Department of Commerce Name First Checkoff Board

"This is a momentous day for our industry and a huge step forward in building a better future for block," says Checkoff interim CEO Ray McVeigh.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the appointment of the new National Concrete Masonry Products Board, an industry-funded program devoted to research, education, and promotion of concrete masonry products on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.

The program, fully funded by industry through assessments on the sale of its products, does not use taxpayer dollars. The program aims to strengthen the position of the domestic concrete masonry products industry, maintain, develop, and expand domestic markets for concrete masonry products, and promote the use of concrete masonry products in construction and building.

“I am thrilled to appoint a highly talented slate of concrete industry leaders from across the country to pioneer the National Concrete Masonry Products Board,” said Secretary Gina Raimondo. “Concrete masonry is a proud American tradition, and strengthening this important industry will expand markets, create jobs, and lead to higher quality outputs.”

The Department of Commerce (DOC) made the announcement after receiving more than 45 nominations from producers around the country. At its first meeting, the Board will launch initial operations, including the appointment of a Chair and Vice Chair of each Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) and determination of when checkoff assessments will begin.

Board seats are staggered in two-, three- and four-year terms, all of which end on December 31st of the designated year.

Voting board members:

Non-voting alternate board members: