| Archive | Printer Friendly | Send to a Friend nrmca.org | E-Store | Conferences & Events | Certifications | InFocus | Membership Directory |
IN THIS ISSUE:
NEWS LINKS
PAVEMENTS
PROMOTIONS
ASSOCIATION & INDUSTRY NEWS
OPERATIONS, ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY & HR
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
CALENDAR
NRMCA's celebration of the 100th anniversary of ready mixed concrete in the United States continues this week in E-NEWS by highlighting individual member histories. Last week, you learned the beginnings of Titan America, Holcim (US) and Manufacturers Division member Erie Strayer. See below for the companies we've selected this week, along with a link to that company's respective Web site for more information.
But first, this week's historical fact: Did you know that in 1915 Lynn Mason Scofield founded L.M. Scofield, the first company to produce color for concrete. Its products included color hardeners, colorwax, integral color, sealers and chemical stains. Colored concrete has done nothing but grow in popularity since. (To have your company featured in this space in the coming weeks, please contact NRMCA's Kathleen Carr Smith at kcarrsmith@nrmca.org or 301-587-1400, ext. 1145.)
MMC Materials - This Producer member began as the Mississippi Concrete and Materials Company in Jackson, MS, in 1927. In 1932, the company changed its name to the Mississippi Materials Company and steadily grew, expanding into Louisiana and Tennessee, and throughout much of Mississippi. In 1999, Mississippi Materials Company changed its name to MMC Materials, Inc., and added operations in the Batesville, MS, area. In 2002, MMC’s subsidiary, Gulf Concrete, expanded into the Mobile, AL, and Pascagoula, MS, areas and changed its name to Gulf Concrete, LLC. Read more.
An NRMCA member since 1953
Thomas, Bennett & Hunter, Inc. - Founded as a pioneer road builder in 1909, Thomas, Bennett & Hunter, Inc. has grown to be a major ready mixed concrete supplier in its central Maryland and eastern Panhandle of West Virginia marketing area. Thomas, Bennett & Hunter has ready mix plants in the central Maryland counties of Carroll, Frederick and Washington and Martinsburg, WV. Read more.
An NRMCA member since 1950
O&G Industries - One of NRMCA's newest members, O&G Industries is a privately-owned company in its third generation of family management, headquartered in Torrington, CT. Since its inception in 1923, the firm has grown to become one of the largest and most diversified construction materials and services companies in the Northeast. Services include building construction (construction management, design/build, general contracting and program management); heavy civil construction (roads, bridges, water and waste treatment facilities and power plants) and construction materials (process gravel/stone, concrete, asphalt, masonry and architectural stone). Read more.
An NRMCA member since 2010. NEWS LINKS
Several key markers of growth in the construction industry, including the 30,000 jobs added in December, could be attributed to an improving economy, but economists are cautious about calling it a rebound. Ken Simonson, chief economist of the Associated General Contractors of America, and several other economists said they expect modest growth for the industry in 2013.
Source: January 7 edition of the AGC SmartBrief e-newsletter which contained this January 4 article in The Washington Post.
Using firmer pavements can save billions in fuel costs each year, as noted in the January 2013 edition of Spirit magazine, the magazine of Southwest Airlines. The item notes the work taking place by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Lead researcher Franz-Josef Ulm explains why this is so using an analogy of cars continually driving out of dips they create similar to feet walking on sand.
Read more or pick up a copy of Spirit magazine on a Southwest flight throughout January. The Concrete Sustainability Hub at MIT is sponsored by the Ready Mixed Concrete Research & Education Foundation and the Portland Cement Association.
"Despite the moisture-related challenges that lightweight concrete poses, properly designed and constructed lightweight concrete floor slabs offer a number of efficiencies over normal-weight concrete slabs that project teams should consider," write four engineers in an industry magazine story posted this month. In this article, they look at some of the problems with using the material, but also explain why it can be better than normal-weight slabs.
Source: AGC SmartBrief e-newsletter for January 4 which contains this article from Structure magazine.
NRMCA Producer member Delaware Valley Concrete is working with Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities to introduce concrete mixers powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). Delaware Valley Concrete says it will diminish its carbon footprint by reducing its reliance on petroleum consumption. As both a local and national environmental trend, natural gas has significant environmental benefits versus diesel, including quieter operation, an 80 to 90 percent lower decibel level than comparable diesel trucks; a reduction in carbon monoxide up to 80 percent; and a reduction in nitrogen oxide up to 85 percent.
