Masonry Magazine January 2005 Page. 58
News
Industry News continued from page 54
Rosendale, in the Hudson River valley. Collectively, the cements produced in this region became known as "Rosendale cement."
Natural cement is different from modern Portland cement in that it is made entirely from a particular type of limestone, while Portland cement is produced from artificial mixtures of stone, clay, gypsum and other additives. Modern Portland cements are harder than natural cements, but are also more brittle. While high strength was the main reason Portland cement became the dominant technology in the 20th century, it also limits the modern cement's usefulness in historic restoration work. Brick and sandstone used for building construction in the 19th century were softer materials than modern concrete, and they require a more flexible binder to prevent damage to the softer masonry that can result from stresses created by harder, more rigid cements.
Experts in the restoration of historic buildings and structures also have long been aware of the extraordinary durability of natural cement, as many of the structures built more than 100 years ago survive today with very little deterioration, compared with more modern construction. While historic restoration guidelines generally favor use of the same materials as those used in the original construction, when they are available, natural cement has been unavailable in North America for more than 35 years. The Rosendale Natural Cement reintroduced by Edison Coatings is the authentic, traditional cement used in the 19th century, produced from the same argillaceous limestone mined in Rosendale, N.Y., for more than a century. Restoration professionals will now have the option to produce repairs that are as durable and as compatible as the original structures on which they are used.
LBX Hires Additional Region Manager
LBX Company, LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Elias S. Chakour to the position of Region Manager-Sales, effective Nov. 29, 2004. He will cover the East Coast territory. Elias comes to LBX with an extensive 26-year career in the construction equipment industry, having held management positions in field sales, national accounts, general sales management, and most recently-in distribution as the Moody-Tampa Branch Manager.
Ellas S. Chakour
He earned his MBA in Marketing from Roosevelt University, Chicago, and earned his BA in Education and History from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
Note: Feeling left out? Send your company's press releases and photos to: jen@lionhrtpub.com.
MCAA Promotes Apprenticeship Training through Legislation
On November 16, Congressman Mark Foley (R-FL) introduced a bill, H.R. 5366, which would authorize an enhanced (or double) tax deduction for contractors with certified apprenticeship training programs when the costs of their training meet or exceed 1% of their overall labor costs. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
This legislation is the product of much negotiation and compromise. MCAA had originally proposed a tax credit of up to $10,000 for the training and education of each apprentice, with a maximum of three new apprentices each year. The new bill has no ceiling for apprentices, and because it proposes a tax deduction in lieu of a tax credit, we believe its chances of passage are greatly enhanced. Tax credits are not the most popular means of promoting programs, and this new approach would simply allow contractors to double what is currently an ordinary business expense.
Because the bill was introduced in a lame-duck session, it will have to be reintroduced in the next Congress. At that point MCAA will be looking for more sponsors for the bill in the House and a
Apprenticeship continued on page 58
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CONCRETE, MASONRY WALL SCRAPER
6" Handle Standard
NEW MASONRY JOINT CLEANER
5/8" halfround slotted carbide/ 3/8" cutting slot
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Remove excess mortar from block or brick
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form joints
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CIRCLE 177 ON READER SERVICE CARD
56 Masonry
January 2005