October 2010

South of 40

President’s Message

By Mackie Bounds

The weather is getting cooler, football season has started and the Dallas Cowboys are preparing to win the Super Bowl. I would like to tell you that the tough economy is getting better, but I don’t think there is much hope of that with the November election staring us in the face.

I have heard a few more positive stories lately concerning more work being available, and that is encouraging.

Now I want to talk about the future, because it is much more exciting. Here in my company, I am blessed to have some young folks in management positions in the office and in the field. I am finding out every day how much smarter they are than I was at their age. I try to remind them often, I know they are smart, but I have more wisdom and – most of all – more experience. With all of that said, they are so valuable to the future success of our business. As a mason contractor to MCAA, what are we doing for the young people in our industry? They are our future, and I truly believe they will take us to a new level. We can get there quicker by training them correctly.

MCAA’s South of 40 has become one of our most active committees.

At the beginning of the year here at MCAA, we started a new committee, “South of 40.” They have exceeded all of our expectations, and they have become one of our most active committees. It allows our valuable young employees in our companies to associate with each other and share ideas on how to improve our industry. They are forming some strong ties with each other and, as challenges come their way, it allows them to feel free to communicate to help each other beat these challenges. Think about it, it can save thousands of dollars in lawyer fees, consultant fees, lost time and the list goes on.

The other day one of my young executives was discussing a challenge and, suddenly, said, “I will contact John Davenport with the South of 40 group and see how they do it.”

We have a South of 40 member chairing the new TEAM Awards, which will be held in Las Vegas during our convention in January. This awards banquet will be better than any awards banquet you have ever been to. It will be exciting!

Then, the event that South of 40 is planning for the convention will be something to come to the convention for. We will get to experience Germany as if we were in Berlin. It will have the Bavarian atmosphere and truly will be a fun-filled night at the Hofbräuhaus in Las Vegas. All the proceeds of this event will go to the MCAA Foundation. This is a 501(c) (3) foundation, and the money is distributed to programs that help support masonry education and training.

Now I have to ask if you have a young person in your company who is not a part of the South of 40. Do not pass up the opportunity for him or her to be a part of a group that is learning from and teaching one another. This type of education is priceless. On top of that, the whole industry will benefit. Not only do we need members from mason contractors, but also we need suppliers!

Until next time, this cowboy says, “Shoot for the moon and, even if you miss, you will land among the stars!”