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Concrete Masonry Checkoff

What is a Checkoff?

A checkoff is an industry-supported, industry-led program of research, education, and promotion designed to have industry-wide participation and funding to advance the industry and to create a preference for a product. The purpose of the concrete masonry checkoff is to:

  • Strengthen the position of the domestic Concrete Masonry Products industry.
  • Maintain, develop and expand domestic markets for Concrete Masonry Products.
  • Promote the use of Concrete Masonry Products in construction and building.

Referendum Passes: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Program Begins December 18, 2022.

The Department of Commerce is now accepting applications to become a non-voting member of the Concrete Masonry Products Board.  Please submit applications by October 12, 2023. See the form below.

Are you interested in becoming a Board member?

The Department of Commerce today announces the results of the referendum to establish an industry-funded checkoff program devoted to the research, education, and promotion of concrete masonry products. The Concrete Checkoff Program will be the first-ever Checkoff Program at the Department of Commerce.

A checkoff program is an industry-supported, industry-led program designed to have industry-wide participation and funding] to advance the industry and to create a preference for a product. The purpose of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff Program is to:

  • Strengthen the position of the domestic concrete masonry products industry.
  • Maintain, develop, and expand domestic markets for concrete masonry products.
  • Promote the use of concrete masonry products in construction and building.

December 18, 2022, is the effective date of the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Order.  You can view the order at Federal Register Concrete Masonry Products FINAL NOTICE.

The Order empowers a Concrete Masonry Products Board, comprised of industry members appointed by the Secretary, to fund and establish research, education, and promotion programs in support of the Concrete Masonry Product industry, subject to the review and approval of the Secretary. 

Concrete Checkoff Referendum Registration Status by Region

Department of Commerce Publishes Federal Register Notice

On September 15, 2021, the Department of Commerce published the Federal Register Notice with the Department of Commerce responses to public comments submitted in October 2020. 

The notice also announces the Concrete Checkoff referendum start date, October 15, 2021, and the end date, November 15, 2021.

Registration for the Concrete Masonry Checkoff

On May 3, 2021, The Office of the Federal Register published the final rule, FR-2021-05-03, on the procedures the Department of Commerce will follow in conducting a referendum for the Concrete Masonry Checkoff.   The referendum allows the industry to vote on whether to establish a national Concrete Masonry Products Board under the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2018.  The publication of this notice allows the Department of Commerce to begin to register eligible voters to participate in the referendum. The registration period starts May 4 and will last for a MINIMUM OF 30 days.

ELIGIBILITY
A Manufacturer of Concrete Masonry Products and have manufactured concrete masonry units (CMU) within the last 180 days.

REGISTRATION FORM

QUESTIONS
Kenneth White
Email: kwhite2@doc.gov.

Concrete Masonry Order

On April 15, 2020, the concrete masonry industry submitted the Research, Education, and Promotion proposed Order to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The purpose of the proposed order is the creation of a concrete masonry checkoff program. These programs have been used successfully by numerous agricultural commodities under the oversight of the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs - Updated 8/31/20

Federal Register Notice

Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Order, August 24, 2020

Important Documents, Concrete Masonry Checkoff Initiative

Publications

Government

Industry