Advancing Masonry in a Global Economy
2007 Report of the President
Each year, the President of the Mason Contractors Association of America stands before the membership during the Annual Convention and reports on the activities and progress of the association.
For the past decade, I have listened to my predecessors and marveled at how much our association has progressed as a force for change in our industry. I have privately wondered how our association could continue to expand our programs and services for our industry’s contractors at such a rapid pace while I was president. Yet, this year I stand before you to present my very first State of the Association address and I am proud to report that our association has continued to grow at a remarkable pace this past year again.
The MCAA is the national association that represents the interests of all of our industry’s contractors. This past year, we looked beyond our boarders to think globally and work with our contractor friends in Canada and Australia. Our mission statement is simply stated: To Advance the Masonry Industry. I believe that as an association, we took some major steps to achieve our mission as we take a broader view of the issues that face us.

During our Midyear Meeting, our board approved two major initiatives that will enable the MCAA to better service our members and the interests of masonry customers. First we approved the establishment of a national fund that will be used to educate the design professionals both at the academic and practitioner levels on the benefits of building with total masonry (systems) on their construction projects. This new national fund will enable the MCAA to achieve one of our major goals of maintaining, developing and expanding the industry’s market share. We believe that the contractors have a unique ability to promote masonry and masonry systems unlike our friends in the supply side of our industry. We believe that the lack of a strong contractor presence in the promotion of masonry has hurt our industry’s ability to grow. Therefore, it is incumbent as the MCAA to ask our members to support this major initiative to expand our markets and the use of masonry materials.
The second major initiative and probably one of the most significant programs our industry has ever engaged in is the certification of our industry’s mason contractors. For the past two years, we have listened to pleas from manufacturers of masonry materials to improve the quality of our workforce. We have listened to complaints from architects, owners, government officials and others about the poor quality of the masonry work. We strongly believe that a certification program will play a major role in our ability to hold on to the markets we still have and is vital to our desire to recapture the markets that we have lost. For too long, good contractors have had to watch as quality projects went to less qualified contractors, because of price. We believe that a comprehensive certification program gives our industry the opportunity to market quality masonry construction by certifying our contractors and promoting those certified contractors to construction customers. We also believe that all of our members have the ability to achieve and earn certification with effort and determination. The program that we have developed and introduced is both achievable and affordable and we look forward to all of the industry’s contractors striving to become certified.
With the push for certification comes the demand for education. The Association has already ramped up our effort to provide educational outlets throughout the country by offering our seminars and workshops nationally. We have offered more Foreman Development Classes, more Estimating Seminars and Wall Bracing Workshops and our members have flocked to these classes like never before. In addition, the MCAA has brought back our Masonry Quality Institute. MQI is a two day class that provides contractors the tools to change the culture of their company from one of mistakes, problems and increasing costs to one of meeting the customer’s requirements with a staff of dedicated and committed employees who work each day to do the job right the first time.
Over the past year I have watched as the Association’s reputation and presence in Washington has increased significantly. Our Washington staff was involved in and played an integral part in negotiations on Pension Reform, Immigration, Death Tax Reform and Small Business Health Plans. I continue to be impressed by the tenacity and enthusiasm our staff portrays when advocating on behalf of our members. I have truly seen our credibility and effectiveness as an association, reach new heights this past year.
It is my feeling that MCAA is THE Association representing Mason Contractors in our Nation’s Capitol. I have witnessed first hand the hard work of our staff in D.C. when I attended a ceremony with our Director of Government Affairs Jessica Johnson Bennett, in which President Bush signed legislation into law which provided an overhaul for the Nation’s Pension system, the largest overhaul since the passage of ERISA in the 1970’s. In addition to this ceremony our staff also attended a signing ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House at which President Bush signed into law the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005, which extends the tax cut package and provides tax relief for Small Businesses.
The Association’s relationship with OSHA was all important during the past year as MCAA worked on a number of regulatory issues facing the masonry industry, such as Silica and DHS No Match Letters. We have continued to work with OSHA and the Department of Labor to undertake greater efforts to enforce the existing exposure standard through outreach, research, education, and compliance assistance. In the spring of 2006 MCAA met with officials at OSHA to deliver the Silica Best Practices Document for review. We received positive feedback from OSHA and will continue to work with OSHA staff to insure that the best interests of our contractors are protected by using sound science and a transparent process.
On August 21st, 2006, I along with our Executive Director Mike Adelizzi and our Director of Government Affairs, met with Occupational Safety and Health Secretary (OSHA) where we extended the OSHA Alliance between our organizations for 2 more years.
In 2006, we very successfully co-hosted the 2nd Masonry Industry Legislative Conference, together with the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), the Brick Industry Association (BIA), and the Building Stone Institute (BSI). The 2006 conference was extremely successful and we will be hosting our 3rd Annual Legislative Conference this year in May.
I am also pleased to report that our Political Action Committee MAC PAC has experienced its most successful year ever. In December MAC PAC unveiled a new MAC PAC brochure which was distributed to our entire membership. The new brochure is a testament to the enthusiasm and aggressiveness of our political and legislative efforts.
In addition in 2006 MAC PAC has become more involved with fundraising efforts by co-hosting several fundraisers for candidates from across the country.
Our ability as an association to communicate to both customers and contractors grew significantly this past year. Our website went through a major revision which resulted in a very professional site that is clean, informative and engaging. New information and features are published daily, drawing the interest of a growing audience. The goal of our web site is to become a focal point for our industry. With 65,000 hits per day from over 2,000 visitors in 75 countries, we believe we are achieving that goal. In addition to our new website, our Masonry magazine continues to progress with its growing professionalism and strength as the premier publication of our industry. Masonry magazine’s website is yet another way for the Association to communicate with the world.
Every president before me has stood before the membership to report on the activities of the association and to challenge the MCAA to achieve new heights of service. I believe that our challenge is most eloquently vocalized by our friend, architect Chris Huckabee, who encourages our contractors to fight for every construction project. Resist every effort by our competitors to discredit masonry materials and to win a greater share of the construction pie. As an association, we have taken that task seriously. Our Board has asked our members to increase their dues to help fund a national program to promote and educate the design community on the benefits of using total masonry construction. Our association will be administering promotional programs targeted to the design community both at the academic level as well as to practitioners.
I believe that the bar has been set for us. I also believe that we have placed in motion, the ability for the MCAA to be a motivating force to achieve just that.
It’s now up to the association to deliver. Thank you for listening.
Chairman’s Message Archive

