March 2009 Header
In The Mix                                                            June 2011- Vol 3, Issue 4
In This Issue
Annual Convention
Director's Corner
FICAP PAC
Around the Industry
Quick Links

 

 

Officers / Directors
President
    Gary Clements
    Cement Products & 
    Supply Company
    863-686-5141
    email

 

Vice Presdient
    Preston Sparkman
    Quality Precast Co. Inc.
    813-685-5615 ext 2228
    email 
     
Treasurer
   Steve Bishop
   Maschmeyer Concrete 
   561-848-9112
   email 

 

Board of Directors
  Jeff Bishop
  Maschmeyer Concrete
  561-848-9112
  email 

 

  Adam Freeman
  A-1 Block
  407-422-3768
  email 

  Sherry Griswold
  Griswold Ready Mix  
  904-751-3796
  email 
 
  Freddie Jahna
  Jahna Concrete
  863-453-5155
  email 
  
  Bobbi Griswold
  Griswold Ready Mix
  904-751-3796
 
  Mark Smith, Past President
  Bell Concrete, Inc.
  352-463-6103
  email 
 
  Executive Director
  Michele Stropoli
  407-333-4694
  email
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Thank you for your continued support of FICAP! 
 

Welcome Aboard

New Members


 Eco Rock 
  
Recycled Concrete Aggregates
  
_________  
  
 Trimac 
  
Transportation of Bulk & Bag Cement, Fly Ash, Slag & Lime
TopGreetings!                                   

Gary's profile

 

 As I relax on a Sunday afternoon savoring an absolutely amazing and unforgettable Father's Day and watching history in the making at the U.S. Open, I am mindful that I am rapidly coming to the end of a very enjoyable and exciting two years as president of your association.  There are times in belonging to an organization that a person will take a position out of duty, but I consider the presidency of this great association to be an honor, and I am still as honored today as I was two years ago when the board entrusted me with the position.

 

What has your association accomplished in the past two years? 

  • We have updated our Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, as well as our anti trust documents, and had all of them reviewed and approved by our legal counsel.  Already these efforts have proven beneficial to our association. 
  • We were completely unified as an association in our efforts as we were successful in defeating Amendment 4.  Our PAC became better known in Florida politics as we were one of the first to financially support the "No on 4" campaign, and continued our support to the end. In addition, the success rate of pro-business candidates supported by your PAC was nearly 100%.
  • FICAP hosted an economic forum featuring the lead economist for the National Association of Home Builders, as well as other regional economists. 
  • And of course we have not wavered in our efforts to supply members with an endless stream of cutting edge educational topics at our monthly meetings.   

There is no question that we are in the worst economic times since the inception of FICAP.  Many of our members are experiencing hard times for the first time in their careers, while some of our more seasoned members have seen hard times before.  The FICAP mission statement states that our purpose is "to provide strength and support to preserve the Florida independent concrete products producer through the sharing of ideas, education, promotion and leadership."   Think for a moment about an average monthly meeting and you quickly realize that we carry out our mission statement.  We share ideas about issues in the daily operations of our businesses and, as previously stated, there is an endless stream of educational topics.  I believe there has been more of an effort to buy from another member during these times, which is promotion.  And our older, more experienced members have certainly been leaders to our younger members.  It is comforting to know that when times are the toughest we don't just publish our mission statement - we live it. 

 

The FICAP Vision is, "Building Florida With Personal Attention... the FICAP Way."  If a stranger walked into one of our monthly meetings they might think our vision should read, "Supporting our Fellow Members With Personal Attention... the FICAP Way." 

 

I will repeat what I've stated in this column in the past: I think FICAP gives more value for the membership dollar than any other organization I know.  And I believe that it is truer now than ever before. 

