The ICPI was founded in 1993, and is the North American trade association representing the interlocking concrete paving industry. Twenty years later, permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP) are commonly used for commercial and residential hardscapes, as well as streets like the one above.

ICPI succeeded in lobbying Congress to include the first-ever permeable pavements provisions in the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.

When the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute, which works to increase awareness, acceptance and use of segmental concrete pavement systems in North America, transitioned to a self-managed association in 2008, they chose Charles McGrath as their executive director.

Prior to this, McGrath served as the managing partner of client services for the Bostrom Corporation, an association management company. During his 17-year tenure, he led their Washington, D.C., office and managed associations, including ICPI, in the construction, medical, educational and technology industries.

Under McGrath's leadership as chief staff executive over the past 14 years, ICPI has grown from 157 member companies to over 1,000 today and from a budget of $750,000 to $3.3 million.

McGrath's other accomplishments include a six-year term on the board of directors of the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Council of Manufacturing Associations. He has also served as chairman of the American Society of Association Executives, the Associations Advance America Committee, and the board of directors for the New York Society of Association Executives.

McGrath was honored by ASAE with the prestigious designation as a fellow, a recognition for executives who are proven leaders and promise future accomplishments within the field of association management. He also received his certification as an Association Executive (CAE). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University.

McGrath sat down with LCDBM to talk about the industry and where it is headed.

What types of hardscape materials are your members talking about the most with regard to sales?
Environmentally-friendly pavement is at the forefront of member discussions. The EPA requires states and municipalities to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution with a selection of best management practices, including permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP).

Additionally, ICPI succeeded in lobbying Congress to include the first-ever permeable pavements provisions in the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.

In doing so, a new law was created that established permeable pavements as a technology for use under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

With government programs being implemented such as MAP-21 legislation, (aka, the Transportation Bill), and continued pressure on states and cities from the EPA for stormwater management regulations, we expect more projects specified with products that minimize the impact on the environment, reduce pollution and the carbon footprint.

According to the ICPI infiltration via PICP is a tool on the rise for managing on-site stormwater. Although this homeowner may not know it their PICP driveway filters the stormwater on the property and helps protect a creek at the end of the block from pollution.

Each year ICPI members host approximately five PICP installation courses to keep contractors up to date on industry standards. If there is not a course in your area, the ICPI recommends contacting a local concrete paver manufacturer to ask them to host the course.

The ICPI states that many cities and municipalities not only require new construction be developed with a percentage of permeable surfaces, but also distribute rebates as an incentive.

In what areas do you see the most growth potential and why?
We see opportunities for growth with stabilized housing prices and steady construction growth. The improvement of economy, job market and consumer confidence will encourage consumers to upgrade their driveways and outdoor living areas using interlocking concrete pavement systems. "Sustainable" hardscapes is a growing trend in our industry and we see growth potential there.

How do your members feel about the future of the hardscape market?
ICPI members are cautiously optimistic. Since the interlocking concrete pavement industry doesn't have a large market share in the commercial sector, it holds the potential to realize sizable growth in slow economic times. ICPI is committed to increasing its industry's annual sales in institutional, commercial and industrial markets with the help of a knowledgeable industry sales force equipped with tools to help designers and project owners save time and money in the design, construction and use phases.

What are some challenges the ICPI is facing and what solutions do you think will be most effective in overcoming these challenges?
ICPI's focus is helping our membership grow sales to commercial and municipal users. A key part of that is getting the message out to specifiers, designers, engineers and government officials that concrete pavers should be the pavement of choice. We continue to train our members' sales staff, giving them the tools and knowledge to make calls in their regions and help us spread that message.

What advantages do ICPI members have over other hardscape professionals?
ICPI members are part of the leading technical organization on segmental concrete pavement systems in North America. Our members have access to a wealth of tools and resources available to help market and sell more interlocking concrete pavements, expand industry knowledge, and stay on the forefront of industry best practices.

Through its national office and regional chapters, ICPI's activities are targeted to meet members' needs. ICPI supports members through education and training, marketing and communications, recognition programs, information resources, government relations and advocacy, access to industry technology and research, and much more.

What is the process for becoming a member of the ICPI?
Membership is available to manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, contractors and other organizations that support the interlocking concrete pavement industry. Companies that would like to become a member of ICPI can submit a membership application online at www.icpi.org/join.

How many members does the ICPI currently have?
ICPI has approximately 1,000 company members ranging in size from regional and national, some family-owned, to vertically integrated, publicly held, multinational corporations. The ICPI is enriched by diverse member backgrounds in construction and concrete products, manufacturing, marketing, management, finance and engineering. Regardless of company size, this mix of experience energizes the organization to deliver technical information and programs to its members.