Over the past few weeks, I’ve really appreciated the chance to connect more directly with many of you. Some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had happen when I get the opportunity to meet in each region and get to hear firsthand about important local progress happening.
Our Regional Town Halls gave investors a chance to hear what’s happening in their markets, ask questions and see firsthand how Checkoff investments are being put to work. Thank you to everyone who took the time to join and engage. It truly makes a difference.
That regional dialogue continues this fall with our upcoming Regional Advisory Committee meetings. These sessions are another important opportunity to share your perspective and help guide where we focus next.
As always, thank you for your continued involvement and support. The updates in this edition reflect the collective effort and commitment of this entire industry.
IN THIS EDITION:
Letter From Kim
Feature Focus:Regional Town Halls Recap
Announcements:Fall RAC Meetings Registration Now Open, Beauty of Block® Press Release, Region 2’s Youth Promotion & Outreach Program
Block the Date:Fall RAC Meetings, CMC Live Session: Setting the Standards, November Board Meeting
FEATURE FOCUS
Building on the Momentum of Our Regional Town Halls
This month, the Concrete Masonry Checkoff wrapped up five Regional Town Halls designed to give investors a closer look at how Checkoff-funded programs are creating impact in their markets.
Across the series, investors heard from regional and national leaders about marketing initiatives, Block Design Collective activity, financial performance and opportunities ahead. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Your participation helps keep the Checkoff connected to the needs of producers across the country and helps ensure our investments remain focused on opportunities that can move the industry forward.
Your Next Opportunity to Get Involved: Fall RAC Meetings
This fall, Regional Advisory Committees will meet across the country to discuss regional priorities and help shape recommendations for how Checkoff dollars are invested. These meetings give regional members an important opportunity to review proposed programs, discuss market needs and help determine which investments can create the greatest impact in their region.
Questions? Please contact your regional leadership/RAC chair. All are welcome and we hope to see you there!
As wildfires and hurricanes put growing pressure on homes and communities, the Beauty of Block is helping highlight concrete masonry as a resilient alternative for residential construction.
A recent press release explores CMU’s advantages against fire and severe weather while showcasing the Block Design Collective’s free design assistance — helping keep concrete masonry part of the conversation as communities look for safer, higher-performing ways to build.
The Latest on Region 2’s Youth Promotion & Outreach
One of our goals this year has been to make it easier for investors to see the work happening behind the scenes. Our newest Program Spotlight flyer features Region 2’s Youth Promotion & Outreach Program, highlighting the work being done to introduce more students and young professionals to careers in concrete masonry.
If you haven’t explored the Program Spotlights yet, take a look. They offer a snapshot of Checkoff-funded programs happening across the country and the impact they are making on our industry and beyond.
All Program Spotlights are available through the Producer Portal.
Our first CMC Live Session put the spotlight on three Checkoff-funded outreach initiatives helping introduce more students, educators and communities to the benefits of concrete masonry.
Robert Melgaard, Ryan Shaver and Kurt Helgeson shared progress from the National Youth Promotion & Outreach Initiative, Region 2 Youth Promotion & Outreach Program, and Region 3 Mobile Masonry Trailer Program, including recent milestones, what’s working across national and regional efforts, and opportunities for continued industry engagement.
If you couldn’t join us live, or want to revisit the conversation, the recorded session is now available.
Join us for the next CMC Live Session as leaders from national and regional Codes & Standards programs provide an investor update on Checkoff-funded initiatives helping protect and strengthen concrete masonry’s position across the marketplace.
Hear directly from Matt Sitter, James Cain, Tony Topping, Nicholas Lang and Ben Nantasai as they discuss:
National and regional program updates
Recent advocacy initiatives and regulatory developments
Key milestones and industry progress
What’s next for Checkoff-funded Codes & Standards programs
Plus, those who attend live will have an opportunity to ask questions directly during a live Q&A — and be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our August Block Learning Hub webinar.
Phil Ledent, Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of Michigan and Owner of Ledent Design Solutions, led an engaging session on cost-saving opportunities in loadbearing concrete masonry design. He was joined by Kyle Lochonic of Xtreme Mason Contractors, who added a mason contractor’s perspective to the discussion and shared insights from the field.
Attendee participation was strong throughout the webinar, with dozens of questions submitted on structural design, detailing and real-world project applications. Attendees especially appreciated hearing both the engineer and mason contractor perspectives, which brought different viewpoints to the conversation and helped create a highly interactive session.
PRODUCER MAP: HELP AECS FIND YOUR FACILITIES
The Producer Map provides a centralized resource for showcasing concrete masonry manufacturing locations across the country, helping architects, engineers and contractors quickly find local producers and connect with suppliers in their area.
To support the accuracy and effectiveness of the map, we encourage all producers to review their listings and ensure facility information remains accurate. Keeping information current helps strengthen the visibility of the industry and prepares the map for future expansion to design professionals.
Need to add, update or remove a facility? Complete the Producer Map request form at any time. If submitting multiple updates, the Excel template available with the form can help streamline the process.
Looking for branded apparel, event giveaways or team gifts?
The Beauty of Block storefront remains stocked with apparel and promotional items designed specifically for concrete masonry advocates. New users can receive access using the one-time registration code: BofBMerch
Inventory remains limited on select items, so be sure to explore the latest offerings while supplies last. Once styles sell out, they will not be restocked.
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