Geosynthetics December 2019/January 2020 - 8

GEOSYNTHETIC MATERIALS ASSOCIATION
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

GMA Lobby Day attendees at
the U.S. Capitol in Washington,
D.C., in May 2019.

he Geosynthetic Materials Association
(GMA) is a division of the Industrial
Fabrics Association International. With more
than 80 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
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
Jessica Kivijärvi
+1 651 225 6981
jmkivijarvi@ifai.com
www.GMANOW.com

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

GMA facilitates education by sponsoring trade
shows, promoting technical seminars, providing
the GMA Techline (moderated by Dr. Robert
M. Koerner) and contributing to Geosynthetics
magazine. In addition, GMA cosponsors geosynthetics conferences around the country.

Geosynthetics | December 2019 January 2020

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 2019. They
participated in focus group meetings; attended
more than 80 in-person lobbying 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 2019/January 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Geosynthetics December 2019/January 2020