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Baker, Cemex and U.S Silica Supporting 2004 ASCE/MBT National Concrete Canoe Competition


Media Contact(s):

Kelly Mawby, Master Builders, Inc.
Phone:  216-839-7071
E-Mail:  kelly.mawby@degussa.com



Joan Buhrman, ASCE
Phone:   703-295-6406
E-mail: jbuhrman@asce.org





May 7, 2004

Baker, Cemex and U.S Silica Supporting 2004 ASCE/MBT National Concrete Canoe Competition


Cleveland, Ohio - Baker Concrete Construction, CEMEX U.S. Operations, and U.S. Silica Company, have signed on with Master Builders, Inc. to co-sponsor the 2004 ASCE/MBT National Concrete Canoe Competition, to be held June 18-20, 2004 in Washington, D.C. In its 17th year, the National Concrete Canoe Competition challenges students to design and construct a concrete canoe that will achieve the right balance of conflicting characteristics for optimum speed, maneuverability, strength and stability. It provides a hands-on opportunity for students to work with concrete mix designs, and to understand the properties of various materials that can be added to concrete to influence performance.

"The National Concrete Canoe Competition gives students an opportunity to gain valuable experience that they may not be getting in the classroom," remarked Mike Shydlowski, President and CEO of Master Builders. "The students learn about the technical aspects of concrete materials, mix design and performance. It also helps them to develop important team and project management skills they'll need in their careers. Baker Concrete Construction, CEMEX and U.S. Silica are leaders in the industry, and they believe the competition provides experience with concrete that is necessary for students who will soon be actively engaged in specifying construction materials and practices. In many cases the Concrete Canoe Competition is the only exposure these students will have to working with and understanding basic concrete principals before joining the workforce. That is why the event is so popular, and so important."

The competition includes academic and race events. Teams must submit a design paper, and prepare and deliver a business presentation describing their project. Points are also earned for the aesthetics and durability of final product, and a cross section detailing construction materials and methods. Five race events (women's slalom/endurance, men's slalom/endurance, women's sprint, men's sprint, c-ed sprint) account for 30% of the overall scoring in the National Competition. Teams qualify for the National Competition by winning one of 20 Regional Competitions held throughout the United States in the spring of each year.

"In the 16 years of the National Competition, more than 350 teams and nearly 5,500 students have participated at the National level, and an estimated 3,000 teams and more than 20,000 students have entered the Regional competitions in the hopes of qualifying," explained Mr. Shydlowski. "We are very pleased that Baker Concrete Construction, CEMEX U.S. Operations and U.S. Silica have agreed to support this event, and to help us teach the students who will be making decisions about future structures and infrastructures about the versatility and durability of concrete. This is also a chance for those of us in the industry to give something back - to support the next generation, and that is very rewarding. Each year I am inspired by the enthusiasm and creativity that I see at the Competition, and proud of the fact that Master Builders is able to enrich these students' educational experience."

The financial support provided by all of the sponsoring companies - Master Builders, Baker Concrete Construction, CEMEX U.S. Operations and U.S. Silica - is used to help offset the cost of teams participating in the National Competition. Qualifying teams receive funds to help with travel expenses, meals, lodging and entertainment during the competition weekend. In addition, the top three teams share $9,000 in scholarship prizes awarded by the sponsors. For more information on the 2004 ASCE/MBT National Concrete Canoe Competition, contact Kelly Mawby at Master Builders, Inc. at 216-839-7071 or visit the website at http://www.masterbuilders.com,or Joan Buhrman at ASCE 703-295-6406.

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Founded in 1909, Master Builders is a leading provider of innovative chemical and mineral admixtures used in the production of specialty and high quality concrete used in the ready mix, precast, manufactured concrete products, paving and underground markets. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Master Builders, Inc. operates as part of Degussa Construction Chemicals, the largest manufacturer of construction chemicals worldwide. The parent company, Degussa AG, is headquartered in D?sseldorf, Germany and is the world's largest specialty chemical company.

Founded in 1852, ASCE represents more than 133,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. ASCE celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2002.

Baker Concrete Construction, Inc. - A great company to work with and a great place to work. CEMEX. - A leading global producer and distributor of cement, and one of the largest ready mix companies in the U.S. U. S. Silica Company - Produces high purity silica, kaolin, and aplite.

 



   
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