Geosynthetics December 2020/January 2021 - 113

GEOSYNTHETIC MATERIALS ASSOCIATION
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

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.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

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

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.

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

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 2020.
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.

CONTACT GMA
Fred C. Chuck
+1 651 225 6956
fcchuck@ifai.com
www.GMANOW.com

www.GeosyntheticsMagazine.com

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Geosynthetics December 2020/January 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Geosynthetics December 2020/January 2021