THE FLORIDA CONCRETE MASONRY EDUCATION COUNCIL ANNOUNCES
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Budget & Finance Committee
December 10, 2025 9:30 a.m. |
Board of Directors
December 10, 2025 10:00 a.m. |
Announcements
BLOCKSTRONG.COMLife's Better with Block
Welcome to Block Strong: Block Strong is an effort designed to make sure that everyone-consumers, construction professionals and designers understand the vital link between quality building materials and the health and safety of those people living in the homes and structures that they design and build. It’s also an information source for aiding prospective homebuyers in their search for knowledge as they go through the various steps of the home-buying journey. We are sure that once you’ve learned the facts, you’ll wholeheartedly agree that concrete block construction is an easy choice and that life really is better with block.
The Benefits of Block Preparing for a Hurricane Could Save Your Life 
FLORIDA HIRES
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Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Seven to the Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council
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Programs & Progress
Announcing the Formation of Florida Masonry, Inc.
Announcing the Formation of Florida Masonry, Inc.: A Unified Future for the Masonry Industry in Florida [Orlando, Fl] – [April 1, 2025] – The Masonry Association of Florida (MAF) and the Florida Masonry Apprentice & Educational Foundation (MAEF) are happy to announce their historic merger to form Florida Masonry, Inc., a unified organization dedicated to advancing the masonry industry in Florida. This merger represents a significant step forward, aligning resources and expertise to support education, workforce development, and market growth for the masonry profession.
Under the new organization, Donna Hinson has been appointed as the Executive Director, bringing a wealth of leadership experience and a strong commitment to the masonry community. Her appointment follows a rigorous hiring process and underscores the organization’s vision to build a robust, contractor-led association.
A New Mission, A Unified Purpose The mission of Florida Masonry is clear: “To provide a contractor-led association that coordinates and promotes education of the masonry trade, fosters the recruitment and training of future masons and tradespeople, and expands masonry’s market share in Florida.” This mission will guide the organization as it continues to serve as a vital resource for education, advocacy, and technical support while fostering collaboration across the masonry industry.
Building on a Strong Foundation: Florida Masonry’s merger highlights its dedication to enhancing the industry through:
Looking Ahead: Florida Masonry invites all industry professionals, contractors, and stakeholders to join in shaping the future of masonry. Membership offers exclusive benefits, including educational resources, advocacy representation, and access to a growing network of industry leaders. For more information about Florida Masonry, Inc., its programs, and membership opportunities, visit www.floridamasonry.com.
About Florida Masonry, Inc.: Florida Masonry, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the masonry industry through education, recruitment, and advocacy. By uniting the efforts of the Masonry Association of Florida and the Florida Masonry Apprentice & Educational Foundation, the organization aims to strengthen the masonry industry and support the next generation of masonry professionals.
Under the new organization, Donna Hinson has been appointed as the Executive Director, bringing a wealth of leadership experience and a strong commitment to the masonry community. Her appointment follows a rigorous hiring process and underscores the organization’s vision to build a robust, contractor-led association.
A New Mission, A Unified Purpose The mission of Florida Masonry is clear: “To provide a contractor-led association that coordinates and promotes education of the masonry trade, fosters the recruitment and training of future masons and tradespeople, and expands masonry’s market share in Florida.” This mission will guide the organization as it continues to serve as a vital resource for education, advocacy, and technical support while fostering collaboration across the masonry industry.
Building on a Strong Foundation: Florida Masonry’s merger highlights its dedication to enhancing the industry through:
- Workforce Development: Launching new apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs to address the skilled labor shortage.
- Education and Advocacy: Providing continuing education, safety training, and representation in building codes and standards discussions.
- Networking & Recognition: Hosting events and programs such as the Florida Masonry Excellence Awards, which celebrate industry achievements.
Looking Ahead: Florida Masonry invites all industry professionals, contractors, and stakeholders to join in shaping the future of masonry. Membership offers exclusive benefits, including educational resources, advocacy representation, and access to a growing network of industry leaders. For more information about Florida Masonry, Inc., its programs, and membership opportunities, visit www.floridamasonry.com.
About Florida Masonry, Inc.: Florida Masonry, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the masonry industry through education, recruitment, and advocacy. By uniting the efforts of the Masonry Association of Florida and the Florida Masonry Apprentice & Educational Foundation, the organization aims to strengthen the masonry industry and support the next generation of masonry professionals.
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Florida Masonry Apprentice & Educational Foundation
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The FMAEF is an Accredited Training Sponsor (ATS) for NCCER and sponsors over 100 high school and post-secondary programs along with programs in Juvenile Justice, Youth Build, Department of Corrections, and other re-entry programs.
