Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association Recognized as State Association of the Year
Colorado concrete association is recognized nationally as leading association for second year in a row.
[Denver, CO, February 13] The Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA) was recognized last year with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s (NRMCA) State Association of the Year Award for 2016. “We at CRMCA were very honored and humbled, as there are many state and regional associations across the country, and I can personally tell you, they are accomplishing great things for their members. In fact, other groups are doing so many great things that I thought there is no sense in applying again this year, as NRMCA will not award the same group back to back,” said Executive Director, Todd Ohlheiser.
The NRMCA did in fact, award this recognition to CRMCA again for 2017. CRMCA is the first ever back to back winner of the NRMCA State Association of the Year Award. The application calls for participants to list and describe their top programs. The programs described align with the Strategic Initiatives in the association’s By-Laws allowing staff to illustrate each area in detail. The Initiatives and Programs highlighted in the award application are listed below.
Program #1. Concrete Promotion Program. CRMCA has crafted a strategic plan to align with the NRMCA and promote Build with Strength (BWS) campaign through the three major areas: Advocacy, Business Development and Communications. The overall goals were to organize our association to align with NRMCA, explore the resources provided by NRMCA and educate our member companies on the BWS campaign.
Program #2. Testing Adherence Program. The objective of the Concrete Testing Adherence Program is to minimize/eliminate the effects of false negative concrete tests on concrete producers and the concrete construction industry. Primarily, low strength break specimens that result from improper field sampling, field properties testing, and initial cylinder care. This problem has plagued the industry for decades, and CRMCA is committed to tackle the problem head on and find innovative solutions. New technology has been developed by CRMCA to help drive this process.
Program #3. Concrete Education and Certification. CRMCA is dedicated to educating with and through various market segments. Within the industry, CRMCA not only educates but provides tools and resources for all segments to continuously help improve our industry. A few of these tools include American Concrete Institute certifications, ASTM International Standards and online training, safety seminars, and a budding partnership with Colorado State University.
Program #4. Communications Outreach Program. As wood frame construction advances, sub-par testing procedures plague the industry, and funding for transportation infrastructure continues to decline, a robust communications program is a must for the ready mixed concrete industry. CRMCA has created a Communications Program which maximizes both staff time and industry reach through a unique blend of partnerships and delegation. The program promotes concrete and educates Coloradans on the importance of concrete construction through partnerships with local media, association generated content, and social media.
Program #5. Governmental Affairs Program. This is a robust program operating on a year-round basis. Beginning in January with the start of the 120-day legislative session, the program is updated annually for continuous improvement. The program includes monthly meetings during the legislative session, annual industry tour, and Concrete Day at the Capitol. In addition, the CRMCA actively participates in the Colorado Construction Industry Coalition 527 which continues to actively pursue long-term, dedicated funding for transportation in the state.
Involvement with NRMCA. Additionally, the application requests information on each state association’s involvement with NRMCA. Our linkage with BWS, ongoing involvement with NRMCA functions, and the fact CRMCA has two CRMCA officers on the NRMCA Board of Director’s, creates strong linkage and information sharing.
None of the progress made on these programs would be possible without a group of Board of Directors that are open minded and progressive thinkers. It is their commitment to the industry that makes this recognition and success possible. Without this approach, CRMCA would be stagnant, and not the envelope pushing group the association has become. So, in addition to thanking the staff for all their efforts, CRMCA recognizes the Board, and the assistance of the entire membership. The entire concrete industry across Colorado should be proud of this national recognition.
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