CPCOZ: Concrete remains foundation of construction

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Tom Baird IV is director of dispatch and communications at Conco Companies in Springfield, and is president of the Concrete Promotion Council of the Ozarks.|ret||ret||tab|

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Here it is, the fourth quarter of 2002 already in full swing. It looks as if we are going to have a strong finish to what has been an encouraging year. The residential housing market has stayed strong, and the commercial sector is hanging in there.|ret||ret||tab|

Since concrete is so strong and durable, it is the unrivaled material used for footings, foundations, stem walls, slabs and other areas of residential and commercial construction. Concrete is the material of choice for the structural support of buildings. |ret||ret||tab|

Concrete is the construction product most widely used throughout the world. It is one of the most economical and readily available materials in use. Worldwide, more than one ton of concrete is produced each year for every human being on the planet. Whether we realize it or not, concrete is an integral part of every building we inhabit, work in or visit. |ret||ret||tab|

I am Tom Baird IV, director of dispatch and communications at Conco Companies in Springfield. In July, I was elected president of the Concrete Promotion Council of the Ozarks. George Innes of Springfield Ready Mix was elected vice president, and Jane Martin of Scott's Concrete in Camdenton was elected secretary/treasurer.|ret||ret||tab|

The council's board of directors and membership roster illustrates that we are an organization of leaders from a wide variety of concrete-associated businesses. As an organization, we comprise cement producers, concrete ready-mix suppliers, general contractors, concrete contractors and their affiliates. We have joined forces to educate owners, developers, architects, engineers and design professionals, and to inform the general public. |ret||ret||tab|

Our goal, using the tools of promotion and education, is to spread the message to all building professionals commercial and residential about the superior properties and many uses of concrete. Together we promote all concrete applications, from insulating concrete forms and concrete paving to precast concrete applications, tilt-up and decorative concrete. |ret||ret||tab|

In our efforts to promote all concrete applications, we stress fast-track delivery, cost containment, safer construction practices, durability, economics (short- and long-term savings), and versatility of design. |ret||ret||tab|

As an organization, one of our goals is to identify new potential building projects specifically, where concrete can outperform conventional building materials. Our database includes potential buyers. We frequently meet with and survey architects and engineers, municipal leaders, and school officials. |ret||ret||tab|

We sponsor joint membership meetings with affiliate organizations with the ultimate goal of positioning the Concrete Promotion Council as the key resource for concrete construction. The end goal is to promote concrete as a superior alternative to other building materials. |ret||ret||tab|

We have many activities planned for the remainder of the year and are looking toward 2003 with great anticipation. Our fourth-quarter membership meeting will demonstrate the practice of placing concrete in cold weather. In the spring of 2003, our membership meeting will demonstrate many of the decorative uses of concrete.|ret||ret||tab|

"Count on Concrete" is a slogan we often hear. Our focus is to let you know that when it comes to selecting a building material, you have a choice, and that there are overwhelming advantages to choosing concrete applications. The message of the Concrete Promotion Council of the Ozarks is clear: We strive to promote the use of concrete in every construction application. |ret||ret||tab|

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