| 2. Codes with a proactive agenda regarding seminars developed for concrete masonry compliance with the International Building Code and the International Residential Code. These seminars were developed with support from NCMA, IMI and the Masonry Contractors Association of Central PA. We are members of the PA Housing Research Center and have developed a great relationship with them as a source of information and guidance. We are also members of the national organization, Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards, and attend their meetings to get information about the codes changes being worked on and enacted through the International Code Council. Relationships have also developed with the Code Officials and Engineering organizations in PA to get our message to this very important group.
3. Workforce Development through educational programs and award presentations at the Career & Technology Centers & Post Secondary Schools throughout Pennsylvania. We have gotten a new masonry program established at a technical school and are working to get more programs started across the state.
4. College and University Programs through the architectural and engineering departments offering scholarships and sponsorships for our future specifiers. We send professors to the Professors Workshop on Masonry so that they are informed about the latest data & techniques for our industry. We are also in the process of arranging for a “Professor’s Summit” meeting of those teaching concrete masonry and those who could add it to their curriculum. Some of the topics are: a small scale design competition for students among the schools, information on materials and speakers we could supply to enhance their programs, and assistance to professors to encourage others to teach masonry.
5. We have a Hardscape Committee to address the ever growing SRW and paver market. Programs are being developed to train small contractors on the proper installation of walls to prevent failures and to educate the civil engineers and landscape architects about generic information on soils, slopes and other issues related to larger wall applications. We have joined the PA Landscape & Nursery Association and are beginning to develop relationships with this important group.
6. Our Annual Family Convention is a great opportunity for education and networking among our members and their families in a fun setting. General Membership Meetings, tours of member plants and educational opportunities are also available for our members throughout the year.
7. The Executive Director networks with related organizations such as NCMA, other state associations, International Masonry Institute, Northeast Cement Shippers Association, The Masonry Society and others to exchange ideas and materials so that we are all working for the same cause and “not reinventing the wheel”. The organizations are valuable resources for technical questions that may arise.
8. PCMA has a committee structure that involves board members and others in the activities. As a member, you may join any of the following committees: Codes, Education, Safety, Events, Promotion, Convention, Hardscape, Workforce Development, Membership and Silent Auction. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Executive Director, Jan Boyer, at 717-273-6346.
9. We publish a newsletter with lots of information about what the committees and the board of directors are doing to benefit the membership. Members receive many other mailings throughout the year on various issues of importance. We also publish a directory of our members that provides contact information for all members, locations on the map of producer members and information about our committee’s program of work. We encourage our members to support the associate members who help in our efforts to promote concrete masonry. |
