Strategic Planning Creates Successful Future

President’s Message

By G. Alan Griffin

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is guided by a core purpose of advancing the masonry industry. We stand by this goal, and even put it on everything that we publish - on the Association stationary, envelops and website.

But what exactly does that mean? It simply means that everything that we do as an association is dedicated to promoting the use of masonry systems, protecting our markets from over-aggressive codes and government regulations, and ensuring that mason contractors have the necessary resources to succeed. We believe that, as contractors, we are in a unique position to advance our industry and, as the association that represents all of our industry's contractors, MCAA has an obligation to help build the future of our industry.

Over the past year, the MCAA Board has focused on where the Association should align its resources to better achieve our vision of a stronger masonry industry. One critical area is to unify all of the groups within the masonry industry.

In strategically thinking about unifying our industry, we have discovered that our industry is not only splintered but, in many markets, several segments of our industry view each other as a prime competitor. No longer does it seem that groups within our industry are content to focus on competitors, such as tilt-up and precast. Instead, some are wasting our too few resources on attacking each other. Our friends in Texas are now seeing the results of this self-destructive practice of one material attacking another in public. I am reminded of the Republican's 11th commandment, coined by the late President Ronald Reagan: "Thou shall not speak ill of another Republican." As an industry, we should adhere to this credo as well.

Never has the time been more important to bring our industry together than now. I believe this is one of the most important tasks that we can strive to achieve. In fact, it's one of our Association's main objectives. To this end, MCAA's officers have met with allied masonry industry organizations over the past year. We have sought to open dialogue between all of our industry groups to break down the barriers that have prevented us from working together. We have met with labor organizations and leaders, representatives of national industry associations and local association leaders. We have met with representatives of organizations from both sides of the fence, even those who do not often agree with us. And we have been pleased to learn that there is a willingness on the part of all of the industry's organizations to work together.

As a result, I am delighted to report to you that the MCAA will be one of the sponsoring associations for the first ever Masonry Industry Legislative Conference, to be held in April. Our friends at the Building Stone Institute (BSI), the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) have agreed to partner with us to allow this unique opportunity to occur - for the masonry industry to come together in our nation's capital to meet firsthand with the decision-makers that affect both regulatory and legislative issues. During this joint industry effort, we will have the opportunity to personally meet with key senators and congresspersons to educate them on the issues that will impact our industry and our businesses. The most exciting aspect of this event is that we will be doing it together - as a united industry.

Later this month, MCAA Vice President Frank Campitelli, MCAA Executive Director Michael Adelizzi and myself will be meeting together with our counterparts from the BSI, BIA and NCMA to discuss other key issues and how we can work together to advance our industry. We are hopeful that these meetings between the leaders of the MCAA and our allied associations will enable us to continue to work together in protecting the future of our industry.

As a mason contractor, you can help as well. Some of you think that, because you receive this magazine, you are a member; however, most are not. You can check on your membership status by calling (800) 536-2225. If you are not a member, lend your support and join the MCAA today so we can continue advancing the masonry industry.