Masonry’s Future
Chairman’s Message
By Paul Odom
As I write this month’s message, I’m still thinking about how AMAZING the National SkillsUSA contest was.
I’m so glad I got to travel to Louisville, Kentucky for this great event. Seeing that many young adults out there in one place, competing to show off the skills they are learning to improve our nation’s workforce, is so encouraging.
Of course, being a mason myself, I’m partial. I went through an apprenticeship, participated in a few contests, and I have judged and attended more than I can count throughout the years. I love watching the speed and quality that each of these young people put into their projects. But what I love more than that is what this competition represents: the future of our industry.
These kids are our future.
Our future, as to in the masonry industry depends on workforce development. If you’re a mason contractor, you’ve probably faced a labor shortage several times in the past few years.
Workforce development is something we must continue to focus on. We see the shift in schools to support trades again and that’s great. However, we must be diligent to ensure that masonry is one of the trades your area schools push. I encourage you to reach out to your local and state associations and area schools to see how you can help. Recruiting students into masonry programs is also key. This is a great profession, but we must share this passion and pride with both the prospective students and their parents to recruit the best.
We have a lot to share. Masonry is a proud industry and one in which teamwork and family principles thrive. You can see this in everything we do. Even at the SkillsUSA contest, we all pitched in to set up and clean up together. We as mason contractors, all work together and it is one of the things that I love most about being part of the masonry industry. To quote the MCAA, “Together we are Stronger.”
Next month we’ve got the opportunity to grow stronger together at the MCAA Midyear Meeting in Austin, Texas, my home state. I look forward to welcoming many of you there as we gather to learn and network as an industry. You won’t want to miss it. Be sure to check out the event lineup on MCAA’s website. Also, remember that the offer still stands that I’ll cover 50% of your membership for first time members. I continue to be that convinced that you’ll love this association as I do.
Until next month...
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
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
Advancing Masonry in a Global Economy
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
