Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Assocation

What Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Assocation does

The Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA) is a 501(c)-style nonprofit trade association incorporated in the District of Columbia and headquartered at 800 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Founded in 1973, AEMA functions as the only association exclusively dedicated to asphalt emulsion manufacturers, serving a vertical constituency that includes North American and international manufacturers (Ergon, Asphalt Materials Inc., McAsphalt, Russell Standard, VSS Emultech, Associated Asphalt, Albina Asphalt, Ergon Asfaltos Mexico, Western Asphalt, Jebro, Talley Oil), chemical/equipment suppliers (Ingevity, BASF-adjacent advertisers), pavement preservation contractors, testing laboratories, consulting engineers, and federal/state/county transportation agencies (Arizona DOT, Alabama DOT, TxDOT, Yamhill County Public Works). The association is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors with mandated seats for North American Manufacturer, International, and Supplier members, and is operated by a small staff of 1-10 employees including Executive Director Rick Church, Senior Association Manager Ali Mostardo, and Association Manager Morgan Barnes.

AEMA's core technology is not a product but a knowledge-transfer and standards platform. The International Technical Committee (ITC), operating four standing committees and multiple subcommittees, develops technical publications including the Basic Asphalt Emulsion Manual (co-published with the Asphalt Institute) and Recommended Performance Guidelines for Asphalt Emulsions. The association co-funds RoadResource.org through the Pavement Preservation and Recycling Alliance (PPRA) — a tri-association alliance with ISSA and ARRA — providing free pavement management decision tools and network optimization calculators built by 60+ industry volunteers. AEMA delivers four certificate courses in partnership with the University of Arkansas (Introduction to Asphalt Emulsions, Application, Manufacture, Achieving Quality) and, since 2025, the 'Owner's Manual for Your Pavement Network' one-day in-person training program for government agencies. The 12-month LEAP (Leadership Education for Asphalt Preservation) program, launched in 2019, develops future industry leaders through facility tours and certification coursework.

AEMA's business model is multi-stream nonprofit: primary revenue comes from tiered annual membership dues (North American Manufacturer $3,000-$10,000 based on plant count, International Manufacturer $3,000, Supplier $3,500, Associate $500, Individual $100, with Student/Government/Employee memberships free). Secondary streams include LEAP registration ($2,149/participant), training hosting ($6,500/session, may be subsidized), Excellence in Manufacturing Award application/renewal fees ($125-$400), advertising and event sponsorship, and publication/merchandise sales (Basic Asphalt Emulsion Manual CD-ROM, silo stickers). Distribution is anchored on aema.org and RoadResource.org (free), supplemented by the annual AEMA-ARRA-ISSA meeting (March annually), the quadrennial International Symposium on Asphalt Emulsion Technology (ISAET), the Pavement Recycling Summit, Roadvocate Training Bootcamps, and the 10-member Board governance structure. AEMA's stated strategic objective, codified in a 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, is to double emulsion demand through technology transfer, training, advocacy (via FP2 Inc., AHUA, TRIP, and the Transportation Construction Coalition), and direct engagement with the Federal Highway Administration.

Name

Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Assocation

Legal name

Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association

Website

https://aema.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA) is a 1973-founded nonprofit trade association serving asphalt emulsion manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, testing labs, and government transportation agencies worldwide through technical committees, certification courses, the LEAP leadership program, awards, and advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Glen Ellyn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from multiple membership classes: North American Manufacturer ($3,000 base + $300 per additional plant, max $10,000), International Manufacturer ($3,000), Supplier ($3,500), Associate ($500), Individual ($100), Student ($0), Government ($0), Employee ($0). Dues constitute the primary recurring revenue stream.
2. LEAP Program Registration: The Leadership Education for Asphalt Preservation (LEAP) is a 12-month immersive leadership program with a registration fee of $2,149, which includes University of Arkansas Asphalt Emulsion Training Certificates and Road Resource Network Bootcamp training. Registration is limited to 15 participants with no more than 2 per company.
3. AEMA Training Program Hosting: The 'Owner's Manual for Your Pavement Network' one-day in-person training program is offered to government agencies and road owners for a fee of $6,500 USD, which covers consulting engineers' daily fee and travel, administrative fees, and printed materials. The cost may be subsidized by AEMA upon request.
4. Excellence in Manufacturing Award Fees: Award application and renewal fees for the Excellence in Manufacturing Award program: Bronze Level Early Bird $350, Regular $400, Renewal $125; Silver Level application fee also required. Fees cover the application review process managed via the Award Force platform.
5. Advertising & Sponsorship: AEMA offers advertising opportunities across AEMA newsletters, e-briefs, and the website. Sponsorship opportunities are available at events and programs including the LEAP program and Annual Meeting. The Marketing Toolkit provides brand guidelines and logo files for member use.
6. Publications & Merchandise Sales: Revenue from sales of publications such as the Basic Asphalt Emulsion Manual (CD-Rom), as well as merchandise including vinyl silo stickers for Excellence in Manufacturing Award recipients. Shipping charges apply (15% for US, 30% for international).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

