Geosynthetics December 2022/January 2023 - 8

GEOSYNTHETIC MATERIALS ASSOCIATION
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
T
he Geosynthetic Materials Association
(GMA) is a division of the Advanced
Textiles Association. With more than 60 member
companies, GMA is the leading geosynthetics
organization in North America. GMA's membership
includes geosynthetics manufacturers,
distributors, fabricators, installers, testing companies
and industry experts. The association's
mission is to serve as a central resource for information
regarding geosynthetics, to provide a
forum for consistent and accurate geosynthetics
information, to increase the adoption of geosynthetics,
and to promote the correct and safe use
of geosynthetics.
GMA achieves its mission by furnishing
GMA Lobby Day attendees at the
U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.,
in November 2022. Pictured, left
to right, is John Lostumbo, VP
Marketing and Technical Services,
Solmax; Clay Cashatt, Sales Director,
National Technical, Hanes Geo
Components; James Richardson,
Senior Product Engineer, Industrial
Fabrics; Sachin Mandavkar,
Technical Manager, Maccaferri;
and Ed Silva, VP, Global Business
Development and Marketing,
E Squared Technical Textiles.
engineering support, educational programming
and government relations expertise. GMA also
influences specifications development and
lobbies on behalf of member companies at
the national and state levels. GMA provides a
network to exchange information, solve common
problems and develop mutually beneficial
relationships that grow the industry.
Key mission roles
ENGINEERING SUPPORT
GMA has five focus groups (Geotextile,
Geogrid, Environmental, Erosion Control and
Distribution) that support the development
of technical standards, generic specifications,
application manuals and position statements.
The focus groups ensure successful use of
geosynthetic products and promote a greater
understanding of geosynthetics and related
materials by participating in geosynthetics programs
and conferences. Participation is open to
employees of all member companies.
CONTACT GMA
Fred C. Chuck
+1 651 225 6956
fred.chuck@textiles.org
GMANOW.com
8
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
GMA facilitates education by sponsoring trade
shows, promoting technical seminars, providing
the GMA Techline (moderated by George
R. Koerner) and contributing to Geosynthetics
magazine. In addition, GMA cosponsors geosynthetics
conferences around the country.
Geosynthetics | December 2022 January 2023
GMA also cooperates with related industries,
trade associations, societies, and governmental
agencies to promote knowledge about
and usage of geosynthetics. GMA's cooperation
with civil engineers, contractors, specifiers,
government officials, and academics elevates
the status and reinforces the position of the
geosynthetics industry.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
GMA has a robust government relations program
that advocates for the industry at the
federal and state levels. This program educates
lawmakers and regulatory agencies on the benefits
of geosynthetic products. It also seeks to
influence legislation and regulations that affect
our member companies. GMA's Washington,
D.C., lobbying firm acts as GMA's " boots on the
ground " in the U.S. capital and in state capitals.
The firm monitors vital legislation, connects
with Congress to discuss the benefits of our
industry and coordinates meetings for our
members. GMA is in continual contact with
our Washington lobbying partners to ensure
that the industry retains a strong presence
in government circles and that geosynthetics
continue to be the leading innovative material
for infrastructure in the United States.
It's time to get involved
Volunteers are the lifeblood of GMA: More
than 60 employees of member companies
took part in activities and programing in 2021.
They participated in focus group meetings;
led educational programs, including webinars
and technical seminars; represented GMA on
national technical committees, such as the
American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the
American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM); and set GMA's agenda by participating
on GMA's executive council. It's time
for you to get involved. Contact GMA now
to learn more about how you can help GMA
grow the industry.
http://www.GMANOW.com
Geosynthetics December 2022/January 2023

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