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Two well-known industry associations will unite under a new name, which will be unveiled early next year. The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) and the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) have combined under the temporary moniker of the ICPI-NCMA. The new organization is undertaking a rebranding effort that will be completed by early 2023.

The two groups will run the Hardscape North America show together, which typically occurs in October each year.

Strong memberships

Members of both groups voted to approve the merger this summer.

Bob Thomas, the president and CEO of the ICPI-NCMA, said the organization has 277 voting members, “147 of which are producers and 104 are associate members.”

Thomas said the remaining balance of members is made up of contractors, dealers and other professionals.

“In total, over 1,300 members,” Thomas said. “Now that’s strength.”

The strategic plan

With the merger, the organization has released a strategic plan to guide it through 2025.

The plan calls on the ICPI-NCMA to continue advocating to raise awareness of segmental concrete products in the hopes of growing their market share.

Education and certification, development of technical expertise and enhanced community building within the industry are other components of the organization’s plan.

What to expect

Previously, the ICPI represented the interlocking concrete pavement industry by promoting the use of these products for commercial and residential applications. The NCMA has long held a similar mission promoting concrete masonry and the use of concrete masonry materials in construction.

Both organizations have provided a range of educational options to industry professionals in the past. The merger plan had been the subject of discussions for several years. In July, it became official and in September the combined organization began working toward a rebranding effort.

The name of the rebranded organization is still unknown, but it will be revealed at the NCMA-ICPI annual meeting in February.

The annual gathering, planned for Feb. 20-23 in Columbus, Ohio, will be immediately followed by the Precast Show, on Feb. 23-25, at which the ICPI-NCMA will be a participant. The Precast Show will also be held in Columbus.