Modern Contractor Solutions January 2025 - 12

industry news
CONCRETE MASONRY CHECKOFF APPROVES
NEW PROGRAMS
The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) Board reaffirmed its
commitment to driving industry growth by conditionally approving
a robust $5.7 million in funding across 27 programs, seven of
which were renewals.
" We know the importance of staying focused, and over
time that probably means putting more dollars behind fewer
initiatives, " says Kim Spahn, CEO, CMC. " But there's a lot to
be said for exploring our options and letting the merits of each
program speak for themselves. "
Part of the vetting process also looks at each industry
program's potential to become self-funding in the future. " The
beauty of the Checkoff is our ability to incubate good ideas that
need help getting off the ground, " Spahn says. " Once programs
are established and operating largely independent of CMC, we
have the flexibility to focus on the next big thing. "
Upon final review by the Department of Commerce (DOC),
more than $3 million will be allocated across six national
programs, which includes education on concrete masonry
building codes, expanded marketing efforts, and growing the
soon-to-launch Block Learning Hub. The other half of funding
will go toward 20 regional programs, including design support
and university education and research.
For more, visit www.concretemasonrycheckoff.org.
STI ADVOCATES FUTURE-PROOFING
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
The Steel Tube Institute (STI) identified primary priorities for
2025 that reflect anticipated changes to the steel industries,
including commercial building adaptations. Commercial real
estate is expected to rebound in 2025, according to a recent
Deloitte study, giving new life to buildings that have remained
vacant in recent years. STI anticipates that changes to the way
older commercial buildings-especially high-rises-are used
will necessitate changes to how those buildings are wired.
These changes, coupled with growing pressure to demonstrate
sustainability, make a strong case for the use of steel conduit in
electrical raceways.
" Companies who are returning to the office after working
remotely are looking for buildings that meet their customers'
demand for efficiency and sustainability, " says Executive Director
of Steel Tube Institute, Dale Crawford.
For example, utilizing steel conduit raceways in the construction
of battery bank floors within multi-use buildings helps to ensure
that floors can be efficiently powered, ensuring a reliable energy
source for companies transitioning to this new trend.
A key focus for STI will also be educating engineers on the
appropriate use of stainless steel conduit, which is the preferred
system for protecting electrical wiring in corrosive environments or
in dry, damp, or wet locations.
For more, visit www.steeltubeinstitute.org.
12
JANUARY 2025
www.mcsmag.com
WORLD OF CONCRETE BOOTH S12843
https://concretemender.com/ http://www.concretemasonrycheckoff.org https://www.crsi.org/ http://www.steeltubeinstitute.org http://www.mcsmag.com
Modern Contractor Solutions January 2025

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