This week, we concluded an exciting and impactful 2025 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. The energy and engagement among industry professionals were unparalleled, making this gathering a true testament to the strength of our community.
CMHA Chair Sam Hoehner, Lee Building Products, Bowling Green, KY, presided over the third annual meeting of the Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association following the unification of NCMA and ICPI in 2022 – organizations with a long history dating back to 1918. We hosted a record number of attendees, 425, representing concrete product manufacturers, industry suppliers, hardscape contractors, and other organizations focused on masonry and hardscape construction. CMHA fosters a welcoming culture for first-time attendees, helping them connect with a network of passionate professionals dedicated to advancing the industry and creating new opportunities for their companies.
Chair Hoehner set the stage in his Chairman’s Address, encouraging attendees to actively engage with CMHA’s hardworking committees. He highlighted the strong foundation these committees have built to drive new initiatives forward. The association’s financials continue to grow steadily, with operating budgets increasing consistently to $8.4 million in 2025. Additionally, the Concrete Masonry Checkoff Board reported that concrete block production reached 1.1 billion units over the past 12 months.
The word that echoed throughout the week was “relationships.” In every conversation, the importance of building both professional and personal connections was emphasized. Our time in Indianapolis provided the perfect setting to strengthen these relationships, supporting both company objectives and a shared sense of purpose and community.
Beyond the invaluable “hallway conversations,” receptions, and dinners, attendees engaged in planned forums designed to foster meaningful discussions. Concrete Women Connect created a space to explore how women can thrive in the concrete industry, while the Family Business/Small Business Forum allowed peers with similar company structures to openly discuss challenges keeping them up at night. Multiple sessions highlighted innovations in construction and manufacturing, including the evolving role of AI in all phases of business.
We also took time to honor industry giants, celebrating Rick Muth (Orco Block) and Steve Berry (Oldcastle APG) on their well-deserved induction into the CMHA Hall of Fame.
The importance of relationships also extended to our industry association partnerships. It has been exciting to see the rapid growth of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff Program and its Beauty of Block campaign and how we continuing to align CMHA’s mission and branding along with it. The Checkoff conducted multiple sessions along with us sharing the results of their programs and brainstorming new ideas. The Mason Contractors Association of America set up shop all week interviewing our members for their Masonry Strong Podcast. Regional associations met to compare notes with each other and support promotion program conversations. The sidewalks, hotel lobbies, bars, and meeting rooms of Indianapolis were bustling with professionals from across the concrete masonry industry, creating valuable opportunities to forge new relationships across various industry segments. The partnership between NPCA, PCI, and CMHA, centered around the hub of The Precast Show, continues to provide strength and opportunity for all involved.
Keeping up with all the new developments at CMHA’s meetings this week was no small task. On the environmental front, discussions focused on leveraging our new industry average environmental product declaration and documenting how our products sequester carbon dioxide. Key opportunities emerged around promoting “firescaping,” permeable paving, and resilient masonry construction. We also explored the benefits of expanding our advocacy efforts in government affairs, recognizing our organization’s growing strength. Additionally, we outlined a path to ensure hardscape and masonry installers receive the training and recognition needed to thrive in the market.
This is an exciting time for CMHA and all our members and partners. Thank you to everyone who continues to drive this industry and association forward. Your dedication is truly inspiring, and I hope you, like me, are leaving Indianapolis with a renewed energy to pursue the many opportunities ahead.
Check out highlights from the event!