Masonry Magazine November 2002 Page. 48
Masonry News
Region "A" Skills Challenge
Twenty-three apprentices from Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia competed in the annual Region "A" Skills Challenge, held in Winchester, Va., at the Supreme Block Co. Plant. Both open shop and union contractors competed side by side and the winner in the 1st year group is a union apprentice.
The winners were in the first year Darrayl McNiel (EGS Masonry), 2nd Year Kevin Willis (LF Jennings Masonry), and 3rd Year Dennis Keadle (Karon Masonry). The first place winners will represent the region in the national competition in Tampa, Fla., next March.
"This is the fourth year I have run this Skills Challenge, and it has grown each year," says Rob Greer, MCAA Region "A" Vice President and a masonry estimator for L.F. Jennings, Inc.
Note: If you have the results and pictures of any awards or competitions, please let us know! Contact us by phone at (770) 431-0867, or by e-mail at jen@lionhrtpub.com.
President's Letter continued from page 6 of exhibit space to Construct America. The MCAA Board was extremely interested in the possibility of Showcase joining Construct America because of the benefit to our contractor attendees, meeting with their architect customers, as well as participating in all of the industry education.
In addition probably one of the greatest benefits of partnering with CSI is that our show will become probably one of the largest promotional tools that our industry has-the possibilities become endless.
Needless to say, the MCAA Board is evaluating a possible joint venture as we look to enter into negotiations with the CSI. The first joint effort would take place in 2005.
I am extremely proud of the record of accomplishment that the MCAA has compiled on behalf of our industry's mason contractors. But, our association could accomplish so much more-promoting more work for our industry, fighting effectively for more favorable regulations from our nations Capitol, and seeking favorable code changes.
If you are reading this magazine, you are enjoying a service of the association. And if you are reading this article and you are not a member, you should call us today and join our efforts. Just because you belong to a local mason contractor organization does not mean that your local group is affiliated with the MCAA. Call us today at (800) 536-2225 to support our efforts to make the industry so much more profitable for all of us.
Old News
Recognize this unit? Many "old timer" readers have been around long enough to have either used or seen in the back of the equipment yard, perhaps-mixers like this one. According to Multiquip, current parent company of Essick, this mortar/plaster mixer came into use about 1923.
Does your company have photos of old equipment from the bygone days of masonry? Masonry magazine is starting a collection of photos of equipment and jobs from the first half of the 20th century-and earlier if possible. If you care to contribute, send your photos to us and tell us as much as you can about what is seen in them. Dates, building and company names, names of people, whatever you can provide will help us display the history of masonry in the United States and Canada.
Photos will be returned after digital scanning if you provide a return address and request that we send them back to you. Otherwise, they will be filed in the MCAA archives. Submission of photos and identification grants Masonry Magazine the right to publish the photo with proper attribution in future issue of the publication.
Photographs and descriptions should be sent to: Tom Inglesby, Editor, Masonry Magazine, Lionheart Publishing, 506 Roswell St., Suite 220, Marietta, GA. 30060.