Masonry Magazine April 2000 Page. 50
Report of the President
The MCAA helps to promote the use of masonry at construction customer shows such as the Construction Specifier Show. The MCAA had a "hands on" demonstration where architects and specifiers tried their hand at laying brick. The MCAA booth won praise and an award by CSI.
Masonry Magazine, the official publication of the MCAA, has grown steadily and now rivals its competitor's magazine in both circulation and content.
line the pockets of the investment group that bought out Aberdeen. And it is little secret that Aberdeen has announced a full scale attempt to steal our show's revenues by launching the World of Masonry, which will compete head on with our show. It is little secret that something had to be done. I am extremely pleased to announce to you today that your show, THE MASONRY SHOW, has far exceeded our expectations. In fact, it has far surpassed the record success we had last year, participating in the final Masonry Expo. The SHOW that you are here participating in, is by far the largest and most active program ever. New industry events such as the Masonry Skills Challenge, the Foreman Development Course, Blockbuster and the Masonry Habitat for Humanity home have been added to successful industry events such as the Excellence in Masonry Awards Program, the Architects' Masonry Symposium and the Keynote Speaker Luncheon. Never before has such an exciting program been offered. While our competitors are attempting to take valuable resources out of the masonry industry, it's comforting to know the MCAA has strengthened our resolve to prevent this from happening by conducting an exciting MASONRY SHOW. When you walk the show floor, please thank the exhibitors for being in your show, the mason contractors show. Ask them to continue that support and to resist efforts to lure them to other shows, such as the World of Masonry, that take valuable resources out of the industry...resources that continue programs that support our future as mason contractors.
Masonry Industry Council
For decades, the masonry industry has been splintered with numerous organizations vying for the attention of our customers. Union versus non-union, block versus brick, each bombarding our customers with conflicting messages. I am pleased to report that through the leadership of the MCAA, the masonry industry has finally come together under the banner of the Masonry Industry Council. Acting much like an industry board of directors, the MIC will seek to unify industry promotion, research, training, legislative action and, more importantly, to challenge the industry to combat competitive systems before they take our markets. Although the Masonry Industry Council is in its infancy, I am pleased by the unity and determination of each of the industry associations that have formed the MIC. I would like to thank our friends at the Brick Industry Association, the Portland Cement Association, the National Concrete Masonry Association and the Expanded Shale, Clay, Slate Institute for joining us to unite the masonry industry under the banner of