In October 2018, the US Senate passed the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education and Promotion Act, providing authorization for the concrete masonry products industry to develop its own commodity Check-Off program to support industry initiatives. The CMU Check-Off will fund programs to promote our industry to regain and grow market share. The Masonry Contractors of New Jersey Board of Directors voted unanimously to support the CMU Check-Off Resolution. Contact NCMA President Robert Thomas (rthomas@ncma.org) directly to support the Resolution.
THE VISION of the CMU Check-Off :
Create the future path where concrete masonry is the product of choice by more effectively generating and leveraging industry investments to support needed research, education, and promotion that generates more demand and more sales.
For additional information on the CMU Check-Off visit the website: https://www.cmucheckoff.com/
Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions found on their website…..
What is a checkoff?
A checkoff is an industry-supported program of research, promotion and education designed to have industry-wide participation and funding to advance the industry and to create preference for a product. The purpose of the concrete masonry checkoff is to:
~Strengthen the position of the concrete masonry industry and products domestically.
~Maintain, develop and expand markets and uses for concrete masonry domestically.
~Promote the use of concrete masonry in construction and building.
Why do we need a checkoff?
Our industry needs to regain and grow market share. The checkoff program will create the funding and ability for us to promote our industry and position our products against the competition. With the assessment being equally applied to every company and every unit sold, the program is fair and inclusive. Many in the industry agree that an ongoing bold change in industry promotion is needed to ensure a growing role of concrete masonry as the building material for future communities.
What kind of programs could the checkoff fund?
The checkoff can fund programs that fall within the broad categories of research, education, and promotion. Program funds will be used to build awareness and demand for concrete masonry. That can include research and documentation of masonry system performance and overall industry promotion and education. This also includes ensuring that engineers, architects and other designers and specifiers understand why and how best to integrate concrete masonry into the most effective structures. And while the checkoff can be used to educate regulators, legislators and inspectors on concrete masonry, funds cannot be used to lobby or advocate for legislation or regulations.
Who decides what programs will be funded?
The Board of the checkoff will allocate the funding to projects that address a regional or an industry-wide challenge or opportunity. The projects can be proposed by associations or entities at the local, state, regional or national level.
How will the states and regions have a say in the programs?
The legislation calls for five Regional Advisory Committees–made up of groups of states. At least 50% of the program funds will be spent at the regional level and no more than 50% of program funds spent at the national level. These Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) will each have a representative on the board and they will recommend programs and initiatives for funding that will have the greatest impact for their region. The Board will also consider programs that have industry wide impact and/or programs recommended by RACs. The Board has the fiduciary responsibility of reviewing and approving the programs.
Is the checkoff designed to benefit small producers or large producers?
All producers will benefit from the concrete masonry checkoff. Programs that are funded will be held to a fundamental criteria: does this work increase awareness and/or demand for concrete masonry.
Are there any other checkoffs in the construction and building industry?
Yes, the Softwood Lumber Board was started in 2011 and they spend approximately $14 million a year promoting wood as a superior building material.
Check out this link for a video of Bob describing the process of establishing a CMU Check-off program during the CMU Town Hall Meeting on March 22, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ-Xj7573vo