July/August News

A new international trade association, the World Insulated Concrete Form Association (WICFA), has launched to support the growth and recognition of the Insulated Concrete Form industry worldwide. Founded by Heather Hering-Brown and Trevor Brown, who are both industry professionals and hosts of the Build With ICF Podcast, WICFA aims to serve as an independent voice for builders, installers, manufacturers, designers, engineers, and allied professionals in the ICF industry. The organization’s mission is to promote, protect, and advance ICF construction through advocacy, education, industry collaboration, and engagement with policymakers and code officials. WICFA also emphasizes resilient, energy-efficient, and high-performance building practices, along with credible code engagement and responsible growth for the global market. Membership starts at $500 per year for builders, installers, distributors, designers, architects, engineers, waterproofing specialists, and other key contributors across residential and commercial construction. DIY ICF builders can pay $100 quarterly to access ICF-focused knowledge and resources. WICFA is currently assembling its founding Board of Directors, with additional leaders from across the industry expected to be announced soon. If you are interested, visit the website or email at info@buildwithicf.com.
https://wicfa.org

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, along with the American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA), has formed a new partnership aimed at reducing accidents and injuries on concrete pump jobsites. The We Are Safer Together campaign represents a significant step forward in advancing job site safety through heightened awareness of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ (ASME) safety standard for Material Placement Systems which, when followed, elevates safety for all trades working on concrete pumping jobs. The partnership follows ASME’s late 2025 update, which introduced critical clarifications to address compliance concerns raised by ready mixed concrete producers. These updates were the result of a cooperative effort between ASME and NRMCA to refine language in the standard, ensuring it is both practical and effective for all stakeholders. The campaign is intended to minimize the risk of serious injury or harm to workers and protect property by prescribing safety requirements. It provides direction to manufacturers, owners, employers, users, and other stakeholders while also serving as a guide for governments and other regulatory bodies in developing, promulgating, and enforcing appropriate safety directives.
www.nrmca.org
www.wearesafertogether.org

Entries are now being accepted for the annual ICF Builder Awards and the People’s Choice Award. The entry form is available on the website, www.icfmag.com, under the Builder Awards tab. The deadline to return entry forms is Friday, September 25. Contractors, distributors, and ICF manufacturers are encouraged to submit projects in the following categories: Heavy Commercial, Light Commercial, MultiFamily, MultiFamily Low-Rise, Small Residential, Large Residential, Unlimited Residential, Pools, Education, and Specialty Applications. You can find info on judging criteria, tips on filling out the notebook, and past winning projects on the website. The awards ceremony is the most high-profile event in the ICF industry, with winners announced at a catered evening event at World of Concrete each year. The ICF Builder Awards competition is an annual event designed to showcase the innovation, quality, and energy efficiency of ICF construction and promote ICFs as a sustainable, durable, and attractive building material.
www.icfmag.com

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association appointed Jim Riley as president and CEO, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the Association and the ready mixed concrete industry. Riley assumed the role June 15, 2026. Riley brings more than two decades of executive leadership and advocacy experience across trade associations and construction materials-related industries, including on behalf of transportation, aggregates, recycling, and infrastructure interests. Prior to joining NRMCA, Riley served as president of the Railway Supply Institute and held senior leadership positions with the National Waste & Recycling Association and the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. As president and CEO, Riley will lead the execution of NRMCA’s strategic plan with a strong focus on driving member value, strengthening engagement, and advancing the Association’s impact across the industry.
www.nrmca.org