Workforce Development
Career opportunities abound in the concrete masonry hardscaping industry. Whether you aim to become an installer, skilled mason, instructor, salesperson, designer, marketing director, project manager, or entrepreneur, those who have interest, ability, and work ethic can grow into almost any position within their companies, including business owner.
Legislative Priorities
CMHA actively engages federal legislative bodies and federal agencies to encourage the use of concrete masonry and hardscape products in a manner that best supports the public. Key focus areas for CMHA include the following:
Resilient Construction
CMHA advocates for investments in construction that provides communities with better resistance to the devastating impacts of natural disasters and increased security for inhabitants. Concrete masonry and hardscape construction has inherent properties that support these objectives.
Checkoff Program
CMHA led an effort to support congressional authorization for a commodity checkoff program for concrete masonry in the United States. Now that the Checkoff Program is in place, CMHA continues to provide support to ensure that the Checkoff accomplishes its market transformation objectives.
Construction
Labor
CMHA supports policies and legislation that foster the quantity and quality of a labor workforce needed to meet the construction needs of America and Canada. Initiatives include recruitment, training, occupational safety, and immigration.
Women in the Industry
CMHA is committed to supporting the professional growth and development of women within the concrete masonry and hardscape industry. Our Concrete Women Connect group provides opportunities for networking and access to applicable resources.
Concrete Masonry Checkoff
Congress authorized the creation of a commodity checkoff program in 2018 and the industry approved the program in a referendum conducted in 2021 by the Department of Commerce. An industry Board was appointed in 2022, industry assessments began in 2023, and program funding began in 2024 – all for the purpose of creating new concrete masonry markets.
Emerging Professionals Group
The Emerging Professionals Group is where the next generation of industry leaders meet to identify and pursue untapped opportunities to expand the market through social media, professional expertise, and workshops.
Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Products and Sustainability
Together with our members, we’re advancing toward a sustainable future by implementing efficient manufacturing practices, educating on optimized mix designs to minimize material use, and investing in research to promote carbon reduction and sequestration.