November 2019
Thankful for The Little Things

October 2019
Here’s to Another Successful Midyear 2019

September 2019
Texas Masonry Council: The Legacy

August 2019
The American Dream

July 2019
2019 Legislative Conference Recap

June 2019
Safety Doesn’t Happen on Accident

May 2019
Doing Our Part

April 2019
Preparing for D.C.

March 2019
More Than a Little Luck

February 2019
Show Your Love For The Industry

December 2018
The Opportunities are Endless

November 2018
2018 MCAA Midyear Meeting Recap

October 2018
Every Person’s Potential

September 2018
Recent Updates

August 2018
Masonry’s Future

July 2018
An Offer You Can’t Refuse

June 2018
Worthwhile Work

May 2018
Masonry All Around

April 2018
We’re Washington Bound

March 2018
The Changing Tide And Road Ahead

February 2018
A New Beginning

January 2018
Givers Gain

December 2017
The Reason for the Season

November 2017
Always, Always, Always Something To Be Thankful For

October 2017
Another Exciting Midyear Meeting

September 2017
Learning From North Carolina

August 2017
Let’s Help Close The Skills Gap

June 2017
Calculating Your Return on Investment

May 2017
Sweet Tea and Grits

April 2017
Silica, Auctions and Policy

March 2017
Things to Remember

February 2017
Looking Forward

January 2017
A Fresh Start

December 2016
Making Our Industry Stronger

November 2016
MCAA Midyear Meeting Does Not Disappoint

October 2016
Have You Made Your Pledge to the Foundation?

September 2016
Who Moved My Cheese?

August 2016
Get Ready for MCAA’s Midyear Meeting

July 2016
Making a Difference

June 2016
Southern Hospitality

May 2016
The 2016 MCAA Legislative Conference

April 2016
MCAA: Looking out for your interests

March 2016
Let’s share our passion!

February 2016
Thanks for letting me give back

January 2016
A week of masonry you can’t miss

December 2015
Giving back

November 2015
A successful Midyear Meeting in the Florida Keys

October 2015
Seeing the future before our eyes

September 2015
Join us for the Midyear Meeting

August 2015
The MCAA Midyear Meeting is approaching

July 2015
Spread the Word: Masonry Doesn’t Burn

June 2015
Busy on ‘The Hill’ for you

May 2015
Progress in the making

April 2015
A voice in Washington

March 2015
Another successful Convention in Vegas

February 2015
An exciting year ahead

January 2015
MCAA Convention is approaching

December 2014
Defining success

November 2014
Coming together for our industry

September 2014
Hitting the road and making a difference

August 2014
Staying busy for you

July 2014
MCAA Midyear Meeting approaching

June 2014
MCAA staying busy and making progress

May 2014
Be a voice in your industry

April 2014
The MCAA is on the move

March 2014
It’s all about helping each other

February 2014
Ready for action

January 2014
Thanks

December 2013
Happy holidays

November 2013
MCAA Midyear update

October 2013
Ushering in a busy fall season

September 2013
Workforce a familiar friend

August 2013
The MCAA in D.C.

July 2013
A Lot Happening

June 2013
Eye opening

May 2013
Why not be a member?

April 2013
First South of 40 Conference

March 2013
Positive movement

February 2013
Headed to Vegas

January 2013
New beginning

December 2012
It’s finally over

November 2012
My trip to the Rockies

October 2012
The 2012 election

September 2012
Stay involved

August 2012
Networking

July 2012
Summer time

June 2012
Exciting time

May 2012
Working for you

April 2012
Join us in D.C. next month

March 2012
New beginnings

February 2012
Farewell!

