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SCMA President's Message

It has been a very fast and busy 2024! It is hard to believe half the year has gone by already! In June, we held the SCMA 78th SCMA Annual Conference at the Wild Dunes Resort. The growth we have experienced over the last five years including selling out at the last four conferences has been amazing! Here are some interesting conference facts from this year’s conference.

• 174 Attendees

• 23 SCMA Associate Members Companies in attendance

• 15 SCMA Producers Members Companies in attendance

• 23 Different Speakers

• 8 Region 2 Universities presented case studies

• 33 Different Sponsors

As always, we are indebted to our many sponsors that have supported the conference over the years. Our sponsorships have tripled in the last five years with 2024 being the largest sponsored SCMA conference ever!

Take a moment and checkout the 2024 SCMA Conference Photos.

2024 SCMA Ambassador of the Year

Mr. Steve Hotchkiss - Van Smith Block

I would also like to recognize Steve Hotchkiss who was awarded the 2024 SCMA Ambassador of the Year! This award is given to the individual who excels not only at there day to day role but also promoting the SCMA and leading by example to his peers. Well deserved Steve!!

SCMA and Checkoff

Now shifting gears to the CMU Checkoff…..the SCMA was first in the region two to get final approval of two CMU Checkoff Programs - University Education and Research Program and the Masonry Framed Homes Program!

The exciting news is the University Education and Research Task Group has already shown real tangible results with the launch of the first ever Producers/Professors Workshop which showcased successful case studies with eight universities. They also created the “University Toolkit” which has all the necessary documents to help ANY producer in United States to start working with their local universities.

Action Item: I would encourage any producer not working with their local community colleges and universities to reach out to the SCMA and allow us to help you get invested with schools in your area. It all starts with your commitment to be vested in your local community!!

I would like to recognize the great men and women below for coming together to be a shining example of what collaboration between industry and universities can accomplish!

Task Group Members:

University Side

Dana Gulling - NC State

Ece Erdogmus - Georgia Tech

Dick Bennett - University of TN

Jon Huddleston - Middle TN State University

Phillip Jefferson - Wake Tech

Laura Redmond - Clemson University

David Carr - Wake Tech

Robbie Barnes - Auburn University

Brett Tempest - UNCC

Industry Side

James Cain - SCMA

Chad Hustedde - CEMEX

Andy Bryant - Willocks Brothers

Byard Stevens - Oldcastle APG | Adams

David McQueen - Oldcastle | Adams

Chris Miller - Roanoke Cement

Josh Simpson - Oldcastle | Adams

Matt Sitter - FL Concrete Products Assoc.

John Sorrell - AL Concrete Industries Assoc.

Restarting the SCMCA

We have also been working over the last three years to help our partner masonry contractor association get back up and running. I am pleased to announce the South Carolina aggressive 60-day plan to establish a new South Carolina Masonry Contractors Association (SCMCA) Board of Directors has been accomplished to represent all SCMCA members in the great state of South Carolina.

I am excited to see SCMA members Steve Hotchkiss (Van Smith), Troy Crosby (Holcim), Clay Shumake (Gates Construction), and Tod Cox (Oldcastle) being a part of this new board. The SCMA believes in helping our fellow partners expand workforce development in all five states. Thank you for being leaders willing to step up to help get the SCMCA focused on workforce development again!

Remembering Robert Combs - SCMA Newest Board Member

I would like to take a moment and recognize we lost our newest SCMA Board Member on June 24 2024 two days prior to the SCMA Conference.

Robert "McCallum" Combs passed away unexpectedly on June 24th, 2024. He was a proud father, a loving partner, and a diligent worker, who touched the hearts and minds of everyone he met. Robert was born in Massachusetts on May 13th, 1971, to Cyndi Estell. For the next 53 years, he lived a life full of love and adventure. As a member of the Air Force Reserve, he traveled extensively during his decade of military service, and remained in awe of the many sights and cultures he was able to experience, while enjoying his work in a way that only Robert could. His varying hobbies and talents were a testament to his love of learning and his appreciation for living. He was an avid bowler and a respected roller derby referee and coach, a music lover, and talented sound engineer, a HAM radio enthusiast, a survivalist, a board member of various organizations and non-profits, and a student of Aikido, among many other things. He had also gotten pretty good at belting out the Hamilton soundtrack at any opportunity. Robert was a man who loved to laugh, and who kept those around him laughing, even when his jokes were terrible, inappropriate, or both. His positivity was infectious; he had no use for negativity, and those lucky enough to spend time with him often adopted a similar mindset. His calm, unrelenting spirit carried many people through tough times. He believed in supporting anyone trying to better themselves and helped countless people do exactly that. He provided unwavering support to his children and his partner, constantly encouraging everyone to nurture their talents and make time for the things they enjoyed.

