Amerimix
CrewTracks
EZ Scaffold Corp.
EZG Manufacturing
Hydro Mobile, Inc.
Loot
Non-Stop Scaffolding
PROSOCO, Inc.
SOLA/Keson
SPEC MIX LLC
Stabila
Westlake Royal Stone Solutions
Find-a-Contractor Masonry Buyer's Guide
MCAA’s Midyear Meeting will be held September 10-12, 2014 in Milwaukee. Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson Museum.
July 2014

MCAA Midyear Meeting approaching

Chairman’s Message

By

When I took over as chairman in January, one of my greatest fears was writing this monthly Chairman’s Message. Then I remembered: One should not fear something you have not experienced. So with that in mind, I wrote the first column.

I was concerned about what I’d address each month, and whether I could fill a page. I realize now that the problem is limiting the column to one page, when so much is happening. So, let’s get going with an update on the Check-Off Program.

We are now up to 195 co-sponsors in the House and 20 co-sponsors in the Senate as of June 6, 2014. By the time you read this, I would expect more to have signed on. We are expecting the bill to hit the House floor sometime between now and Aug. 1, 2014. It is not too late for you to contact your representatives in Washington to show your support for this bill. If you have questions or concerns, just contact MCAA for help. I am pleased to report the Florida group got their State Check-Off passed, and the Florida governor will be at their state convention to address them on their program. Congratulations to the Florida group. Jeff and I look forward to seeing you at your convention.

Silica still looms over our heads, but after our Fly-In in Washington, D.C., in May, we seem to have picked up some support both in the House and Senate. We continue to work with our Coalition on this silica issue and will keep you updated as things develop. I think it would be wise to do some monitoring at your jobsites, so we are prepared with new data if it is needed.

The second phase of our membership survey was completed and reviewed recently with the executive officers and the Membership Committee. We will start implementing what we learned from the survey during this next month. The survey mentioned lots of good things about MCAA, like it is the most recognized leader in the masonry industry, and we are passionate about our industry. It also showed we need to do a better job getting the word out about what MCAA has to offer contractors. The officers and the membership committee are excited to start rolling out the fresh ideas.

The Foundation continues to move along with the final key Regional people signing on. We had a conference call in June and will meet in mid-July for training. Thanks to those who are taking a key role in the Foundation and guaranteeing a brighter future for the masonry industry.

It’s time to mark your calendars for MCAA’s Midyear Meeting, Sept. 10-12, in my hometown of Milwaukee. We have some great things planned for not only you, but also your significant other. My wife, Pauline, and I are excited to roll out the cheese carpet for you all. Following is a brief outline of some of the events.

Wednesday:

  • Special significant other event – can’t tell you yet
  • Opening Reception and Dinner/Team Awards at the Harley Davidson Museum – you will be able to visit the museum, which is very interesting.

Thursday:

  • Special spouse event at the Milwaukee Public Market, located in the Historic Third Ward
  • Chairman Reception – It is Pauline’s and my intention to invite you to our home.

Friday:

  • Closing banquet to be held at the one and only Horney Goat – I cannot give away what’s happening at this event, other than to say it will be a lot of fun and laughs.

We contractors will have our planning meeting for the committee chairs, board meeting, and round table discussions, during which you can sit down with your peers and talk openly about problems or ask questions on things that relate to your company. So watch for more information about the Midyear Meeting in September. We would love to show you a good time.

In closing, I ask all of you to think about how fortunate we are to live in a country where you can still live the dream. Maybe it is not perfect, but it is still the land of freedom and opportunity. Enjoy life and remember to have a good laugh!

Chairman’s Message Archive

The American Dream

August 2019
The American Dream

Doing Our Part

May 2019
Doing Our Part

Preparing for D.C.

April 2019
Preparing for D.C.

Recent Updates

September 2018
Recent Updates

Masonry’s Future

August 2018
Masonry’s Future

Worthwhile Work

June 2018
Worthwhile Work

A New Beginning

February 2018
A New Beginning

Givers Gain

January 2018
Givers Gain

Things to Remember

March 2017
Things to Remember

Looking Forward

February 2017
Looking Forward

A Fresh Start

January 2017
A Fresh Start

Who Moved My Cheese?

September 2016
Who Moved My Cheese?

Giving back

December 2015
Giving back

An exciting year ahead

February 2015
An exciting year ahead

Defining success

December 2014
Defining success

Staying busy for you

August 2014
Staying busy for you

Ready for action

February 2014
Ready for action

Thanks

January 2014
Thanks

Happy holidays

December 2013
Happy holidays

MCAA Midyear update

November 2013
MCAA Midyear update

The MCAA in D.C.

August 2013
The MCAA in D.C.

A Lot Happening

July 2013
A Lot Happening

Eye opening

June 2013
Eye opening

Positive movement

March 2013
Positive movement

Headed to Vegas

February 2013
Headed to Vegas

New beginning

January 2013
New beginning

It’s finally over

December 2012
It’s finally over

My trip to the Rockies

November 2012
My trip to the Rockies

The 2012 election

October 2012
The 2012 election

Stay involved

September 2012
Stay involved

Networking

August 2012
Networking

Summer time

July 2012
Summer time

Exciting time

June 2012
Exciting time

Working for you

May 2012
Working for you

New beginnings

March 2012
New beginnings

Farewell!

February 2012
Farewell!

One more to go!

January 2012
One more to go!

Join us in Vegas

November 2011
Join us in Vegas

As the world turns

August 2011
As the world turns

A Bright Future

May 2011
A Bright Future

Tidbits From MCAA

March 2011
Tidbits From MCAA

Time Flies By

February 2011
Time Flies By

The End of the Year

December 2010
The End of the Year

Busy Times!

November 2010
Busy Times!

South of 40

October 2010
South of 40

What Are We Doing?

August 2010
What Are We Doing?

Moving Forward

March 2010
Moving Forward

A Fond Farewell

February 2010
A Fond Farewell

A New Year

January 2010
A New Year

Start the Year Strong

December 2009
Start the Year Strong

MCAA in D.C.

September 2009
MCAA in D.C.

Brick Voids

August 2009
Brick Voids

Vision 2020

February 2009
Vision 2020

State of the Association

February 2009
State of the Association

The Silver Lining

January 2009
The Silver Lining

Impact on the Hill

June 2008
Impact on the Hill

New Horizons

February 2008
New Horizons

Wrapping up Another Year

December 2007
Wrapping up Another Year

Greetings From Italy!

November 2007
Greetings From Italy!

We Need Your Help!

January 2005
We Need Your Help!

The Strength of Unity

November 2003
The Strength of Unity

Changing of the Guard

February 2002
Changing of the Guard

“With the MCAA as our guiding light, we will make a difference.”

Brandon Hartsell
Gates Construction Company, Inc.
MCAA member since 1994

Learn More