 

We will gather for our annual convention in a few weeks and elect new leaders to direct our future.  It is with every confidence that I can say our organization is strong in every way.  We are strong financially.  We are strong in leadership with a very dedicated Board of Directors and a competent group of executive officers.  Preston Sparkman, as incoming president, will no doubt lead us to new heights.  The daily operations of the association are carried out by our Executive Director, Michele Stropoli, who is truly professional in all that she does.  One thing is clearly evident, Michele has a heart for FICAP and its members.  Not only does she care about the member companies, but also about the members as individuals.  We are extremely fortunate to have one of the top executive directors in the state here at FICAP.   We are strong in membership.  During these tough times we have seen only a small drop in overall membership, and a significant portion of that can be attributed to mergers and acquisitions.  We have actually seen our membership increase by 5 members over the last year, which is an incredible accomplishment for an association in our industry. 

 

If an individual considers himself a professional in this industry he should belong to the association that works to improve the industry. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged.  No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere."

 

I have truly enjoyed these two years as your president.  To the board, I thank you for your confidence and support, your wisdom and dedication and, most of all, your friendship.  This is a strong association, made up of strong people. As an association and individuals, we will only grow stronger as we navigate through these uncertain times. A few months ago I quoted John Maxwell in one of my letters, and it bears repeating: "The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails."  As leaders we must continue to adjust the sails of our companies by continuing to make the moral, ethical, and economic decisions required to weather this storm.  I encourage you to "not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."  Galations 6:9

 

    

Sincerely,  

 Gary's Signature 
                

 

 

 

Gary Clements

President, FICAP  

17th Annual FICAP Convention - Hammock Beach Resort

 

Hammock Beach Resort
Hammock Beach Resort

 This is going to be so much fun! 

We have a brand new venue and lots of new and exciting plans for this year's convention.

Find out more... 

     

 

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The Name of the Game...Competitive Advantage                                      Director's Corner 

 
Michele 2010

Dare to be awesome!

 

No one can dispute that times are tough; however, FICAP found a way to add value to our members experience at this years convention...Howard Hyden.  Howard is a much sought after international speaker and is typically ranked THE top speaker wherever he speaks - and to whomever he speaks.

 

You see, Howard speaks "graphically."  His unique gift is the ability to create thinking images - to "paint a picture" in the audience's mind.  Because of this, attendees use his "take-aways" in their workplace long after Howard's presentation - increasing competitive advantage.

 

Howard's theory and brand, "The DNA of Customer Focus," is the substantive evolution of the commonplace and overused term "customer service."  Howard will share why customer service is NOT a competitive advantage...and why Customer Focus is. Read More about Howard

 

Read a recent article by Howard - How to Compete in Tough Times  

 

We are on track for another great convention, but we've also heard the disappointment from those of you not able to attend.  That's why we're going to try something new to FICAP...the Daytripper. We don't want anyone to miss the opportunity to hear Howard's presentation, so we now offer a daytripper price for Friday morning's educational session.  Join us and hear from our very own Gary Clements, as he provides the State of the Association; Lobbyist and Consultant, David Ramba; and Howard Hyden from the Center for Customer Focus.  To register as a daytripper...

 

The resort is a gated and private facility, so you will not be able to "crash" the party.  We must know in advance if you plan to attend.

 

We have so much in store at this year's convention.  So many knew and exciting events and plans.  It's not too late, please join the fun.

 

Thank you! 

  

Micheles Signature

 

 

 

 Howardism:  "There is no traffic jam on the extra mile!"

  

Concrete Sustainability Hub (CSH) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

  

The Concrete Sustainability Hub was established in 2009 by the RMC Research & Education Foundation and the Portland Cement Association to accelerate emerging breakthroughs in concrete science and engineering and to transfer that science into practice. The research taking place at MIT CSH will focus on quantifying and enhancing the sustainable nature of concrete. Please click here to visit the MIT CSH main website. Read More about Concrete Days at MIT in August

 

 FICAP PAC                                                                                    Wade Mullins, Chairman

 

Wade

I trust you are enjoying your summer and the quietness of state politics, since Sunshine State's very lively 2011 Legislative Session came to a close. Actually, it is really not that quiet.

