It was just a matter of time. An upstart player in the decorative concrete market is making a grand entrance into high-end bathrooms: concrete soaking tubs. Read More: http://www.concretedecor.net/Abstracts/CD801-Concrete_Bath_Tubs.cfm

What type of hard surface can give off a mixture of colors, patterns and sheens? Not marble or slate. Nope, its concrete, one of the trendiest materials used for decorative countertops. In this feature, several manufacturers showcase just a few of the effects that have been achieved with their materials. Read More: http://www.concretedecor.net/Abstracts/CD801-Concrete_Countertops.cfm

Offered at the CCI training facility in Raleigh, N.C., this advanced class is designed for experienced concrete countertop makers who are having technical difficulties with mixes and sealers. Jeff Girard, P.E., president of The Concrete Countertop Institute, will serve as instructor. The class has been lengthened from two days to three days to allow more classroom and hands-on time. Read More: http://www.concretedecor.net/All_Access/801/CD801-Industry_News-CCI.cfm

Working with other professionals can help you build your business You already understand the value of well-known business building techniques such as a professional image and good service, setting customer expectations and meeting them, and getting referrals. Read More: http://www.forconstructionpros.com/print/Concrete-Concepts/Features/Relationship-Marketing/7FCP1930

Raleigh, NC Jeffrey Girard will speak at World of Concrete in February 2009 in Las Vegas. It is Girards third time presenting at this popular concrete countertop seminar. In his session, Essentials for Success with Precast Concrete Countertops, Girard will focus on the fundamentals of precast concrete countertops, the most popular and versatile form of concrete countertops. The information presented will address the needs of many beginners and will also help experienced concrete countertop makers looking for an edge. The comprehensive, step-by-step format will outline valuable tips and techniques. Topics will include discussions on forming techniques, mix design and casting techniques for both traditional mixes and GFRC, sealers, troubleshooting, integral sinks, embedments, and much more. I look forward to sharing my knowledge about concrete countertops, says Girard. My presentation will give attendees a true understanding of what precast concrete countertops are all about and clear up common misconceptions. Contractors wont want to miss it! Girard was the first person to approach concrete countertops from a structural engineering perspective, and founded a concrete countertop company in North Carolina when the industry was still in its infancy. He later founded The Concrete Countertop Institute to provide intensive training, information and resources to concrete countertop contractors. The Concrete Countertop Institute offers intensive classes that include hands-on training as well as a complete understanding of the engineering principles behind making high quality concrete countertops. About Jeff Girard: Jeffrey Girard, P.E., founder of The Concrete Countertop Institute, is a licensed, professional civil engineer with a Bachelors and a Masters degree in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts. He has over 14 years experience with innovative, cutting-edge civil engineering. After completing his Masters degree from UMass in 1993, he worked for the Navel Civil Engineering Laboratory in Port Hueneme, CA. There he worked on advanced civil engineering projects for the United States Navy. Much of his research is classified, but the experience enabled him to approach complex challenges from new and different directions. Jeff is an active member in the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Concrete Institute.