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Find-a-Contractor Masonry Buyer's Guide
March 1993

Meeting the Challenges Ahead

Report of the President

By

1992… Known as the year of the woman. It was a good year for some, but not very good for most. There were some people who became famous. Some people got foolish. People died. Things changed. It seemed like a long year, that’s because it was. February 29 gave us 366 days in 1992.

This past year has got to rank very high as one of the worst years economically that we have encountered in the past ten years. Not in recent memory have things been as tough (in an ever changing construction market) as they were in 1992, and continue to be in many areas of the country. But one thing we can say…. so long status quo.

Rarely can the essence of an entire year be captured in a single word, but 1992 was one of those years, and the word was “change”.

That alone is remarkable. As much as we Americans like to think of their nation as the world capital of the pioneer spirit, the reality is – that our society fosters a deep and abiding comfort with the status quo.

We like grandfatherly incumbent leaders, steady as she goes… that’s the ticket, at least that was the ticket. This past year though, a call for change erupted like a volcano from the American subconscious. And president Bill Clinton, the politician who did the best job recognizing the eruption and sticking the one word label “change” on it, was rewarded with the presidency.

And what’s even more remarkable is, no one seems to know just what shape all this change is going to take. For all the papers, summit conferences, and policy speeches that have abounded, a foggy air of vagueness still seems to cling to the whole process.

During these tough times, many associations scale back and wait for the storm to blow over. But MCAA refused… instead the association, its officers and staff acted aggressively on behalf of its members to meet the challenges that lie ahead for our industry.

In my address in Orlando, I noted that along with our country’s call for change in 1992, this was echoed elsewhere in the world – the Soviet Empire, Europe and again now – in the Middle East. Even MCAA had to change, if it expected to meet the challenges ahead. I outlined several areas that we would have to commit ourselves. MCAA should work closely with allied associations to better coordinate all our efforts to expanding our market share. We must work to expand our membership base, which would result in a stronger more effective association. MCAA should work to improve the industries image, the quality of our projects, and look beyond our own pocketbooks. We should be conscious of the industries future as well. MCAA should revive and expand its educational efforts to keep our members leaders in the masonry industry. Finally, we should become more involved with government relations which dramatically affect our industry. This was an undertaking that raised some questions.

But on behalf of my fellow officers, I can report that the state of Mason Contractors Association of America is sound.

As we prepare for our summer board meeting, it was agreed the association needed a long-range plan if we were to achieve a greater goal. It was clear that as we launch this new plan, we needed to state our philosophy of action and effect. It is appropriate to talk about what we will do and what we hope to accomplish.

Long Range Plan

During this past year, each MCAA committee chairman and their committee members, approved the committee’s goals and have been active in achieving them. This long range plan was put together by our staff with very little input by me. Notably, Michael Adelizzi’s plan strives to make MCAA the sole perceived leader for the mason contractors – in the masonry industry. Representing just 20% of the mason contractors, MCAA would become the sole voice for contractors in the legislative process, education, research, industry promotion, training and safety by the end of 1995.

MCAA Committees

Lets take a look at these committees.

Apprentice Committee, co-chaired by Jerry Vernon and Charles Seedorff, will be developing a training needs survey to determine future workforce and training needs. This committee is also looking at developing a training program for supervisory personnel.

Education Committee, co-chaired by Harold Kochan and John Smith, has surveyed the membership and has begun developing new education programs and expanding the very successful “Masonry Quality Institute.”

Finance Committee, chaired by our treasurer Don Larsen, has dramatically improved the associations financial reporting system.

Insurance Committee, chaired by Edgar Boettcher, has prepared an insurance program for MCAA, and has already begun offering this new program to our members. The committee is looking toward being able to offer a complete insurance program – including a workers compensation plan yet this year.

Legislative Committee, co-chaired by Mike Johnston and Alan Griffin, has begun monitoring federal legislation (with the democratic party in control, this could become a very busy committee). The association has been advising members with the use of our new monthly “Legislative Updates”. The committee and the officers are preparing to participate in a legislative conference in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with the associated specialty contractors, where attendees will meet with legislators and the Clinton Administration to discuss issues affecting construction.

Marketing Committee, co-chaired by Robert Schuerman and James Cope, has developed the MCAA membership referral program. This program could become a cornerstone activity in recruiting new members. The program is designed to better understand the capabilities of the membership and then effectively refer members to masonry customers.

Masonry Magazine Review Committee, co-chaired by Donald Larsen and Richard Felice, was given the goal to improve the content of the magazine. Under the guidance of our editor, Mr. Gene Adams, I think you will agree this program has already begun with good success. Other goals are to improve the subscription and advertising base as well as the magazines influence in the industry.

Material Handling Committee, chaired by Ed Smith, has been active in redesigning the showcase, conducted each year at the Masonry Expo. The new showcase includes demonstrations on material handling in addition to the forklift demonstration.

Membership Committee, co-chaired by Anthony Zotollo and Richard Felice, has developed a new MCAA promotional video and a membership services catalog. This committee also plans an extensive mail campaign to expand the MCAA membership base and has refocused their efforts to bring all associate companies into the MCAA family.

Masonry Panels Committee, co-chaired by John Smith and Dee Brown, will begin publishing articles on the greater use and benefits of panels.

Safety Committee, chaired by Donald Grant, has begun publishing a safety feature in Masonry Magazine, and they are developing an up-to-date safety program for MCAA members.

