OUR SPONSORS
Concrete Block Insulating Systems, Inc.
Lehigh Northeast Cement Company
A Word from the Board
Beef: It’s What’s for Dinner unless of course you’re having breakfast — then you might enjoy The Incredible, Edible EggÔ while lounging in your PJs made from The Fabric of Our Lives® (which is cotton, in case you had forgotten). Of course, you could opt for an omelet with Fresh Mushrooms – Nature’s Hidden Treasure and Haas Avocados – always in season! along with a side of Goodness® Unearthed (potatoes) and finish your meal off with a slice of watermelon. After all, watermelon is Healthy & Delicious. Everyday. But, whatever you do make sure you’ve Got Milk and you might want to put some flowers on the table as they are Alive with Possibilities.Ô
Now that your day’s menu has been planned you might wonder what we’re talking about and what these phrases have in common. Odds are, each of us has heard, seen, or said one or more of them. They are used in advertising campaigns and what they have in common might not be obvious. They are all the direct result of commodity check-off programs.
Commodity check-off programs are cooperative efforts by groups of suppliers intended to enhance their individual and collective profitability. The term “check-off” refers to the collection of a fee and comes from the concept of checking off the appropriate box on a form, like a tax return, to authorize a contribution for a specific purpose, such as the financing of programs to enhance producer welfare.
You may be wondering where this is headed. My high school English teacher would not be happy with 3 paragraphs before getting to the point but I thought it worth a little background. The concrete masonry industry is currently working to establish a check-off program to support the promotion of concrete masonry units. The National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) has funded and is coordinating the initial development and legislative approval efforts and is moving forward with an aggressive schedule for completion under the volunteer leadership of Major Ogilvie of Block USA in Birmingham, AL. Local “champions” are assisting him in bringing the message to producers throughout the country.
The potential impact of this effort for our industry is substantial. Others in the construction industry are said to be exploring or actively pursuing these types of programs to fund their promotion & research efforts. A CMU check-off program offers the real possibility of substantial increases in the promotional investment by our industry both at a national as well as regional and local level on a scale we have not seen before in our history. NECMA urges you to learn more about this effort and to give serious consideration to supporting it. More information on this effort and the check-off program can be found at www.cmucheckoff.com.
1st Annual NECMA Education Day & Tradeshow a Great Success!
On October 14, 2010 at the Taunton Inn & Conference Center NECMA introduced possibly the best masonry and hardscape-specific educational value seen to date in New England. More than 150 attendees took advantage of an incredibly low registration cost & high value, AIA-accredited education programs at the 1st Annual Education Day & Tradeshow. Not only did attendees have the opportunity to earn up to 4 credits throughout the day, they also had an opportunity to see, touch and discuss the latest in concrete masonry and hardscape products with more than 30 exhibitors and sponsors that produce them. Our keynote speaker, Dave Mayer, Director of Architecture and Structural at Lowe’s Corporation, discussed how Lowe’s uses concrete masonry to meet the new energy and LEED requirements.
Watch this space for an announcement of details on the 2nd Annual Education Day & Tradeshow coming soon!
Our Education Day Sponsors & Exhibitors
Alabama Pigments Company, LLC
A. Jandris & Sons, Inc.
Concrete Block Insulating Systems, Inc.
Chicopee Mason Supplies, Inc.
Camosse Masonry Supply, Inc.
Conproco Corporation
Dragon Products Company
Federal White Cement Company
Graves Concrete
Hi-Way Concrete Products Co., Inc.
Hunter Panels, LLC
High-Profile Monthly
Ideal Concrete Block Co., Inc.
International Masonry Institute
Lafarge North America
Lehigh Northeast Cement Company
Medway Block Co., Inc.
Northeast Solite® Corporation, Inc.
Norlite Corporation
Park Ave. Cement Block Co., Inc.
Quality Masonry Supply
Spaulding Brick Co., Inc.
The QUIKRETE Companies
United Builders Supply Co. Inc.
VERSA-LOK® of New England
Permeable Pavers: Yes, Virginia, They Can Be Plowed!
Without a doubt, the most frequently asked question about permeable pavers is “Can they be plowed?” This photo of the permeable paver installation being studied at the University of New Hampshire’s Storm Water Research Center, taken by NECMA Hardscape Installer Member William Gardocki of Interstate Landscape Company, clearly shows they can.
