NRMCA e-news
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
NEWS LINKS
Just as the U.S. economy is gathering strength, rising oil prices are endangering the recovery. On the New York Mercantile Exchange last week, oil futures jumped $1.06, to $101.80 a barrel. Many analysts attributed a surprise drop in consumer confidence reported in a University of Michigan study to higher gasoline prices. Source: AGC SmartBrief e-newsletter for February 16 which included this Associated Press article that was posted in The (Toronto) Globe and Mail. Tepid winter weather and the addition of 21,000 construction jobs nationally last month contributed to bringing construction employment figures to a two-year high, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. "While it is encouraging to see some recent progress on aviation and surface transportation measures, it is vital that Congress and the White House make passing key infrastructure and pro-growth measures a top priority," said Stephen Sandherr, AGC's CEO. Source: AGC SmartBrief e-newsletter for February 15 which included a February 14 BusinessWest article: read more. National Public Radio's Science Friday feature recently included a segment on author Robert Courland whose book, Concrete Planet, discusses why the concrete first used by the Romans is more durable than the concrete used in most present day buildings. Plus, mineralogist Peter Stemmerman tells us about his invention, Celitement and why it is greener than Portland cement. The broadcast can be accessed via the Science Friday Web site. PROMOTIONS
Through the efforts of NRMCA's national resource directors, the national retailer Family Dollar has recently altered its specification requirements to include ACI 330 as the design procedure for concrete pavement, reports Southeast Senior National Resource Director Amy Miller. Also included is the requirement for an ACI 330 joint layout. This specification will be found on the civil plan sheet for site plan criteria. The specification is included in the new Family Dollar prototype dated January 1, 2012. However, some jobs prior to this date have included this new specification. NRMCA Producer members should be on the lookout for Family Dollar jobs coming in their area and be aware of the inclusion of concrete pavement, Miller noted. For more information, contact Amy Miller at amiller@nrmca.org. The ACI Houston Chapter recently held a sustainability of concrete seminar. Dr. Mo Li of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Houston spoke on Engineered Cementitious Composites and NRMCA South Central Senior National Resource Director Vance Pool spoke on ACI 330, Sustainability and Concrete, and Concrete Overlays. "It is nice to be able to not only speak on concrete’s host of sustainable properties, especially when the proceeds of the event went to create a scholarship at the University of Houston," Pool said. "While concrete may be king in Houston, ACI 330 is still not the most common way to specify parking in the fourth largest city in the U.S. Like most of America, the majority still use AASHTO, DOT or other road building specs." Another portion of Pool's message included how concrete can compete on first cost with competing materials, which most in the construction industry still don’t recognize. "It is important we continue to hammer the first cost issue whenever we get the chance as we are driving change and being recognized as competing on first cost," Pool said. "This will open up more potential work for our industry." For more information, contact Vance Pool at vpool@nrmca.org. The NRMCA Lifetime Achievement Award for Promotion recognizes excellence in concrete promotion on behalf of the entire industry over the full career of the award winner. The 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award for Promotion is being awarded to Peter Deem, who recently retired from Holcim where he began as a market manager in June 1982. Peter took on a variety of jobs for Holcim early in his career which led to his position as vice president of sales for the West during the 1990s. During this period he began working with American Concrete Paving Association (eventually as chairman) and American Concrete Pipe Association. Peter has distinguished himself in his resolve that industry associations must work together to maximize gains for all segments. He demonstrated time and again his ability to bring about such collaboration through his patient but persistent and personally genuine efforts. In that pursuit, Peter has supported many additional industry associations in many capacities, including the Portland Cement Association, National Concrete Masonry Association, Concrete Pavement Tech Center and the Concrete Industry Management program. At NRMCA, he has served on the Materials Board and the Government Affairs, Sustainability and Promotion committees. Peter has set an unmatched example for promotion and advocacy collaboration and non-stop commitment for the benefit of our entire industry. The 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented on March 6 during the Awards Breakfast at the NRMCA Annual Convention in Savannah, GA. NRMCA's national resource directors have two Webinars scheduled through the end of next week, so be sure to click on each link for more information or contact NRMCA's Jessica Walgenbach at jwalgenbach@nrmca.org. February 23 – Streets and Local Roads - Presented by NRMCA’s Jon Hansen, this Webinar includes how to start a local concrete streets and local roads promotion effort; how to identify, develop relationships with and influence key decision makers; the step by step process to build a concrete street market and how to provide service to insure long-term concrete industry market share. ASSOCIATION & INDUSTRY NEWS
The preliminary estimate of ready mixed concrete produced in December 2011 is 17.7 million cubic yards, 16% higher than December 2010. The estimated production for 2011 is 265 million cubic yards, 3% higher than in 2010. Thirty three states saw increased production in 2011 compared to 2010. State production estimates in 2011 will be posted on the NRMCA Web site in early March. OPERATIONS, ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY & HR
For more information, visit the Operations, Environment & Safety home page or contact NRMCA’s Shawnita Dickens at sdickens@nrmca.org. 
