Archives for September 2025

JANESVILLE, Wis. — Rock Road Companies’ annual golf outing raises thousands of dollars for charity every year. That alone would be enough to do it over and over again.

It’s also a fantastic opportunity to connect with dozens of others in the industry. You could sense that on a warm, sun-soaked Thursday in Janesville.

Nearly 150 golfers played in the 13th annual Rock Road Charity Golf Classic at the Janesville Country Club.

The Kennedy family holds this event for “fellowship as much as charity,” Steve Kennedy told the crowd before teeing off. Indeed, you could see teams of asphalt, concrete, earthmovers, equipment sales, and associates making up rosters.

WTBA co-sponsored the evening’s dinner ahead of the charity auction. Steve Baas and Lane Kimble joined WAPA Executive Director Deb Schwerman and Benesch’s Dan Grasser for one of the all-star foursomes. Their -3 was good enough to make them happy while keeping the team far from challenging any of the winners.

Thanks to Rock Roads for an incredible day!

Design Build can be a powerful tool in the toolbox for WisDOT and contractors when it’s set up appropriately.

WTBA is working with the department and industry partners to introduce legislation this fall that does just that.

The topic dominated discussion at WTBA’s Consultant Council meeting held Wednesday morning.

Executive Director Steve Baas gave the group an update on progress made and where things stand with a potential bill that’s palatable to all stakeholders.

Council members also talked about existing pilot projects, potential pitfalls to avoid, and what other states have done to successfully launch Design Build.

The meeting also covered the new state budget’s impact on the industry as it relates to consulting firms, what kind of progress Congress is making on the Surface Transportation reauthorization, and various field testing questions.

Of course, no summertime WTBA meeting would be complete without a little fun, too.  The group hit the links at Door Creek for some late-season swings (and AECOM’s Joe Olson’s obligatory “Happy Gilmore” drive.) The Consultant Council meets quarterly.