Source and for more information: Delaware Valley Concrete's Tom Harvey at 215-675-8900, ext 115 or tharvey@delvalconcrete.com.
PAVEMENTS
Registration is now open for the Design of Concrete Pavements Online Course that will be held January 28-31 from 12-1:30 p.m. Eastern time. This live course provides an in-depth look at how to design and construct concrete streets and parking lots. Recommendations for concrete reinforcement, thickness and jointing designs will be provided. Construction techniques, inspection, testing, maintenance and repair are discussed. Additional details will be provided on cost estimating, cost-benefit analysis and life cycle cost. In addition to details of conventional concrete streets and parking lots, this seminar will provide introductions to innovative products such as pervious concrete, concrete overlays and roller compacted concrete.
This course is intended for civil engineers, geotechnical engineers, public works officials and architects involved in the design and layout of concrete streets and parking areas. Concrete contractors and concrete producers will also benefit from the class. Participants who attend all sessions and successfully complete all quizzes will receive 6 Professional Development Hours.
Click here to register for the course. For more information contact Shawnita Dickens at sdickens@nrmca.org.
PROMOTIONS
Brett Ruffing, technology & education specialist with the Kentucky Ready-Mixed Concrete Association was recognized recently by the Kentucky USGBC Chapter in one of its Spotlight articles which highlights just how involved Ruffing is with state chapter activities and also provides some background on him.
"As the concrete industry continues to improve upon its already impressive environmental story, it’s up to knowledgeable representatives like Brett to bring that story to the green building community." said NRMCA Senior National Resource Director Doug O’Neill "Brett’s continued participation with his local USGBC Chapter along with his professional demeanor has elevated our industry to a higher level in the eyes of the green community in Kentucky. Brett’s involvement has opened doors that might have otherwise been closed and his commitment to the USGBC has led to a better understanding of what the concrete industry has to offer."
"Sometimes we in the ready mixed concrete business are too busy putting out fires to look beyond that and realize that our people NEED to get involved TODAY," O’Neill continued. "And not just with USGBC chapters, but with our local towns and villages, attending Planning Board meetings, informing local highway departments about concrete streets and roads, etc."
Click here for more information on how to get involved with your local USGBC chapter or contact Doug O’Neill at doneill@nrmca.org. To read the Spotlight article on Brett Ruffing, click here.
The much anticipated Guide to Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Parking Lots, initiated by the NRMCA Promotion Committee, funded by the RMC Research & Education Foundation and written by the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center, is
 now available. The Portland Cement Association has estimated that, in normal economic periods, new parking lot construction is a 90 million cubic yard ready mixed concrete opportunity every year — and the consensus is that the reconstruction parking lot opportunity is significantly larger. In slow economic times, the new construction market contracts, but asphalt parking lot maintenance does as well, expanding the concrete overlay opportunity as the economy improves.This guide is available free as a PDF from the RMC Research & Education Foundation’s Web site, but experience has shown that contractors and specifiers will require printed copies to seriously consider moving forward with these overlays. NRMCA encourages members and partners to obtain quantities of the printed guides and to share them freely to help move this market forward.
Single copies of the 64 page guide are $8 with multi-copy discounts available. Place your order with Jacques Jenkins at jjenkins@nrmca.org or 240-485-1165. Please note that actual shipping charges will be added to the cost of your order.
On Wednesday, January 30, NRMCA is hosting a meeting in Ontario, CA, to create awareness of the untapped opportunities in the local paving arena for ready mixed concrete producers along with the desire and the knowledge to work to gain market share. Co-sponsored by the California Construction and Industrial Materials Association and California Nevada Cement Association, the meeting will be held from 12:30 - 4 p.m. at the Ayres Hotel & Suites Ontario Convention Center, which is less than two miles from the Ontario International Airport.
The meeting will include presentations by NRMCA’s Robert Garbini and Glenn Ochsenreiter, reviewing paving market performance, dependence and potential as well as the resources available to improve market share. There is no cost to attend the meeting and a complimentary lunch will be provided beginning at noon.
Space is limited for this event. For more information and a copy of the meeting agenda, please contact Glenn Ochsenreiter at glenn@nrmca.org or 240-485-1140. If you plan to attend, please reserve you place with Nicole Maher by Sunday, January 20, at nmaher@nrmca.org or 240-485-1158.