SUSTAINABILITY
Researchers at the University of Washington’s College of Built Environment’s Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) have worked with a diverse stakeholder committee, including NRMCA staff and member representatives, to develop standards to track and report the environmental footprint of concrete. Use of these standards (Product Category Rules/PCRs) will enable concrete producers to report the "environmental footprint" (Environmental Product Declaration/EPD) of different concrete mixes and enable architects and engineers to specify low impact concrete. The standard is now posted for stakeholder input and available at the CLF PCR Website. The deadline for comments is Saturday, March 31. NRMCA is asking concrete industry stakeholders to review the draft standard and provide input either directly to CLF by March 31 or provide comments to Lionel Lemay of NRMCA at LLemay@nrmca.org in advance of the deadline for inclusion in a combined concrete industry response. To help the concrete industry understand the new standard, NRMCA has created a Web page at www.nrmca.org/sustainability and scheduled two free webinars:
For more information, contact Lionel Lemay at llemay@nrmca.org or 847-918-7101. Speakers have been selected for NRMCA's 7th annual International Concrete Sustainability Conference to be held May 7-10 in Seattle. Over 60 world renowned experts will present the latest developments related to design, specifying, manufacturing, testing, construction, maintenance, and research of concrete as it relates to sustainability. Keynote speakers for the plenary sessions include: Technical presentation include topics relating to life cycle assessment, low impact development, green concrete, sustainability initiatives and functional resilience. A complete list of speakers and additional details about the conference is available online at www.concretesustainabilityconference.org. The conference provides learning and networking opportunities on the latest advances, technical knowledge, continuing research, tools and solutions for sustainable concrete manufacturing and construction. This year’s conference will take place at the Seattle Renaissance Hotel and the University of Washington campus. For more information, contact NRMCA's Lionel Lemay at llemay@nrmca.org or 847-918-7101. NRMCA’s Lionel Lemay presented Year Two research results from the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub at the Scholer-Peterson Concrete Conference on February 2. The annual conference, which is sponsored by Kansas State University, was attended by over 100 construction industry decision makers, including architects, engineers, researchers and DOT officials. Lemay’s presentation, titled Life Cycle Assessment of Concrete Structures and Pavements, provided an overview of the MIT research that quantifies the cradle-to-grave environmental impacts of concrete paving and building materials. The research represents the most comprehensive LCA model produced to date. For more details on the MIT research, which is co funded by the RMC Research & Education Foundation, visit www.rmc-foundation.org or www.nrmca.org/sustainability. Lionel Lemay can be reached at LLemay@nrmca.org or 847-918-7101. Next week, from February 27-March 1, noon-1:30 p.m. Eastern time, NRMCA will be presenting its Green Building with Concrete Course. This course provides detailed instruction on how to design with concrete to maximize environmental performance of buildings and project sites. It will help attendees utilize concrete building systems to design high performance buildings that conserve energy and maximize occupant comfort. This seminar will provide attendees with state-of-the-art strategies, technologies and methodologies for designing sustainable concrete projects to maximize environmental performance. At the end of this course attendees will be able to: • Specify high performance concrete building systems • Implement pervious concrete pavement systems • Develop project specifications to optimize recycled content and maximize durability • Understand the basics of low impact development • Understand Concrete’s Contribution to LEED® Attendees will learn the details of concrete building systems and pavements, including design methodologies and construction techniques to minimize environmental impact. This course will also help attendees design and write project specifications for sustainable concrete building and pavement systems. Click here for more information and to register, or contact NRMCA's Tien Peng at tpeng@nrmca.org or 206-913-8535. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
To read government affairs-related stories that relate to the ready mixed concrete industry for the week of February 13-17, 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. EDUCATION &TRAINING
NRMCA will host its one-time, annual Concrete Sales Professional (CCSP) Module IV, Professional Sales Skills workshop, March 20-22 in Silver Spring, MD. With another challenging market projected for this year, the content has been revised to fit the current climate. There has never been a better time for mid-level staff involved in the sales process to hone higher level skills as they relate to ready mixed concrete-specific consultative sales practice. Whether your staff must continue to leave no stone unturned or if stimulus package or green building impacts open the markets quickly, your staff will be prepared. We encourage interested parties to act quickly. This workshop is a required class in the STEPS Sales and Promotion Track. For more information, contact NRMCA’s Shawnita Dickens at sdickens@nrmca.org. PRODUCTS & SERVICES