Although not originally planned as part of the research being undertaken by UNH, this information may be the first of many solid answers forthcoming from this exciting research project. Watch for more coming in the spring and summer of 2011.
Las Vegas to Host ICON EXPO 2011
The National Concrete Masonry Association and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) will conduct annual meetings and certification programs in conjunction with ICON EXPO 2011. ICON EXPO provides a forum to showcase and highlight new advances in the concrete and hardscape industry and will be co-located with CONEXPO - CON/AGG, March 21-26, 2011 in Las Vegas. The 2011 ICON Expo will also be held in conjunction with meetings of ICPI and the Cast Stone Institute (CSI). Activities are being planned throughout the tradeshow that will make this an event no one should miss. For more information, click here.
Holiday Meeting Adds to the Joys of the Season
Fran Camosse shared his adventures, experiences and memories from his walk across America with Holiday Meeting attendees.
More information about Fran’s remarkable journey can be found at www.MyWalkHome.com
The NECMA Holiday Meeting took place on December 15th at the Holiday Inn Boxborough Woods in Boxborough, MA. Over 65 members and guests attended this seasonal celebration. Attendees were given an overview of the programs and successes the association has had in the past year. They also heard about some of the exciting programs planned for 2011, including announcement of next year’s golf outing which will be held at Sterling National Country Club on June 21, 2011. In addition, efforts underway by NCMA and others to establish a check-off program to fund future marketing efforts at both the national and regional/local levels were discussed (see story above).
Of special interest at this year’s meeting was a presentation by Fran Camosse, son of Henry of Camosse Masonry Supply, on his walk across America. Chronicled both in pictures and stories, Mr. Camosse shared his experiences and lessons learned from this 152 day personal pilgrimage. Traveling more than 3,365 miles almost exclusively on Route 20, the longest highway in the United States, Mr. Camosse began his journey in Newport, Oregon on April 29, 2010. He completed his journey by pouring water carried from the Pacific Ocean into the Atlantic on October 9th. Along the way life lessons were many as were acts of human kindness.
Once again, attendees were most generous with their donations to the Toys for Tots program. Many children had a happier holiday season as a result of this kindness.
Direct Design of Masonry Structures — a New TMS Design Tool
To provide engineers, architects, contractors, building officials, and plan reviewers with more flexibility to easily and quickly design concrete masonry systems, a new structural design standard has been developed by The Masonry Society (TMS) titled Direct Design Handbook for Masonry Structures (TMS 403-10). The direct design procedure is a table-based structural design method that permits the user, following a specific series of steps, to design and specify relatively simple concrete masonry structures in compliance with the 2008 MSJC Code and Specification, ASCE 7-05 (Supplement No. 1), and the 2009 International Building Code.
Once a user becomes familiar with the direct design procedure, complete structural designs of concrete masonry buildings can be completed in minutes; rather than days or weeks using more conventional techniques. The secret behind the direct design procedure resides in the handbook’s tables, which quickly allow the user to determine the size and spacing of required reinforcement based solely on the building’s location and its use (warehouse, retail, hospital, etc.) as shown in the following figure. The direct design procedure captures both the design loads required by the International Building Code as well as the structural resistance of the masonry elements in easy-to-use tables; allowing the user to immediately design and detail a structure with no calculation.
The Direct Design Handbook for Masonry Structures (TMS 403-10) has been adopted by reference into the 2012 editions of the International Building and Residential Codes as an alternative to conventional masonry design procedures. More information on the direct design procedure, including a free one hour video tutorial, is available online at: http://www.masonrysociety.org/html/resources/DirectDesign/index.htm
Camosse Masonry Supply Contractors Expo Continues to Grow
Camosse Masonry Supply’s annual contractor’s expo held in Auburn, MA continues to grow in content as well as number of attendees & exhibitors. Despite the challenges of this year’s winter snow storms, the February 10th event drew a large number of contractors. On the agenda were presentations on the value of association membership as well as overviews of new products and services offered by Camosse Masonry Supply. New this year was an overview of how to incorporate social marketing into a marketing plan for little or no cost and how to be an entrepreneur by someone who has done it in the real world. This yearly event provides an opportunity to recognize and strengthen the relationships so critical to success in our industry. Customers appreciate the free training offered as well as the opportunity to network with fellow contractors. Exhibits by those that offer supplies, services and support to these contractors help to add value to the event.
