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A recent press release (see below) issued by the Northeast Precast Concrete Association (NEPCA) announcing the selection of David Dimmick as their new Executive Director may have caught some NECMA members off guard.  But rest assured, your Board of Directors has a plan and is implementing it aggressively to assure that our organization is able to survive and, indeed, thrive. 

First, Mr. Dimmick is not going anywhere.  He will continue in his current role as NECMA Executive Director working to promote concrete masonry and hardscape products for our members with the same vigor and dedication he has shown over the past 10 years.  As part of our efforts to generate additional financial support for NECMA, Mr. Dimmick had suggested last year we seek out other possible partners that might share some of our operating expenses and, to make a long story short, a partnership with NEPCA was worked out.  Beginning the first of this year NEPCA began “renting” some of Mr. Dimmick’s time to act as their Executive Director.  We believe this relationship is a mutually beneficial one with potential for some cooperative efforts in the future.  It also seems to offer very few areas where there might be conflicts between the two groups and we are looking forward to a successful working relationship with NEPCA.

industry associations.  He has more than 20 years of association management experience including the past 10 years as Executive Director of the New England Concrete Masonry Association.  He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a B.S. in Business Administration.  Mr. Dimmick will be based in the association’s Manchaug, Massachusetts headquarters.

 Founded in 1998, NEPCA has continued to grow in membership over the past dozen years and serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.  NEPCA provides advancement for people engaged in the business of manufacturing and or distributing concrete products and other lines of business related to the concrete industry.  From education and support, to resources and member forums, NEPCA continues to promote industry quality and value.

Build Boston Features NECMA Hosted Sessions

Build Boston 2009, held November 18 – 20 at the Seaport World Trade Center, featured a pair of sessions sponsored by NECMA:

Loadbearing Masonry’s Bottom Line

Daniel Zechmeister, Executive Director of the Masonry Institute of Michigan presented a comprehensive comparison of two masonry exterior wall systems for condensation potential and initial construction cost.  The session, attended by over 20 architects, was highly interactive.  Mr. Zechmeister’s enthusiasm combined with his extensive technical and engineering background set the tone for this well received educational program.  His presentation clearly demonstrated that loadbearing masonry is a cost effective alternative and a more effective long term building alternative in many applications.  The bottom line for both

Dan Zechmeister addresses architects

at a recent Build Boston education session.

systems (loadbearing masonry & metal stud infill) with respect to cost and schedule was detailed and discussed.

 The New Chapter 5&6 Requirements for Height and Area and Construction Type in the Massachusetts Building Code 7^th Edition

Walter Adams, Principal of WBA Associates gave an overview

of the Mass Building Code 7th ed. requirements for compliance with the height and area limitations and construction type provisions of the code.  The workshop, which attracted over 50 architects, introduced the many modified and new provisions of the 7th ed., including the new height and area limitations table, new provisions for calculating height and area modifications, the new way buildings are classified as to construction type, as well as the new provisions that allow a building with two different constructions types.  The level of interest in this presentation was quite high as was the level of interaction as evidenced by the questions asked during and after the session.

(NOTE:  This session is co-sponsored by the New England / New York Fire Safety Construction Advisory Council) 

New Members Join NECMA

Ridgeview Concrete Technologies, a new Associate Member, is a New Jersey based Sales, Marketing and Distributing company that has been providing quality cementitious additives to Concrete Masonry Unit manufacturers, since 2002. With  over 30 years experience and a reputation for providing quality products at competitive prices, Ridgeview provides a full line of chemical admixtures (Type A,B,C,D,E,F,G) and specializes in Admixtures for Concrete and Concrete Block and Pavers. They also market and sell mineral admixtures: Silica Fume, Slag and Fly Ash (Class C and F).  Other products include, Fibers: Fibrillated, Monofilament and High Performance Structural; Concrete Curing and Sealing Compounds; Concrete Repair Mortars and Epoxies; and Concrete Testing Equipment.

Perfect Creations Landscapes & Hardscapes LLC, a contractor located in Wilton, New Hampshire, has joined NECMA as a Hardscape Installer Member.

