General WTBA Information
Where is WTBA based?
Our physical office is located at 1 E. Main Street in Madison on the Capitol Square, however staff members are often on the road all across Wisconsin, meeting with members, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders.
How long has WTBA been around?
Records kept in the WTBA offices show the Association goes back to at least 1939 (when it was known as the Wisconsin Road Builders Association.) Our records also list “pre-WTBA past presidents” dating back to 1920.
What does WTBA do?
We advocate for and on behalf of transportation construction industry members across Wisconsin, ensuring they have the funding, support, and resources to do what they do best: build the roads, bridges and pathways that drive our state’s economy forward.
Accomplishing that takes a multi-pronged approach. WTBA staff includes experts in government, public policy, engineering, state and federal budgets, environmental and safety regulations, legal matters, and communications. In addition to in-house lobbyists, we also retain a contract lobbyist.
The staff’s connections and relationships with policymakers, industry professionals, and members is invaluable when it comes to getting things done.
How many members does the Association have?
As of March 2024, WTBA features 273 total companies, of which there are 100 Contractor, 130 Associate, and 43 Consultant member companies.
What is the difference between a Contractor and Associate member?
Contractor members are companies that typically work on transportation construction sites as prime or subcontractors and generally fall into one (or several) of five categories: Asphalt, concrete, bridges, aggregate producers, and earthmovers.
Associate members are companies that provide services to contract members. Services can range from parts and equipment suppliers to legal and financial guidance.
Consultant members are generally engineering firms that provide design and project guidance throughout the lifecycle of a project.
How many people work in the transportation construction industry?
This number fluctuates, but Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development data from early 2023 shows more than 9,000 people work in the industry statewide.
Membership
What type of memberships are available?
WTBA has three membership categories: Contractor Members who are engaged in transportation infrastructure construction, Associate Members who supply machinery, products, and services to the construction industry, and Consulting Members who provide engineering services.
How much does it cost to become a member?
Annual membership dues are $500 per company for Contractor and Associate members. Consultant memberships cost $1,000 annually.
Does each employee need to apply for membership?
No. Membership includes every employee within each company and allows for unlimited individual additions as your company grows.
How is a new member approved?
WTBA’s Board of Directors reviews new membership applications every two months, during its bimonthly board meetings. Approval requires a simple majority vote. Upon approval, new members receive notification of their addition to WTBA along with welcome materials.
What are some of the benefits of joining WTBA?
Members get exclusive access to events, outings, and networking opportunities throughout the entire calendar year. They also can count on connections with WTBA’s expert staff to help them navigate job site, engineering, regulatory, and policymaking challenges. The Association builds and maintains strong relationships with powerbrokers to ensure collaboration and consensus when approaching statute, rule, or regulatory changes.
Membership also provides you access to a weekly newsletter and mailing lists that provide first-to-know information and updates.
