The Department of Commerce today announced the beginning of a 30-day voting period for certain manufacturers to decide whether to establish an industry-funded checkoff program devoted to the research, education, and promotion of concrete masonry products.

A checkoff 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 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.

The referendum to establish the checkoff program begins on October 15, 2021 and ends on November 15, 2021. This referendum allows pre-registered manufacturers of Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) to vote on the implementation of the proposed Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Order. Details on industry registration, the Order, and the referendum can be found at Federal Register Concrete Masonry Products FINAL NOTICE.

The Department of Commerce will publish the referendum’s results following passage or failure of the measure. If the referendum passes, the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Order will take effect,  empowering a new Concrete Masonry Products Board 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. The Board will be comprised of industry members appointed by the Secretary from industry-submitted nominations. 

Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2018 directed the Commerce Department to work with the Concrete industry to explore setting up a checkoff program; the referendum will reflect the industry’s decision.

For updates and additional information, please visit the Department of Commerce Concrete Checkoff page.