Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association

What Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association does

Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (CSDA) is a non-profit trade association founded in 1972, headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, that serves as the primary industry body for concrete sawing, drilling, scanning, imaging, and polishing contractors, as well as equipment manufacturers and distributors. The association organizes membership tiers for North American contractors (dues scale from $795 to $4,150 annually based on gross sales), international contractors (flat $500), manufacturers ($1,650-$8,250), distributors ($1,250-$3,625), and affiliates ($995), with reciprocal memberships available to allied associations. CSDA monetizes through five revenue streams: recurring membership dues, paid training and certification programs (Sawing & Drilling 101 and 201 Operator Certification, GPR Operator Certification), accreditation program fees ($300 initial audit, $100 biennial renewal), sponsorship and registration revenue from its annual conference, quarterly meetings, World of Concrete booth presence, Canadian Concrete Expo, and a Fall Membership Meeting, plus advertising in its quarterly Concrete Openings magazine reaching 15,000+ industry professionals.

The association's core product surface is built around proprietary curricula and standards: a 100+ page customizable Safety Management Plan reviewed annually by a professional safety company, a 40-page Safety Handbook, the Find a Pro member directory, a job board, discount programs with partners (LLH LLC, Tyfoom, MKT Fleet, Transworld Systems, Cerv Law), and an Accredited Company Program that provides the industry's first contractor prequalification tool for owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, and government officials. Training is delivered both in-person at member-hosted facilities (Diamond Products in Elyria, OH; West Coast Cutting & Coring Group in Vancouver, BC) and through a self-serve Thinkific online learning platform. CSDA's technology infrastructure runs on YourMembership's association management software for membership, event, and e-commerce management.

The association is governed by an elected Board of Directors with officers drawn from member companies (President Mark DeSchepper of Echo GPR Services; Vice President David Perkins of Hilti; Secretary/Treasurer Kristin Waters of Greene Concrete Cutting; Past President Kellie Kimball of Holes Incorporated) and led operationally by Executive Director Georgia Foley, who was appointed effective January 1, 2026, concurrent with a strategic plan refresh. Recent strategic actions include the April 2026 MOU with the National Demolition Association to co-locate the 2027 Annual Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, and the launch of an expanded member benefits portfolio. Membership spans North America, Australia, and other international locations.

Name

Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association

Legal name

Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association

Website

https://csda.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Non-profit trade association founded in 1972 serving concrete sawing, drilling, scanning, and polishing contractors, manufacturers, and distributors through tiered membership, professional certification, accreditation, safety resources, and a quarterly industry magazine reaching 15,000+ professionals globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Springfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees charged to contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and affiliates based on gross sales tiers. North American contractors pay $795-$4,150/year depending on revenue; manufacturers pay $1,650-$8,250/year; distributors pay $1,250-$3,625/year; affiliates pay $995/year flat rate.
2. Training & Certification Programs: Revenue from in-person and online training courses including Sawing & Drilling 101 ($1,850 member/$3,000 non-member), Sawing & Drilling 201 ($1,995 member/$3,300 non-member), and GPR Operator Certification ($995 member/$1,400 non-member). Also includes operator recertification fees ($100-$150).
3. Magazine Advertising: Revenue from advertising placements in Concrete Openings magazine, which reaches over 15,000+ industry professionals including operators, manufacturers, and specifiers globally. Advertising rates vary by placement size and frequency.
4. Accreditation Program Fees: Fee-based company accreditation program: $300 initial audit and accreditation, $100 renewal fee every 2 years. Available to contractor members who meet standards for safety, training, and business practices.
5. Event Sponsorships & Registrations: Revenue from annual conference, quarterly meetings, and trade show sponsorships at various tiers (Diamond $9,000, Gold $3,500, Conference App $5,000, etc.). Also includes registration fees for events like Fall Membership Meeting ($0 meeting, $350 golf tournament).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels11 records

Marketing channels16 records

Core offering

CSDA is a non-profit trade association that provides membership-based services to the concrete sawing, drilling, polishing, and imaging industry. Its core offerings are annual memberships for contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and affiliates; an Accredited Company Program; the Sawing & Drilling 101, 201 Operator Certification, and GPR Operator Certification training programs; the Concrete Openings magazine; safety resources; and networking events such as the Annual Conference and quarterly meetings.

