RMMI News & Events

Despite three blizzards and a cumulative total of more than 50 inches of snow, it's been business as usual at the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute (RMMI) in Denver.

The outgoing 2006 Board of Directors approved the 2007 budget, ensuring that the nonprofit organization of masonry manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and associated companies could continue doing business into the coming year. The $640,000 budget focuses on increased services for members and increased promotion of the use of masonry products across the Rocky Mountain Region.

The 2007 Board of Directors was also announced. The RMMI board includes: Bruce Otten, Best Block and alternate member Colleen Ryan of St. Vrain Block representing the block producers; Tom Murray of Lakewood Brick and a yet-to-be-named alternate representing the brick producers; Dave Eatherton of Eatherton Masonry and alternate member Tyson Tabler of A.P. Eberlein representing the contractors; Paul Miller of HRH of Colorado and alternate member Matthew Wood of Ash Grove Cement representing the contributing members; and Gary Feiner of TXI and alternate member David Minor of US Mix representing the sponsoring associates. The board is rounded out with Michael Schuller of Atkinson-Noland & Associates, Don Sackett of Acme Brick, Wayne Grosvenor of Grosvenor Masonry, Erik Absalon of Basalite Concrete Products and Brent Broekemeier of Rio Grande Company.

The 2007 executive board will be elected by the new Board of Directors at the Jan. 31 meeting.

The Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute donated $1,000 cash and a dozen 35-gallon bags full of toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots Program (pictured above). The nonprofit masonry organization's annual holiday party provided the perfect fundraiser opportunity to support Toys for Tots. During a Victorian-themed dinner party, members donated funds in exchange for dance lessons, billiard games and turns at the poker table. In addition, the 100-plus individuals who attended the event at the Denver Press Club each brought toys to place under the tree for the Toys for Tots program. RMMI Executive Director, Larisa LaBrant, said the organization gathers toy donations at its holiday party for Toys for Tots every year, but that the effort was expanded this year with the added fundraising activities.

RMMI is a consortium of more than 100 companies throughout the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The organization includes brick and concrete masonry manufacturers, stone producers, mason contractors, suppliers and associates.

For more information, visit www.rmmi.org.