CHICAGO — Kenneth J. DuPere has been named Managing Director of Finance & Administration for the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute. He will be responsible for financial operations, information technology, human resources, shipping, receiving and warehousing activities.

“Ken brings to PCI a tremendous background in financial accounting, budgeting, inventory management and process improvement,” says James G. Toscas, president. “His additional background in strategic planning and information-technology management will provide further benefits as we look to leverage technology to better serve our members and the design communities.”

DuPere comes to PCI from Keller-Williams Fox, a $200-million real-estate firm, where he served as manager of accounting, operations, human resources and information technology. Previously, DuPere was director of operations at Azon Corp., a $150-million manufacturer of specialty coated papers and films and formerly served as chief operating officer/chief financial officer at Weber-Valentine Co., a $6.5-million paper manufacturer. Earlier, DuPere was manager and national computer center director at Wolf & Co., a public-accounting firm with 26 nationwide offices.

DuPere, a Certified Public Accountant, holds a B.S. degree in commerce with a major in accounting from DePaul University. He has done further graduate work in accounting, finance, management, marketing and e-commerce at DePaul and at the University of Illinois at Chicago. DuPere joined PCI on April 18.

CHICAGO — The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute has named Kristine C. McIntosh to be its first Director of Education. The position has been created to coordinate student education efforts through the PCI Foundation, and continuing education programs for both precast manufacturers as well as for the design and construction communities across the country. McIntosh will work on developing programs at the local, state and national levels.

“PCI has long held seminars and box-lunch programs to help the design community better understand the benefits and applications for precast concrete,” explains James G. Toscas, president. “In her new position, Kristine will work with the staff at national headquarters, our Regional Directors and individual precasters to create programs that best serve the individual needs of each group.”

Previously, McIntosh worked as an independent training and education consultant, serving such clients as the Gas Technology Institute to create technical online courses and expand their available resources. Prior to that, she served as training development manager for the Parts & Repair department at Sears, Roebuck and Co. and as the MBA program manager for UNext, the parent company for Cardean University and Ellis College of New York Institute of Technology. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of Illinois, a Master of Science in Educational Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University, and is working on an MBA degree from Cardean University.

Working from PCI’s headquarters, McIntosh will develop programs to expand the educational programs available to college students, architects, designers, engineers, contractors and others involved in the precast/prestressed construction process. “PCI has a vast quantity of technical information and other resources available to the construction community, through its Web site, headquarters staff, regional offices and local precaster members,” McIntosh says. “My goal is to leverage that information to create educational programs at all levels of the organization that will help the entire construction team become more familiar with the uses and benefits of precast concrete.”

As PCI’s new branding initiative - designed to reposition precast in the construction industry and refresh the image of PCI as an organization - continues to accelerate and gain momentum, our branding team has launched a new resource - an intranet for PCI marketing. Called Brand Central, this “information hub” displays all aspects of the branding initiative and is designed to give members a complete array of information and tools to keep you in sync with the marketing and branding efforts of PCI. We’ll continue to update and expand the resources available to the extended family of PCI marketing professionals.

You can access Brand Central under the Members section of the PCI Website at http://www.pci.org.

With a generally strong outlook for construction activity, materials prices are likely to rise faster than the overall rate of consumer or producer prices again in 2006. The rate of increase for construction materials and components prices could be closer to the 10.1 percent rate of 2004 than the 6.1 percent rate of 2005. Once again, however, prices are likely to vary greatly by type of material and project.

Cement: Cement prices seem headed still higher in 2006. Cement rose 11.7 percent in 2005 and 3.2 percent in the last three months (annual rate of 13.4 percent). It is about 7.3% above April 2005’s price level. Very little domestic cement capacity is expected to come online, while demand from nonresidential construction (which is more concrete-intensive than residential) will continue to rise. Exceptionally warm and dry weather in January allowed more concrete-pouring to occur than usual, which may mean shortages appear earlier this year than in years when cement makers and importers rebuilt stocks in the winter. One favorable development is an agreement between the U.S. and Mexico that aims to lower the antidumping duty on Mexican cement from the current $26 per metric ton to $3 per ton. It took effect in April. Mexican cement should start replacing cement from China, Korea, Thailand, Greece, or Venezuela, all of which currently supply more to the U.S. than Mexico does, despite the longer transit times and higher shipper rates. Imports of Mexican cement will be limited to three million metric tons for three years (up from two in 2005) and allocated by region and producer, although the President can boost the limit by 200,000 metric tons in the event of a natural disaster that increases the need for imported cement. After three years, the quotas and duties will be entirely eliminated. Around the time the agreement was signed in March, Mexican producer Cemex announced it would add 1 million tons of capacity to its plant in Balconnes, Texas and add capacity near the Mexico-Arizona border, Cruz Azul said it intended to begin exporting from Mexico. With domestic cement production running at full capacity last year, the United States still had to import 25 percent of its cement supply in order to meet demand. High anti-dumping tariffs, in place since 1990, have limited supply from Mexico, which has excess capacity. Because of its close proximity to the states, it takes only four days to import cement from Mexico, compared with 40 days from Asia.

