Help VRMCA Name the New Building Construction Lab at Virginia Tech

As I discussed in the General Membership meeting at the convention, the Board has approved to move forward on naming a lab within the new school of Building Construction at Virginia Tech. The Board felt that this was an opportunity for our industry to become involved with an institution that is nationally known for its work in our industry and from which graduates stay in Virginia.

Naming the lab at the new school will enable VRMCA to do a number of things.

The Association would have the ability to recruit students before graduation during its job fairs.

Although the lab would not solely be used for the experimentation of the products in our industry, it is the desire of the faculty of Virginia Tech to have the students experiment with the properties of cement, admixtures and the products of our industry.

Dr. Yvan Beliveau, the department head of the school, believes in teaching via case studies and real life experiences. He would like to see our regional council work with his students and professors as well as allow site visits to our plants.

Finally, VRMCA would be able to participate in special projects such as the concrete canoe and/or industry challenges for which our members might be able to help develop a case study and judge the results. An example of this would be the study of pervious pavement and how we can increase the rate of placement on the job site.

Needless to say, Dr. Beliveau is excited to have our industry's participation in Virginia Tech's new school of Building Construction. VRMCA's commitment to the school is $250,000 that can be paid over five years. A number of our Board members have already made substantial financial commitments for the project, however, they very much believe that we should have as many companies participate as possible. I have included a pledge card in hopes that your company would be able to participate in this very worthwhile project.

If you would like to participate, your contribution should be made out to the Virginia Tech Foundation, and it is our understanding that it would be tax deductible. However, I would encourage you to discuss this with your tax professional, and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to give me a call.

Suggested levels of contributions are:
Platinum $50,000, paid in $10,000 installments over a five-year period
Gold $25,000, paid in $5,000 installments over a five-year period
Silver $12,500, paid in $2,500 installments over a five-year period
Bronze $5,000, paid in $1,000 installments over a five-year period

The Board's intent is to not limit or suggest that pledges cannot be made outside of the levels posted. The intent of the Board and the Association is to have as many members participate as possible.

Thank you very much for your consideration, and again please do not hesitate to give me a call if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Doug