Release: Q3 Report to Florida Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2025

Building Florida’s Future: Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Q3 2025 Highlights

From July through September 2025, the Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council (FCMEC) continued its mission to strengthen Florida’s concrete masonry industry and workforce. The Council advanced key initiatives that support industry education, workforce growth, and consumer awareness.

Block Strong Campaign Momentum
The Block Strong campaign, powered in partnership with the Florida Concrete & Products Association, continued to deliver impressive results. The website drew more than 465,000 visitors this quarter—on pace to exceed last year’s record. Engaging topics like Storm Resistant, Fire Resistant, and Hurricane Prep drew the most attention. Digital marketing remained strong, generating 36.9 million impressions and over 600,000 clicks, while social media maintained steady engagement across Facebook and Instagram. Partnerships with Florida Trend and the AIA member magazine expanded visibility, and collaboration with the American Institute of Architects grew through educational messaging and event participation, including a lively “Block Party” at the AIA Annual Convention.

Workforce Development Progress
Florida Masonry, Inc. (FM), the Council’s workforce partner, made strides in building the state’s masonry talent pipeline. Highlights included:

• Membership Growth: Three regional membership drives brought in new contractor and associate members.
• Hands-On Learning: The Masonry Apprentice Expo & Open House in Tampa connected students, educators, and employers.
• Training & Certification: A Masonry Construction & Inspection Workshop in Orlando awarded 180 CE hours to participants.
• Pre-Apprenticeship Expansion: The St. Cloud High School program officially launched, and planning advanced for correctional facility programs and a new masonry club with Duval County’s Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Curriculum & Placement: New NCCER instructor training was completed, and nine participants from justice system programs were placed into the workforce—well on track toward the annual goal of 50 placements.

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Industry Impact & Outlook
About 30% of Florida’s block producers are now voluntarily contributing to the Council’s assessment program, ensuring the sustainability of future initiatives. The successful completion of the $1.96 million Foundations for Life Grant showcased strong outcomes, with 89% of participants finishing work-readiness training and only a 6% recidivism rate.

Looking ahead, FCMEC remains focused on expanding its apprenticeship pathways, strengthening partnerships, and promoting concrete masonry as a resilient, sustainable, and rewarding career for Floridians.

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