Masonry Magazine February 2001 Page. 6
president's message
PARTNERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE
Strengthening the Ties to Build a Stronger Industry
During the past several years, officers of the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association and the Mason Contractors Association of America began a dialog to build closer ties between our two associations. Ties that could benefit members of both associations as well as the entire industry. During our initial meetings, what we discovered was that our two sister organizations were facing many of the same problems. We both faced issues of finding a sufficient labor force to hire, contending with less than responsive general contractors, an overbearing government and relentless attacks from competitive construction products against our systems. What we found was that we were allies separated only by a common border.
It became clear that the membership of both our associations could greatly benefit from both organizations working together on programs of mutual interest and concern. We began sharing how each association operated, what issues we focused our efforts toward, and how we provided leadership for our members in the masonry industry. We began to learn from each other and moved toward an alliance that would undoubtedly strengthen the entire masonry industry. What we found was that as we more fully understood each other, the borders that separated us began to disappear.
As a result of the dialog that began two years ago, we have developed a much stronger partnership. One that has resulted is conducting events such as the Masonry Skills Challenge and the building of a Habitat for Humanity home for a less fortunate family. Events such as these not only strengthened the ties between contractors, but also strengthened the ties between Canadian and U.S. masons as well. We are very proud of such events because they are visible signs that, as contractors, we are united and capable of working together for the benefit of our members. What we are most proud of is that we can make the difficult decisions to lead the masonry industry.
What is now clear to us, is that as associations that represent mason contractors, we are in a unique position to provide the leadership to unite the industry and fight for a larger share of the construction pie for everyone. As contractors, we are the ultimate responsible person. We interact with customers, hire the labor to install our products, buy the material and ultimately, we must meet all of our industry's customer requirements. There is no one for us to hide behind. The buck stops with us.
Therefore, we believe it is the contractor who must step forward to provide the needed leadership to guarantee the future for the entire industry. Undoubtedly, the price of leadership comes at a cost. Not everyone relishes the thought of the contractor taking a more defined role of leadership. With stronger partnerships, like the one we have forged between the MCAA and the CMCA, we believe that the tough decisions that need to be made will be made - void of all the politics that has so blinded our industry for decades.
As long as the contractors remain allied and unified, the future remains bright for everyone. We call on all mason contractors to set aside their differences to unite for the benefit of the entire industry. It does not matter if you are a union or open shop contractor. Our true competition is not each other, but tilt-up, glass and steel. We must remove the boundaries that separate us because as mason contractors, we are all in the fight together for a stronger future. We urge you to join with us to forge a partnership for the future. If you are not a member of either of our associations, we ask you to join today. If you are a member, we ask you to become active and help to strengthen the ties that build a stronger industry, not only today but also for the future.
Richard M. Johnston,
President MCAA
Ronald Winkler,
President, Canadian Masonry
Contractors' Association
6 MASONRY FEBRUARY, 2001