NRMCA compiles news and interesting articles from ready mixed concrete state associations throughout the United States. To share news from your state, please contact Nicole Maher, senior vice president of industry relations, at 240-485-1158.

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State Association News

For the Period Ending April 30, 2010

Colorado –  On Friday, April 30, the Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association sponsored the first “Concrete Day at the Capital,” as declared by a proclamation from Colorado’s Governor Ritter. More than 425 legislators and staff were fed a complete barbeque lunch grilled on site. While eating, diners were provided with industry literature and information regarding the importance of the concrete industry to Colorado’s economy. CRMCA Executive Director Bernie Cawley said, “we had planned for 250 participants and had to make two additional food runs. Over 425 on a marginal weather day was an excellent problem to have.” Co-sponsors included the American Concrete Paving Association–Colorado/Wyoming Chapter and the Portland Cement Association–Rocky Mountain Cement Council. The purpose of this event was to recognize the hard work of the Colorado Legislature and its staffs during one of the most difficult economic periods in Colorado history. A secondary purpose was to raise the awareness of the importance of the concrete industry to the state of Colorado’s economic growth. Based off the success of this first attempt, the decision has already been made to make this an annual event.

CPG of Kansas City – Suggestions for the beneficial incorporation and use of social media into your business * Articles on the involvement of students in the concrete industry.

Kentucky – Brett Ruffing of KRMCA staff reports on the experience of participating in NRMCA’s Developing Industry Leaders program…including presentation given at NRMCA’s Annual Convention in March * An article on safety programs and why they often fail...the need to save time and money often create situations where the safety of our employees is back-burnered.

Illinois – new promotion brochure for concrete in schools – showcasing recent successes with concrete * Kane County chose pervious concrete to address environmental issues of “overall environmental mitigation values” and to protect “sensitive groundwater recharge areas” in the rebuilding of its Stearns Road Bridge Corridor…pervious was used for access roads and parking areas…concrete supplier arranged for contractor and engineering firm to become NRMCA-certified before placement began * Two new large-chain drug stores chose concrete for parking lots – both bucking the stores’ national trends…CVS selected concrete to ensure consistent appearance with the rest of the shopping center…Walgreens chose concrete after the concrete contractor doing the floors and curbs asked the owner if they could submit a bid for the parking…when the owner found the concrete was competitive with the specified asphalt, he approved the concrete * LaGrange Park evaluated 3 options (asphalt overlay, asphalt replacement, concrete replacement) for a residential road in great need of maintenance…after evaluating costs and life cycle, the village board chose the concrete replacement alternative…although the initial cost was estimated at 30% higher than the asphalt overlay, the results would provide double the life span with far less maintenance.

Pennsylvania – 5^th Annual Producer Member Survey results published…production details by yards, market segment and region * Highlights of several successful pervious projects…in addition, commentary on the need to work hard on every pervious project as interest in this product grows…including making sure contractors get certified to help ensure quality product placement * Earth Day presentation to architects focused on ICF as a sustainable construction opportunity * Increasing interest in RCC, including two successful conversions from asphalt by Conewago.

Tennessee – TCA has conducted early experiments with self-compacting pervious concrete…discussion of research conducted and early results * Decorative Concrete Council of the American Society of Concrete Contractors worked with the Concrete Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University to place approximately 1,250 square feet of decorative concrete on-campus…the slab  included a border of stamped concrete and a center slab with the MTSU athletic logo etched into the concrete and a water based stain used to mimic the colors of the logo…the rest of the slab was stamped with a seamless texture skin * TCA’s technical committee reports results of the Spring 2009 concrete compressive strength testing round robin.

Texas – an interview with president of Texas Lehigh Cement concerning two sustainability initiatives underway…first is alternative fuel use and voluntary testing protocol, and the second is development of a strategic plan regarding carbon emissions * TACA position paper dealing with concrete in sulfate soils * article on environmental initiatives in the current economy…often environmental and financial issues go hand in hand, such as with fuel.