Masonry Magazine February 1993 Page. 8
FROM THE PRESIDENT
By RICHARD MATTHEWS
President, Mason Contractors Association of America
Uncertain Times Call for Closer Industry Ties
If you haven't looked closely at the proposals that President-Elect Bill Clinton made during the campaign, then the time has arrived for us to review and evaluate his plan for the economy and its impact on our industry.
If construction is to play a key role in Clinton's economic recovery strategy, as he has stated, it will take a turnaround in private sector spending. This is a market where his policies will have little impact.
Opinions vary as to what his election will mean to the construction industry. During the campaign, he made big promises about infrastructure development and other big ticket items. One has to wonder how much of this proposed work will result in contracts and how it will be financed.
Even if this plan is implemented quickly, it must have state and local participation for it to work. And even then, this still deals with only about one-fourth of the construction market. The private sector must respond with a substantial increase in spending before this will have a positive effect on construction.
Veto Threat Eliminated
With Clinton in the White House and the threat of a presidential veto practically eliminated, several proposals that were considered during the last session of Congress may be passed this time. These include: safety and health reform; OSHA improvement; the OSHA criminal penalty reform act; and the family and medical leave act.
Some economists are saying that the U.S. economy has already started to correct itself. There does seem to be an increase of projects being proposed across the country. Even our Industry's trade show, the Masonry Expo, has experienced an increase in the number and size of exhibitors. We can only hope that Clinton's programs are successful and lead to a continued upsurge in the economy.
The next question is, "Will we be ready?" The masonry industry cannot afford to sit back and expect someone else to make things better. We've already started taking a more unified, aggressive posture in the construction industry.
Through events such as our Masonry Expo, closer ties have been forged with the Brick Institute of America (BIA), the National Concrete Masonry Association (MCMA), Expanded Shale Clay and Slate Institute (ESCSI), the National Association of Brick Distributors (NABD), the National Lime Association (NLA), the Portland Cement Association (PCA), and the Masonry Society, making our industry stronger.
No other event in the masonry industry offers more training seminars, workshops and demonstrations in one place than the Expo. This year, we offer more than 225 exhibits from around the world, with new products, equipment, services and educational programs that keep you, the mason contractor, abreast of industry trends that will keep you competitive.
This year, sixteen educational programs are offered for you to choose from. They give you a chance to tap into the expertise of your fellow contractors, compare ideas, gather tips and get straight answers to keep you on top of developments that meet the challenges of today's economy and get ready for tomorrow's economy.
The Expo isn't just an educational experience for the mason contractor. Its benefits and one of the principal reasons it was formed go much deeper. Four years ago, when the principal founders of the Masonry Expo-the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA)-gathered to launch the concept of the Expo, we wanted all of the players. Now, eight supporting organizations back this, the biggest show in the masonry industry, resulting in a more unified, focused industry.
Mutual Support is Vital
This year there's been a change in leadership of the National Association of Brick Distributors (NABD). We welcome Ken Dash, its new president, who has pledged his support of current programs and is already working closely with us. This mutual support has become vital, especially since this industry is fighting for its market share with glass structures, metal and tilt-up buildings, from larger, well funded national associations promoting their benefits to our customers.
The ultimate goal is to have all organizations hold their annual conventions and conferences as part of the Masonry Expo-to have the International Masonry Institute become a part of this event, as they should be-to make this truly the largest masonry show. But in doing so, we must keep focused on the ultimate goal-the customer.
If you haven't attended a Masonry Expo and MCAA Conference, plan to attend the 1993 event in San Diego. I'm sure that once you've attended, you'll agree that this is the best educational opportunity that your money can buy. I hope to see and talk to each of you in San Diego.-Richard Matthews, President