Fcmec Holds Annual Board of Directors Meeting

Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council: Annual Board Meeting Highlights ​

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2023 - The Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council (the Council) Board of Directors convened virtually on June 22, 2023, for its annual meeting covering financial reporting requirements, strategic initiatives, and key appointments, and program updates.

The meeting began with the approval of the Fiscal Year 2022 Auditor's Report, presented by Verdeja, De Armas & Trujillo, LLP, ensuring financial transparency. Following this, the Council affirmed its compliance with the Memorandum of Agreement and Florida laws by certifying its Statement of Compliance to the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). AE Staff then presented and gained approval for the Council's financial reports through May 31, 2023, including the Balance Sheet and Budget vs. Actual reports. Further financial planning was established with the approval of both the third amendment to the 2023 budget and the preliminary 2024 budget.

A significant update came from Dr. Raymond Issa regarding the ongoing University of Florida data collection project. The Board also moved forward with key leadership changes, approving the Nominating Committee's recommended slate of officers for the upcoming term (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), which included David Cerniglia as Vice Chair, Mark Smith as Treasurer, and Danielle Larson as Secretary. Additionally, the Nominating Committee proposed new Board members, with Preston Sparkman, Ted Caviglia, Shawn McGee, and Jerry Painter being put forth for approval.

Informational items provided a broader look at the Council's activities and the industry at large. Preston Sparkman offered an update on the National Checkoff Program. Representatives from the Masonry Association of Florida (MAF), Masonry Apprentice and Educational Foundation (MAEF), Florida Independent Concrete & Associated Products (FICAP), and Florida Concrete & Products Association (FC&PA) presented their second-quarter performance updates for 2023.

Counsel David Ramba provided valuable legislative insights pertinent to the masonry industry, and discussed sales tax requirements for assessments. A status report was presented on the Foundations for Life grant, highlighting a recent programmatic and financial monitoring conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor.

A reminder was issued to producers regarding the 2023 voluntary Producer Contribution Agreement, urging them to sign and return it to FCMEC staff to help ensure accurate funding for the budget. Chair Rocky Jenkins also announced the appointments to the 2023-2024 Budget & Finance Committee, including David Cerniglia, Rocky Jenkins, Mark Smith, Danielle Larson, and Troy Maschmeyer.

The timely submission of the first-quarter 2023 report to the DEO was acknowledged. Board members were also reminded of their obligation to file 2022 financial disclosure forms (Form 1) with the Florida Commission on Ethics by July 1, 2023, and Form 1F for those departing the Board in 2023.

Looking ahead, future FCMEC meetings were scheduled for September 20, 2023, and December 6, 2023. The September meeting will focus on provider work plans and funding requests, while the December meeting will address contract renewals. The meeting concluded with a clear path forward for the Council’s continued efforts in masonry education and industry support.

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