Southeast Brick Organizations Merge
Words: Michael Borden, Peter CieslakThe Brick Association of the Carolinas (BAC) and Southern Brick Institute (SBI) are pleased to announce the merger of their organizations to create the leading trade association dedicated to the advancement of brick products in the Southeast.
As of January 1, 2005, the new organization became Brick SouthEast and now serves a nine-state region, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. All member companies of both BAC and SBI became members of Brick SouthEast.
"This exciting step of bringing together two strong organizations will undoubtedly assist us in achieving our goal of advancing the benefits of brick," said Michael Borden, who will serve as 2005 Chairman of Brick SouthEast. "Both organizations have made significant impact in their respected markets, and this new synergy will leverage the available intellectual capital, in-depth experience and expanded resources to provide a winning partnership for our members, consumers and ultimately the industry as a whole."
The merger provides member companies a range of growth opportunities and programs that can be utilized to help meet their unique needs, including expanded marketing and educational programs for consumers, builders and architects, as well as technical support to help serve the expanded territories.
The combined territories of BAC and SBI represent a major brick market area. Manufacturers in these states produce more than 50% of the U.S. brick supply. The new organization is made up of the largest and smallest brick companies in the world. By joining forces, it uniquely positions Brick SouthEast members to better serve this dynamic market.
Brick SouthEast is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., with a second office in Atlanta. Peter Cieslak will serve as Executive Director of the new organization. Brick SouthEast is comprised of 17 brick manufacturing company members including Boral Bricks, Inc.; Carolina Ceramics Brick Company; Cherokee Brick & Tile Company; Columbus Brick Company; Cunningham Brick Company; General Shale Brick; Hanson Brick; Henry Brick Company; Jenkins Brick Company; Lee Brick Company; New London Brick Works; Old Carolina Brick Company; Palmetto Brick Company; Pine Hall Brick Company, Inc.; Statesville Brick Company; Taylor Clay Products Company; and Triangle Brick Company.
Brick SouthEast is affiliated with the national Brick Industry Association.
For more information, visit www.gobricksoutheast.com.