Release: Q1 Report to Florida Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2026

Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Reports Strong Start to 2026

The Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council (FCMEC) submitted its First Quarter Report to the Florida Department of Commerce, highlighting activities and progress from January 1 through March 31, 2026. During the quarter, the Council continued advancing statewide education, workforce development, and public outreach initiatives that support Florida's concrete masonry industry while laying the groundwork for major programs and events planned throughout the year.

Block Strong Continues Record Momentum
Entering its ninth year, the Block Strong campaign continued to build on its record-setting success. During the first quarter, BlockStrong.com attracted more than 404,000 visitors, while generating 32.6 million digital impressions and nearly 490,000 clicks. Visitors spent an average of more than nine minutes on the website, demonstrating strong public interest in resilient construction and concrete block building practices.

Popular topics included storm resistance, fire resistance, hurricane preparedness, and the long-term benefits of concrete block construction. The campaign also maintained a strong social media presence and continued outreach through print, radio, television, and industry publications.

Consumer Research Reinforces Demand for Resilient Construction
The Council and the Florida Concrete & Products Association continued to analyze findings from a statewide consumer sentiment survey completed in late 2025. Results showed continued confidence in concrete block construction, with homeowners strongly associating masonry construction with durability, energy efficiency, safety, and long-term value.

The research is helping guide future outreach efforts while reinforcing the importance of resilient building practices throughout Florida's residential construction market.

Workforce Development Initiatives Advance
Florida Masonry (FM), the Council's workforce development partner, focused on planning, coordination, and early implementation of its 2026 workforce initiatives.

Key first-quarter activities included:

• Contractor recruitment efforts and a membership outreach event in Orlando.
• Support for the 2026 SkillsUSA Florida State Leadership and Skills Conference.
• Continued operation of existing pre-apprenticeship and masonry club programs.
• Development of additional masonry club opportunities planned for Fall 2026.
• Planning and coordination for summer masonry camps and workforce outreach activities.

These efforts were designed to strengthen industry engagement while creating pathways for students and job seekers to explore careers in masonry construction.

Supporting Florida's Future Workforce
FM also reported continued progress in workforce placement activities, including five pre-apprentices entering masonry employment opportunities during the quarter. Additional outreach was conducted through career events, school-based demonstrations, and workforce engagement efforts with the Florida Department of Corrections and other workforce partners.

More than 2,500 students were exposed to construction career opportunities through participation in regional workforce events, helping increase awareness of masonry career pathways among Florida's next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Looking Ahead
With planning and coordination activities well underway, the Council is positioned for a productive year ahead. Major initiatives scheduled for upcoming quarters include masonry camps, apprenticeship and workforce development activities, industry training workshops, SkillsUSA national competition participation, and continued expansion of public awareness efforts through the Block Strong campaign.

As 2026 progresses, FCMEC remains committed to strengthening Florida's masonry workforce, promoting resilient construction practices, and supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of the concrete masonry industry throughout the state.

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