Report of the MCAA Workforce Development Committee Words: Calvin BrodieFastest TrowelQuikrete has stepped up this year and has taken a more active and direct role in the production of the MCAA”s Fastest Trowel competition. We anticipate between 10-12 contestants at this year’s competition and anticipate a fun event. We look forward to the touch that Quikrete will look to add this year and in future years. The MCAA is looking to develop and host a contest in the near future which will focus on the skills of our journeymen and will feature a multiday contest in which seasoned journeymen show the flexibility and talent of the labor associated with our products. Skills USAThe MCAA continues to support the work of the Skills USA and participate on the Masonry Technical Committee to sponsor and facilitate the national championships in Kansas City each June. The MCAA works with many other industry affiliates to make this program a huge success. Masonry Skills ChallengeWe are pleased to report that the participation for the Skills Challenge Contest is much higher than last. Last year we had 14 participants and this year we have a total of 21. The following is the breakdown of the participant categories: First Year: 7, Second Year: 7, Third Year 7. It is encouraging to see such great levels of participation given the current economic state. Task GroupsThe Workforce Development Committee is looking to form two task groups to address industry related issues. One task group will focus on contests and the second will work on the development of programs that the committee should be developing or working on. The committee is excited to breakdown our tasks to a smaller level and are hopeful this technique will help bring new ideas to the committee. Anyone interested in participating on a task group should contact Sharyl at the MCAA office.