A publication of the Concrete Foundations Association
Concrete Facts Magazine Online
Feature
Building Careers CFA’s Wall Foreman Qualification @ WOC2024
This January we welcome year number two of an exciting new professional development program offered by the Concrete Foundations Association: the Wall Foreman Qualification Industry Training. The program has expanded and looks to provide an even broader range of learning experiences. This program is designed for individuals engaged in residential cast-in-place construction to grow in […]
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete as an Alternative to Conventional Steel
As the demand for more sustainable construction grows and raw material shortages like steel continue to be a challenge, fiber-reinforced concrete has become an increasingly popular choice for flatwork and elevated construction—from precast and ready-mix concrete to shotcrete. Fibers make concrete significantly more resistant to cracking from plastic and drying shrinkage, leading to a highly […]
Federal OSHA Announced the Launch of a National Emphasis Program (NEP) On Heat Illness and Injury
by Tim Neubauer, MS, CSP, President of Exceed Safety LLC When it is extremely hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is diminished. If your body heats too rapidly it will use body fluids to cool itself. When this happens, too much fluid or salt is lost through sweating. The body temperature […]
Is Your Safety Manual OSHA Compliant? | A Summary of the Required Topics
By Julia Kunlo, CSP, Vice President CFA Consulting Member A written safety manual is often seen as the backbone of a workplace safety program. Documented processes are powerful tools, helping to outline expectations, train employees, bid work, and even avoid legal trouble. What many people do not know, however, is that the Occupational Safety and […]
YOU’VE RECEIVED AN OSHA CITATION – NOW WHAT?
The 4-Step Process Every Company Should Know By Julia Kunlo, MSOSH, CSP The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) usually conducts around 32,000 inspections a year. For companies who are involved in an inspection and receive fines/citations, most are surprised by the hazards discovered and unsure of next steps to take. While avenues exist to […]
WHAT LEADING CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES ARE DOING IN THE WAKE OF COVID-19
This article made possible by ConExpo-Con/AGG 2020 as part of industry participation by your Concrete Foundations Association. For more information on business practices by contractor members of the Concrete Foundations Association, reach out to CFA Executive Director, James Baty MILWAUKEE — As COVID-19 (coronavirus) brings countless businesses to a grinding halt, the construction industry remains resilient […]
Magazine Issues
Why Membership Matters
By Scott Renfroe – foundationbuilders.com “Critical Technical Responses” – We recently completed a large commercial foundation project for a repeat customer. The General Contractor values our expertise and quality but had concerns about this project because his buyers, who are engineers, questioned whether the foundation should have been poured in cold weather and questioned if […]
Building Back Better: The Case for Concrete Homes
By Joe Nasvik The recent fires in Los Angeles have resulted in the largest amount of fire damage the country has ever seen. For so many people, life went from normal to one of complete despair in the matter of just a few hours. Homes of all kinds—modern and traditional designs; new and old; homes […]
How Do You Define Stability in Your Concrete Business?
By Bill Humbert, www.RecruiterGuy.com Our country is evolving—shifting perspectives, adjusting immigration policies, and even reshaping the size of our government. As with any transformation, there will be resistance and unforeseen consequences. Some of these changes may positively impact your business, while others may present challenges. This article isn’t meant to alarm you but spark critical […]
Kicking Off a Major Anniversary
Congratulations! That is to say, congratulations to those reading this article, knowing that you and your company are members of the Concrete Foundations Association, an organization that turns its golden anniversary in 2025. Fifty years of existence is an impressive mark. Looking back on those fifty years reveals the staggering perseverance, endurance, patience, and tenacious […]
Board of Directors Announce New Management for Association and Celebration Strategies for 50th Anniversary
Mount Vernon, IA (date) – The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) Board of Directors has announced a management change for the organization, which coincides with its 50th anniversary. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, CFA will be managed by the AOE Team – an association management and marketing consulting firm with headquarters in Farmington Hills, Mich., after more […]
Using Decorative Concrete to Refresh Outdoor Spaces
In both residential and commercial construction, decorative concrete is gaining popularity as a transformative element that revitalizes outdoor spaces. No longer reduced to just a functional, utilitarian solution, decorative concrete now serves as a versatile canvas for architects and designers looking to create aesthetically pleasing, durable, and cost-effective environments. The adaptability of decorative concrete allows […]
New Identity for Central Wisconsin CFA Member
Dane, WI – With a 77-year history of building trust, excellence, and strong foundations, Wisconsin-based concrete contractor Hottmann Construction, Inc. announces a rebranding initiative that reflects the company’s evolving vision, values, and commitment to the future. “We are excited to re-introduce ourselves to the marketplace in mid-December as Cru Concrete,” states company president, Ken Kurszewski. […]
Falling Forward
I find this happening every year—fall comes sooner than I feel prepared to handle. While it really shouldn’t surprise me, the leaves have already fallen and daylight hours have shortened, which means winter is not far off. Normally by now, I am looking forward to a short break from the chaos of a busy construction […]
Caught-In-Action
Timing on jobsites is not always precise, yet, as quality firms recognize, good crews always find a way to be productive. This photo was captured and sent in by CFA member, Bartley Corp, showing team members, who were waiting on forms to arrive to the site, capitalizing on available time. “This job was run by […]
2024 PROJECTS OF THE YEAR
The Rest of the Best The last issue of Concrete Facts presented the top-voted project and each of the respective category winners from the 25th annual competition for the Concrete Foundations Association. Two ways to revisit these project awards are available in the toolbox accompanying this article. The feature image from each project can be […]
CFA Board of Directors Welcomes Three, Renews One
The Board of Directors for the Concrete Foundations Association is comprised of 18 industry leaders from a diverse geographical and business landscape. Fifteen leaders represent the contractor membership at the heart of this organization’s mission. Three represent the National Associate members instrumental in supporting CFA events, and strengthening the Association along with providing knowledge and […]
What Are Your Concrete Company’s Plans for 2025?
Consider the 1980s industry-leading companies like Blockbuster, Atari, Pan American Airways, Nokia, MCI Communications, Compaq, Eastern Airlines, TWA, E.F. Hutton, Woolworth’s, and Radio Shack. What do they all have in common? They no longer exist. Each company had unique reasons for its decline. However, a unifying thread is evident: leadership became too comfortable, didn’t adapt […]
