On Day 1, The Thaman Rubber Co. hosted a tour of their Cincinnati Ohio facility where participants learned about the wide array of equipment and services Thaman supplies to the aggregates industry. The participants then enjoyed a night at Great American Ballpark to see the Reds take on the Nationals.

Day 2 included a fascinating tour of the Arch Underground mine in Batavia, Ohio and then a visit to the Melvin Stone, Co where they witnessed a blast.

Day 3 featured a visit with Jim Jurgensen, Jackie Alf, Dan Crago at the J.R. Jurgensen office and lab in Cincinnati.

Thank you to The Thaman Rubber Co., Arch Materials and Melvin Stone and the Jurgensen Companies for providing this year’s emerging leaders with valuable information and insight into what makes these companies and their employees some of the best in the business.

The 2026 Emerging Leaders toured The Thaman Rubber Co.

Chris Nelson explains Thaman’s Products and Services.

2026 Emerging Leaders attend Cincinnati Reds Game.

The above 3 pictures are of the Emerging Leaders heading Underground at Arch Materials after receiving site-specific safety training.

Emerging Leaders at The Melvin Stone Company (above & below)

The final day of session 1 of the 2026 Emerging Leaders Experience featured a visit from Jim Jurgensen and Jackie Alf of the Jurgensen Companies, who spoke about the challenges of running a family business and the importance of employee training, recognition and engagement.  Following was a tour of the Jurgensen Asphalt Laboratory and plant hosted by Dan Crago and staff.  Thanks to our Emerging Leader Candidates and our supporting members, OAIMA Emerging Leaders 2026 is off to a great start!

Dan Crago leads a tour of the Jurgensen Asphalt Lab and plant.

Jackie Alf and Jim Jurgensen speak to 2026 Emerging Leaders.