested members are invited to contact these representatives and groups to communicate their thoughts and concerns for AEMA activities, both current and future. More specific and up-to-date information is always available from the AEMA headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland, just outside Washington, DC. AEMA continues to be a forum for the exchange of ideas and solutions to emulsion concerns. More importantly, AEMA will continue to develop new programs, strategies and funding to not only improve the technological side of the industry but to promote the increased and more efficient use of asphalt emulsions. With new programs being planned at the committee and regional levels and coordinated at the national level, the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association is able to more readily respond to the needs of its members and the highway industry.