September 13, 2023

By Lane Kimble

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Making a 2,000-mile trip west is a big commitment.  WTBA found that commitment to be well worthwhile this week.

At the American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) National Convention in California, former WTBA president and Parisi Construction CEO Jeff Parisi took the gavel as the new head of ARTBA’s Contractor Division.  He replaces the outgoing Tony Boals of Wright Brothers Construction from Charleston, Tennessee.

Meanwhile, WTBA Executive Director Steve Baas gained valuable insights from several of the convention’s panels.

Notably, a discussion on retaining and growing our members’ workforces hit home.

“The panel made it clear: From coast to coast, from operators to engineers, attracting and retaining workforce is an increasingly challenging Job One for the industry,” Baas said.

READ MORE ABOUT ARTBA’s CONVENTION HERE

Baas and Parisi also had the unique opportunity to play the scenic Torrey Pines Golf Course.  Parisi eagled the 18th hole while Baas narrowly missed winning closest to the pin on hole 3.  (You know what they say: Horseshoes, hand grenades, and golf outings…)

Parisi’s ownership company, The Walbec Group, served as a sponsor for the PAC fundraiser golf outing, which also raised money for the Navy SEALs.