American Concrete Institute
The ACI Virtual Concrete Convention, took place virtually from October 17th through 21st after original plans of being held in a hybrid format fell through. The event was attended by over 2,500 student and professionals from around the world and allowed attendees to network, learn, and provide input on the concrete industry's codes, specifications, and guides. This virtual event included 52 technical and educational sessions that featured over 350 speakers and 100 plus hours of concrete learning.
ACI 2021-2022 President, Cary S. Kopczynski, spoke during the opening session and keynote presentation about the Institute's goal to take on leadership roles in achieving concrete carbon neutrality and improving productivity in the industry.
During the President's Reception and Awards Presentation, President Kopczynski recognized six award winners for their work and service with ACI.
www.concrete.org

 
ICPI and NCMA Merger
In September 2021, the unification committee approved a plan. On October 20, 2021, ICPI and NCMA Boards approved recommending the plan to full memberships. Member voting periods opened mid-November and closed on November 30th via an eBallot.
In a unification plan draft, "ICPI and NCMA have a long and successful history of working together as allied industry associations. Our partnership has proven to be extremely beneficial in achieving our common goals. This cooperation works well for several reasons. Both associations share many of the same members, and fortunately, several essential objectives and approaches. With so much in common, it makes sense to look at more ways to grow efficiencies and value for all members. This unification plan has been approved by both boards of ICPI and NCMA. For unification to happen, the memberships of both organizations must approve by a 2/3rds majority vote of the ballots cast by eligible voting members."
With many possibilities to explore, representatives from both ICPI and NCMA formed a single committee and began to sift through ideas.

To the members of NCMA and ICPI from the Unification Exploration Committee
Without obligating either ICPI or NCMA, the exploration committee recently brought their recommendation for unification to the Boards of ICPI and NCMA. Finding overwhelming support, both Boards have approved resolutions aimed at creating a single membership organization. The overall goal is to build a new association by combining the unique and complementary strengths of NCMA and ICPI. Within a newly-formed association, each vital manufactured concrete market segment from block and veneer to hardscapes can better achieve its goals throughout the United States and Canada.
With broad representation from both ICPI and NCMA, a Unification Committee consisting of seven task groups is taking on vital considerations, including governance, dues, finance, staffing, property, meetings, and communications. Task group members bring their specialized expertise and experience to help guide the planning process. Each of these task group areas contributes to the new value a single association can deliver for members.
Ultimately, for unification to move forward, the majority of members of both NCMA and ICPI must approve of the unification plan with votes by both association boards and full memberships.
The Unification website contains plan information that is the product of the ICPI-NCMA Unification Committee discussions over the past two years. This information is to be considered a draft as it has not yet been approved by the boards of ICPI and NCMA. This is being made available to enable members of both organizations to understand the vision of the new unified association. Members are encouraged to review this and provide comments and feedback to the Unification Committee and board members of ICPI and NCMA.
"We all committed to ensuring that the entire unification process be fully inclusive, transparent, and communicated accurately."
Focused task groups comprised of leaders from both ICPI and NCMA have worked as a team to develop detailed plans for combining strengths and member value in a new unified association.
The Unification Committee has prepared the necessary documents and recommendations associated with the unification plan for presentation to both Boards. The Committee has selected, and staff has managed, consultants and ensure that all efforts and costs awre equitably shared to support this objective.
https://icpi-ncma-unification.com/