North Showcase 2022 |
South Competition 2022Synergy School of Tommorrow
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Masonry Association of Florida
The MAF is committed to maintaining and increasing masonry market share by providing: *Continuing education to industry decision makers, *Recruiting Florida’s Next Generation of Masons through our sponsorship of masonry apprentice programs in Florida, *Promoting the benefits of masonry construction through its partnership with the Florida Concrete & Products Association, BlockStrongTM initiative and the Florida Caribbean AIA.
Masonry Apprentice CompetitionCongratulations Competition Winners! |
Masonry Day
August 10, 2021
On Tuesday, August 10th, the MAF delivered a masonry education and hands-on demonstration seminar at Haskell in Jacksonville. Haskell is a unique company that both designs and constructs buildings of all types. However, many of the professionals who set the daily expectations for masonry projects have never held a trowel, or if they have, it has been years since they were exposed!... |
NCCER’S Release of Additional Levels of Masonry Curriculum On-line
NEWS RELEASE
01/12/2022
Press ReleaseALACHUA, Fla. --
NCCER recently released additional levels of its Masonry curriculum online, developed in conjunction with the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council (FCMEC). Available on NCCERconnect, the digital Masonry Levels 1 - 3 include brand new videos, interactive animated figures, flash cards and quizzes.
“With the increased emphasis on virtual learning over the course of the last year, releasing Masonry on NCCERconnect helps to shift perceptions of the craft,” said Darryl Fales, chairman of FCMEC’s Board of Directors. “It illustrates the technology elements of masonry and the upward mobility available in the industry.”
The NCCERconnect eBook includes digital animations that help make difficult material easier for students to learn. Instructors can also take advantage of this resource by utilizing the classroom management tools to instruct their students more efficiently. The course materials are pre-loaded and ready for student use, but instructors can organize these materials to suit the needs of their classroom.
“This digital curriculum is key to expanding the opportunities high schools have to add masonry to their curricula,” said Jim Painter, executive director of FCMEC. “With masonry being in high demand, it’s critical to get more people interested in the craft, and this opens the door for smaller communities, contractors and schools to offer training programs.”...
01/12/2022
Press ReleaseALACHUA, Fla. --
NCCER recently released additional levels of its Masonry curriculum online, developed in conjunction with the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council (FCMEC). Available on NCCERconnect, the digital Masonry Levels 1 - 3 include brand new videos, interactive animated figures, flash cards and quizzes.
“With the increased emphasis on virtual learning over the course of the last year, releasing Masonry on NCCERconnect helps to shift perceptions of the craft,” said Darryl Fales, chairman of FCMEC’s Board of Directors. “It illustrates the technology elements of masonry and the upward mobility available in the industry.”
The NCCERconnect eBook includes digital animations that help make difficult material easier for students to learn. Instructors can also take advantage of this resource by utilizing the classroom management tools to instruct their students more efficiently. The course materials are pre-loaded and ready for student use, but instructors can organize these materials to suit the needs of their classroom.
“This digital curriculum is key to expanding the opportunities high schools have to add masonry to their curricula,” said Jim Painter, executive director of FCMEC. “With masonry being in high demand, it’s critical to get more people interested in the craft, and this opens the door for smaller communities, contractors and schools to offer training programs.”...
Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council
Contributes to
NCCER’S Online Masonry Curriculum
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Christina Catron
04.27.2021
888.622.3720 x 6909
[email protected]
Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Contributes to NCCER’s Online Masonry Curriculum
ALACHUA, Fla. — NCCER recently released its Masonry curriculum online, developed in conjunction with the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council (FCMEC). Available on NCCERconnect, the digital Masonry Level 1 includes brand new videos, interactive animated figures, flash cards and quizzes.
“With the increased emphasis on virtual learning over the course of the last year, releasing Masonry on NCCERconnect helps to shift perceptions of the craft,” said Darryl Fales, chairman of FCMEC’s Board of Directors. “It illustrates the technology elements of masonry and the upward mobility available in the industry.”
The NCCERconnect eBook includes digital animations that help make difficult material easier for students to learn. Instructors can also take advantage of this resource by utilizing the classroom management tools to instruct their students more efficiently. The course materials are pre-loaded and ready for student use, but instructors can organize these materials to suit the needs of their classroom...
For Immediate Release Contact: Christina Catron
04.27.2021
888.622.3720 x 6909
[email protected]
Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Contributes to NCCER’s Online Masonry Curriculum
ALACHUA, Fla. — NCCER recently released its Masonry curriculum online, developed in conjunction with the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council (FCMEC). Available on NCCERconnect, the digital Masonry Level 1 includes brand new videos, interactive animated figures, flash cards and quizzes.
“With the increased emphasis on virtual learning over the course of the last year, releasing Masonry on NCCERconnect helps to shift perceptions of the craft,” said Darryl Fales, chairman of FCMEC’s Board of Directors. “It illustrates the technology elements of masonry and the upward mobility available in the industry.”