Costs for sand/gravel/crushed stone were up 7.9% in 2005, 4.7% in the past three months and about 9.0% above March 2005.

Steel: Predictions differ sharply among analysts about the likely supply-demand balance of steel products. China varies between importing steel for its infrastructure, private constructions, and consumer products demand, and opening new mills that add to exports. Steel prices are likely to stay close to their 2005 average but with significant month-to-month variations as the world supply-demand balance and shipping costs fluctuate. It is anticipated that the prices of steel, as well as steel scrap, will rise in the second quarter but taper off in the third and fourth quarters. Steelmakers already have announced additional price increases that will take effect in coming months.

In March, prices for wide-flange, channel and I-beams averaged a 0.3% increase compared to a 3.6% gain in March 2005. Steel prices are about 9% above April 2005. Reinforcing bar prices have declined 1.3% below last December’s peak. Grade 60, #4 bars are up 3.6% over last March and some areas have recently seen a $15 per ton increase. Rebar price increases year-to-year are less severe due to falling price levels in early 2005.

Preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that imports of finished steel products into the U.S. were up 24% to 5.2 million tons of steel in the first two months of 2006, compared with a year earlier. The greatest increase in imports was in steel wire rod, structural shapes and reinforcing bars, and came largely from China, Turkey and Taiwan. Domestic mills have been aiming to keep prices consistent through controlling supply and not raising prices enough to invite further imports.

Lumber/Plywood: The prices of lumber and wood products should ease by year-end. Demand probably will soften if residential construction slows, and supply should increase if plants now under construction come online as expected. Lumber is already down almost 5% from last year.

Fuel: The futures price for crude oil seems to be very volatile recently up over $70 a barrel. The national average retail price of #2 diesel fuel is around $2.88 about 59 cents (26%) higher than a year ago. It appears diesel prices for 2006 as a whole will be up 10 to 30 percent over 2005, with wide month-to-month variations. This will affect fuel surcharges truckers add to delivery bills for hauling. Also, the national average retail price of gasoline is $2.88 and about 24% above the year-ago level. The uncertainty relative to Iran and U.S. supply levels will be causing more volatile movements in the markets for oil, diesel, gasoline and natural gas.

One hundred and eighty builders, architects, engineers, contractors, and building officials received 7 professional development hours on hurricane resistant concrete construction during three workshops last week in the Gulf Coast states affected by Hurricane Katrina:

Hattiesburg, Mississippi - April 11

Baton Rouge, Louisiana - April 12

Mobile, Alabama - April 13

The 1-day workshops began with a session on Fortified Homes, a program of the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) followed by sessions on building code requirements, concrete masonry, precast concrete, tilt-up concrete, removable forms, and insulating concrete forms. The workshops were sponsored by Mississippi Concrete Industries Association, Concrete and Aggregate Association of Louisiana, and Alabama Concrete Industries Association, Concrete Homes magazine, and Concrete Monthly magazine. The program was organized by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and presented by IBHS, Portland Cement Association, National Concrete Masonry Association, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Tilt-up Concrete Association, Concrete Foundations Association, and Insulating Concrete Form Association. NACA members are currently planning additional seminars in other regions of the country.

BLOOMINGTON, MINN. — Michael Johnsrud, formerly the executive director of the Minnesota Concrete Masonry Association, has been named executive director of the Midwest Precast Association. Johnsrud is the first executive named to lead this group, which to date has worked informally as an organization member of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, based in Chicago.

“My strong background in formulating marketing and business plans will help this experienced group of Midwestern precast concrete manufacturers communicate with architects, engineers and buildings owners,” says Johnsrud. “Precast concrete offers a great deal of benefits for all types of commercial buildings, and I intend to work closely with the members to ensure owners and designers have the resources and information they need to create aesthetically pleasing, quickly constructed and cost-effective structures.”

The organization consists of 12 precast concrete manufacturers based in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. It initially was formed in 1999 by several Iowa precasters, who wanted to focus more attention on commercial architects rather than the local Department of Transportation, which was served by the existing precaster organization. Those members were joined in 2001 by precasters in several surrounding states to pool their efforts. The group now is formalizing their activities and creating a more comprehensive marketing program.

