How do two organizations with common members serve the industry better? When does it make sense to merge organizations? How do you ease the transition to a new, unified organization? In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Bob Thomas, President & CEO at Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA). Bob introduces CMHA, talks about his journey to becoming CEO, and then shares what CMHA is doing to thrive. Bob discusses:How Bob was introduced to the association through a research grant that he received while in graduate school.The merger between NCMA and ICPI: why the two organizations decided to merge, when the discussions started, and how the new CMHA has evolved in the last year.How you merge two organizations that have different legacies, cultures, and offerings to members.The new concrete masonry checkoff program, which Bob and NCMA worked on for nearly a decade.The new checkoff program will provide promotion, research and training to benefit the concrete masonry industry and encourage use and innovations.Hardscape North America, the tradeshow for hardscape contractors, dealers, and landscape professionals!The industry’s focus on sustainability.References:CMHA websiteConcrete masonry checkoff programConcrete masonry building solutionsHardscapes solutionsHardscape North America tradeshow