The NCCERconnect eBook includes digital animations that help make difficult material easier for students to learn. Instructors can also take advantage of this resource by utilizing the classroom management tools to instruct their students more efficiently. The course materials are pre-loaded and ready for student use, but instructors can organize these materials to suit the needs of their classroom...
Exoskeletons for Bricklayers:
Coming Soon to Masons Near You
Balancing Act
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Initial Cost of Construction study
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Block Producers Reach New Consumer, Developer Engagement Threshold
Block producers reach new consumer, developer engagement thresholdJanuary 25, 2021 Concrete NewsSources: Florida Concrete & Products Association, Orlando; CP staff
The www.BlockStrong.com site illustrates how concrete block walls reflect noise away before it enters an apartment or condominium, isolating it “to the originating unit.” A companion section details high R-value potential, another concrete block wall value proposition. IMAGES: Florida Concrete & Products Association
A Florida Concrete & Products Association and Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Inc. campaign has achieved a milestone in building awareness of the benefits of concrete block construction in single family home and multiunit dwellings: Its centerpiece, the consumer- and professional-geared site, www.BlockStrong.com, has surpassed the 1 million annual visitor mark. The campaign’s primary mission is to help Sunshine State consumers, builders, design professionals and developers understand the vital link between wall construction and the health, safety and comfort of those living or occupying new homes, apartments or condominiums.
“The volume of visitors to BlockStrong.com demonstrates the importance potential homebuyers are placing on using high-quality building materials for their new homes,” says FC&PA President Matt Sitter, who underscores the site’s function “as a great resource as they navigate the home-buying journey.”
“Through BlockStrong.com, consumers have seen the benefits, value, and beauty of a concrete block home,” adds Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Executive Director Jim Painter. “Multifamily dwelling developers are [also] leveraging the site to help make sound investment decisions.”
Orlando-based Bright Rain Collaborative developed the Block Strong campaign in partnership with FC&PA. The agency populates BlockStrong.com with a) an extensive list of features helping visitors discover the benefits of concrete block construction, including energy efficiency, plus resistance to fire, storms, termites, mold, and mildew; b) an interactive storm tracker providing real-time radar imagery that is especially beneficial during Florida’s unpredictable rainy season; and, c) mortgage and mold mitigation calculators enabling visitors to customize their search to a specific buying journey.
The site likewise offers resources tailored for multifamily project professionals and dispels the myth that apartment or condominium complexes cannot be constructed in a timely fashion using concrete. A deep-dive comparison of concrete, wood and steel, plus a feature on the importance of noise reduction—a top three criteria among renters—lead content offerings for design, construction and development professionals.
The www.BlockStrong.com site illustrates how concrete block walls reflect noise away before it enters an apartment or condominium, isolating it “to the originating unit.” A companion section details high R-value potential, another concrete block wall value proposition. IMAGES: Florida Concrete & Products Association
A Florida Concrete & Products Association and Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Inc. campaign has achieved a milestone in building awareness of the benefits of concrete block construction in single family home and multiunit dwellings: Its centerpiece, the consumer- and professional-geared site, www.BlockStrong.com, has surpassed the 1 million annual visitor mark. The campaign’s primary mission is to help Sunshine State consumers, builders, design professionals and developers understand the vital link between wall construction and the health, safety and comfort of those living or occupying new homes, apartments or condominiums.
“The volume of visitors to BlockStrong.com demonstrates the importance potential homebuyers are placing on using high-quality building materials for their new homes,” says FC&PA President Matt Sitter, who underscores the site’s function “as a great resource as they navigate the home-buying journey.”
“Through BlockStrong.com, consumers have seen the benefits, value, and beauty of a concrete block home,” adds Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Executive Director Jim Painter. “Multifamily dwelling developers are [also] leveraging the site to help make sound investment decisions.”
Orlando-based Bright Rain Collaborative developed the Block Strong campaign in partnership with FC&PA. The agency populates BlockStrong.com with a) an extensive list of features helping visitors discover the benefits of concrete block construction, including energy efficiency, plus resistance to fire, storms, termites, mold, and mildew; b) an interactive storm tracker providing real-time radar imagery that is especially beneficial during Florida’s unpredictable rainy season; and, c) mortgage and mold mitigation calculators enabling visitors to customize their search to a specific buying journey.
The site likewise offers resources tailored for multifamily project professionals and dispels the myth that apartment or condominium complexes cannot be constructed in a timely fashion using concrete. A deep-dive comparison of concrete, wood and steel, plus a feature on the importance of noise reduction—a top three criteria among renters—lead content offerings for design, construction and development professionals.