View Mr. Combs Memorial Video

- James Cain, SCMA President

Welcome Katie Mathews, CPA

The SCMA has been working for months on transitioning our accounting, administrative and event management to local staff that will enhance our internal systems and more importantly accelerate the responsiveness to the SCMA members as we continue to grow.

I am pleased to announce the addition of Katie Mathews, CPA to the SCMA team. She is based out of Rockwell, NC. Katie along with Brynne Lippard who is on Katie’s team will work together to provide coverage to the SCMA account. Katie has been in business for many years and has a stellar reputation of serving her clients with outstanding service. Katie officially started with the SCMA on June 3rd, 2024.

For accounting or billing, please reach out to Katie or Brynne to assist you. They can be reached at 704-279-2116.

Katie Matthews kmatthews@scmaonline.org

Brynne Lippard blippard@scmaonline.org

Welcome Jessica Freeman

I am pleased to announce the addition of Jessica Freeman to the SCMA team. Jessica brings 16 years of experience in association management, conference & event planning. Jessica along with Diana Rhodes who is on Jessica’s team will work together to provide coverage to the SCMA account. Jessica officially started on July 15^th. She is based out of Greensboro, NC.

Jessica will be the day-to-day operations point of contact for SCMA members including administrative & membership services, committees and board support services. If you need her assistance, she can be reached by calling 336-379-7059.

Jessica Freeman jfreeman@scmaonline.org

Ever Wondered Who is Clutch Performance?

CLUTCH is home to more than 40 branding and storytelling specialists who exhibit deep consumer, business-to-business and checkoff experience. At its core, CLUTCH is a hybrid consultancy-creative agency focused on helping B2B organizations drive revenue and growth by combining art with business acumen. The firm specializes in strategic consulting, marketing and comprehension services to produce tangible go-to-market success for clients. For more information, visit clutchperformance.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!!

National Marketing Campaign Launch | 1-Hour Webinar

You are invited to join a 1-hour webinar on Monday, July 29th from 12pm – 1pm CST for the launch of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff’s National Marketing Campaign! Listen in as the CLUTCH team introduces our national marketing campaign which includes our new website and brand. Read more on the registration page by clicking the link below.

The webinar will include:

• Research process & key findings

• Themes from research leading to messaging

• Review of the creative process

• Show-and-tell of our new national marketing campaign

NATIONAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN LAUNCH WEBINAR

Date: Monday, July 29th

Time: 12pm – 1pm CST

Location: Virtual

National Level

The National Design Center vision is becoming a reality! Perhaps the biggest highlight from last national board meeting was outlining a plan for the overall structure of the Design Center, and the motion to hire a technical director to bring it all to life.

Meet Riley Dvorak

New National Technical Director for CMC

Our Design Assistance platform is all systems go after naming a national technical director! Please welcome Riley Dvorak P.E. to the Checkoff family! Riley begins July 15th and will work closely with all five Regional Advisory Committees to appoint a director to oversee each region. This is an exciting milestone, and we look forward to sharing more about Riley soon.

Meet Alicia Hodges

New National Programs Director for CMC

A graduate of Iowa State University, Hodges spent nearly a dozen years at Target Corporation in retail and management positions. She comes to CMC from the American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA), where she served as the organization’s director of education.

One of Hodges’ top priorities will be collaborating with the Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) established by the Checkoff. The five RACs span across the U.S. and are responsible for Checkoff-funded programs that are relevant to specific regional priorities, laddering up to the Checkoff’s overall mission: Drive demand for locally made concrete masonry products.

“I look forward to collaborating with the Regional Advisory Committees across the country, producers throughout the industry, and having the opportunity learn from this great team,” Hodges said. “I believe my experience, strengths and skills will be advantageous as we launch programs nationwide.”

Hodges will manage the 23 projects recently approved by the Board, as well as explore grant opportunities and support the Board’s program selection in the future. Every project funded by the Checkoff is tasked with meeting the same objective of driving market share for CMU products.

Another important area being worked on is Grant Funding. Today, for every $2 the Checkoff invests, we receive $1 in outside funding. It’s an encouraging start, but as programs grow in size and scale over time, additional revenue streams will be needed to sustain a diverse program portfolio.

So, the CMPB has secured a partner to assist us nationally and regionally. GrantExec is an innovative grant acquisition company that empowers grantseekers to unlock funding opportunities with unparalleled efficiency. Their real-time database and matching algorithm swiftly navigate the complex grant landscape, pinpointing optimal funding matches.

Click to learn more GrantExec | Unlock Funding Through Grants

CALLING ALL CHECKOFF INVESTORS!!!

Missed one of Kim’s Newsletters or just want to stay in the CMU Checkoff loop?

