ICPI-NCMA Changes Name to the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

Words: Mason Contractors

ICPI-NCMA union delivers enhanced insight, innovation and technical training enabling concrete block and paver professionals to flourish.

Herndon, Va. (FEBRUARY 22, 2023) — ICPI-NCMA announced today during their Annual Meeting in Columbus, OH that they will now operate as one entity after co-founding the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA).

The new CMHA namesake nods to the rich heritage and expertise of each predecessor, whose origins date back more than 100 years. “Where we’ve been absolutely informs where we’re going,” said CMHA President and CEO Robert Thomas. “Already having a solid foundation in place allows our next chapter to be written from a position of strength. Bringing together the best of both worlds...our members are really going to benefit from that synergy,” said Thomas.

On paper, the unification of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute and the National Concrete Masonry Association officially took effect July 1, 2022. The unified association assumed an interim moniker of ICPI-NCMA. Since then, an appointed branding task group has been working diligently to navigate the intensive rebranding process.

Matt Lynch, who leads the new association as chair of its board of directors, stressed the importance of ensuring that existing members of both organizations felt seen and heard every step of the way. “We took every imaginable measure to invite members to share their perspective through surveys, interviews and a series of hands-on workshops,” Lynch said. This collaborative approach culminated in the recommendation of “CMHA” by the Board of Directors, which general membership voted to approve in December with an overwhelming majority.

As 2023 unfolds, CMHA will look to enhance its platforms across the board, including the launch of a new website, CRM and LMS systems, ensuring a best-in-class user experience.

To learn more, visit MasonryAndHardscapes.org.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

Formerly ICPI-NCMA, the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) is the go-to resource for education, networking and advocacy, aimed at growing awareness of the segmental concrete products industry. CMHA is proud to serve several market segments within the manufactured concrete products community, including concrete masonry, segmental concrete pavement, segmental retaining walls, pavers, permeable pavers, slab, articulating concrete block and manufactured stone veneer. Its members are comprised of producers, associates, contractors, designers and architects in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit MasonryAndHardscapes.org.

The Importance of Eye Protection in Masonry
January 2026

There are few stereotypes more iconic than the image of a construction worker wearing a hard hat and safety glasses. Protective glasses are among the most common items worn by workers in the masonry field, second only to the hard hat. According to OSHA, w

2026 Skills Challenge and Fastest Trowel on the Block Winners
January 2026

Holding History Together: The Art of Lateral Restraint in Masonry Restoration
January 2026

The first thing you notice about an old masonry building isn’t always its beauty. Sometimes it’s the bow in a wall or the way time and the elements have tugged at the mortar joints. Every century-old structure carries its story in cracks, tilts, bows, and

Stone Savvy: Helping Clients Choose Stone with Intent
January 2026

In today’s design environment, clients are surrounded by inspiration, endless images, samples, and styles that make choosing materials feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. Within that sea of options, stone carries weight. It defines first impressio