 

Since the Governor has 14 or 15 days (I can never remember which) to sign the bills or veto them, the Legislature sends them over a few at a time for about six weeks or so. If memory serves me correctly, I believe this process is concluded by the end of June. Lobbyists are saying there were a very low number of bills passed during the just concluded session.

 

Committee weeks for the 2012 Session will be starting early. They actually begin in September of 2011. Why so early? Reapportionment and all the political jockeying associated with redrawing voting districts is going to consume a lot of time. I'm certainly glad that only happens every ten years. So the summer will still be busy for our state legislators. Read More 

 

New Federal Initiative - Action Requested 

  

Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 is a sweeping requirement that mandates that the federal, state, and local governments withhold 3% from payments to businesses for goods and services provided. The law, which will take effect in January 2013, will cover transactions taking place between companies doing business with the federal government, state governments, and local governments that have annual expenditures in excess of $100 million.

 

Although the provision is aimed at deterring tax evasion, the 3% Withholding Tax primarily penalizes businesses and honest taxpayers. Consequently, the mandate may cause significant cash flow problems, and/or prompt companies looking to offset the cost of the 3% Withholding Tax to either increase the price of goods and services, or more likely pass on the cost to their service and material suppliers, such as the ready mixed concrete industry.

 

In today's economy, and especially in the construction industry, our nation's job creators can't afford to lose any more vital funds necessary to covering day-to-day operations.

 

The severity of this issue unfortunately hasn't entirely been realized yet by our decision makers in Washington D.C. Already there is legislation in the House and Senate to repeal this disastrous provision, however more help is needed...!

Action Requested:


Please click hereto send your Members of Congress a letter urging them to support efforts in the House and Senate to repeal the onerous 3% Withholding Tax Mandate!

 

To learn more please visit:

www.RepealWithholdingNow.com.

http://www.withholdingrelief.com/

Repeal Withholding of Small-Business Payments

 

Around the Industry

Conquering the Big Three Concrete Problems

Taking a deeper look into the function of water in a concrete mix.

 

Allen Face has written an excellent article series titled "That Pesky Moisture Gradient, Parts 1-5," discussing the function of water in a concrete mix, as well as the benefits and consequences thereof. The article is written from the materials perspective of concrete with emphasis on mix water and how it works in the hydration process and its impact on the finished product-concrete slabs. As with any good article, it plants the seeds for follow up articles, particularly, how can the "The Big Three Concrete Problems" be dealt with in an easy and economical way. Face identifies what he calls the "Big Three" concrete-related problems pertaining to slabs: shrinkage cracking, slab edge curling, and delamination. Read More

 

 

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Redistricting kicks off with complaints, Bible verses and rants

Florida lawmakers were greeted with widespread criticism Monday on the first day of a "listening tour" intended to gather testimony from residents regarding how new districts for both Congress and the Legislature should be drawn. Read More 

 

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Florida banks getting glimpse of prosperity

 

While no one is saying Florida's bludgeoned banking industry has turned the corner, some analysts believe the banks finally may be peeking around it. The state led the nation in bank failures last year, and it still has the highest percentage of troubled banks in the country. But Florida's banks and thrifts just eked out their first profit in three years, and the pace of bank failures has slowed considerably so far this year. Read More

 

  

 

 Scott Signs Scores of Bills into Law

 

Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday signed 46 bills into law including HB 7215, which includes compromise language prohibiting local governments from adopting new fertilizer ordinances. Read More

 

Also...

 

CS/SB 142: Negligence

 

GENERAL BILL by Commerce and Tourism; Richter; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Gaetz; Hays

 

Negligence; Defines the terms "accident," "negligence action," and "products liability action."