January's slate of promotion-focused Webinars continues with How to Effectively Communicate Sustainability and The Quantifiable Advantages of Concrete Parking Lots. Want to learn more? Just see the links below and register today. You can also contact NRMCA's Jacques Jenkins at jjenkins@nrmca.org.
ASSOCIATION & INDUSTRY NEWS
The Manufacturers, Products & Services (MPS) Division of NRMCA has extended the deadline for accepting nominations for the 2013 Concrete Cares Award to Friday, January 18. The awards recognize outstanding contributions in community service by an NRMCA producer member company. With ready mixed concrete plants in almost every community in America, NRMCA member companies are making a real difference. From Earth Day celebrations, to organized volunteering for Boys & Girls Clubs, local schools and recreation departments, to raising awareness for breast cancer screenings, ready mix producers are at work every day in their communities.
The Concrete Cares Award aims to recognize these efforts and shine a national spotlight on the positive impact ready mixed concrete companies have in hometowns across the nation. A donation, in the name of the selected honoree, will be made to the charity of the company's choice. The award will be presented at NRMCA’s Annual Convention to be held in March 2013 in San Antonio, TX, during the Association’s annual awards breakfast. All ready mixed concrete producers who are members of NRMCA are eligible for nomination.
To check past honorees and submit a nomination for consideration, please use the form found here and forward the nomination form and supporting materials to Kathleen Carr-Smith, senior vice president, membership and communications via e-mail at kcarrsmith@nrmca.org or mail to 900 Spring Street, Silver Spring, MD, 20910.
Please join us on the morning of Tuesday, March 5, for a Walk to benefit the RMC Research & Education Foundation. The event will be held in conjunction with NRMCA’s Annual Convention taking place in San Antonio. Please join us in spreading awareness of how the Foundation's work is making an impact on communities nation-wide. Your participation is a tremendous opportunity to also support this initiative and the Foundation at the same time. Registration will be $25 per walker. For more information and to register for the Walk, please click here.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for this event and are another great way to support the Foundation while also garnering exposure for your company. Please click here to access the sponsorship form.
For more information or if you have questions, contact Jennifer LeFevre at 240-485-1151 or at jlefevre@rmc-foundation.org.
The Northeast Patrons Committee of the Concrete Industry Management Program will hold its 6th Annual Wine Benefit Dinner to benefit the CIM Program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology on Saturday, March 9, at the Valbella Restaurant in New York City.
"Over the last five years, the NECIM has raised over $400,000 to provide students with scholarships and industry opportunities", said Larry Silvi, wine dinner event chairman. "This year’s event promises to deliver the same resources to the students in the program that need it most."
"Now in its sixth year at NJIT, the CIM program has grown to be the 2nd largest CIM program in the country," added event Chairwoman Jamie Gentoso. "It is through the efforts of both the Faculty and its Patrons that we will strive to be number one."
The objective of the Concrete Industry Management Program is to produce graduates grounded in the basics of concrete’s production techniques and its use in a multitude of construction applications while also having business acumen through a required minor in business administration.
Event organizers have attained a special rate at a hotel in lower Manhattan, The Standard, giving guests an opportunity to spend a weekend in New York City. For more information about the benefit dinner, the CIM program at NJIT, and/or how you might get involved with the Northeast Patrons, contact Bill Layton at 609-393-3352 or Anlee Orama at 973-596-6067. For more information on the CIM Program, visit www.concretedegree.com. The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has named Gregory M. Scott president and chief executive officer. He will head the association from its Washington, DC, office and represent PCA and its members before Congress, the Administration and the White House. Scott joined PCA in January 2012 as the senior vice president of government affairs and was promoted to president in September. Prior to joining PCA, Scott served as executive vice president and general counsel for the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association in Washington, DC.
Source: PCA news release.
OPERATIONS, ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY & HR
NRMCA has just added an extra Plant Manager Certification class to its 2013 schedule, to be held March 19-22 in Houston. The other scheduled classes are August 13-16 in Silver Spring, MD, (metro Washington, DC) and December 10-13 in Orlando. Plant Manager Certification is specified for all batchmen on federal contract projects. Do not get placed in the position of winning a contract but not having a batchman certified because NRMCA’s certification schedule doesn't coincide with the start of your contract. Plan ahead!
NRMCA recently concluded the Plant Manager Certification class in Denver, sponsored by the Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Congratulations to Jason Schultz, Interstate Construction Highway, Denver, for earning the class’s highest score when averaging the two certification exam scores.
Click here for more class information and registration.
