Masonry Magazine April 1999 Page. 31
President's Report
Continued from page 10
bers (and its many sub-divisions) found in the specification manuals that accompany most commercial (and some residential) construction working drawings (blueprints). When preparing your proposal, find the divisions that pertain to your scope of work. This information (along with the plans) gives you the basis for generating your quotation. Only when you've satisfied the requirements of the plans and the specifications, can your proposal really be complete.
Another note: no matter what CSI division's pertain to you and your scope of work, there's still another important specification division to read and understand "Division 1: General Conditions." This division outlines everyone's responsibilities concerning the project and performance of the work. These responsibilities can include insurances, bonds, warranties, scaffolding, staging, winter weather protection, and much, much more. Of course, all these added responsibilities can cost you money - so should be accounted for in your bid.
Performance
Obviously, none of what we've discussed is worth a dime if you can't perform the work skillfully, completely, and on time. Project schedule is extremely important in commercial construction. Commercial construction contracts commonly serve up substantial penalties for the CGC if the schedule is exceeded. Be prepared to deliver proper procedure, quality-control, safety, and professionalism. Also know that the business we're in is a learning process that never ends or gets easier. But keep it up. By practicing and implementing the items we've covered, you will create new opportunities, increase your sales, and go on to enjoy greater success.
terials signify. We hope that they will signify to industry customers and suppliers that your are committed to quality masonry.
The Future of Masonry
I am extremely optimistic about the future of the masonry industry and the future of the Mason Contractors Association of America. We are focused on the problems that we face as an industry. And while we are still a splintered industry in many ways we are beginning to unite to steer the future success of the masonry industry. Each fraction of the industry focused on their own futures and not the collective future of the industry. At the urging of the MCAA, the Masonry Industry Council has set in motion a program to develop a long-range strategy for the masonry industry. I believe that this will be the beginning of coming to grips, collectively with the problems we face as an industry.
This will mark the first time that the industry, armed with a long-range vision, can compete effectively with competitive construction methods such as tilt up and architectural pre-cast. I am encouraged about the future of the masonry industry in part because of the resurgence of our MCAA chapters. Many of our chapters are beginning to tackle key industry issues such as recruitment and training, promotion and legislative issues. It is through strong, effective chapters that true change can occur. In addition to our strong chapter network, the MCAA has been working to foster a closer working relationship with our counterparts in Canada. The Canadian Mason Contractors Association has set a path toward building a stronger program of services to assist all mason contractors, much the same path that the MCAA embarked on nearly ten years ago. We applaud their efforts and stand ready to assist them.
Finally, I am encouraged about the future of the industry and the MCAA. We are becoming a stronger association due in part to our senior officers, regional vice presidents, and the continued involvement of our many past presidents that have built the MCAA into a premier association. While some have resented the moving of the MCAA into the rightful leadership for all mason contractors, we will remain steadfast in our resolve to fight for our rights and the issues that we so deeply believe in.
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MASONRY-MARCH/APRIL, 1999 31