It is safe to say that everyone remembers 2020, but no one really wants to. As the pandemic set in and businesses struggled, spring break turned into extended summer and masks were required in public, everything was so unusual. And while there was fear of the unknown and how soon…

Data recently released by the United States Geological Service shows 115,686 tons of cement were shipped to the state during the month of March 2021. Cement shipments grew by 7.06% over the same period in 2020 and by 24% over February’s totals. Looking to ready mix volumes, we estimate 428.385…

This month, our Concrete University program will be held on Wednesday, June 30th at 1pm. The program will cover Mortar 101. The program will provide 1 HSW LU for architects or 1 PHD credit for engineers. The presentation will cover proper mortar specification for use in reinforced masonry and plain masonry….

Data recently released by the United States Geological Service shows 88,251 tons of cement were shipped to the state during the month of February 2021. Cement shipments grew by 5.84% over the same period in 2020 but declined by nearly 15% from January’s totals. Looking to ready mix volumes, we…

Gaming stumbles at the finish lineLegislation to allow Alabama citizens to vote on whether to legalize gambling including a lottery, casino games, and sports betting failed as the 2021 regular legislative session concluded.Despite the efforts of former Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R – Anniston), Governor Kay Ivey, her…

Medical marijuana bill headed to Governor The House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bill that would create a statewide medical marijuana program in a historic vote that followed a debate spanning more than two days. Later that night, the Senate concurred on the House changes and sent the bill…

We are thrilled to be joining the Tennessee Concrete Association for this year’s summer convention. After so many months of uncertainty, joining our friends for this annual event will be something to look forward to. The event will be held at the Sandestin Beach Hilton July 29-Aug. 1. The room…

The Alabama Legislature met two days last week and now has only three days left in the session. The week was productive with passage of the Education Trust Fund (ETF) Budget in the House and passage of the General Fund Budget in the Senate. The ETF was the largest budget…

Data recently released by the United States Geological Service shows 103,522 tons of cement were shipped to the state during the month of January 2021. Cement shipments grew by 11.7% over the same period in 2020. The month marks the largest January total in the previous 8 years. Looking to…

Each year, ACIA presents the Chairman’s Award to an outstanding leader in the concrete industry. This year’s recipient is a household name when it comes to Auburn University baseball. Joe Beckwith, son of longtime Auburn University director of ticket sales Bill Beckwith and his wife, Marjorie, was born in 1955…

Kurt Milliman, our 2021-2022 Chairman of the Board, serves as the regional manager for Lehigh Hanson/Sherman Industries utilizing his extensive background in construction. He has worked with some form of building materials since he was 15 and has lived and worked in various concrete markets in the Southeast and Texas….

The Environmental Excellence Award is presented annually to a ready mix producer plant that has best demonstrated environmental excellence and innovative management. This year we are pleased to present Sherman Industries’ Tarrant, Alabama ready mix plant with this coveted award. The Tarrant location is a new ready-mix plant that became…

Drive Lifetime Achievement Award In 1981, a 31-year-old Eddie Ray was working on a farm in rural northeast Alabama. He had little knowledge of the concrete business and never once thought about driving a concrete truck. In fact, he had never driven a vehicle larger than afarm truck. However, that…

ACIF ScholarshipsFor the past 28 years, the Alabama Concrete Industries Foundation has awarded scholarships to students enrolled in building science, engineering or architecture at our state’s universities. Since 1993, we have awarded 54 scholarships totaling over $250,000. We currently award 2 $8,000 scholarships per year. The foundation’s first scholarship recipient,…

The Alabama Legislature has now met 21 of the constitutionally allowed 30 days. The Legislature must still pass the Education Trust Fund Budget and the General Fund Budget. Both budgets have passed one house and await action in the other Chamber. Both are in surprisingly great shape and are unlikely…