CMU Check-Off Assessments Begin April 1

Words: Isa Stein

After a decade plus worth of work by the industry to secure a check-off program for concrete block, it will officially start collecting assessments this Saturday, April 1. We are excited to see the start of this program, which will bring significant national and regional investments for the concrete block industry. It is estimated that the program will bring in $10 million per year.

Funds will be used for a variety of activities. The goal of the program is to help restore market share for the concrete block community. You will likely see some type of reference to the CMU Check-Off Program from your block suppliers (if you have not already). Ultimately, know that the pennies that go into this program will ultimately help our industry in the long run through the funding of many efforts.

The Program is governed by a Board of Directors who will ultimately be responsible for the stewardship of the funds. Look for more details on program support in early 2024.

Jeff Buczkiewicz, President of Mason Contractors Association of America


OSHA’s 2025 Top Violations: What the Numbers Reveal for Masonry and Construction
March 2026

Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes its list of the most frequently cited workplace safety standards based on federal inspection data. The purpose is simple: show employers where hazards are consistently being fou

Combining Modern Healthcare with Tribal Design: Nisqually Health & Wellness Center
March 2026

The Nisqually Health & Wellness Center is a project that the wonderful team here at Warfield Masonry completed in 2020. Built on the Nisqually Reservation (near Olympia, Washington), this project incorporates a variety of masonry materials into its tribal

The Power of the STABILA Laser Technology
March 2026

In modern construction, accuracy is no longer a luxury; it is an expectation. From interior layouts to large-scale site preparation, professionals rely on tools that deliver fast, reliable, and accurate results. Among the most influential innovations of r

More Than Just A Material: Why Workforce Development Matters
March 2026

I was asked by the MCAA to share my path and objectives for Masonry Promotion and Outreach that I have worked on in NC over the years. To do that, I want to take you through my path and the key industry people that it took to impacted me for a lifelong ca