AEMA is a nonprofit trade association that provides membership services, industry training and certification programs, technical publications, and advocacy for the asphalt emulsion industry. Its core offerings include tiered membership dues for manufacturers/suppliers/contractors/government, certificate courses delivered with the University of Arkansas, the LEAP leadership development program, the Excellence in Manufacturing Award program, and co-funded digital resources via RoadResource.org for pavement preservation decision-making.

Product overview

The Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA) is a trade association dedicated to advancing the asphalt emulsion industry through education, certification, publications, and industry resources. AEMA offers a portfolio of training programs including certification courses developed with the University of Arkansas and Asphalt Institute, the LEAP (Leadership Education for Asphalt Preservation) leadership development program, and the Owner's Manual for Pavement Network Training for government agencies. Key resources include RoadResource.org (powered by PPRA) for pavement preservation decision tools, the Basic Asphalt Emulsion Manual, and technical newsletters (Emulsion Notes, PPRA Connections). AEMA also administers awards including the Excellence in Manufacturing Award (Bronze/Silver/Gold levels), Hall of Fame, and President's Award to recognize industry excellence.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LEAP Program: Leadership Education for Asphalt Preservation - a 12-month immersive program aimed at developing members of the asphalt emulsion industry through education, facility tours, and mentorship.
• Excellence in Manufacturing Award

Products and services

• LEAP Program (Leadership Education for Asphalt Preservation) A 12-month immersive leadership development program for AEMA member employees that combines four University of Arkansas certificate courses, facility and jobsite tours at member companies, and a Road Resource Network Bootcamp. Registration limited to 15 participants (max 2 per company). Fee $2,149.
• Owner's Manual for Your Pavement Network Training A one-day in-person training program for government agencies and road owners that covers network-level pavement management thinking, including pavement assessment and distresses, treatment toolbox, implementation, and communication. Hosting fee $6,500.
• AEMA & University of Arkansas Certificate Courses

