Masonry Magazine July 2005 Page. 47
Work as a member of the official team of engineers that studied the disaster. Biggs has made his presentations around the country and has donated all his speaking fees to the "New York September 11° Firefighters' Counseling Support Foundation." Wolter discussed the programs of RMMI, including mason contractor certification, a program presently being discussed as a possibility for NCMCA.
Longtime member Freddie McMahan, Owner of McMahan Insurance and Employee Benefits of Lexington, N.C., was presented the Association's prestigious "Eleanor Flowers Upton" award. Named for NCMCA's first Executive Director, the award is presented to recognize "long-term and exemplary service to NCMCA by an Associate member."
In the 31-year history of the Association, the award has been presented a total of only seven times, counting McMahan's recognition as part of NCMCA's annual convention. McMahan has been active in NCMCA since the early eighties and is responsible for the creation of the very successful health and benefits portion of the NCMCA Insurance Program. McMahan is presently working with a talented team of professionals to create a benefits program for MCAA.
Convention sponsors were Cemex, Adams Products Company, EZ Grout/ Grout Hog, The Amerisure Companies, McMahan Insurance, The NCMCA Insurance Program, TriSure Corporation, Giant Cement, Gaston Rentals and Kirby Construction Services.
The 2006 NCMCA Convention is April 27-30 at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
BAC Rides to the Rescue of Texas Mason Contractor
With high-profile projects on the books and a skilled manpower shortage, one of Texas largest mason contractors turned for help to the International Union.
BAC delivered training right to the jobsite for Amarillo's 70,700 SF, four-level, 1,300-seat performing arts center, scheduled for a fall debert. The Colorado sandstone building features a sweeping roofline and a retractable acoustic shell.
of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). The collective bargaining agreement signed in April between BAC Local 5 Oklahoma/Arkansas/Texas and Brazos Masonry, Inc., of Waco, Texas, represents a turning point for the firm, which had operated 15 years without one.
"It was the best business decision I've ever made," says Mackie Bounds, CEO.
"Affordable Housing" Coming to a City Near You
Last year, the National Building Museum's (NBM) exhibition "Affordable Housing: Designing an American Asset was on view in Washington, D.C, where it joined the discussion of what a home means to many Americans, and what good design means to affordable housing. The exhibition surveyed the beginnings of affordable housing in 19th-century America, examined the designs that characterized early and mid 20-century developments, and looked at 18 examples of the newest and best in affordable housing today.
The 18 featured projects represented rural and urban settings across the nation, so it's fitting that the "Affordable Housing" exhibition is preparing to tour sites from Connecticut to Washington state.
The designs and strategies of the 21" century are showing real signs that affordable housing can be an asset for a community, by mixing uses, styles and income levels. Over the next year, you can check them out at the following venues:
Museum of History and Industry
Seattle
July 1-Aug. 27, 2005
The Lyceum
Partnership for Strong
Communities
Hartford, Conn.
Sept. 1-Oct. 16, 2005
Museum of Design, Atlanta
Atlanta
Jan. 21-March 19, 2006
I Space
Chicago
Aug. 4-20, 2006
If "Affordable Housing" doesn't make it to a venue near you, you can visit the online exhibition at www.nbm.org/Exhibits/online/affordable housing/ah index.html.
For more information on the National Building Museum or to learn about other exhibits, please visit www.nbm.org.