Membership

MRPA – A Focused Industry Partnership Driving Michigan’s Preservation Future

The Michigan Road Preservation Association represents a unique model in the transportation industry: a focused partnership of Michigan’s leading pavement preservation contractors and the suppliers who support them. Our contractor members may compete against each other for projects, but they collaborate through MRPA to advance the industry through education, quality standards, and strategic advocacy. Our associate members—suppliers, equipment providers, testing laboratories, and service companies—support this mission while gaining access to Michigan’s preservation market and the contractors who drive it.

Together, this partnership is building Michigan’s preservation industry by educating agencies, developing quality standards, and creating the market conditions that support pavement preservation.

Our Membership Structure

Contractor Members: Industry Leadership

MRPA’s contractor membership represents Michigan’s established pavement preservation industry. Each contractor member holds one seat on the Board of Directors, creating a collaborative governance structure where strategic decisions and financial commitments are made collectively. These companies provide the financial foundation that supports MRPA’s education programs, specification development, and industry advocacy.

Associate Members: Strategic Partners in Market Growth

Investing in the Industry That Drives Your Business

Associate membership is designed for suppliers, equipment manufacturers, emulsion producers, aggregate providers, testing laboratories, engineering firms, and other companies that derive income from Michigan’s pavement preservation industry. As an associate member, you’re not just supporting an association, you’re investing in strategic market development that directly benefits your business.

Why Associate Membership Matters:

When MRPA educates local agencies about preservation benefits and best practices, those agencies implement more preservation programs and specify more treatments. When MRPA develops quality specifications and guidelines, agencies have confidence to invest in preservation rather than deferring maintenance. When MRPA advocates for preservation funding and policies, the entire market grows—creating more opportunities for contractors to perform work and more demand for the products and services you provide.

Your Investment Supports Market-Building Activities:

Associate member dues help fund MRPA’s Local Agency Workshop, which we offer at a substantial loss to keep registration affordable for county and municipal staff. This workshop educates hundreds of agency personnel about preservation treatments, proper specifications, and quality standards, turning them into informed buyers who understand the value of preservation and know how to implement successful programs. Every agency that launches or expands a preservation program creates new demand for emulsion, aggregate, equipment, engineering services, and tests the products and services our associate members provide.

What You Gain as an Associate Member:

Direct Access to Michigan’s Preservation Contractors – Build relationships with the companies performing preventive maintenance in Michigan. Understand their needs, introduce new products, and position your company as a valued partner.

Active Voice in Industry Initiatives – Associate members are welcome and encouraged to participate in MRPA’s internal committees, including the Education Committee and Specifications Committee. Your expertise and perspective help shape programs, guidelines, and industry resources. While MDOT-facing meetings are handled by contractor members, we actively communicate with our associate members when issues affecting your products or services are under discussion.

Voice in Specification Development – MRPA’s Specifications Committee includes associate members and industry experts. Participate in developing the guidelines and best practices that affect how materials are specified and tested. Ensure your products are specified correctly and that requirements reflect real-world capabilities.

Quarterly Engagement with MDOT – MRPA meets quarterly with MDOT leadership to discuss program performance, emerging needs, specification improvements, and new product innovations. This ongoing dialogue ensures that MDOT’s capital preventive maintenance program reflects current best practices and that barriers to quality work are identified and addressed. Associate members benefit from this relationship through a specification environment that evolves to accommodate proven innovations and improved materials.

Legislative Advocacy for Transportation Funding – MRPA advocates for adequate transportation funding and policies that support preservation programs at both state and local levels. Through strategic advocacy, we work to ensure preservation remains a priority in Michigan’s transportation investment decisions. Increased funding for preservation programs translates directly to increased demand for the materials, equipment, and services associate members provide.

Market Intelligence – Stay informed about MDOT program updates, specification changes, local agency initiatives, and industry trends through MRPA communications and events. Anticipate market shifts and position your company strategically. 

Industry Visibility & Credibility – Associate member listing on the MRPA website connects you with agencies and contractors seeking suppliers and service providers. Demonstrate your commitment to Michigan’s preservation industry and quality standards. 

Networking & Relationship Building – Participate in workshops and committee work where you connect with contractors and fellow suppliers. These relationships often lead to business opportunities and collaborative problem-solving. 

Supporting Long-Term Market Health – A strong, respected preservation industry benefits everyone in the value chain. Your membership supports quality standards, training, and advocacy that protect the industry’s reputation and ensure preservation remains a priority in Michigan’s transportation funding.

Additional Membership Categories

Affiliate Membership – Available to professional trade associations, societies, educators, and retirees who support the pavement preservation industry.

Government Membership – Open to government agencies interested in preventive maintenance and their employees.

Honorary Membership – Special recognition conferred by the MRPA Board of Directors for outstanding contributions to the pavement preservation industry.

The MRPA Difference: Strategic Investment, Measurable Impact

Quality Preservation, Regardless of Who Performs the Work

MRPA’s mission extends beyond member business interests. We provide training and technical resources to both agencies that hire contractors and those that perform their own preservation work. More than half of Michigan’s counties now perform their own chip seal and crack seal work, and MRPA actively supports their success through training and technical assistance.

This reflects our fundamental commitment: advancing quality pavement preservation across Michigan, regardless of who applies the treatments. When county crews perform quality preservation work, it demonstrates to the public that preservation works—building confidence in preservation as a strategy and supporting continued investment.

A successful preservation project, whether performed by our members or by agency crews, strengthens the entire industry and expands the market for preservation materials and services.

Proven Track Record of Influence

MRPA’s partnership model delivers measurable results. Michigan Department of Transportation specification changes for capital preventive maintenance treatments often result from MRPA’s advocacy and technical collaboration through our quarterly meetings with MDOT. We’ve successfully advocated for expanded preservation funding at both the state and local level, growing Michigan’s preservation market.

This influence isn’t accidental. It comes from the credibility MRPA has built through commitment to quality, investment in education, and collaborative problem-solving with agency partners. When MRPA speaks, agencies listen—because our track record demonstrates that we’re focused on quality outcomes, not just member interests.

Ready to support Michigan’s pavement preservation industry and grow your business?

Click here for information on how your company can join MRPA as an associate member. For questions about contractor membership or other membership categories, please reach out—we’re happy to discuss how MRPA membership can benefit your organization.