Precast Inc. - November/December 2008 - (Page 72) INDUSTRY NEWS Proposed ASTM standards cover concrete floor tile Although concrete floor tile has been widely used for decades, until recently no universal standards have governed its manufacturing and installation. However, two proposed new ASTM standards have now been approved to cover the manufacture and installation of concrete floor tile for both interior and exterior applications. The two proposed standards are being developed as work items by ASTM Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units and have been recently balloted at the subcommittee level to elicit feedback. The work items will be revised and reballoted and will be discussed at the C15 committee meeting in Miami, Dec. 9-11, 2008. The new standards will increase confidence in the product among architects, designers, contractors, installers, project owners and other specifiers, and will help to minimize product and installation failures. William Love, technical director of NPCA member Arto Brick California Pavers, Gardena, Calif., is heading the two task groups responsible for development of the standards. Manufacturers of concrete floor tiles and associated materials such as mortar, grout and sealers are encouraged to participate in the task groups and the ASTM standard development process. For more information, contact William Love via e-mail at wlove@artobrick.com, or call (310) 768-8500 extension 100. Funding sources may help defray costs of employee training BY TERRY WALKER, J.E. HILL PRECAST, LEESBURG, FLA. Editor’s Note: The National Precast Concrete Association is offering a training module entitled “Local Funding Sources for Employee Training” at The Precast Show in Houston on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009. Terry Walker, who will present the module, provides a brief glimpse into the subject here. For more information, visit www.ThePrecastShow.org or call (800) 366-7731. During these difficult economic times, businesses need to take advantage of every funding resource possible. One such potential resource is grant money to help defray the costs associated with continual training for existing employees. In 1988, Congress enacted Public Law 105-220, known as the Workforce Investment Act, to provide a unique national workforce preparation and employment system. This program was designed to meet both the needs of the nation’s businesses and the needs of job seekers as well as those wishing to further their careers. Even though the program is 10 years old, it has rarely been used in the precast concrete industry. The first of the three fundamental aspects of the program is to provide a local training and employment program for businesses and individuals. The second is to provide businesses and individuals with training options and give them control over their own career development. Thirdly, the program enables businesses to play a leading role in ensuring the system prepares the trainees for current and future positions within their organizations. Title V of the Workforce Investment Act provides incentive grants for states. All states disperse these training funds throughout local municipalities. The local municipalities then allocate portions of these funds for programs such as incumbent workers training, displaced worker training, TAG (Training Acceleration Grant), employee retention programs or career-advancement training. Any business qualifying under the program guidelines established by the local Workforce Center can apply for these training grant funds. Established 1916 U.S. Foundry & Manufacturing Corp. U.S. Foundry proudly supports the NPCA and our Loyal Precast Distributors. Your #1 choice for Municipal and Utility Castings, Steel Grating, Hatches and Metal Fabrication products. U.S. Foundry meets all our distributors' needs with an unrivaled product line of "American Made" products. Call us to see how we can exceed your expectations. 800-432-9709 www.usfoundry.com 72 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 | PRECAST INC. BOOTH 765 THE PRECAST SHOW http://www.ThePrecastShow.org http://www.usfoundry.com http://www.usfoundry.com
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