January 2012
One more to go!

December 2011
The life of a mason contractor

November 2011
Join us in Vegas

October 2011
The Future is Around the Corner

September 2011
This ole cowboy is excited!

August 2011
As the world turns

July 2011
Update From the President

June 2011
The Strong Spirit of our Industry

May 2011
A Bright Future

April 2011
Springtime Updates from MCAA

March 2011
Tidbits From MCAA

February 2011
Time Flies By

January 2011
The MCAA Convention: A Priceless Experience

December 2010
The End of the Year

November 2010
Busy Times!

October 2010
South of 40

September 2010
Get Involved on All Levels

August 2010
What Are We Doing?

July 2010
Have a Great Summer

June 2010
Adding Dollars to the Bottom Line

May 2010
MCAA Key Accomplishments 2009-2010

May 2010
The Government is Working, 24-7

April 2010
MCAA is Working for the Mason Contractor

March 2010
Moving Forward

February 2010
A Fond Farewell

January 2010
A New Year

December 2009
Start the Year Strong

November 2009
The Greening of our Industry

October 2009
A Successful Midyear Meeting

September 2009
MCAA in D.C.

August 2009
Brick Voids

July 2009
Vision 2020 Moving Forward

June 2009
Success On The Hill

May 2009
Show Your Support Through Membership

March 2009
On a Positive Note...

February 2009
Vision 2020

February 2009
State of the Association

January 2009
The Silver Lining

December 2008
How Is Your Business Doing?

November 2008
Fastest Trowel on the Block

October 2008
Thoughts on the 2008 Election

September 2008
Industry Cooperation for Positive Change

August 2008
Networking: Not Just a Buzz Word

June 2008
Impact on the Hill

April 2008
Join Us Next Month in D.C.

March 2008
Were you at the World of Masonry in January?

February 2008
New Horizons

January 2008
State of the Association

January 2008
Thanks for an Enjoyable Term as President

December 2007
Wrapping up Another Year

November 2007
Greetings From Italy!

October 2007
MCAA, World of Masonry Join Forces

September 2007
MCAA Looking to Expand Masonry Markets

August 2007
Certification: Good Efforts and Bad Rumors

July 2007
Positive Changes on the Horizon

June 2007
MCAA Appoints New Executive Director

April 2007
Isn’t It Time You Joined With Us?

February 2007
Certification Can Strengthen Our Markets

January 2007
A New Battle Rages in Washington

December 2006
National Initiatives Will Build a Stronger Industry

October 2006
Totally Engaged in Washington

September 2006
MCAA's Skills Competitions Create Enthusiasm for Training

August 2006
Heeding Huckabee's Call for Action

July 2006
MCAA Membership Can Pay Real Dividends

April 2006
I Can't Wait To Get Started!

March 2006
Coming Together to Advance the Industry

February 2006
Coming Together to Expand Our Opportunities

January 2006
Strategic Planning Creates Successful Future

December 2005
The work of the Construction Industry Silica Task Force

November 2005
It's Time You Joined the MCAA

September 2005
Volunteerism Advances America and Our Industry

April 2005
Advancing the Masonry Industry

March 2005
Strong Reasons to Go to Masonry Showcase

February 2005
Contractors Taking the Promotion Initiative

January 2005
We Need Your Help!

December 2004
Elections 2004: An Interesting Political Year

November 2004
The Internet is Opening New Doors for Contractors

October 2004
Mason Contractors + Specifiers = Construct America

September 2004
Your Influence Can Impact the Election

June 2004
Stepping Up to Sell Masonry Systems

April 2004
New Challenges Await Us!

April 2004
The State of the Association

February 2004
The MCAA: Getting Plugged into Washington

January 2004
Contractors Organize to Tackle Promotion

November 2003
The Strength of Unity

September 2003
Military Construction: Traditional Masonry or Modern Design

June 2003
Partnership with CSI Benefits Industry

April 2003
Strength Through Advocacy

February 2003
A New Year, a New Congress and a New Outlook

January 2003
Masonry Showcase ... Take Your Business Further

December 2002
Let's Not Lose Sight of Training

November 2002
MCAA Is Working Hard On Your Behalf

August 2002
Phoenix ... Rising From the Ashes

July 2002
Industry Beginning To Think Together

May 2002
Industry Training at a Crossroads

April 2002
Coming Together As Contractors

March 2002
A Steadying Force in Uncertain Times

February 2002
Changing of the Guard

January 2002
Associate Members Play a Key Role in Industry

February 2000
A Half Century of Service...A Half Century of Leadership

January 2000
Fifty Years of Serving the Masonry Industry

March 1998
Our Work Awaits Us… Let Us Begin!

March 1993
Meeting the Challenges Ahead

February 1961
A Message from Stephen D. Raimo