Florida block makers open their wallets for voluntary, check-off-modeled fund

Sources: Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Inc., Orlando; CP staff

Independent and major operators representing 60–70 percent of the Sunshine State’s concrete masonry production capacity assembled earlier this month to sign a commitment, effective April 1, to contribute 1 cent per concrete block sold to support the Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council (FCMEC).

Representatives from charter signatories A-1 Block, Argos Ready Mix, Cemex Construction Materials Florida, Maschmeyer Concrete of Florida, Prestige Concrete Products, Supermix/Superblock and Titan Florida fittingly convened at the Masonry Lab on the Mid Florida Tech campus in Orlando. Their commitments have the potential to raise $1 million-plus annually for Council education and promotion activities.

“This marks a momentous day for our industry and we look forward to implementing these important educational programs for masons across the state,” said FCMEC Chairman Troy Maschmeyer. “We’ve been collectively working on this program for a very long time and are enthusiastic about the many benefits it will bring to the industry.”

The Council was chartered as a nonprofit corporation and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity direct-support organization by the Concrete Masonry Education Act, which state lawmakers passed in mid-2014. Appointed by Governor Rick Scott, FCMEC brings together producers and contractors to plan and conduct training programs; improve access to masonry education; develop outreach programs to ensure diversity; and, inform the public about the sustainability and economic benefits of concrete masonry products.

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