BREAKING: CMU Checkoff Passes

Words: Dan Kamys

The CMU Checkoff Program, an initiative backed and promoted by the Mason Contractors Association of America for approximately 15 years, has passed.

Among CMU Manufacturers, it was a 62% to 38% vote in support. Among CMU Cavities, it was a 53% to 47% result also in support. 

According to 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, and promote the use of concrete masonry products in construction and building."

The Order empowers a board made up of industry members and appointed by the Secretary, referred to as the Concrete Masonry Products Board, to "fund and establish research, education, and promotional programs in support of the Concrete Masonry Product industry, subject to the review and approval of the Secretary."

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

Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic