Charlotte-based Carolinas Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA) has named Caroline Sutton as their new Executive Vice President, the Association announced today.

Sutton's appointment will usher in a new era for the Association. The 2008 recession greatly impacted the labor and construction supply industries, including concrete, the most widely-used man made material in the world. Now, eight years later, the concrete industry is steadily on the rise, thanks to an expanding work force which in turn creates opportunities for commercial and residential construction as well as road infrastructure improvements.

“Fortunately, the industry is growing again,” says Sutton. “Our members are busy and that's healthy and exciting.”

Sutton holds an extensive background in association management. She joins the CRMCA after ten years of serving as Executive Director for the Asheville Home Builders Association. During her career with the AHBA, Sutton received the distinguished Executive Officer of the Year award from the National Association of Home Builders. She received her undergraduate from North Carolina State University and specializes in high-level fundraising, member engagement, and public policy.

“I really enjoy the association management world,” says Sutton. “My excitement comes from connecting the members with one another, meshing together the different interests and personalities and then creating a unified voice for the industry.”

In the coming months, Sutton and the CRMCA will concentrate on enhancing membership value through education and training opportunities and promoting the value of concrete in construction applications to continue to improve the outlook for its members. “Initial review of programs, services, technologies and offerings will allow myself and the board of directors the opportunity to assess the value of membership and align our message for promoting the industry and our members.”

Legislative issues affecting concrete business and operations will become an important focus as well. It's an area that flourishes from membership involvement, she explains, but also holds the biggest challenges: educating members on issues, prioritizing what to advocate, and making time and tools to get members involved in a conversation that may seem miles away, yet can impact their businesses overnight. “We have a strong membership base made up of experts when it comes to concrete,” says Sutton. “We need to use this to promote our industry and protect the livelihood of our members.”

“Caroline is the perfect candidate to lead our Association into the next chapter,” says Henry Batten, CRMCA President and President of Concrete Supply Co, based in Charlotte. “She has a demonstrated track record of building membership value, providing strong leadership, and growing the influence of her members and their opportunities in the marketplace. She has brought enormous energy to her assignment and an immediate impact to our association.”