Masonry Magazine August 1992 Page. 6
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Your Help Needed for Future Success
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE a team? As a group of people working toward a predetermined goal? As a group of people being told what to do by a coach? Or as a group of people acting as specialists in their respective areas, each contributing to the good of the other to the win. I suspect that most of us mention all of these things when we try to define a team. Which is what you should think when you think of MCAA.
This hasn't always been the case. All too many times we've heard, "What am I getting from MCAA-what am I getting for my money?" The answers to these questions are hard to get a handle on. MCAA works silently for you, and seldom blows its own horn over its accomplishments. Maybe it works too silently to get the recognition it deserves.
We work with OSHA. We work with legislators-and it's our intention to become more involved in this critical area. We work with the unions on their pension funds, apprenticeship training and other areas that benefit our members and theirs. And, we work closely with other associations for the common good of our industry.
Currently, we've started a Legislative Update flyer. The Education Committee has been updating its programs, starting with the critical forklift training program. And, the Masonry Quality Institute has been a resounding success. But this is just the beginning. To reach our goals, we need a game plan. And in order to make the plan work, we need the participation of every player-we need your help.
If today's business teams are to be successful in today's fast paced, changing world-in both short and long terms-members of our association, its officers and committee chairmen, must all exercise a role in selecting our destination, must all be willing to be flexible in their roles and must be willing to assume leadership responsibilities when called for. Every player on the team must be an active participant in the decision making process. Every member of MCAA should be on the team, as every member's input is important.
Our voice will be heard only if we're a strong association. No one person or one company can do it by themselves. When we think of business, the image of big business or corporate giants comes to mind. Usually overlooked is the fact that small businesses-many family owned-make up the heart of the economy. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses provide sixty-two percent of this country's initial job opportunities, and are responsible for most of the on-the-job training of our workers in basic skills. Does that sould like your company?
The strength of our country's small businesses is the result of our nation's tradition of free enterprise. Starting a business and making it successful is an American dream. As a small businessman myself, however, I'm well aware of the many obstacles and hard work needed to make it succeed. That's one of the reasons I participate in MCAA-it's just one of the many steps I take to ensure that our company is informed of the outside forces that affect the day-to-day operation of my business.
To help ensure the success of your company, the masonry industry and MCAA-your association-we need your help! First. let me know what we should be doing and why. Second, tell me about things we are doing that need improvement and which we could do better and how. We sincerely want-and need-constructive criticism. We need your input!
Send your comments to me at the MCAA office, 1550 Spring Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60521. I assure you that all of your suggestions will be carefully considered. Your help is needed-Richard Matthews
6 MASONRY-JULY AUGUST, 1992