Greensburg, Kan., commemorated its two-year anniversary of the day a tornado hit and nearly leveled the town. But this solemn occasion also marked the celebration and opening of the Silo Eco-Home, a 2,100 square-foot demonstration home that is currently being built in a totally green and sustainable way.

The American Concrete Institute announced the availability a new publication and CD-ROM to educate and inform industry professionals on the newest concrete-related information and technology. As always, ACI members receive a special discount (up to 40 percent) on all ACI publications.

STAFDA has received e-mails from its members concerning a company called Convention Expo Travel Office claiming they are in charge of booking attendees’ hotel rooms for the Atlanta convention this November.

Black Lab’s improved online center is easily navigable, features new products and has improved on-line ordering.

Toledo, Ohio-based manufacturer Owens Corning announced it has started manufacturing zero ozone-depleting Foamular Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) rigid foam insulation.

The U.S. Green Building Council invites the public to participate in a LEED Call for Ideas. This call is meant to provide a way for new ideas to be brought forward to help inform improvement to the LEED rating system.

The Gypsum Association has announced its 19th edition of GA-600, Fire Resistance Design Manual. Since 1959, the association has regularly published its collection of the latest in fire-resistance rated gypsum building system designs.

World cement consumption is expected to decline 1.7 percent in 2009, a modest drop that is cushioned by a roughly 4 percent growth in utilization by China and India.

ParexLahabra, the parent company of leading building material brands Parex, LaHabra , El Rey Stucco, Teifs, Mer-Krete and Mer-Ko, announced the launch of a companion ParexLahabra and Pecora Corp. warranty.

David A. Johnston has been named executive director of EIMA, effective July 1. Johnston comes to the association from Building Owners and Managers Association where he served as Director of Codes and Standards in the Codes, Standards, and Regulatory Affairs Division.