Honoring an Icon

The ACPA kicked off its 40th anniversary year celebration with a cocktail party held in conjunction with World of Concrete at the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on January 22, 2014. During the celebration, 11 of the 20 Past Presidents gathered to honor one of the industry’s original pioneers, as well as the only ACPA board member to have served all 40 years, “Big Bob” Weatherton, who received the ACPA’s first-ever Presidential Award of Distinction.

Well known in the pumping industry as the “pumper’s friend,” Weatherton was instrumental in coordinating the first meeting aboard the Queen Mary back in 1974, and one of the first members elected to serve on the ACPA board. During the formative years, Weatherton and his wife, Nancy, spent many long hours, as well as money out of their own pockets, to keep the ACPA afloat. In fact at one point, the association headquarters was located in Bob’s home in Claremont, California, with Helen Collard, Bob’s own secretary, taking on many of the association responsibilities. With both Bob and Nancy's help, the association was eventually able to get on its feet and an executive director was hired to manage its operations. Weatherton has remained active on the ACPA board and served on the executive board for over 30 years, serving primarily as its treasurer— or affectionately as the “watchdog” of ACPA finances.

“Big Bob has been a friend and mentor of the industry for as long as anyone can remember,” says Christi Collins, executive director. “He knows just about everyone and has not only helped many pumping businesses grow, but he has even saved some businesses from disaster during the more trying times. “

Pat Inglese, who served as president from 2005 through 2007, spoke on behalf of the past presidents and ACPA membership. “Since the start of the ACPA 40 years ago, Bob has been there working tirelessly for us in the industry. He was even instrumental in getting the first World of Concrete started in Houston, Texas. Bob was one of the first promoters of the idea of education seminars back in the early 1970s and worked to develop 'Why Pump Concrete' with Monroe Porter. He was constantly teaching us the risks and rewards of pumping concrete and most recently, Concrete Construction magazine named Bob as one the five most influential people in the concrete industry. He has been, and still is, a true gentleman and an inspiration to all of us. It is my honor to present ‘Big Bob’ the President’s Award of Distinction.”