Find a Contractor Buyer's Guide
MCAA Logo
Member Login JOIN
NEWS
Join Us For The 75th Anniversary Midyear Meeting Sep 7-11 ↗

Outreach Outlook: Momentum in Motion

Words: Conner Birdsong


As we move into the heart of summer, the masonry industry continues to thrive—fueled by innovation, partnership, and a growing commitment to excellence in education and workforce advancement. June has been a remarkable month, marked by events that not only celebrated the achievements of today’s leaders but also illuminated the path forward for the next generation.

The MCAA Outreach and Education Division was proud to participate in the Florida Masonry Annual Convention, where contractors, instructors, and industry leaders came together to celebrate the craft and discuss the future of masonry in Florida and beyond. The event featured exciting updates on new statewide initiatives aimed at expanding training access, streamlining credentialing, and strengthening high school-to-career pathways. One of the convention’s highlights was the Florida State Apprentice Masonry Competition, where emerging talent from across the state demonstrated their skills and passion for the trade. The convention concluded with the highly anticipated Awards Banquet, where Pyramid Masonry Contractors were honored with the 2024 Masonry Excellence Project of the Year—a testament to the enduring quality and craftsmanship that defines our profession.

Our commitment to leadership development also extended beyond the jobsite. This month, our team had the unique opportunity to attend the Truist Leadership Institute Conscious Leadership Retreat in Greensboro, North Carolina. The retreat brought together finalists from the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards to explore leadership principles rooted in self-awareness, trust-building, and collaborative impact. It provided an invaluable space for learning, reflection, and connection with other changemakers across industries—all committed to strengthening communities through innovative workforce strategies.

Meanwhile, the MCAA proudly participated in the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, where masonry competitors from across the country took center stage. The competition floor was a powerful showcase of talent, precision, and dedication. Our booth featured cutting-edge tools and technologies, including a 3D wall scanner demonstration, which captivated both students and instructors alike. This hands-on experience emphasized the evolving role of technology in the skilled trades and reinforced the need to blend traditional craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation.

As we reflect on a month full of progress, recognition, and collaboration, one thing is clear: masonry’s future is in good hands. Whether through competition, leadership, or innovation, the energy surrounding the industry continues to grow—and the MCAA remains committed to leading the way.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building connections, expanding opportunities, and laying the foundation for long-term success in the masonry field.



About: Outreach Outlook
 0
From Bikes to Buildings: The Importance of Embracing Rainscreen Wall Designs and the New Building Codes.
July 2025

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

Keith Lolley
MAP Partner
Read More
Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

Industry News
Read More
Proudly American-Made: EZG Manufacturing’s Commitment to Quality, Innovation, and the U.S. Workforce
July 2025

As supply chain disruptions and tariff concerns continue to impact industries worldwide, EZG Manufacturing remains steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality, innovative masonry equipment—proudly built in the U.S.A. For 25 years, our Malta, Ohi

Abigail Spung
Read More
Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu

Justin Stengel
Industry News
Read More