Masonry Magazine March 2001 Page. 35
Objectives:
1. Increase the number of masonry training programs (high schools, vo- tech, job corps, community colleges, apprenticeship programs).
2. Increase the number of apprentices being hired and trained.
3. Increase number of high schools offering a career day in masonry.
4. Increase participation in job fairs.
5. Expand our alliances with industry organizations to work together to train and recruit workers.
6. Monitor the number of contractors hiring apprentices.
7. Reduce the stigma associated with careers in masonry.
STATEGICALLY THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE
Utilizing the method of strategic governance, the Board of Directors of the Mason Contractors Association of America and its members, through this new long range strategic plan, is beginning to evaluate the impact that the association is having on the future profitability of its members and the viability of masonry. Simply stated, the association will begin to allocate greater association resources in vital programs that will assist member mason contracting firms to not just survive but to thrive in the future. If assumptions that the Board of the MCAA made about the future of construction are correct, it has become increasingly more important for the MCAA to think long term about advancing the interests of our members. Can the association protect members from competition? Can the association stem the tide of intrusive government regulations and the upheaval of political change? Can the MCAA keep members ahead of the rapidly changing tide of code and standards changes that can bankrupt mason contractors? Can the association encourage a ground swell of interest in careers in masonry so the masonry industry will not be hit as hard as other construction trades? The first step of saying "yes" to all of these questions lies with the development of this new long range vision.
We have debated long and hard about publishing the MCAA's Long Range Plan. After all, there are many who may use this document against us. Maybe so, but by keeping where the MCAA is leading the industry a secret, we would only be thwarting those mason contractors and suppliers who would join our campaign from participating with us. We know where we are going. Our competitors know where we are going. But armed with a strong conviction of where it is that we want to take the masonry industry, and an equally strong trust in mason contractors joining our effort, can our competitors really stop the MCAA from making masonry the dominant building material?
The future will tell us if we are right!
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MASONRY MARCH, 2001 35