Leadership

The Education Committee plays a key role in bridging the gap between the concrete industry and academic institutions within the CIM program. Its mission is to integrate essential industry topics into the curriculum, ensuring students graduate with the hands-on knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed. Over the past year, the committee broadened its focus to include sustainability topics alongside vital sales and operational concepts. Recognizing that nearly one-third of CIM alumni pursue careers in sales, the committee is creating specialized training videos to enhance salesmanship skills as part of the coursework.

Committed to fostering experiential learning, the committee supports internships, community projects, and student competitions, providing students with real-world experience. It also collaborates with industry leaders on small-scale research projects that align with the needs of the concrete sector, enriching the curriculum and offering students valuable practical insights.

To attract and develop the next generation of leaders in the concrete industry, the Education Committee actively supports CIM programs’ recruitment efforts. With growing industry demand for CIM graduates, the programs have intensified their student outreach. The National Steering Committee (NSC) and local Patrons contribute matching funds for scholarships, helping increase the number of students enrolling in CIM programs. The Education Committee oversees the distribution of these funds and advises on their effective allocation.

The Finance Committee is responsible for ensuring the CIM program’s financial health and sustainability, playing a critical role in its continued growth and success. By managing and distributing resources effectively, the committee ensures that funds are strategically allocated to support education, recruitment, and industry connections, all of which are vital for the program’s long-term impact.

This committee’s primary role is to provide financial oversight for the National Steering Committee. Its key responsibilities include budget creation and financial planning, accurate financial reporting, and the establishment and monitoring of internal controls and accountability policies. Through careful management and strategic funding decisions, the Finance Committee strengthens the foundation of the CIM program, ensuring its ongoing ability to meet educational goals and build meaningful industry relationships.

The Auction Committee plays a crucial role in driving one of the CIM program’s most significant fundraising efforts—the annual auction at the World of Concrete. This event serves as a vital revenue source, directly supporting the program’s educational initiatives and outreach efforts. The committee’s commitment to securing sponsors and donors ensures the auction’s ongoing success and impact.

With a team of more than 40 dedicated industry professionals, the Auction Committee works year-round to solicit items, promote the event, and fine-tune strategies for consistent improvement. This dedication has made the CIM Auction the primary funding source for the National Steering Committee (NSC), directly benefiting CIM program universities.

The committee’s effectiveness is bolstered by strong partnerships with World of Concrete show management, as well as Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. The World of Concrete team, including its event organizer, Informa, provides invaluable support by featuring the auction prominently in event promotions and on-site advertisements. Meanwhile, Ritchie Bros. brings extensive expertise to the auction’s planning and execution. Their involvement not only ensures a seamless live event but also integrates online participation, allowing remote bidders to contribute. Online bidding now represents a growing share of auction proceeds, further expanding the event’s reach and impact.

Thanks to its cohesive team, planning expertise, and key industry partnerships, the Auction Committee stands as a pillar of support for the CIM program, ensuring the resources needed for its continued success.

The Marketing Committee plays a vital role in showcasing the value and accomplishments of the CIM program to both industry professionals and prospective students. Its primary mission is to boost brand recognition and advocate for CIM initiatives, with a strong focus on supporting the annual auction at the World of Concrete event.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, the committee collaborated closely with NSC members, university program directors, alumni, and industry leaders to craft a cohesive and modernized messaging strategy. This effort led to updated brand narratives, refreshed imagery, and an enhanced value proposition, all designed to increase the program’s appeal. Through innovative use of digital marketing tools and industry-specific outreach, the Marketing Committee has successfully positioned CIM as a leading educational and career resource within the concrete and construction industries.

The committee’s multi-faceted approach targets a variety of audiences, including the construction and concrete industries, media outlets, academic institutions, and prospective students. To achieve its goals, the committee employs a range of tactics such as strategic advertising, support from association and patrons’ groups, auction promotion, and the creation of impactful collateral and promotional materials. Additionally, efforts are bolstered by digital media campaigns, public relations initiatives, trade shows, events, and video production.

Through this comprehensive strategy, the Marketing Committee strives not only to promote the CIM program but also to educate individuals about the abundant educational and career pathways within the concrete industry, ensuring its continued growth and success.

The Recruitment Committee is dedicated to attracting new talent to the CIM programs and increasing awareness of the diverse career opportunities within the concrete industry. By collaborating closely with the Marketing Committee, the Recruitment Committee has developed targeted resources to reach both high school students and individuals already connected to the industry. One of its standout initiatives is the *Concrete Legacies* program, which focuses on engaging individuals with family ties to the concrete sector. This program leverages digital marketing strategies and trade show campaigns to highlight the benefits of a CIM degree and encourage industry professionals to inspire their family members to pursue education and careers in the field.

The committee also plays an active role in crafting tailored recruitment materials, including tools for parents, school counselors, and prospective students. These materials showcase the wide range of career paths available to CIM graduates, helping students and influencers understand the rewarding opportunities the program offers. Distributed at trade shows and through CIM program universities, these resources are vital in spreading awareness of the program’s value.

The Recruitment Committee works tirelessly to meet the growing demand for CIM graduates. Many CIM schools report having up to three times more job openings than graduates, with campus recruitment activity by companies far exceeding the number of available students. Through its strategic efforts, the Recruitment Committee ensures a steady pipeline of skilled and passionate individuals, preparing the next generation of leaders for the concrete industry.