Release: Annual Report to Florida Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2026

Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Submits Annual Report to Florida Commerce

The Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council (FCMEC) submitted its 2026 Annual Report to the Florida Department of Commerce, outlining the Council's activities, accomplishments, and outcomes from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The report highlights the Council's continued efforts to advance workforce development, public education, professional training, and strategic industry partnerships in support of Florida's concrete masonry industry.

Block Strong Continues to Deliver Record Public Engagement
In partnership with the Florida Concrete & Products Association (FC&PA), the Council continued supporting the Block Strong campaign, Florida's premier public education initiative promoting resilient construction and concrete block building practices.

During the reporting period, BlockStrong.com attracted more than 1.5 million website visitors, while digital advertising efforts generated more than 123 million impressions and nearly 2 million clicks. Consumers spent an average of seven to eleven minutes engaging with content focused on storm resistance, fire resistance, energy efficiency, termite protection, and hurricane preparedness.

The campaign also maintained a strong statewide presence through social media, public relations, print advertising, television outreach, and strategic partnerships with industry organizations.

Consumer Research Confirms Strong Support for Concrete Block Construction
A statewide consumer sentiment study completed during the reporting period reinforced the value of resilient construction and demonstrated continued public confidence in concrete block homes.

Key findings included:

• 85.8% of respondents would choose concrete block if building a new home.
• 89.9% identified concrete block as the most energy-efficient construction material.
• 89.9% identified concrete block as the most durable building option.
• 75.7% viewed concrete block homes as more aesthetically appealing than alternative building materials.

The research confirmed strong consumer preference for concrete masonry construction and provided valuable insights to guide future education and outreach initiatives.

Strengthening Florida's Masonry Workforce
Through its partnership with Florida Masonry (FM), the Council continued expanding workforce development opportunities across the state.

Major accomplishments during the reporting period included:

• Launch of the St. Cloud High School Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
• Continued growth of the Bridge to Success Academy Masonry Club.
• Expansion of partnerships with educational institutions, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Florida Department of Corrections.
• Implementation of the updated NCCER Masonry Curriculum through instructor training and workforce development programs.
• Expanded contractor recruitment and industry engagement activities statewide.

More than 140 students participated in the St. Cloud program, while students in the Bridge to Success Academy program completed community projects, received industry mentorship, and secured internship and employment opportunities within the industry.

Expanding Career Awareness and Industry Education
Florida Masonry conducted numerous workforce outreach and career awareness initiatives throughout the year, including:

• SkillsUSA Florida and National competitions
• Masonry Apprentice Expos and Open Houses
• Construction Career Days
• School-based masonry demonstrations
• Career fairs and workforce engagement events

Florida participants earned 80 Skill Point Certificates and 28 medals during the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, demonstrating the talent and dedication of Florida's future skilled trades workforce.

FM also continued delivering its Masonry Construction & Inspection Certification Workshop, Florida's only masonry certification program of its kind, providing continuing education and professional development opportunities for contractors, architects, engineers, inspectors, and building officials.

Foundations for Life Grant Successfully Concludes
The Council also completed final closeout activities for the Foundations for Life (F4L) initiative, a $1.96 million U.S. Department of Labor Pathway Home grant focused on workforce development and reentry services.

Final outcomes included:

• 200 participants served
• 89% completion rate for work readiness training
• 51% obtaining unsubsidized employment
• 50% retaining employment for at least two quarters
• 6% recidivism rate, significantly exceeding program goals

The program demonstrated the effectiveness of combining workforce training, life skills development, employment services, and post-release support to improve outcomes for justice-involved individuals.

Looking Ahead
The Council continues to focus on workforce development, public education, resilient construction awareness, and strategic industry partnerships that strengthen Florida's concrete masonry industry. Through ongoing collaboration with industry leaders, educational institutions, workforce partners, and government agencies, FCMEC remains committed to building a skilled workforce and promoting safe, durable, and sustainable construction practices throughout Florida.

As the Council moves forward under its newly adopted 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, it remains dedicated to advancing opportunities for Florida's workforce while supporting the long-term growth and success of the concrete masonry industry.

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