Product overview

The Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (CSDA) is a trade association offering a membership-based platform with multiple interconnected services. The core offering is membership access, which provides benefits including training programs, accreditation, industry publications, safety resources, and networking. The primary training products are the Sawing & Drilling 101 (entry-level) and 201 Operator Certification (advanced) courses covering slab sawing, core drilling, wall/hand/chain sawing, and wire sawing. GPR Operator Certification is offered separately for ground penetrating radar professionals. The Accredited Company Program provides contractor verification, while the Concrete Openings Magazine delivers quarterly industry content. Safety resources include a customizable Safety Management Plan and Safety Handbook. Additional services include the Find a Pro Directory, Job Board, and various discount programs through partner companies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Concrete Openings: Official quarterly magazine of CSDA offering insights into concrete sawing, drilling, scanning, and imaging. Features technical articles, case studies, business tips, and industry news.

Products and services

• CSDA Membership Annual trade association membership providing access to industry resources, training, accreditation, networking events, Find a Pro directory listing, Concrete Openings magazine, and member discount programs. Available in North American Contractor, International Contractor, Imaging/Polishing Contractor, Manufacturer, Distributor, Affiliate, and Reciprocal Association tiers.
• Accredited Company Program Fee-based company audit and accreditation program specifically for concrete sawing and drilling contractors. Verifies skills and professional qualifications against safety, insurance, operational, financial, and training criteria. Provides prequalification for owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, and government officials seeking verified contractors. $300 initial fee; $100 renewal every 2 years.
• Sawing & Drilling 101 Training Three-day entry-level training course covering slab sawing, core drilling, wall/hand sawing, and wire sawing disciplines. Combines classroom instruction and hands-on practical training. Member $1,850; non-member $3,000. Available in-person at partner facilities and prerequisite for advanced courses.
• Sawing & Drilling 201 Operator Certification Three-day advanced certification course for experienced operators evaluating proficiency in slab sawing/core drilling, wall/hand/chain sawing, and wire sawing. Includes written and practical exams leading to a Certified Operator ID card valid for 2 years. Member $1,995; non-member $3,300.
• GPR Operator Certification One-day advanced certification for Ground Penetrating Radar operators covering methods, theory, and practical application. Includes classroom and hands-on training delivered by GPR manufacturers. Member $995; non-member $1,400.
• Concrete Openings Magazine Official quarterly CSDA magazine (3 hard copies for members) featuring technical articles, case studies, business tips, and industry news for the concrete cutting, polishing, and imaging industry. Reaches 10,000+ operators, manufacturers, and suppliers plus 5,000+ specifiers worldwide. Available with advertising placements.
• CSDA Safety Management Plan Customizable 100+ page safety policy document reviewed annually by a professional safety company. Supports OSHA compliance and current best practices for concrete cutting operations.
• CSDA Safety Handbook 40-page field-friendly handbook offering quick access to essential safety procedures and protocols for concrete cutting operators on the job.
• Find a Pro Directory Public online directory allowing prospective clients to search CSDA member firms by specific expertise (slab sawing, core drilling, GPR, etc.) and geographic location. Connects member firms with prospective customers.
• CSDA Job Board Online job board platform for posting jobs and finding employees within the concrete sawing and drilling industry. Available at jobs.csda.org.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 4,000 industry professionals have graduated from CSDA training and certification programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• National Demolition Association (NDA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026MOU signed April 2026 to formalize joint collaboration between CSDA and NDA. Agreement includes co-location of annual meetings in Fort Worth, Texas in 2027. Both associations serve complementary segments of the construction demolition industry.
• LLH LLCminorOthersPartner for Supplemental Health Insurance Program offering CSDA members access to additional health benefits while helping reduce payroll taxes. Part of member discount programs.
• TyfoomminorOthersEmployee communication and training platform partner. CSDA members receive discount on video-based microlearning content library, communication tools, and platform features. Part of enhanced member benefits.
• MKT FleetminorOthersVehicle procurement partner offering CSDA members stress-free fleet vehicle procurement with special discounts. Part of member discount programs.
• Transworld SystemsminorOthersProvides Accelerator and Profit Recovery service to CSDA members with exclusive discounts. Part of member discount programs for business services.
• Cerv Law, PLLCcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProgram auditor for CSDA Accredited Company Program. Chris Cervellera, Esq. handles application review and accreditation process. Contact: 727-619-4234, [email protected].
• Diamond Products Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiamond sponsor and training host for 2026 Annual Conference. Hosted Sawing & Drilling 101 and 201 training courses at Elyria, OH facility (October 2026). Long-term sponsor and industry partner.
• Husqvarna ConstructioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiamond sponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Major equipment manufacturer partner providing support for CSDA events and industry initiatives.
