Masonry check-off bill resurfaces on Capitol Hill

Sources: National Concrete Masonry Association, Herndon, Va.; CP staff

Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY-2) and lead co-sponsor Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14) have introduced the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2015 (H.R. 985) into the 114th Congress, its title and language nearly identical to 2013 legislation. The bill would authorize concrete masonry interests to conduct an industry-wide referendum establishing a commodity check-off program; approval would lead to a U.S. Department of Commerce-sanctioned stakeholder board empowered to collect a target amount per concrete masonry unit sold.

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2015 Concrete Industry Management Auction tally nears record

Sources: National Steering Committee for the Concrete Industry Management program; CP staff

Organizers of the 10th Concrete Industry Management program auction cite $800,000 in gross revenue from silent, online and live bidding, with proceeds benefitting CIM degree programs at Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro; California State University, Chico; New Jersey Institute of Technology; and, Texas State University.

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