Masonry Magazine April 1996 Page. 27
Expo '96
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana, site of Masonry Expo '96, proved to be a resounding success. Over four thousand attendees visited the show floor between January 27 and 29.
The Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition was given a hearty "welcome back" on the second and third day of the convention, after a one year rest. From now on the Fastest Trowel will be a regular feature, being sponsored by MCAA and NCMA.
Another shared event was the Masonry Expo Luncheon, held in the convention center. Bonnie Blair, the keynote speaker, shared her ideas about achieving your personal best. As a special highlight, a Louisiana Representative spoke briefly about what the government plans to do to aide the construction industry.
MCAA, NCMA, and TMS held annual meetings during or before the convention, along with workshops and seminars. Most educational programs focused on job quality and self-improvement.
Masonry Expo '97 will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Phoenix Civic Plaza, from January 15 through 19. NCMA, TMS, and MCAA will be hosting conferences in conjunction with the show.
Phoenix, The Valley of the Sun' is expected to draw record attendees. Several draws to the city include, Championship golf courses, superb scenery and an average temperature of 72 degrees. All of these coupled with the fact that Phoenix's number two industry is tourism, will prove to be an exciting convention.
NCMA Elects Chair
NATIONAL CONCRETE Masonry Association (NCMA) Elected Norbert Rappl as the new Chairman, replacing Rick Muth. Muth addressed attendees, and highlight the accomplishments of his year as Chairman, at Masonry Expo. Paying special tribute to the staff, and others involved in his success, Muth handed out, NCMA's "Thumbs Up" awards.
The accomplishments noted by Muth include; the improved relationship with Mason Contractors Association of America and the return of the shared event, "Fastest Trowel", active participation on Capitol Hill, and a successful Executive Meeting.
Muth closed with "Thanks for the journey," then handed the gavel over to Norbert Rappl.
Rappl, excited by the changes and challenges is prepared to lend his hand in activities such as, Metrication, the promotion of the newest segmental addition to NCMA, the Landscape Products Group, and building the ever increasing market share by regular attendance at trade shows. Rappl is stressing the need for building up the association and extending it's reach.
Also noted at Masonry Expo was the first year of the new President, Chris Stinebert. John Heslip retired, making way for Stinebert. Stinebert took note of his positive first year and encouraged NCMA members to keep an open line of communication.
The NCMAPAC fund-raiser attracted record attendance at New Orleans, with a turn out of 112 people. Randall Pence, Director of Governmental Relations at NCMA is pleased at the attention and recognition political activity is receiving.
NCMA had a scussful New Orleans convention and is looking forward to next year in Phoenix.
A DIXIELAND band, a symbol of New Orleans "southern charm," sets the mood for another successful Expo.
MASONRY-MARCH/APRIL, 1996 27