Building Walls Behind Bars: A Closer Look at the FDOC CTE Masonry Program
Building Walls Behind Bars: A Closer Look at the FDOC CTE Masonry Program8 minutes of readingWords: Cassandra Stern Photos: Swede Melgaard In June 2019, the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) released the most recent Florida Prison Recidivism Report. Every year, the Bureau of Research and Data Analysis within the Florida Department of Corrections takes a hard look at the rate of recidivism in their institutions- or the percentage of previously incarcerated …
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Press Release
January 27, 2020 Contact: FDC Communications (850) 488-0420 Florida Department of Corrections Hosts Inaugural Inmate Masonry CompetitionBaker Correctional Institution winners of first ever competition SANDERSON, Fla. — Inmates from across the state traveled to Baker Correctional Institution to compete in the first ever Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) inter-institutional inmate masonry competition. Seven teams from various Florida correctional institutions showcased their masonry skills, judged by members of the Florida Masonry Apprenticeship and Educational Foundation (FMAEF). “This is a perfect model of how we are trying to take our rehabilitation programming and actually have it contribute to restoring the men and women under our care back to their communities with a skill that can immediately result in employment,” said FDC Secretary Mark S. Inch. “This competition demonstrates the skill that meets industry standards for immediate employment. |
Florida Department of Corrections
Inter-Institutional Inmate Masonry Competition |
We have skilled instructors that are following industry standards, and we have great support from the business community; both from professional and educational organizations.”
Masonry competitions are used industry wide to highlight the quality, skill and fidelity of masonry education programs. FDC’s masonry programs offer industry-recognized certifications through rigorous coursework and hands-on experience. This training program equips inmates with the skills necessary for employment. Prior to release, inmates are paired with industry professionals through FMAEF to assist with immediate employment opportunities.
Bradley Kibbe, Executive Director, Florida Masonry Apprenticeship and Educational Foundation, said, “This event brings people together from our industry, from the Department of Corrections, local schools and different agencies, masonry contractors… to let everybody see the work that’s going on within the Department of Corrections to train people to be workforce ready when they’re eligible to come on out and join us in the workforce.”
Paul Rivers, President, Northeast Florida Masonry Chapter said, “I’ve seen these guys grow. Now, we’re having over a dozen guys that are coming together that have skills that we can put together and continue to hone once they are out of here… Most of these guys when they come out they’re thankful to one have a job, and two, to be doing a job that they’ve worked on… so we try to help that and keep motivating these guys because we know it’s hard, it’s a big lifestyle change.” said, “I’ve seen these guys grow. Now, we’re having over a dozen guys that are coming together that have skills that we can put together and continue to hone once they are out of here… Most of these guys when they come out they’re thankful to one have a job, and two, to be doing a job that they’ve worked on… so we try to help that and keep motivating these guys because we know it’s hard, it’s a big lifestyle change.”
At the conclusion of the competition, guest judges from the masonry industry awarded the team from Baker Correctional Institution with top honors, followed by Columbia CI Annex and Hamilton Correctional Institution.
Masonry competitions are used industry wide to highlight the quality, skill and fidelity of masonry education programs. FDC’s masonry programs offer industry-recognized certifications through rigorous coursework and hands-on experience. This training program equips inmates with the skills necessary for employment. Prior to release, inmates are paired with industry professionals through FMAEF to assist with immediate employment opportunities.
Bradley Kibbe, Executive Director, Florida Masonry Apprenticeship and Educational Foundation, said, “This event brings people together from our industry, from the Department of Corrections, local schools and different agencies, masonry contractors… to let everybody see the work that’s going on within the Department of Corrections to train people to be workforce ready when they’re eligible to come on out and join us in the workforce.”
Paul Rivers, President, Northeast Florida Masonry Chapter said, “I’ve seen these guys grow. Now, we’re having over a dozen guys that are coming together that have skills that we can put together and continue to hone once they are out of here… Most of these guys when they come out they’re thankful to one have a job, and two, to be doing a job that they’ve worked on… so we try to help that and keep motivating these guys because we know it’s hard, it’s a big lifestyle change.” said, “I’ve seen these guys grow. Now, we’re having over a dozen guys that are coming together that have skills that we can put together and continue to hone once they are out of here… Most of these guys when they come out they’re thankful to one have a job, and two, to be doing a job that they’ve worked on… so we try to help that and keep motivating these guys because we know it’s hard, it’s a big lifestyle change.”
At the conclusion of the competition, guest judges from the masonry industry awarded the team from Baker Correctional Institution with top honors, followed by Columbia CI Annex and Hamilton Correctional Institution.
Why We Need Apprenticeship Programs
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Wood vs. Concrete:
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Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council, Inc.
6353 Lee Vista Blvd., Orlando, FL 32822 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 12018, Gainesville, FL 32604 © 2015 Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council, Inc. All rights reserved. |
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