ICR joined cement and concrete professionals for two days of industry insight, networking and conversations about building the workforce needed for the future.
ICR was proud to participate in the 2026 Western Cement Summit, hosted by the California Nevada Cement Association (CNCA) on Sept. 14–15. The event brought industry professionals together to exchange ideas, examine trends affecting Western markets and connect with organizations supporting cement and concrete operations.
The two-day program covered a wide range of topics, from a Cement Industry Executive Roundtable and political outlook to discussions surrounding geotechnical projects, pavements, buildings and wildfire reconstruction. National and regional economic forecasts also provided perspective on the conditions that could influence cement, construction and infrastructure markets in the years ahead.
For ICR, the summit was an opportunity to learn from those conversations while also contributing a workforce perspective.
Investing in People for the Long Term
ICR CEO Robert Lovingood spoke during the summit, drawing on the company’s 38 years of experience as a labor provider to address an issue that continues to affect industrial employers: finding good people is important, but developing and retaining them is where employers can create lasting value.
Lovingood noted that labor can represent approximately 10% to 20% of the spending associated with a $100 million cement plant, making workforce strategy an important consideration for an operation’s overall costs.
His message focused on looking beyond the immediate need to fill positions.
“There are young people out there seeking careers in this industry,” Lovingood said. Employers that take the time to properly vet candidates, invest in their development and create opportunities for advancement, he explained, can see long-term returns through stronger retention and reduced labor costs.
ICR has seen that potential firsthand. A candidate entering an industrial facility for an entry-level opportunity may ultimately have the drive to move into equipment operation, maintenance, production, supervision or another skilled role. Identifying that potential early, and providing a pathway for growth can help companies build their future workforce from within.
ICR Shares Its Safety and Training Services
ICR was also represented throughout the summit by Colleen and Alyssa, who worked the ICR booth and connected with cement professionals about the company’s safety and training services.
Those conversations reinforced another important part of workforce development: hiring is only the first step. Employees entering cement and other heavy industrial environments also need the preparation, training and safety awareness required to succeed in demanding workplaces.
By combining workforce solutions with safety and training support, ICR helps employers think beyond filling today’s openings and toward building a workforce that is prepared to contribute and grow over the long term.
Staying Connected to the Cement Industry
The Western Cement Summit offered valuable opportunities to hear directly from industry leaders, learn about the markets shaping cement and concrete across the West and connect with professionals between sessions.
For ICR, the event reinforced a principle that has guided our work for decades: investing in people is an investment in the future of the operation.
We appreciate CNCA for bringing the industry together and giving ICR the opportunity to contribute to an important conversation about the people, skills, and strategies that will help cement operations move forward.
