What is the South of 40 Committee?

The mission of the South of 40 Committee is to provide members the opportunity to learn, to be more involved, and introduce a youthful voice to the masonry industry. We will accomplish this by fostering lasting relationships, encouraging new ideas, and educating the leaders of tomorrow, and increase the masonry market share to ensure our industry is as reliable as the products we promote.   

Excited with the growth of the committee, Chairmen Brandon Hartsell and Mason Hill are working hard to expand the reach of the group. Our committee members are connecting on local, national, and international levels with social media posts, events, and magazine articles. Our members are here to spread the word that masonry isn't just a trade.    

How can the South of 40 do this?   

The South of 40 committee has several events throughout the year that mason contractors can take part of. One of these is the South of 40 Party at Drais After Hours on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. This is the South of 40's largest event of the year, and is held during the MCAA Convention in Las Vegas, NV. This is a fundraising event for the MCAA, and industry leaders from around the country sponsor this event to bring the industry closer together. Table sponsor options are also available to recognize our supporters.   

The party venue features multiple bars, a live DJ, and a large dance floor, as well as private sitting booths. Additionally, there are three areas specifically dedicated to tech or similar companies to showcase their products. Hors d' oeuvres will be offered throughout the evening. Attendees receive South of 40 backpacks loaded with SWAG – sweatshirts, hats, koozies, golf balls, and travel mugs, just to name a few. Overall the South of 40 party is an excellent event for members and nonmembers alike (21 and up, of course).    

2020 MCAA Convention:  

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) would like to invite you to join us in Las Vegas, NV, for the 2020 MCAA Convention at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry. The MCAA Convention is the perfect opportunity for you and your company to learn and participate in many new and exciting happenings taking place in the MCAA and in our industry today. This includes several great education programs focused on helping your company maintain a competitive advantage. The MCAA's Masonry Skills Challenge, the MCAA's Fastest Trowel On The Block, and the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® will once again take place on Wednesday during MASONRY MADNESS®. You will not want to miss these great competitions.   

Last year we introduced the new Gold Brick award. This award is given to someone who we (Brandon and Mason) felt had the most impactful social media influence over the year. This award is given out at the MCAA Convention at the World of Concrete. Last year the Gold Brick was awarded in two categories, over 50 and under 50. It was a very tough decision because of the tight competition resulting in Mark Kemp and Paul Cantarella winning. This year's winner is yet to be determined, so stay tuned and keep posting!  

In the past few months, we have been working on developing a new campaign for posting videos on specialized topics that we have found a need for in the masonry industry. They will be short How-To or quick intro to new products that the committee finds informative. We are currently working on the list and delivery method with Jeff Buczkiewicz and Dan Kamys at the MCAA. Stay tuned! We will be reaching out to Members of the MCAA for help.  

Leadership? What does it mean to you and your company? How does an owner know who the possible next company leader will be? So many questions. These are just two of many questions we plan to bring to the table as we work to develop the new MCAA Leadership Program. We want to be able to use the program to identify those who are ready to take the next step in their career and have been chosen by the current company leadership as the managers of the future.   

Even though the name of the committee says South of 40, we welcome all, no matter the age. The focus of the group is to promote the industry through relationships forged by the connections made within this exciting group. The people you will meet in the MCAA and South of 40 can definitely make not only masonry stronger but you and your company as well. You can do this through the encouragement of new ideas, speaking with industry leaders, and possibly becoming one of them by implementing the ideas shared.   

Looking Ahead:  

We all need to remember the Future of our Industry lies within the minds and hands of the next generation. It is "our" responsibility to make sure we develop and promote the next generation. We must take the time to visit schools, attend trade events, and make ourselves available for the Next Generation. I believe we need to develop lasting relationships with younger people, encourage their new ideas, and educate the leaders of tomorrow. In this way, the masonry industry will be as solid as the products we promote. I hope you will join us!