NRMCA’s annual Dispatcher Forum Workshop will be held march 12-14 in Silver Spring, MD, (metro Washington, DC) at the RMC Research & Education Foundation Center. The seminar includes concrete technical topics as they relate to the dispatcher's job, the latest update on drivers' hours of service regulations, scheduling, order taking and customer service-phone skill building exercises. Special care is taken to address dispatchers’ challenges in today’s difficult environment.
Click here for registration options, more information and NRMCA staff contact.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Media articles on the fiscal cliff, transportation infrastructure, regulation, heath care, taxes and other subjects, each of which relate to the ready mixed concrete industry, are updated each week by NRMCA's Government Affairs staff. To access the most recent compilation of articles - for the Week of December 31 - January 4, please click here.
If you would like to receive this weekly updated link in a separate e-mail, or if you have questions or comments about the roundup, contact NRMCA’s Kevin Walgenbach at kwalgenbach@nrmca.org.
CALENDAR
*Please note that e-mail and direct links to each event listed below can be accessed from NRMCA's Web site.
January 11, Webinar
Effectively Communicating Sustainability
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
January 15, Webinar
The Quantifiable Advantages of Concrete Parking Lots
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
January 15, Webinar
Environmental Product Declarations
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
January 21-24, Online Course
Concrete’s Role in Sustainable Development
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
January 28-31, Online Course
Design of Concrete Pavements
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
February 5, Webinar
Introduction to Concrete Pavement Analyst (CPA) Software
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
February 5, Webinar
Designing and Specifying Pervious Concrete Part I
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
February 12, Webinar
Designing and Specifying Pervious Concrete Part II
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
February 14, Webinar
Effectively Communicating Sustainability
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
February 18-22, Sacramento, CA
Technical Short Course
Email: Karen Bean, 888-84-NRMCA, x1168
February 19-21, Silver Spring, MD
CCSP Module III: General Business Knowledge
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
February 20, Cleveland
Adopting Disaster Resilient Construction at the Local Level
Email: Tien Peng, 206-913-8535
February 21, Webinar
Soils 101
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
February 25, Webinar
Controlling Moisture in Concrete Slabs
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
February 28, Orlando, FL
Adopting Disaster Resilient Construction at the Local Level
Email: Tien Peng, 206-913-8535
March 3-5, San Antonio, TX
NRMCA Annual Convention
Email: Nicole Maher, 888-84-NRMCA, x1158
March 5, Webinar
Roller Compacted Concrete: Your Third Choice for Pavement
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
March 7, Webinar
RCC: Intro to Design and Construction
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
March 11-14, Online Course
Building Green with Concrete
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
March 12, Webinar
The Quantifiable Advantages of Concrete Parking Lots
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
March 15, Webinar
Effectively Communicating Sustainability
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
March 19, Webinar
Concrete Pavement Jointing Plans
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
March 19-21, Silver Spring, MD
CCSP Module IV: Sales Fundamentals
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
March 20, Charlotte, NC
Handling Concrete Specifications, Low Strength Problems & Mixture Submittals
Email: Karen Bean, 888-84-NRMCA, x1168
March 26, Webinar
Green-Star Auditor Certification
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
April 4, Baton Rouge, LA
Handling Concrete Specifications, Low Strength Problems & Mixture Submittals
Email: Karen Bean, 888-84-NRMCA, x1168
April 8-11, Online Course
LCA of Concrete Structures
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
April 19, Webinar
Effectively Communicating Sustainability
Email: Jacques Jenkins, 888-84-NRMCA, x1165
May 6-8, San Francisco
International Concrete Sustainability Conference
Email: Lionel Lemay, 847-918-7101
May 12-15, Chicago
Fifth North American Conference on Design and Use of Self-Consolidating Concrete
May 20-23 Online Course
Pervious Concrete: A Stormwater Solution
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
June 11, Webinar
Concrete Overlays for Streets and Local Roads and Parking Lots
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
June 25, Webinar
Controlling Moisture in Concrete Slabs
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
August 11-15, Montreal
ISARC 2013: 30th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction, Mining & Petroleum Industries
Email: Chantal Murphy, 514-939-2710, ext. 1309
August 13-16, Silver Spring, MD
Plant Manager Certification Course
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
August 27, Webinar
Concrete Pavement Jointing Plans
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
September 22-24, Las Vegas
Concrete Works & Board of Directors' Meeting
Email: Nicole Maher, 888-84-NRMCA, x1158
|
January 9, 2013
 
|
|
