Sources: U.S. Department of Commerce; CP staff Producers voting in a Department of Commerce (DOC) referendum have approved formation of a Concrete Masonry Products Board, empowered to fund a Concrete Masonry Checkoff Program through collection of 1 cent per unit sold in the U.S. The referendum passed on the strength of two required majorities: 62 percent of voting producers who represent 53 percent…
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Commerce Department to open CMU Checkoff referendum in October
Sources: CMU Checkoff Coalition, Washington, D.C.; CP staff A Department of Commerce-administered referendum, October 15-November 15, will enable registered concrete masonry unit producers to vote to approve formation of a Concrete Masonry Products Board authorized to fund a CMU Checkoff through a 1-cent assessment per 8-in. equivalent building block sold in the United States. Commerce staff will email ballots to…
Read MoreRedi-Rock charts Besser-blazed trail, earning top Commerce Department Export honor
Sources: Foster Swift Collins & Smith, Lansing, Mich.; CP staff Redi-Rock International, the Michigan-based concrete formwork developer and licensor who helped reshape the wet cast retaining wall market, has received the President’s “E” Award for Exporting from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Read MoreU.S. stainless steel bar producers invoke antidumping duty terms for Indian peers
Sources: Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, Washington, D.C.; CP staff
Through the U.S. Department of Commerce, seven domestic stainless steel bar producers have filed a request for changed circumstances reviews, arguing that Viraj Profiles and Venus Wire Industries Pvt. Ltd. should be immediately reinstated back under the existing antidumping duty order on competing product from India. Following respective 2004 and 2011 revocations from the order, they contend, Viraj Profiles and Venus Wire resumed dumping concrete reinforcing and other stainless steel bar products in the U.S.
Read MoreBuilding agency stresses STEM-wise workforce, code compliance in report to Congress
Source: National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), Washington, D.C.
The NIBS 2013 report, Moving Forward: Findings and Recommendations from the Consultive Council, spans five key areas: The Building Workforce; Guidance on the Use of Non-Potable Water; Understanding the Energy/Water Nexus; Supporting the Existing State and Local Building Regulatory Infrastructure; and, Developing the Business Case for Private Sector Investment in Hazard Mitigation. Among recommendations in the eight-page document:
Read MoreConcrete masonry check-off bill clears key Senate committee
Sources: National Concrete Masonry Association, Herndon, Va.; CP staff
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed the concrete masonry industry’s check-off bill (S.429) by voice vote earlier this month, the legislation garnering consideration for possible avenues to the full Senate. The bill would authorize a Department of Commerce-sanctioned stakeholder committee to explore a market development, research and education program funded through a levy on concrete masonry unit sales.
Read MorePCA: Higher building standards align with Obama Climate Action Plan
Sources: Portland Cement Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff
PCA and other concrete industry interests are urging enactment of H.R. 2241, the Disaster Savings and Resilient Construction Act of 2013, providing $25,000 and $3,000 tax credits, respectively, to business or home owners who rebuild in declared federal disaster areas.
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