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Association & Industry News
Buildings
NRMCA is searching for an expert in energy codes and standards with a passion for energy efficiency and innovative solutions. The successful candidate will have a desire to work as part of a collaborative team of professionals to advocate for the concrete industry in the model energy codes. The director, energy codes and standards, will advocate for concrete building systems in building codes and standards, including the International Energy Conservation Code, ASHRAE Standard 90.1 and other relevant standards. He or she will work with other NRMCA professionals and allied industry groups to influence the codes and standards to ensure concrete is properly represented. He or she will also provide technical support to NRMCA members and state affiliates regarding building codes, legislation and regulation. Click here for the full job description and qualifications. Questions should be directed to Shamim Rashid-Sumar at ssumar@nrmca.org.
City leaders are the first line of defense in the fight against climate change. In February, NRMCA Senior Director, Building Innovations, Frank Mruk FAIA, represented the American Institute of Architects (AIA) during lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, meeting with Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Representatives Seth Magaziner and David Cicilline to promote the Resilient AMERICA Act which increases federal investment in pre-disaster mitigation through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. With the IRA incentives planned to be rolled out later this year, resiliency and concrete will play an increasingly strategic role in the economic development of cities, said Mruk.
More than 150 onlookers were on hand as ground was broken for a new Habitat for Humanity neighborhood featuring 17 affordable concrete homes (one of which is seen here) being built west of Chicago in Aurora, IL, reports NRMCA Senior Director, Building Innovations, Donn Thompson. The project is being realized through a partnership of local natural gas utility Nicor and Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity. With the support of NRMCA’s commitment to affordable housing nationwide, Fox Valley was able to build its first ICF home last year, leading to the commitment to use the more volunteer-friendly insulating concrete form (ICF) wall technology in the advanced net zero project.
Last week, the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC) hosted its annual Technical Summit at the University of Southern California. The event brought together design firms from the region to discuss such topics as sustainability and resiliency, reports NRMCA Director, Building Innovations, Brandon Wray who attended the event. This year's event put an emphasis on the need for resilient considerations in design beyond standard life safety measures. Presentations also highlighted the devastating impacts of the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey. Build With Strength (BWS) in combination with the California Nevada Cement Association and the California Construction and Industrial Materials Association sponsor SEAOSC exhibitions and events to bring concrete expertise to the doorstep of the designers directly specifying concrete. This recurring presence has built trust and established BWS as a critical resource in aligning the design and concrete production industries. For more information about the event and California-based promotion efforts, contact Brandon Wray at bwray@nrmca.org. 
SEO
Did you know NRMCA’s video, Ready Mixed Concrete Plant Safety, is free? The 15-minute lesson covers all the consequential basics related to safety at a ready mixed concrete plant. Plant operators, yardmen, mechanics, concrete delivery professionals and visitors encounter activities that rival the hubbub of small city so they must follow basic safety procedures at all times. This video succinctly covers safety essentials, from daily plant start-up to plant shutdown. Specifically, the lesson includes an overview of proper personal protective equipment, plant safety signage, general plant safety inspection protocols, lockout/tagout /and tryout of power sources, inspection and repair of conveyors, confined spaces, dust collection systems and baghouse inspections, slips, trips and falls prevention, and general plant housekeeping. The video was generously funded by the Concrete Advancement Foundation. Click here to view. The staff contact is Eileen Dickson at edickson@nrmca.org. 
Calendar
Please note that e-mail and direct registration links to each event listed below can be accessed from NRMCA's website. July 12, Free Online Webinar July 19 - 20, Harrisburg, PA *Low Capacity August 16, Free Online Webinar September 11 - 15, Maryland September 13, Free Online Webinar September 29 - October 3, Nashville, TN October 11 - 13, Centennial, CO October 17 - 20, Denver October 18, Online Course November 7 - 9, Charlotte, NC *Sold Out November 14 - 16, Dallas November 15, Free Online Webinar November 28 - 30, Orlando, FL *Low Capacity December 12 - 15, Orlando, FL *Low Capacity December 12 - 14, Denver December 13, Online Course 2024 March 18 - 21, Tampa, FL March 26 - 28, Denver October 10 - 14, Aurora, CO 
Pavement
The Cement Council of Texas (CCT) and NRMCA staffed a booth at the 75th Annual APWA Texas Public Works Conference held last week in Waco. NRMCA Vice President, Local Paving, Don Clem, PE, joined Nancy Beltran, PE, CCT director of concrete pavements and Amy Swift, director of administration, (seen here, from left to right are Swift, Clem and Beltran) in representing the concrete industry at the event which attracted over 500 public works officials from throughout the state. The effort generated many leads from officials seeking more information on concrete pavements and cement-treated subgrades. For more information, contact Don Clem at dclem@nrmca.org or Amy Swift, aswift@cementx.org.
NRMCA’s Think First monthly safety initiatives feature different industry-specific safety items relevant to seasons, current topics or industry concerns. The initiatives are meant to be shared, used as a training tool, printed, posted or distributed; all of which are encouraged. This month’s topic, seen here, is Office Safety for the Ready Mixed Concrete Industry. 
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