Release: Q2 Report to Florida Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2026

Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Reports Continued Progress in Workforce Development and Public Education

The Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council (FCMEC) submitted its Second Quarter Report to the Florida Department of Commerce, highlighting activities and accomplishments from April 1 through June 30, 2026. During the quarter, the Council continued advancing workforce development, public education, industry engagement, and resilient construction initiatives through partnerships with the Florida Concrete & Products Association (FC&PA) and Florida Masonry (FM).

Block Strong Continues Statewide Outreach
The Council's partnership with FC&PA continued to drive public awareness through the Block Strong campaign, which promotes the safety, durability, energy efficiency, and long-term value of concrete masonry construction.

During the second quarter, BlockStrong.com attracted more than 308,000 website visitors, with users spending an average of more than 11 minutes per session exploring information related to resilient construction and building performance.

The campaign also generated:

• 25 million digital impressions
• 474,075 website clicks
• Strong engagement across Florida's largest residential markets

Popular consumer topics included fire resistance, storm resistance, hurricane preparedness, homebuyer education, and the long-term benefits of concrete block construction.

"If These Walls Could Talk" Campaign Launches
A major highlight of the quarter was the launch of the "If These Walls Could Talk" campaign, an integrated outreach effort utilizing television, streaming media, digital advertising, social media, and public relations activities.

The campaign emphasizes the durability, resilience, and long-term value of concrete block homes while reinforcing the importance of resilient construction practices that help protect Florida families and communities.

Professional Outreach and Industry Partnerships
FC&PA continued its partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Florida, maintaining visibility through professional publications, digital platforms, and convention planning activities.

The partnership supports ongoing education for architects and design professionals while promoting concrete masonry construction as a resilient, durable, and code-compliant building solution across Florida.

Florida Students Excel at SkillsUSA National Competition
Florida Masonry continued its workforce development efforts by supporting student participation in the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.

Florida participants earned:

• 80 Skill Point Certificates
• 28 medals
• 4 Gold Medals
• 9 Silver Medals
• 15 Bronze Medals

These achievements showcased the talent and dedication of Florida's skilled trades students while increasing awareness of careers in the masonry industry.

Expanding Career Pathways
Florida Masonry reported continued success with its NextGen Masonry Club at Bridge to Success Academy. Students completed a campus beautification project recognized during a community dedication ceremony and continued participating in hands-on learning experiences supported by industry mentors.

The program also delivered direct workforce outcomes:

• Four students secured paid summer internships with Atlantic Coast Contractors.
• One additional student was identified for future masonry employment opportunities.

Florida Masonry also reported that additional masonry club programs are under development, with new opportunities anticipated during the second half of 2026.

Workforce Development and Industry Training
Workforce outreach activities continued throughout the quarter, with Florida Masonry conducting 24 workforce interviews and advancing efforts to connect prospective workers with apprenticeship and employment opportunities.

The organization also hosted its first Masonry Construction & Inspection Workshop of 2026, providing professional education focused on masonry construction practices, code compliance, inspection procedures, and industry standards.

Additional workshops, masonry camps, exposure events, and workforce development activities are scheduled throughout the remainder of the year.

Looking Ahead
As 2026 progresses, the Council remains focused on strengthening Florida's masonry workforce, expanding career pathway opportunities, and promoting resilient construction through strategic public education efforts.
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With strong public engagement through Block Strong, successful student participation at the national level, expanding workforce initiatives, and growing industry collaboration, FCMEC continues to support the long-term growth and sustainability of Florida's concrete masonry industry.

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