NRMCA's February Internet Spotlight, good through Tuesday, March 6, is the Thermal Measurements of Hydrating Concrete Mixtures guide. This publication introduces readers to SAC equipment, applications and basics of how to plan and conduct an effective SAC testing program. Interpretation of SAC thermal profiles are also discussed. Order online today and receive 25% off. Internet Special $26.25, plus shipping. Please use Discount Code ISFEB12 to receive the online discount. CALENDAR
February 27-March 1, Online Course
Building Green with Concrete Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 March 2, Webinar National Account Parking Lots 101 Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 March 4-6, Savannah, GA NRMCA Annual Convention Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 March 15, Webinar ACI 330 R-08 – The Gold Standard of Concrete Parking Lot Design Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 March 20, Webinar Designing and Specifying Pervious Concrete (*Part 2 is March 27) Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 March 20-22, Silver Spring, MD CCSP Module IV: Professional Sales Skills Workshop Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 March 26-29, Online Course Pervious Concrete—A Stormwater Solution Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 March 27, Webinar Introduction To Concrete Pavement Analyst Email: jessicawalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 April 5, Free Webinar RMC Research & Education Foundation Email: jlefevre@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1151 April 12, Springfield, MO Implementing Disaster Resilient Construction In Your Community Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 April 12, Webinar Streets and Local Roads Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 April 16-19, Online Course Design of Concrete Pavements Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 April 17, Sioux Falls, SD Implementing Disaster Resilient Construction In Your Community Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 April 19, Denver, CO Implementing Disaster Resilient Construction In Your Community Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 April 26, Webinar ACI 330 R-08 – The Gold Standard of Concrete Parking Lot Design Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 May 7-10, Seattle, WA International Concrete Sustainability Conference Email: llemay@nrmca.org May 15, Pewaukee, WI Implementing Disaster Resilient Construction In Your Community Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 May 17, Louisville, KY Implementing Disaster Resilient Construction In Your Community Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 May 17, Webinar Streets and Local Roads Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 May 21-24, Online Course Life Cycle Assessment of Concrete Structures Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 May 23, Nashua, NH Handling Concrete Specifications, Low Strength Problems and Mixture Submittals Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 May 30, Portsmouth, NH Implementing Disaster Resilient Construction In Your Community Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 June 7, Webinar ACI 330 R-08 – The Gold Standard of Concrete Parking Lot Design Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 June 25-28, Online Course Concrete's Role in Sustainable Development Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 June 28, Webinar Streets and Local Roads Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 July 16-19, Online Course Building Green with Concrete Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 July 26, Webinar ACI 330 R-08 – The Gold Standard of Concrete Parking Lot Design Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 August 6-9, Online Course Pervious Concrete—A Stormwater Solution Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 August 9, Webinar Streets and Local Roads Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 August 14-17, Silver Spring, MD Plant Manager Certification Course Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 August 27-30, Online Course Design of Concrete Pavements Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 September 20, Webinar Streets and Local Roads Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 October 2-5, Silver Spring, MD CCSP Module I: Concrete 101 Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 November 1, Webinar Streets and Local Roads Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 November 13-15, Silver Spring, MD Effective RMC Supervisor Certification Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 December 4-6, Silver Spring, MD CCSP Module II: Customer Business Knowledge Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 December 4-6, Orlando, FL Environmental Professional Certification Course for the Ready Mixed Concrete Industry Email: jwalgenbach@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152 2013 February 19-21, Silver Spring, MD CCSP Module III: General Business Knowledge Email: sdickens@nrmca.org, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154 May 12-15, Chicago, IL Fifth North American Conference on Design and Use of Self-Consolidating Concrete |
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