Masonry Magazine May 1980 Page. 31
Rick Helton is what IMI is all about.
Rick is a bricklayer in Terre Haute, Indiana. So is his father. And, until he retired recently, so was his grandfather. Men like the Heltons, along with experienced, expert mason contractors, are responsible for the best-looking, most permanent, most economical buildings in the U.S. and Canada.
Bricklayers and contractors rely on the masonry industry for their own prosperity and security. They want to look forward to years of productive and satisfying work.
That's why for every hour Rick works, a contribution goes to the International Masonry Institute. It's a modest investment in next year's work.
IMI's objective is simple: To promote more work for mason contractors and masonry craftsmen. To achieve this goal, IMI advertises, produces films and audio-visual materials and a wide range of other promotional aids, and also counsels local and regional masonry promotion groups in their efforts.
It's a big job-but the masonry industry, if it is to stay competitive in an increasingly competitive business, has to work just as hard at selling itself as it does at building.
Most mason contractors and bricklayers are part of this effort through local collective bargaining agreements that call for IMI contributions. Agreements covering most members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen now call for IMI contributions of two cents per hour worked. Many others call for one-cent contributions.
One or two cents may not sound like much when you look at it that way-but if all union craftsmen and contractors pull together, a penny here and a penny there can add up to a significant national promotion effort.
If your local group-management and labor-isn't part of this effort, you should be. Next time you negotiate a work contract, include an IMI contribution. Or, if you're already contributing a penny an hour, raise it to two cents.
For Rick, his fellow craftsmen, and the contractors they work for, contributions to IMI are one of the best investments that can be made in the industry we all depend on so much. We think you should feel the same way. If you need more information from IMI, contact us at 823 15th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, or 202/783-3908.
INTERNATIONAL MASONRY INSTITUTE
MASONRY/MAY, 1980 31