Editor Bill Palmer interviewed Bob Thomas, president of the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), a few weeks ago. Thomas told Palmer NCMA continues to work on behalf of its members to promote concrete masonry. But at the same time, NCMA is embarking on two important initiatives that should benefit NCMA members and the masonry industry as a whole.
One initiative is the proposed unification of NCMA with the Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute. Thomas provides insights on why members of the two important trade associations believe unification provide advantages and strengthens both organizations when combining our efforts toward common goals. Find out more about unification here
The second initiative is the CMU Checkoff. If approved by concrete masonry producers across the country, and voting begins in mid-October, the CMU Checkoff will be a penny assessment on every block unit at the first point of sale. Checkoff dollars will be invested at the state/regional and national level, with at least half of the investments going right back into the region where they were collected. Thomas explains how investment decisions will be made by a board of volunteer producers nominated by other producers. Learn more about the CMU Checkoff program here.