Research

MCAA continues to be a full member and sponsor of the Council for Masonry Research (CMR). This organization is dedicated to conducting research for the advancement of the masonry industry. CMR has been involved with development of a masonry handbook, a masonry inspection guide, offers technical seminars, support of the National Concrete and Masonry Engineering Conference and the establishment of a disaster reconnaissance team to research the performance of masonry structures after extreme events occur. CMR is sponsored by MCAA along with National Concrete Masonry Association, Brick Institute of America, The Masonry Society, The Portland Cement Association and The National Lime Association.

Promotion

During the past year, we have been active in promoting greater co-operation with allied associations. Our officer have met with officers of other industry associations to discuss issues affecting this industry’s future growth.

Masonry Expo continues to be a significant trade show, promoting the benefits of masonry as well as a prime source for gaining information on new products, trends and innovations. We are proud to be one of the sponsors of the Masonry Expo which continues to be a unifying event focusing the industries efforts toward competing more effectively against other competitive construction industries, such as wood, dryvit, steel, and glass.

MCAA also helps in promoting such programs as the Professors Workshop which is an event dedicated toward educating college and university professors on the use of masonry, so the masonry’s importance in the academic curriculum is expanded. This is highly important because we need more young architects and engineers to gain awareness and to appreciate the versatility of masonry.

Looking Ahead

Much has been accomplished during the past year. A solid foundation has been laid to accomplish greater goals for the future. Relationships have been forged which hopefully will result in a more effective profitable industry.

Looking back, its clear that we have made little progress on some of our goals and yet others have moved forward at a rapid pace. We have sought to protect ourselves from frightening new rules OSHA has handed down to us. And though we speak forcefully and with conviction, we will do so without the illusion that we have all the answers or that we are always right.

When we err, we will correct our mistakes. Those who disagree with us will find an open door and an open mind. We want to speak with an authoritative and respected voice, but I want to encourage other voices too.

If I have one regret, it is that we haven’t expressed gratitude often enough for all who take part in our association. Let me correct that now: The real strength of MCAA lies in the willingness of its members to give their time and energies to a common task, particularly our officers. These officers give of their time to deal with a seemingly endless array of difficult problems. Our staff, all of which are important to the everyday operation of the association. Finally, of course – the guidance and leadership of George Miller, who has led the association for 43 years. To all these people, I want to thank them – for jobs well done.

My hope for the future is that through MCAA, we find ways to apply the ingenuity to the new opportunities that will present themselves. These opportunities will exist, it is up to us to seize them.

I must also thank you for the many letters I received, your calls, your attention, your support. And thanks for making this endeavor as your president so interesting… a year can fly by so quickly.

Chairman’s Message Archive

The American Dream

August 2019
The American Dream

Doing Our Part

May 2019
Doing Our Part

Preparing for D.C.

April 2019
Preparing for D.C.

Recent Updates

September 2018
Recent Updates

Masonry’s Future

August 2018
Masonry’s Future

Worthwhile Work

June 2018
Worthwhile Work

A New Beginning

February 2018
A New Beginning

Givers Gain

January 2018
Givers Gain

Things to Remember

March 2017
Things to Remember

Looking Forward

February 2017
Looking Forward

A Fresh Start

January 2017
A Fresh Start

Who Moved My Cheese?

September 2016
Who Moved My Cheese?

Giving back

December 2015
Giving back

An exciting year ahead

February 2015
An exciting year ahead

Defining success

December 2014
Defining success

Staying busy for you

August 2014
Staying busy for you

Ready for action

February 2014
Ready for action

Thanks

January 2014
Thanks

Happy holidays

December 2013
Happy holidays

MCAA Midyear update

November 2013
MCAA Midyear update

The MCAA in D.C.

August 2013
The MCAA in D.C.

A Lot Happening

July 2013
A Lot Happening

Eye opening

June 2013
Eye opening

Positive movement

March 2013
Positive movement

Headed to Vegas

February 2013
Headed to Vegas

New beginning

January 2013
New beginning

It’s finally over

December 2012
It’s finally over

My trip to the Rockies

November 2012
My trip to the Rockies

The 2012 election

October 2012
The 2012 election

Stay involved

September 2012
Stay involved

Networking

August 2012
Networking

Summer time

July 2012
Summer time

Exciting time

June 2012
Exciting time

Working for you

May 2012
Working for you

New beginnings

March 2012
New beginnings

Farewell!

February 2012
Farewell!

One more to go!

January 2012
One more to go!

Join us in Vegas

November 2011
Join us in Vegas

As the world turns

August 2011
As the world turns

A Bright Future

May 2011
A Bright Future

Tidbits From MCAA

March 2011
Tidbits From MCAA

Time Flies By

February 2011
Time Flies By

The End of the Year

December 2010
The End of the Year

Busy Times!

November 2010
Busy Times!

South of 40

October 2010
South of 40

What Are We Doing?

August 2010
What Are We Doing?

Moving Forward

March 2010
Moving Forward

A Fond Farewell

February 2010
A Fond Farewell

A New Year

January 2010
A New Year

Start the Year Strong

December 2009
Start the Year Strong

MCAA in D.C.

September 2009
MCAA in D.C.

Brick Voids

August 2009
Brick Voids

Vision 2020

February 2009
Vision 2020

State of the Association

February 2009
State of the Association

The Silver Lining

January 2009
The Silver Lining

Impact on the Hill

June 2008
Impact on the Hill

New Horizons

February 2008
New Horizons

Wrapping up Another Year

December 2007
Wrapping up Another Year

Greetings From Italy!

November 2007
Greetings From Italy!

We Need Your Help!

January 2005
We Need Your Help!

The Strength of Unity

November 2003
The Strength of Unity

Changing of the Guard

February 2002
Changing of the Guard

“The MCAA is critical to forwarding our cause.”

Danks Burton
Pinnacle Masonry, Inc.
MCAA member since 1997

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