Members in the group comprise Andrews Prestressed Concrete in Clear Lake, Iowa; Concrete Inc. in Grand Forks, N.D.; Concrete Industries Inc. in Lincoln, Neb.; Coreslab Structures (OMAHA) Inc. in Omaha; County Materials Corp. in Roberts, Wis.; Enterprise Precast Concrete Inc. in Omaha; Fabcon Inc. in Savage, Minn.; Gage Brothers Concrete Products in Sioux Falls, S.D., Hanson Structural Precast Midwest in Maple Grove, Minn.; Molin Concrete Products Co. in Lino Lakes, Minn.; Prestressed Concrete Inc. in Newton, Kan.; and Wells Concrete Products Co. in Wells, Minn.

Johnsrud spent six years at MCMA, where he created marketing plans to expand the group’s penetration. Prior to that, he was vice president of marketing for the hospitality firm Tonka Total Triple Inc. He holds an MBA in operational marketing from Hamilton University in Akron, Ohio, and Bachelors of Science in Finance and Marketing from Aalborg University Center in Aalborg, Denmark.

Johnsrud began his tenure with MPA on April 17, and he is currently creating marketing plans to alert local designers and engineers to the capabilities and resources available through MPA and the member precasters. He can be reached at 4509 Heritage Hills Dr., Bloomington MN 55437; 612/760-6101; mjohnsrud@mn.rr.com.

On March 6, WMAQ-TV (NBC) of Chicago featured the first Fortified...for Safer Living® home in Illinois during the station’s 10 p.m. news program. The 2,800-square-foot Bolingbrook home features a state-of-the-art precast concrete panel system for the floors and exterior walls, impact-resistant roofing, connectors to securely tie the house together from roof to foundation, and windows with high wind and water pressure ratings. In addition to the home’s added protection against tornadoes, hail, and severe winter weather¾three of the state»s most destructive natural elements—the segment highlighted the energy-efficiency aspects of concrete homes. Jim Niehoff, PCA residential promotion manager, reported on the growing trend of concrete residential construction. PCA, the Institute of Business & Home Safety, Dukane Precast, Inc., and AAA Chicago Motor Club sponsored the home. The home has also been featured in the Naperville Sun, a suburban Chicago newspaper, the Chicago Tribune, and the Wall Street Journal.

Notice of PCI Public Schools for Plant Quality Personnel and Erectors. The Personnel Training and Certification Committee offer four public schools per year. This year they are all at the Embassy Suites Hotel near the airport in Nashville. TN. The first school was in February and was well attended. The next three PCI Public schools are listed below. This year (2006) all erectors must be PCI Qualified to erect product in Groups A and C, produced by a PCI Producer Member. To know what is involved, the easiest way is to attend one of the PCI Certified Field Auditor (CFA) Schools scheduled for this year. By the end of 2006, all erectors must be PCI Certified. To know what is involved in the Independent Certification Audit, the easiest way is to attend one of the PCI Certified Company Auditor (CCA) Schools. All of the Public Schools will be in Nashville, TN this year.

Notice of PCI Public Schools for Plant Quality Personnel and Erectors. The Personnel Training and Certification Committee offer four public schools per year. This year they are all at the Embassy Suites Hotel near the airport in Nashville. TN. The first school was in February and was well attended. The next three PCI Public schools are listed below. This year (2006) all erectors must be PCI Qualified to erect product in Groups A and C, produced by a PCI Producer Member. To know what is involved, the easiest way is to attend one of the PCI Certified Field Auditor (CFA) Schools scheduled for this year. By the end of 2006, all erectors must be PCI Certified. To know what is involved in the Independent Certification Audit, the easiest way is to attend one of the PCI Certified Company Auditor (CCA) Schools. All of the Public Schools will be in Nashville, TN this year. Dates for the remaining 2006 Schools are listed below:

CFA: May 15, 16, and 17, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
CCA: May 18, 8:00AM to 5:00PM and May 19, 8:00AM to Noon

CFA: August 14, 15, and 16, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
CCA: August 17, 8:00AM to 5:00PM and August 18, 8:00AM to Noon

CFA: November 13, 14, and 15, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
CCA: November 16, 8:00AM to 5:00PM and November 17, 8:00AM to Noon

Level I School is May 15, 8:00AM - 5:00PM, with the exam May 16, 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Level II School is May 16, 9:00AM - 5:00PM, with the exam May 17, 9:00AM - 11:00AM

Level I School is Aug 14, 8:00AM - 5:00PM, with the exam Aug 15, 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Level II School is Aug 15, 9:00AM - 5:00PM, with the exam Aug 16, 9:00AM - 11:00AM
Level III School is Aug 16, 1:00PM - 5:00PM, Aug 17 and 18, 8:00AM - 5:00PM, with the Level III exam Saturday Morning Aug 19, 9:00AM - 11:00AM

Level I School is Nov 13, 8:00AM - 5:00PM, with the exam Nov 14, 8:00AM - 9:00AM
Level II School is Nov 14, 9:00AM - 5:00PM, with the exam Nov 15, 9:00AM - 11:00AM