Masonry Magazine April 1999 Page. 9
INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN MASONRY AWARD
an important program for the MCAA. This year, the Membership Committee developed a "Who's Who" In Masonry" the MCAA's listing of our fine members. In the past, members found this an important tool in communicating with fellow members around the country. This year, we have sent the directory to over 1,000 architects nationally to promote the use of MCAA members. Although this is an expensive program for the MCAA to conduct, we feel that it is an important market expansion program for MCAA members.
The associations magazine, "MASONRY", has become a quality publication for the masonry industry. Over the years, we have witnessed a steady growth in the caliber of the magazine's features and usefulness to mason contractors. I have authorized that the magazine be sent for one year to all mason contractors in the country. As the MCAA becomes more involved in the codes and standards fields as well as in the legislative process, it has become important for the MCAA to be able to communicate our issues and positions to all mason contractors so that we might be able to get those non-MCAA member contractors engaged in affecting the outcome of the issues we find so important to us. In addition to the added list of contractors who will receive MASONRY Magazine, we have added an extensive list of our industry's customers as well. In order to pay for this effort, I had asked the staff and the Marketing Committee to sell additional advertising and subscriptions to offset this cost. I am proud to report that we have already more than covered these added costs. Our advertising orders have increased over fifty percent. Our quality and circulation now rivals our magazines prime competitor. We can now be proud to report that there are two quality magazines in the masonry industry but only one that supports the industry...and that's our MASONRY Magazine.
Working in the code and standard development field is a arduous and thankless task but one that is critical to the survival of the masonry industry and the profitability of mason contractors. The MCAA has become increasingly more involved in this area. Our Technical Committee oversees MCAA's involvement in codes and standards. They insure that each code and standard committee has adequate contractor representation. From the MSJC to ASTM, it is MCAA's goal to have contractor interests well represented. Two noteworthy accomplishments this year have been MCAA'S efforts to produce the new Hot & Cold Weather Masonry Construction Manual, that all MCAA members received a complimentary copy. Also, the new Wall Bracing Standard that is being introduced here in Orlando will be a key to protecting mason contractors, employees and our futures. This was all accomplished by the volunteer efforts of many of our members. However, I believe that we must now look more actively toward adding a new staff position with the technical here in Orlando. You will find by viewing the projects that have been entered that we probably have the strongest field of entry's that have ever been entered. The International Excellence In Masonry Awards program along with the numerous strong local excellence in masonry programs offered by our chapters is a vital way of promoting masonry and and excellence in masonry construction.
Promoting MCAA's members is also
MCAA's Who's Who In Masonry
MCAA's membership directory has taken on the "Who's Who in Masonry" title. This years directory will be mailed to over 1,000 architects.
MCAA spearheaded the revised "Hot & Cold Weather Masonry Construction" guidelines. Each MCAA member received a complimentary copy of the manual
MCAA's Resource Catalog was expanded to include many new puplications and a new "Personal Growth" section.
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