BIA Appoints Rice as New Board Chair

Belden Tri-State CEO to Lead Brick Industry Association

RESTON, Va. — The Brick Industry Association’s (BIA) Board of Directors has elected its officers for two-year terms starting January 1st.

Joe Rice, CEO of Belden Tri-State Building Materials, was elected as the board’s chair effective January 1. Rice will serve a two-year term and succeeds General Shale CEO Charles Smith. The other board officers are Vice Chair Davis Henry, Henry Brick Co., Treasurer Jim Stradley, Division 4, Inc.; and Secretary Mark Ellenor, Brickworks.

A longtime active BIA member, Rice brings more than 38 years of clay brick industry experience and has held past leadership positions.

“Joe is a longtime member and strong supporter of BIA and his leadership, experience and dedication will be integral in continuing to grow clay brick’s market share,” said BIA President Ray Leonhard.

Rice said that he views his role as liaison between BIA’s membership and staff, and is excited to represent BIA brick manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers.

“I will do everything possible to keep us fiscally stable and ensure the construction and residential communities understand brick’s strengths: energy efficient, green, beautiful and enduring along with unmatched safety and value,” said Rice.

“Brick is simply the best,” he exclaimed. “I look forward to working with anyone on any project that makes our industry as strong as a brick.”

Additional BIA distributors elected to two-year board terms include Grant Fisher, Custom Brick Co., John Matzelle, Consolidated Brick & Building Supply, Inc. and Jim Stradley, Division 4, Inc.

Additional BIA manufacturers elected to two-year board terms include Davis Henry, Henry Brick Co., Ryan Parker, Endicott Clay Products Co. and Don Sackett, Interstate Brick. Manufacturers elected to one-year terms include Melinda Basquez, Elgin Butler Co., Mikee Johnson, US Brick, Butch McAvoy, The McAvoy Brick Co., Andy Rogers, Palmetto Brick Co. and John Welte, Summit Brick Co.

Belden Tri-State Building Materials is based in Manhattan, New York City, with offices in East Rutherford, New Jersey; Saddle Brook, New Jersey and Trevose, Pennsylvania.