All 23 programs reviewed and conditionally approved at the November Concrete Masonry Checkoff Board meeting have now been approved by the Department of Commerce (DOC). Programs were reviewed by the DOC to confirm all programs adhere to the Order, which states that funding can only be used to establish CMU research, education and promotion programs.
Total funding for the 23 approved programs is $4.9 million, with $3.15 million allocated across seven national programs and $1.76 million going toward 16 regional programs. Each program directly supports one or more of the CMC’s six strategic pillars: marketing and promotion, codes and standards, education and research, workforce development, design assistance and educating design professionals.
“This is how the Checkoff is supposed to work — industry coming together and taking control of the future,” said Kim Spahn, CMC’s CEO. “Getting 23 programs approved for funding this early in the game is an impressive feat.”
Any program ideas not funded in this initial round of review are still eligible for consideration. Submissions will be reviewed for approval on a rolling basis throughout the year, with the next deadline set for mid-February. Eligible entries will be reviewed by the Board during its April 23-24 meeting in Chicago.