NECMA Exhibits at New England Grows ... eventually
Once again, New England’s famous weather played a part in our business. Exhibiting at the New England Grows Show, renamed by some this year as the New England Grows Snow Show, was definitely a challenge. Thanks to the assistance of NECMA Hardscape Installer Member Bill Gardocki of Interstate Landscape Company and Producer Member Al Chaves of Park Ave. Cement Block Company NECMA was able to man a booth at the show for at least 2 of the 3 days. Promoting both SRWs and pavers, including permeable pavers and the installation at UNH’s Stormwater Research Center, NECMA carried the message about the hardscape products available from our members to the contractors and designers that make the decision to use them.
Al Chaves of Park Ave. Cement Block Co.
assists with promotion efforts at the
New England Grows Shows.
NCMA Alliance Meets in St. Louis
Held at the Masonry Institute of St. Louis, this year’s State Alliance event feature a joint meeting with executives from the Masonry Contractors Association of America. More than 25 representatives spent a day and a half learning, planning and debating plans on how to better promote masonry products locally, regionally and nationally. Much of the time was spent discussing the check-off program (see related story above) and helping to define it more clearly from a governance perspective. In addition, programs that are used around the country were shared and discussed. This meeting has always and continues to be one of the most beneficial held by the industry. Sincere thanks go out to the Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association whose financial support made this meeting possible.
Passages
NECMA extends our sympathies to family and friends on the passing of the following individuals:
Mary Rose Burgoyne passed away October 1st at the age of 81. She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph L. Burgoyne Jr., her devoted children, Joseph L. Burgoyne III., and his wife, Patricia of Waltham, John V. Burgoyne and his wife, Ginni of Westford, Ms. Jane Burgoyne of Waltham, James M. Burgoyne and his wife, Bernice of Hollis, N.H., Mrs. Marco (Mary Anne) Gemma, and Mrs. John (Margaret Anne) Bulger, both of Waltham; her dear brothers, Edward Brendan McLaughlin of Milford, and Thomas T. McLaughlin of Brighton.
Russell J. Kenney, president and director of testing services at R. J. Kenney Associates, Inc. in Plainville since founding the company over 40 years ago, passed away October 12th at the age of 74.
Esther Card, mother of Wally Card of Ideal Concrete Block Company, passed away October 19th at the age of 91.
MaCAPA Announces Staff Additions
Howie Burns has joined the Massachusetts Concrete Aggregates and Producers Association (MaCAPA) as Executive Director. For those of you that don’t already know Howie, he has been involved with the industry for years. He has had past involvement with the ACI, NNECPA, RC3, NRMCA, NECMA, along with the cement industry. As Executive Director, Howie will be responsible for MaCAPA’s daily business roles, administrative duties and membership development.
In addition, Michael W. Kane, P.E. has joined MaCAPA as Business Development Manager. Mike is a Professional Engineer and holds licenses throughout New England and in 16 additional states. Mike is an active member of the PCI NE (tech committee) and has a vast history with, and knowledge of, concrete.
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Calendar |
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Event | Location | |
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March 10, 2011 |
SRW Installer Certification Course hosted by Park Ave. | Warwick, RI | |
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March 21 - 26, 2011 |
ICON EXPO 2011 | Las Vegas, NV | |
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April 18 - 19, 2011 |
Masonry Alliance for Codes & Standards Meeting | Sandy, UT | |
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June 21, 2011 |
NECMA Annual Golf Outing | Sterling, MA | |
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August 24 - 28, 2011 |
NCMA Mid-Year Meeting | Vancouver, BC | |
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February 28 - March 3, 2012 |
ICON EXPO 2012 | Orlando, FL | |
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New England Concrete Masonry Association |
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P.O. Box 448 |
Phone 508-476-3466 |
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9 Main Street, Suite 2B-2 |
Fax 508-476-3467 |
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Manchaug, MA 01526 |
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We respect your right to privacy. |
The New England Concrete Masonry Association publishes NECMA ENews for its members and others interested in the concrete masonry and hardscapes industry and the activities of NECMA. If you have questions or information you would like to see included in future editions of NECMA ENews, please contact us at the address shown. Editorial / Production / Photography: David Dimmick © 2011 New England Concrete Masonry Association. |
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