Subscribe to Checkoff Newsletters

New Member Spotlight

The SCMA would like to welcome two new members during Q1 of this year. Please take a moment and reach out to both companies and welcome them to the SCMA family.

Stevenson-Weir: Charlotte Block

5125 Rozzelles Ferry Road,

Charlotte, NC, USA

(704) 399-4526 View All Locations

Company Description & Products/Services Summary

Stevenson-Weir Southern (SWS) is a regional leader in ready mix and building materials with plants located across the Charlotte metro area and upstate South Carolina. Their concrete block plant, Charlotte Block, serves mostly residential customers with block, brick, mortar, and other masonry accessories.

SWS was formed in 2021 with the merger of two long-established and respected family businesses: Southern Concrete (founded in 1920) and Stevenson-Weir (founded in 1948). Fourth-generation members from both families remain active in the company and engaged in the industry. Vice President David Grossman decided to join SCMA to help influence how check-off funds are allocated and better understand how we’re improving masonry’s market position.

Contact

David Grossman

E: david.grossman@swscarolina.com

P: (803) 324-4456

Website

Safety Consultants USA

8100 Roswell Road suite 410,

Sandy Springs, GA, USA

(877) 723-7622

Website

Company Description & Products/Services Summary

Safety Consultants USA, Inc. helps companies manage OSHA compliance and regulations through inspections, training, and assistance with written programs such as safety manuals and OSHA 300 logs. It was founded in 2008 by Keith Badey, who came from safety consulting background. Keith’s wife, Kate, joined in 2016 and became President and CEO in 2020. They are headquartered in Atlanta with offices in Charlotte, Richmond, Birmingham, Tampa, Orlando, Nashville, and Dallas.

Kate joined SCMA because most of her clients work in the manufacturing and construction environments and several of her customers are active in the association. Safety Consultants understands that small business compliance is very challenging and they are eager to help SCMA members understand the moral, ethical and legal requirements for safety.

They currently do business with Johnson Concrete and Willocks Brothers to name a few…

Contacts

Brandon Stanley

Regional Account Manager

E: brandon.stanley@safetyconsultantsusa.com

P: (404) 903-9586

Kate Badey

President /CEO

E: kate.badey@safetyconsultantsusa.com

P: (770) 634-7156

Member Spotlight: Bubba Metts, Fay Block Materials

Carey “Bubba” Metts is Sales Manager for Fay Block Materials based in Fayetteville, NC. He oversees all aspects of sales for grey block, architectural block, retaining walls, and pavers.

Before becoming a legend in the building materials industry, Bubba was a legendary football player as Captain of the Duke 1989 ACC Championship football team under Coach Steve Spurrier. After winning the ACC Championship, his team took photos of the 41-0 score against Chapel Hill, starting a trend for teams to turn off their scoreboards when losing to a visiting team. After college, he became a grad assistant coach under Spurrier and played arena football for the Orlando Predators before turning to a career in textiles.

The textile industry required regular travel between China and the US, which quickly got old. Bubba became interested in ready mixed concrete, recognizing that it was too heavy to be imported. Selling concrete products was a natural transition, and Bubba still appreciates that they aren’t perishable or installed during early morning hours. He also enjoys working for an American-owned family business, having the opportunity to connect with employees and their families, and seeing the products he sells help build local communities.

Within the SCMA, Bubba serves on the education committee and has been active in developing training materials to help others learn in the industry. He’s also excited for the challenge of developing a local market for masonry framed homes. SCMA is invaluable, he says, for the opportunity to learn from so many other experts and to collectively promote masonry.

Wonderful Articles to Leverage in the Field

More concrete masonry in schools?

Checkout this WSJ article. One clip said, "Some architects have returned to building hallway walls with concrete blocks. That keeps a shooter from firing through the wall and into a classroom."

Resilient Design with Concrete Masonry Keeps You Secure in Hurricane Season

June 1st marked the beginning of hurricane season. See what Concrete Masonry has to say about it.

Read Full Article

More Than Meets The Eye

Concrete masonry is best known for strength and resilience, but there’s more to the story. The Concrete Masonry Checkoff earned over 500+ placements from their first press release highlighting lesser-known facts about concrete masonry.

Read: There's More to Concrete Block Than Meets the Eye

100 Day DREAM HOME with Concrete Block

The best and fastest way to build a house from the ground up from reality TV show 100 Day Dream Home with Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt.

Read Full Article

To Protect Against Wildfires, Insurers Try to Change Construction Standards

The insurance industry is setting homes on fire - just to make a point. The message to homebuilders is stark: Homes in certain parts of the United States must now be constructed with wildfires in mind, or they most likely will not be insured.

Read Full Article

For more information, please contact James Cain at 704-352-6831 or jcain@scmaonline.org.

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