Quantifiable outcome

• Strategic goal to double emulsion demand (established by AEMA Board)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pavement Preservation and Recycling Alliance (PPRA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPPRA is an alliance of three sister associations: Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association (AEMA), the International Slurry Surfacing Association (ISSA), and the Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association (ARRA). PPRA funds and governs RoadResource.org, a free digital resource hub for pavement management. AEMA is one of three co-founding associations. The alliance also hosts the Roadvocate Training Bootcamp and publishes PPRA Connections newsletter.
• University of ArkansascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA partners with the University of Arkansas to deliver four certificate courses: Introduction to Asphalt Emulsions, Application of Asphalt Emulsion, Manufacture of Asphalt Emulsion, and Achieving Quality of Asphalt Emulsion. Certificates are included in the LEAP program fee. Courses are delivered through the University of Arkansas training portal.
• Asphalt InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA and the Asphalt Institute jointly publish the Basic Asphalt Emulsion Manual, which undergoes constant review. AEMA also references Asphalt Institute training resources. The Asphalt Institute provides certification for national binder and emulsion technicians among member employees.
• ARTBA (American Road & Transportation Builders Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA offers the ARTBA Safe Backing & Spotting Training Course as part of its industry training course portfolio.
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA officials meet with key Federal Highway Administration officials and highway industry association executives. AEMA is an active participant with FHWA and FP2 Inc. in producing the Pavement Preservation Short Course with the National Highway Institute. AEMA also co-produced the video: Preventive Maintenance – Project Selection – Right Road, Right Treatment, Right Time.
• FP2 Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA is a member of FP2 Inc., one of the main forces behind the passage of the Highway Bill and leaders in ensuring highway funds are spent effectively. FP2 assists AEMA in lobbying power to shape legislation, regulations, and specifications. AEMA participates with FP2 and FHWA in producing the Pavement Preservation Short Course.
• International Bitumen Emulsion Federation (IBEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA's membership in the International Bitumen Emulsion Federation assists its involvement in the international arena, providing global connectivity for the asphalt emulsion industry.
• American Highway Users Alliance (AHUA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA is a member of AHUA, one of four main forces behind the passage of the Highway Bill, helping keep AEMA attuned to federal-level activities and providing key contacts.
• TRIP (The Road Information Program)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA is a member of TRIP, one of four main forces behind the passage of the Highway Bill, helping keep AEMA attuned to federal-level activities and providing key contacts.
• Transportation Construction CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA is a member of the Transportation Construction Coalition, one of four main forces behind the passage of the Highway Bill, helping keep AEMA attuned to federal-level activities.
• Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association (ARRA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA conducts joint meetings with ARRA and the International Slurry Surfacing Association (ISSA). Together with AEMA and ISSA, ARRA forms the Pavement Preservation and Recycling Alliance (PPRA). AEMA-ARRA-ISSA hold an annual joint meeting each March.
• International Slurry Surfacing Association (ISSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA conducts joint meetings with ISSA and ARRA. Together with AEMA and ARRA, ISSA forms the Pavement Preservation and Recycling Alliance (PPRA). AEMA-ARRA-ISSA hold an annual joint meeting each March. ISSA provides detailed advice on the design and application of slurry surfacings.
• National Center for Pavement Preservation (NCPP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEMA has been a part of the National Center for Pavement Preservation since its inception. AEMA members participate at various regional professional gatherings and serve as speakers for programs sponsored by state superintendents' organizations, county engineers associations, and other highway-related groups.
• Sustainable Emulsions (Division of Pavement Recycling Systems)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLEAP program tour host for 2025-2026 class. Sustainable Emulsions is a 100% employee-owned division of Pavement Recycling Systems located in Colton, CA. In its first year, the facility shipped 25,000 gallons of asphalt emulsion. The company also offers CoolSeal reflective pavement technology (reduces surface temperature by 10-20°F) and in-house milling software with Bluetooth connectivity.
• IngevityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLEAP program tour host for 2025-2026 class. Ingevity headquarters and manufacturing plant in North Charleston, SC. Produces specialty chemicals including those used in asphalt emulsions. Aaron Walker serves as a Board Director and LEAP program mentor.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association (ARRA): Sister trade association focused on asphalt recycling and reclaiming, co-founder of PPRA alongside AEMA, and co-host of the joint AEMA-ARRA-ISSA Annual Meeting. Directly comparable as a peer nonprofit trade association serving an adjacent asphalt sub-industry with the same membership, advocacy, and training model.
• International Slurry Surfacing Association (ISSA): Third sister association in PPRA, focused on slurry surfacing and micro surfacing applications. Co-hosts the joint Annual Meeting with AEMA and ARRA, and shares the RoadResource.org platform — directly comparable in scope, governance, and member profile.
• Transportation Construction Coalition: Federal advocacy coalition of which AEMA is a member and that AEMA credits as one of four main forces behind Highway Bill passage. Directly comparable as a peer coalition operating on the same legislative advocacy agenda for highway funding.
• Asphalt Institute: Long-standing industry association that co-publishes the Basic Asphalt Emulsion Manual with AEMA and provides binder/emulsion technician certification. Directly comparable as a peer technical association serving the broader asphalt value chain with overlapping membership and training offerings.
• International Bitumen Emulsion Federation (IBEF): Global federation of national bitumen emulsion associations, of which AEMA is a member. Directly comparable as a peer umbrella for the same product category at an international scope, with similar technology transfer and best-practice functions.
• FP2 Inc. Industry coalition promoting pavement preservation, of which AEMA is a member and through which it co-produces the Pavement Preservation Short Course with FHWA. Directly comparable as a peer advocacy-driven coalition addressing the same federal legislative agenda.
• National Center for Pavement Preservation (NCPP): Nonprofit focused on pavement preservation education and outreach, in which AEMA has been a participating organization since inception. Directly comparable as a peer mission-aligned nonprofit serving overlapping government agency and contractor audiences.

Broad incumbents

• American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA): Larger, broader U.S. transportation infrastructure trade association offering Safe Backing & Spotting training that AEMA distributes. Comparable as a peer industry association, though ARTBA covers the full transportation construction sector rather than emulsions specifically.
• National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA): Larger, broader U.S. trade association representing the entire asphalt pavement industry (producers, contractors, equipment makers). Comparable as a peer trade association with overlapping federal advocacy, training, and member directory functions, but serving a wider scope than AEMA's emulsion-specific niche.

Regional players

• European Bitumen Emulsion Association (EBEMA / Eurobitume Task Force): European-focused bitumen and emulsion industry association, serving as the regional counterpart to AEMA in Europe. Comparable as a peer trade association for asphalt emulsions but operating in a different geographic footprint.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/aemahq
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/asphalt-emulsion-manufacturers-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Assocation