Moving Forward

We know that the economic times are tough, but still there was excitement and opportunity around and about us. As I walked the show floor, I saw many vendors who have supported our industry for years, and there they were in tough times with upbeat spirits still supporting us.

I was able to attend all of our Committee meetings, thanks to the MCAA staff’s scheduling abilities. It was a rewarding experience to be able to listen and participate in discussions that are so vital to our industry and our association. It was great to have both the NCMA and the BIA represented at our annual meeting, which to me shows how far we all have come in uniting our industry. Jerry Carrier with Glen-Gery Brick made a presentation for our members concerning ASTM C216 & C652 core sizes in brick. The brick industry wants to increase core size to 30 percent on C216 brick, which we know will increase our costs on labor and mortar usage. Of course, the brick manufactures want it due to cost and the supply of usable clay.

I heard Rick Yelton with Masonry Construction Magazine say that we contractors are making a big deal out of nothing. As a huge promoter of Vision 2020, there is nothing further from the truth, but I am concerned about in the wall cost. Several contractors have agreed to run a test on labor and mortar usage and come forth with an “in wall cost,” rather than one of us saying this saves money or the other way saves money.

I will assure each of you as a masonry contractor who wants to reclaim our market share, that, at the end of the day, I will support what is best for our industry and I consider that as a very big thing! I will take my hat off to Jerry Carrier for his presentation.

On behalf of the masonry industry, I want to say a huge “Thank you” to Tom and his lovely wife, Deborah, for their outstanding leadership.

This leadership team has one simple goal, and that is to prove that the MCAA is a great value to all mason contractors. John Smith, vice president; Mark Kemp, secretary; Mike Sutter, treasurer; and Tom Daniel, immediate past-president, will join with me in endless hours of work and fun to ensure that we achieve our goal. We have great leadership in our committees that will bring forth programs that will enable all of us as mason contractors to be better business people, better contractors, and better citizens.

During the next few months, you will be informed in detail by the Committee Chairs on how these programs will improve each of us in our companies. As we focus on the future I am so proud of our newest committee, “The South of 40 Committee,” which allows our young people to become involved in the planning and leadership of the MCAA. We know the young people in our industry will help us achieve Vision 2020. Until next time, this old cowboy says, “Shoot for the moon and even if you miss, you will land among the stars!”