 

Requires the trier of fact to consider the fault of all persons who contributed to an accident when apportioning damages in a products liability action alleging an enhanced injury. Requires the jury instructions to apportion certain fault in a products liability action. Provides legislative intent to overrule a judicial opinion. Provides a legislative finding that fault should be apportioned among all responsible persons in a products liability action, etc.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE: upon becoming a law        Read More

        

 

CS/CS/SB 1196: Construction Liens

 

View 2011 Bill Summary

GENERAL BILL by Commerce and Tourism; Regulated Industries; Bogdanoff

 

Construction Liens; Specifies that a lessor's interest in property is not subject to a construction lien for improvements made by a lessee if certain documents containing specific information and meeting certain criteria are recorded in the official records of the county before the recording of a notice of commencement. Authorizes certain contractors and lienors to demand that a lessor serve verified copies of a lease prohibiting liability for improvements made by a lessee, etc.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2011        Read More

 

 

 

 

Taxpayers back in driver's seat of managing growth


The more the plans fail, the more the planners plan."

 

Ronald Reagan spoke these words almost a half-century ago. In his landmark speech, A Time for Choosing, Reagan warned Americans about the dangers of shifting power from the free market to unelected bureaucrats, saying that "Private property rights [are] so diluted that public interest is almost anything a few government planners decide it should be." Read More 

 

 

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Snaith: Unemployment 'creeping' in right direction

 

Figures released today show that Florida's recovery is creeping along with another month of job gains, said University of Central Florida economist Sean Snaith. Read More

 

 

 

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South Florida residential resale market shrinking

 

There are less than 50,000 residential properties on the resale market in the tri-county South Florida region, according to a new report from CondoVultures.com.

As of June 13, there are 22,200 single-family houses and 27,700 condos and townhouses actively available for purchase in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, according to an analysis by real estate brokerage Condo Vultures Realty LLC. Read More

 

 

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Despite slip in building, local index set to rise

 

Four key measures of economic activity are projected to rise this month, offering some hope that Central Florida is moving slowly - but steadily - toward recovery.

Employment in June is expected to rise by a little less than 1 percent, gallons of gasoline used is projected to increase by 2.4 percent, tourist-tax collections are predicted to soar by more than 17 percent, and electric meters in use - a barometer of household formation - are projected to grow by a little more than 1 percent, according to the Sentinel's Central Florida Economic Index.
Read More

 

 

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EPA will wait for Florida to adopt pollution limits before withdrawing federal standards

 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday told Florida that it won't take action on the state's request to withdraw federal water quality standards until after it reviews Florida's proposed standards. And that will require the state to adopt them, as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has proposed doing in early 2012.

 

 

 

 

Economy grows in Florida

 

New data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show that 48 of the 50 states, including Florida, enjoyed economic growth last year.

Florida registered a 1.4 percent increase last year in gross state product, an annual measure of the total output of goods and services. The Sunshine State's GSP grew to $673.37 billion last year from $664.08 billion in 2009. Read More

 

 

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Exports to the Rescue?

 

The string of bad economic reports has been interrupted once again by the latest trade data. The US set another new record when it comes to exports and that allowed the trade deficit to shrink to $43.7 billion - the lowest level seen in well over a year. At the same time that exports rose, the US imported far less than it has in recent months. Much of that import reduction is due to the lack of output from Japan and over the next several months the import numbers will recover but there is no reason to assume that exports will not continue to expand. Read More 

 

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Talking Out Of Both Sides Of Your Mouth

 

...In my view, one-direction-focused companies are usually doomed in business; and the competitive battlefield in this industry during this Great Recession is littered with the dead carcasses of companies that only focused on achieving a sales number. The approach of "get sales at any number" has bankrupted many companies; more importantly, it has put the builders in the driver's seat. I must congratulate many of the builders in America - we handed them the keys and they drove this low-price car right into the dirt. I know someone in America is probably making some money on a larger builder, but based on the numbers I've seen for the last two years, most building supply companies are figuratively tacking hundred dollar bills to every load that's shipped. Read More

 

 

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The New Rules of Building Customer Loyalty

 

Want your customers to stick to you like glue? Today it takes more than a punch-card or priority line. Read More