A significant piece of the promotion puzzle is having our industry simply "Get Involved," said NRMCA Senior National Resource Director Doug O'Neill. 

"NRMCA stresses in many of our programs that getting involved is the best way to share the wonders of the concrete industry," he notes. "Whether it’s with local, civil and geotech engineers to promote their use of ACI 330 when designing parking lots or with local architects promoting their use of pervious concrete to solve their stormwater management issues, the fact is that getting out there and involved is the best way to bring about change."

One such concrete industry professional is Brett Ruffing, technology & education specialist at the Kentucky Ready-Mixed Concrete Association. Ruffing recognized early on in his career that getting involved was a critical element for success. His passion for concrete and the sustainability movement caused him to volunteer at the Kentucky chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). His willingness to get involved along with his sincerity and professionalism has now blossomed into a leadership position with the state chapter. Ruffing was recently voted into its General Circle as the chairman of the Membership Committee and also elected for a two-year term onto its Board of Directors, O'Neill reported.

"Not only is Brett’s participation in the USGBC having a positive effect on how the concrete industry is perceived by green building participants in Kentucky, but we have now become part of the solution and part of the sustainability community. We are outsiders no longer. Congratulations Brett!," O'Neill concluded.