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The
members of NCMA support a number of continuing programs focused
upon enhancing the safe, technically sound and convenient use of
concrete masonry building materials in a variety of commercial,
residential and landscape construction projects.
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As
a nationally recognized leader in the research and development of
concrete masonry products and systems, NCMA represents the industry
by actively participating in numerous building code forums and standards
committees. The leadership provided by NCMA within these forums
ensures the safe, economical, and expanding use of concrete masonry.
National Liaison Activities
To improve acceptance of member products and lower program development
costs, NCMA fosters strong working relationships with a number
of architectural, engineering, builder, construction and other
allied trade associations. NCMA is a founding member of the Masonry
Industries Council and the Council for Masonry Research. These
particular organizations are committed to facilitating through
education, training and communication the progress and advancement
of the masonry industry.
Government Relations Activities
NCMA
has established itself as a respected preeminent organization
to be consulted when the federal government plans new initiatives.
NCMA Government Relations is known as a policy advocate with a
strong reputation, the contacts and experience necessary to influence
public policy in favor of NCMA members.
- State
Concrete Masonry Association Liaison
NCMA
works cooperatively with state and regional concrete masonry associations
to maximize the effectiveness of programs initiated at the national
and local level . The NCMA State Association Alliance meets regularly
to establish priorities and sharpen programs that can be leveraged
for the benefit of all segments of the industry across the nation.
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Market
Retention and Development programs provide an industry wide initiative
to facilitate the communication and understanding of the innovation
and advancements that have characterized concrete masonry in the
past. The industry is investing in those creative products, systems
and concepts that will provide cost effective solutions to the challenges
facing all participants within the construction industry and committed
to sharing this information in a variety of ways.
The
Association works in partnership with other organizations to ensure
an adequate supply of effectively trained masons to install the
industry's products. In conjunction with the industry wide initiative
led through the Masonry Industries Council the NCMA has regularly
supported the annual Skills USA VICA competition. Additionally the
NCMA has catalyzed the initiation of workforce development programs
at the local and state level through educational programs conducted
in partnership with the National Center for Construction Education
and other such groups.
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Technical
Literature
NCMA
develops, publishes, and markets publications that highlight the correct design, detailing, and construction of concrete masonry
products. Included in this literature are TEK, software programs, design manuals, and construction
guides.
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Industry Statistics
NCMA
annually surveys the producers of concrete masonry in the United
States to develop an estimate of the state of the industry and
to provide a benchmark for individual producers. This effort provides
the regular opportunity to monitor various market segments and
conditions, drawing conclusions from the trends that emerge from
the analysis.
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Safety
and Government Compliance Activities
NCMA develops and distributes
manufacturing information, plant safety and plant management publications, testing, evaluation, and compliance guides.
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Concrete
Masonry Designs
Concrete
Masonry Designs
is the association's flagship publication focused on providing
the latest and most useful examples of concrete masonry construction
around the world. Case studies, building features and best practices
are all part of this monthly four color publication. Regular features
include designs of concrete masonry for commercial buildings, residential
and landscape applications.
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Communication
to Members
NCMA
conducts a comprehensive communications program to reach many
constituencies within the concrete products and building materials
industries and throughout the design and engineering professions.
NCMA members receive the monthly industry magazine, CM News,
the quarterly NCMA Engineering and Research Report along with
other industry bulletins as a feature of membership. The Association's
Membership Directory which is published annually is the definitive
information source for the concrete masonry industry.
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Research
and Development Laboratory
A
world-class on-site testing facility helps maintain NCMA's position
as the national authority on concrete masonry. This state-of-the-art
lab documents and reports properties of concrete masonry products
and systems for use in advancing concrete masonry technology and
expanding markets.
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Technical Services
NCMA
and its membership are committed to facilitating the ready availability
of technical information for design professionals, engineers and
other interested parties. NCMA provides a full time staff engineer
to answer questions and respond to inquiries on a daily basis
during regular business hours. For immediate attention to your
item of interest please call 703- 713-1900.
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Training and Education
NCMA provides seminars and educational training sessions covering
a wide range of topics of interest and value to design professionals
and engineers. Design practices, code requirements, software use
have been topics of repeated popularity among professional audiences
in the past. Contact NCMA to inquire regarding the current schedule
for these programs.
Annual
Convention and Trade Show
NCMA
hosts an Annual Convention and co-sponsors the MANUFACTURED CONCRETE PRODUCTS EXPOSITION (MCPX), the masonry industry's trade show. The Annual Convention encompasses NCMA's
winter committee and Board meetings. MCPX hosts an international audience and features a comprehensive educational program, laboratory testing demonstrations and a bookstore.
- Midyear
Meeting
The Midyear Meeting serves as an important forum for committee program planning and priority setting activities. This meeting also provides an opportunity
for members and guests participate in the annual golf tournament and
tennis mixer to support the Paul and Helen Lenchuck Scholarship
program.
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The
committee process is the heart of NCMA program development and implementation
activities. More than fifty committees, subcommittees task forces
and task groups oversee the development of NCMA programs and provide
recommendations to the NCMA Board for approval. These committees
meet during NCMA's Annual Convention and Midyear Meeting, and at
other times as needed.
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NCMA Optional Programs
In
addition to the Association's continuing program activities, NCMA
members have the opportunity to support Optional Programs through
voluntary funding outside the Association's dues structure. Optional
Programs are developed through NCMA committees to serve specific
targeted needs and in the past have included such items as: exhibition
at national trade shows, specific research projects, software development
and the publication of specific technical and marketing material
useful to various segments of the industry.
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