Masonry Magazine June 1995 Page. 18
Earthquake Damage
Buildings built to code performed as expected in the Northridge earthquake, with little or no structural damage, and the businesses they housed were open for business the day after the quake. One older apartment building that had been partially retrofitted to meet code standards, suffered extensive damage to only the portion that hadn't. "Simple retrofitting is very important," he said, "So is proper grouting and inspections." One of the areas that needs more attention is the creation of criteria for reducing internal equipment damage. "There were several buildings that survived the quake but were uninhabitable because the electrical and water systems were extensively damaged."
Meeting the Challenge of Change
Outgoing NCMA President outlines his efforts to meet the challenge of change on several fronts in his state of the association address at NCMA's annual convention in Las Vegas.
Strong efforts to meet the challenge of change on several fronts were undertaken over the past year by the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) under the leadership of Chairman of the Board William R. Oberfield. Oberfield, president of Oberfield's Concrete Products, Delaware, Ohio, outlined several of those developments during his "state of the industry" report February 7th during Expo '95 in Las Vegas, at NCMA's general session. One of the key objectives that Oberfield charted at the NCMA Convention in Atlanta last February, a coordinated plan to increase penetration of concrete masonry into the residential housing market, was launched and is moving forward.
Other key developments discussed by the outgoing president were: Stronger working relationships with state associations to help increase participation by all block manufacturers in key industry undertakings. A continued strong partnership with the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) to support mason training. Efforts to recruit additional members into the association. The search process that led to the selection of Chris S. Stinebert to succeed President John Heslip, who retires in August.
Overall, Oberfield noted that 1994 was a good year for construction and for the concrete masonry industry in particular. He estimated final figures would show a jump of at least 5% in unit sales for the year, following the 1993 increase of 7.7%. That would put national sales at 3.81 eight-inch equivalent units.
Oberfield noted that a new report, "Increasing Concrete Masonry's Share of the Housing Market," was generated following last year's convention, and provides a three-year plan of action. "Strong support for the plan was developed by both the Housing Committee and the National Marketing Committee," Oberfield said. A key development was that the plan, which calls for funding of $500,000 per year, is to be funded by the entire industry, not just NCMA members. Oberfield noted that the effort to expand markets for concrete masonry, including pavers, segmental retaining walls, foundations and above-grade walls, would help all producers.
Another important objective charted by Oberfield last year was stronger ties with state associations. In a meeting in Denver, national and state groups agreed on a formal outline for cooperation, which was subsequently approved by the Board. Under the plan, NCMA will create an identity for state/regional associations, with all block manufacturers in America polled to determine which single group in each state should be recognized to work with NCMA, with their dues waived. Ongoing exchange of information between states and national has begun, Oberfield said.
ERIC BERG (standing) points the way for Davis Biggs, both at Masonry Expo '95 with TMS, during one of the seventeen educational events. Some topics for these events were OSHA, safety, reducing costs, construction quality masonry, troubleshooting and increasing sales.