August 2026, Volume 42, Issue 8
President's Memo
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer! For many of us in the concrete industry, summer is one of the busiest times of the year, with projects in full swing, long days in the field, and plenty happening across our industry. I hope everyone has had a productive season and has also managed to find a little time to enjoy the warmer months.
As summer begins to wind down, I’m looking forward to getting our ACI-Illinois community back together. We’ll kick things off in September with our Certification Facility Open House. This will be a great opportunity to reconnect after the summer, visit the facility, and spend some time with fellow members and industry colleagues. I hope to see many of you there!
There are also several other events and opportunities coming up this fall.
The ICRI Technical Seminar, themed “Innovation: From Production to Preservation,” is coming up, and the call for abstracts is currently open. Abstracts are due August 31, so I encourage anyone with an interesting project, new technology, case study, or innovative approach related to concrete production, repair, or preservation to consider submitting and contributing to the program.
Looking further ahead, ACI-Illinois will be hosting an October Dinner Meeting, giving us another opportunity to come together for technical education, networking, and conversation with our local concrete community.
We’ll then head into the holiday season with our November Toys for Tots event. This is always a wonderful opportunity for our industry to come together while supporting children and families in our community. I’m looking forward to seeing the generosity and participation of our members again this year.
We have an exciting fall ahead, and I’m grateful for everyone who continues to participate, volunteer, and support ACI-Illinois. Our chapter is strongest when we have an engaged community sharing knowledge, building relationships, and giving back.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I look forward to seeing everyone in September!
Jaclyn Ferraro
President, ACI-IL Chapter
Calendar of Events
ACI Meetings
2026
ACI Illinois Certification Facility Open House
September 23, 2026
CLICK HERE to register
ACI 2026 Fall Convention - Atlanta, GA
October 11 - 14, 2026
Industry Events
ICRI - For more information https://icrichicago.org/
IRMCA - For more information www.irmca.org or (309) 862-214
ACI Illinois Certification Facility Tour
Join Us for the ACI Illinois Open House!
Come check out the ACI Illinois Certification Facility in Elmhurst and see where the magic happens!
📅 Wednesday, September 23, 2026
⏰ 4:00–7:00 PM
📍 650 W. Grand Ave., Suite 106, Elmhurst, IL
Tour the certification space, meet the ACI Illinois team, ask questions, and network with industry experts and peers. Refreshments will be provided—and bring the family to check out the trucks, too! 🚚
🎟️ Best of all, this event is completely FREE! There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested.
👉 More details & registration:
https://aciillinois.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=318&ts=1786740048
We hope to see you there!
ACI-IL Summer Golf Outing
The ACI Illinois Scholarship Golf Outing was held on June 1, 2026, at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont, Illinois, and was another great success! With a new 9:00 a.m. start time, more than 100 golfers came out to enjoy a beautiful day of golf with friends and industry colleagues.
A special thank you to all of our generous sponsors whose continued support makes this event possible and helps support the ACI Illinois scholarship program.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this year. We hope to see you all again next year!
ACI-IL ICRI Joint Meeting
The concrete industry is evolving rapidly, and to build resilient structures for the future, professionals must understand both the science behind the initial pour and the strategy behind long-term preservation. As ACI-IL as a sponsor, we are organizing a premier all-day event taking place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Drury Lane in Oak Brook, Illinois.
The Theme: Concrete 360 - Innovation in Production to Preservation
A Dual-Track Educational Experience
To deliver maximum value to a diverse audience, the program will run from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and feature two concurrent, 45-minute technical presentation tracks in dedicated meeting halls:
- Track 1 (New Construction, Materials Science, Durability): This track dives deep into modern concrete production. Expect expert-led sessions on advanced mix designs, next-generation admixtures, sustainability in ready-mix, and innovative placement methods.
- Track 2 (Repair, Structural Strengthening, Preservation, Restoration): Focused on extending the service life of our built environment, this track explores cutting-edge concrete repair strategies, structural strengthening techniques, evaluation methods, and preservation science.
Networking & Industry Innovation
Education is only half of the Concrete 360 experience. The heart of the symposium will be our central exhibition space. Throughout the day, attendees will gather in the main hall to connect with leading industry vendors, engineers, and regional experts.
This exhibition space will serve as our hub for a full breakfast, lunch, and dedicated networking breaks. Attendees will also be treated to exclusive 10-minute "Commercial Spotlights" between technical sessions, allowing vendors to showcase their most innovative new products and technologies directly to the crowd.
Get Involved: Save the Date & Call for Experts
We are currently finalizing our technical roster and exhibition floor. Here is how you can get involved in the event of the season:
- Call for Presentations: If you have a compelling case study, new research, or technical expertise to share in either track, we invite you to submit a presentation abstract. Click here to submit an abstract. Abstracts are due August 31, 2026.
- Secure a Vendor Booth or Commercial Spotlight: Exhibitor tables are strictly limited to 20 spaces and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Professionals also have the exclusive opportunity to secure one of our limited 10-minute Commercial Spotlights.
Don't wait—visit www.icrichicago.org today to register, reserve your booth, or submit your abstract. Join us on November 3rd and prepare to experience the concrete industry from every angle!
Proctors Needed!
If you meet the current supplemental examiner criterion outlined below, we need your help!
Contact: Pete Stamatopoulos, [email protected], 630-804-9577
to become a proctor for one of our many performance examinations in April.
Supplemental examiners shall satisfy the following requirements:
A) Have had experience in concrete testing;
B) Be selected and adjudged qualified by the examiner;
C) Be considered trustworthy and conscientious;
D) Be certified as an ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I or be an ACI-approved examiner.
E) Be thoroughly familiar with current applicable ASTM Standards as appropriate