• ICS Diamond ToolsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiamond sponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Diamond tools manufacturer supporting CSDA events and member programs.
• DITEQmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiamond sponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Equipment and tools supplier for concrete cutting industry.
• HilticoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiamond sponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Major equipment and tool manufacturer. David Perkins (VP Hilti) serves on CSDA Board as Vice President.
• Toolgal USAmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiamond sponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Diamond tools manufacturer.
• Holes IncorporatedmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiamond sponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. CSDA Accredited Company (since 2017). Host member for safety pledge recognition. Kellie Kimball (Past President) serves on CSDA Board.
• CenpointminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Industry partner providing support for CSDA events.
• Cowboy UpfittersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Concrete construction industry supplier.
• Real AC PowermajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiamond sponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Facility tour host at Fall Meeting (Real Power, 203 Kam Drive). Industry partner.
• VacuworxmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiamond sponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Justin Hendricks (Vacuworx) serves on CSDA Board.
• Screening EagleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Inspection technology provider.
• Protech DiamondminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Diamond tools manufacturer.
• B. BraunminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Healthcare/medical supplier advertising in Concrete Openings.
• Coring TechnologiesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Coring equipment manufacturer.
• BrokkmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDiamond sponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. Demolition robot manufacturer. Advertiser in Concrete Openings magazine.
• Geophysical Survey SystemsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSponsor of 2026 Annual Conference. GPR equipment manufacturer (GSSI). Used in GPR operator certification training.
• YourMembershipcoreTechnology or IntegrationMembership management software provider powering CSDA website. Provides online community, membership management, event management, email marketing, and career center functionality.
• Brickyard Crossing Golf CourseminorOthersGolf tournament venue at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Fall Membership Meeting. Features nine holes inside the iconic track and nine holes outside.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Tilt-Up Concrete Association: Trade association for the tilt-up concrete construction industry with similar characteristics to CSDA: small-staff nonprofit, membership tiers, certification programs, and an annual convention focused on a single concrete specialty.
• International Concrete Repair Institute: Membership-based association for the concrete repair and restoration industry, offering certifications, conventions, and technical guidelines. Comparable to CSDA in mission (advancing a concrete specialty trade), funding mix (dues + events), and certification focus.
• Post-Tensioning Institute: Nonprofit association for the post-tensioning concrete industry providing certification programs, technical documents, and an annual conference. Closely comparable to CSDA as a specialty concrete trade association with member-driven certification revenue.
• National Demolition Association: Trade association for the demolition industry and CSDA's formal strategic partner under the 2026 MOU. Highly comparable in structure (member dues, convention, training, accreditation) and now operationally linked via co-located 2027 meetings in Fort Worth.
• Concrete Polishing Association of America: Niche trade association specifically for polished concrete contractors — one of the user groups CSDA explicitly serves under its 'imaging or polishing contractor' membership tier. Highly comparable in scale, revenue model, and training/certification structure.
• American Concrete Institute: The leading standards-developing body for the concrete industry, publishing ACI codes and offering certifications. Highly comparable to CSDA as a nonprofit, membership-funded concrete-industry association with adjacent training, certification, and publication businesses.
• American Society of Concrete Contractors: National trade association representing concrete contractors, including those installing decorative, polished, and structural concrete. Comparable to CSDA in operating model: nonprofit, member dues, contractor accreditation, and an annual convention.

Broad incumbents

• Associated Equipment Distributors: Trade association for equipment distributors serving construction, including many of the same OEMs and distributors (Hilti, Husqvarna) that sponsor CSDA. Comparable in member mix (manufacturers + distributors + service providers), training programs, and convention model.
• Associated Builders and Contractors: Large national trade association for the commercial construction industry encompassing many trades including concrete. Comparable in association model (dues, training, convention, political advocacy) but materially larger and broader than CSDA's cutting-only niche.
• American Subcontractors Association: National trade association for specialty trade subcontractors, including concrete-cutting subcontractors. Comparable in advocacy, education, and member-benefit focus, but ASA covers many trades across construction rather than specializing in cutting.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CSDAconcrete
• Facebookfacebook.com/CSDAConcrete
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/concrete-sawing-&-drilling-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/csdaconcrete

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association