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Association & Industry News
The estimated ready mixed concrete produced in August 2017 is 35.7 million cubic yards, 3.1% higher than that in August 2016. The estimated production through August 2017 is 231 million cubic yards, 2.2% higher than that during the same period in 2016. Ready mixed concrete production is estimated from cement shipments reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. NRMCA members can view additional details here. Registration for the next public Webinar from the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub (CSHub), Pavements: Competition, on Thursday, December 7, is now available. When sustained competition exists in a market, the price for similar goods is expected to go down. Mendota Heights, MN-based Cemstone Companies is celebrating nine decades of providing ready mixed concrete, block and other products for homes, public infrastructure and major regional landmarks. All employees from the fourth-generation family-owned business’s three divisions were invited to an anniversary event on October 28 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. NRMCA is now accepting nominations for the the annual Concrete Cares Award, established by the Manufacturers, Products & Services (MPS) Division to recognize outstanding contributions in community service by an NRMCA producer member company. 
SEO
In just six short weeks, the date goes into effect for the requirement to install and use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. On December 18, 2017 eligible commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers will need to install and use ELDs for compliance with HOS regulations; however, specific only to the ready mixed concrete industry, there is a workable solution for not being required to install and use ELDs. Specifically, if a mixer driver does not work more than 14 hours, more than eight days in any 30-day period, ELDs are not needed. Click here and here to find out exactly how this works and what a company may need to do to avoid ELD use. For more information on ELDs, ELD requirements, FMCSA Registered ELDs and more, click here. For more information, contact Gary Mullings or Kevin Walgenbach. 
Buildings
Late last month, NRMCA Vice President of Sustainability Tien Peng delivered the Build with Strength campaign message to the Cement and Concrete Products Industry of Hawaii (CCPI). The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the governing body for the County of Essex, NJ, recently adopted a resolution that supports Assembly Bill 5196/Senate Bill 3490, statewide legislation that would amend New Jersey’s construction code for fire safety reasons, and provide an added level of protection for firefighters and residents alike, reports NRMCA Vice President, State and Local Government Affairs, John Loyer. The legislation calls for the installation of an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13, measuring the number of stories from the grade plane, using noncombustible materials for construction and installing a fire barrier with a fire resistance rating of at least two hours that extends from the foundation to the roof.
Pavement
NRMCA Senior Vice President, Local Paving Jon Hansen traveled to Boston last week to assist the efforts of Craig Dauphinais, executive director, Massachusetts Concrete & Aggregate Producers Association (MaCAPA), in his efforts to promote concrete paving in the commonwealth. Hansen testified before a panel of legislators in support of Bill S1966 which would open the door for concrete paving in the state. His testimony focused on the benefits that a dual paving program brings to a state Department of Transportation and taxpayers, and how competition of paving material lowers the cost of all paving projects. Others testifying on behalf of MaCAPA in support of the bill were Dan DeGraaf with the Michigan Concrete Association, Leif Wathne with the American Concrete Pavement Association, Randy Kirchain with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and James Donovan Jr., director of government affairs for the Teamsters Union. For more information, contact Jon Hansen at jhansen@nrmca.org. Government Affairs
Last month, the Internal Revenue Service withdrew the Section 2704 Rule, better known as valuation discounts (IRS Withdraws Estate, Gift Tax Valuation Regulations). The withdrawal of this Obama-era proposed regulation is a big win for NRMCA and for family owned/operated businesses throughout not only the ready mixed concrete industry, but throughout America. In 2016, the IRS proposed new regulations under Section 2704 of the tax code, which could have significantly limited the ability of family-owned/operated business to transfer the interests of property from one generation to the next. NRMCA opposed the midnight regulation and fully engaged a very aggressive grassroots action plan that included partnering with multiple associations across the construction and transportation industries. Almost a year later, the rule has been completely withdrawn. For more information, contact Andrew Tyrrell at atyrrell@nrmca.org. 
Learning & Development
Having a good year? Expense your staff’s 2018 training this year. Lots of great choices are available for registration right now. Additionally, discounts are available for multiple registrations per class. See each class listing below for specifics:
Questions? Please contact NRMCA’s meetings department at 240-485-1152. Calendar
*Please note that e-mail and direct links to each event listed below can be accessed from NRMCA's Web site. November 13 – 14, Dallas January 16 – 19, Minneapolis January 23 – 25, Orlando, FL February 20 – 23, Albuquerque, NM March 27 – 30, Louisville, KY December 11 – 14, Austin, TX |
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