News Story: Concrete masonry trade groups believe they have received a boost to their efforts to influence building code requirements and regulations.

The boost comes as a result of the appointment of a key Portland Cement Association official as vice chair of the Standing Standard Project Committee 90.1, a standards committee of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Steve Skalko, regional manager of code services for PCA, has worked closely with NCMA and the Masonry Alliance for Codes and Standards (MACS) throughout his 25-year career, and is expected to be a major ally and resource to the masonry industry in this role.

The committee controls the development of standards for most new buildings.