Membership News

In our efforts to serve the concrete masonry and hardscapes industries NECMA continues to promote new membership categories.  The Professional membership is designed for architects and other professionals involved in the design and specification of concrete masonry and hardscape products (Professional Member application).  Our Hardscape Installer membership is for contractors involved in the design & installation of segmental retaining walls and pavers (Hardscape Installer application).  In addition to these opportunities, NECMA continues our WEB Partner offering through the support of our members.  This unique program offers organizations a web-presence without the effort or cost of developing a website.  NECMA offers both design and hosting services through our members.  For more information on this program ask one of our members or email NECMA Headquarters.  

CSI Chapter Learns About LEED & Concrete Masonry

On a cold and snowy night in January the monthly meeting of the Worcester Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute was educated and hopefully entertained with a presentation on the use of concrete masonry and hardscape products in qualifying building projects under LEED 2009.  More than 15 hardy souls braved the weather to take part in this informative and interactive presentation provided by Dave Dimmick, NECMA Executive Director with the assistance of Associate Member Concrete Block Insulating Systems representatives Dave and Jeff Nickerson. 

Annual Holiday Meeting a Success Despite the Weather

Attending this year’s annual NECMA Holiday meeting was a bit more of a challenge than past years but a hardy group of members and guests braved the snow, sleet & rain to enjoy this annual celebration.  More than 40 trekked to the Holiday Inn in Boxborough through a New England snow storm and were rewarded with seconds on their meals if desired.  Attendees heard an overview of the programs and successes the association has had in the past year.  They also heard about some of the exciting programs planned for 2010, including announcement of next year’s golf outing which will be held at Sterling National Country Club on June 22, 2010.⁽¹⁾  A number of member-specific services being offered as part of our efforts to supplement dues revenues and help the association to continue our work were also discussed with attendees. 

Although impacted by the weather, attendance was good and the Toys for Tots program benefited from the generosity of those at the meeting.  As always, members gave from their hearts to support this great charity and many children enjoyed a happier holiday season as a result of their donations.

⁽¹⁾ Recent developments at Sterling National Country Club have called into question the scheduling and location of this year’s outing.  Please stay tuned for more details coming soon form NECMA.

Camosse Masonry Supply Contractors Expo an Hit!

More than 60 local contractors attended the recent contractor’s expo held in Auburn, MA sponsored by Camosse Masonry Supply. This yearly event has continued to grow in both attendance and program content and provides an opportunity to recognize and strengthen relationships so critical to success in our industry.  Customers appreciate the free training offered as well as the opportunity to network with fellow contractors.  Exhibits by those that offer supplies, services and support to these contractors help to add value to the event.  More than 15 different firms exhibited at this year’s event.  New this year was the addition of the NCMA SRW Certification course and testing.  More than 30 attendees participated in this six hour training course and hopefully passed the testing at the end of the day to become certified installers of segmental retaining wall systems.  Certification requirements continue to grow in all facets of construction work and the sponsorship of this course by Camosse Masonry Supply demonstrates their commitment to their customers and the industry.

Passages

NECMA extends our sympathies to family and friends on the passing of the following individuals:

James T. Tobin, owner of Tobin Brothers Concrete Block Company for more than 50 years passed away on December 14, 2009 at the age of 81.

 Jay David Montfort, owner of Montfort Brothers Inc., Federal Block Corporation, and New Milford Block and Supply Corporation, died at the age of 50 on January 12, 2010.

 Philip Paolella, Sr.  NECMA recently learned of the passing of Mr. Paolella on October 26, 2009 at the age of 94.  Mr. Paolella was the President of Plasticrete Corporation and was inducted into the NECMA Hall of Fame in 2006 and was recently presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Concrete Masonry Association.

New Advertising Opportunities Available in NECMA ENews

The next issue of NECMA’s ENews will offer new opportunities to promote your products and services to the more the 1,650 recipients of this electronic newsletter.  Rates and conditions can be found here.

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