February 1, 2023

By Lane Kimble

Ramthun becomes WTBA Board President, lays out 2023 goals at Annual Convention

JR Ramthun knew he needed to keep his remarks brief as he took the stage in front of about 200 people at the WTBA Annual Convention on Saturday night.

“It’s never a good idea to be the last speaker before the hospitality suite,” Ramthun said with a smile.

Still, the newly named WTBA Board President wanted the crowd to understand he takes his role seriously and plans to act on a handful of goals swiftly.
Ramthun, who is Vice President of Highways at Michels Road & Stone, Inc., pledged to move the transportation construction industry forward through finding long-term state funding solutions, reducing contractor risk when dealing with utilities, and improving the relationship between the industry and the Wisconsin DOT.

Just as importantly, Ramthun challenged the various WTBA boards to increase Association membership by 10% by the end of 2023.

“As we continue to have challenges, I will do my best to help make this association bigger and stronger than ever,” Ramthun said.

Ramthun replaces Jeff Peterson, who now becomes Past-President and retains his seat on the WTBA Board. Peterson is the fourth member of his family to serve as Association president.

“Tonight, I hope you get that feeling I know many of you know firsthand at the end of the day on a job site: You look at the work you’ve accomplished with pride,” Peterson told the crowd. “You look at the work still left to do with determination and optimism. You know your efforts have made a difference.”