Masonry Magazine June 2008 Page. 10
For The Record
Jennifer Morrell
Editor
jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com
Climbing 'The Hill'
Does it really matter if a group of industry professionals converge on Capitol Hill in Washington to voice concerns, have face-to-face meetings with Congressmen and hear what legislators have to say? You bet.
I think most Americans tend to believe that Washington, D.C., is its own universe with its own reality that we "regular folks" can only be part of by watching the news or one of many nighttime shows with a news format. Nonsense!
Washington is a real place, reachable by car, train, bus or plane (or, with today's gas prices, a bicycle). And, guess what? Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives are real, too. Real people, just like you and me, who want to do what they were elected to do: serve the people of the United States. They can't possibly determine the best way to vote on issues and make decisions that will best serve you, if you aren't conveying your opinions and concerns.
Last month, members of the masonry industry, the MCAA and the National Concrete Masonry Association attended a Legislative Conference at the nation's capitol. In addition to hearing from several members of Congress regarding their views on legislation that affects the masonry industry, including Estate Tax, Immigration Reform, Military Construction (MilCon) and SILICA, we had the opportunity to lobby. I personally visited the offices of Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr. (D-Ga.) and Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.) to discuss our industry's concern over Estate Tax and MilCon. I believe that, as individuals and as a group, we made a difference.
Oh, and there's the small matter of Washington being home to the country's most rich heritage and historical monuments, as well as national museums (with free admission). A colorful picture or well-crafted movie doesn't do the trick. Take yourself and your family to be a part of this indescribable energy-an energy that could only come about after centuries of men and women working in the same buildings and on the same streets to make America the wonderful country it is today. IMAS
COMING NEXT ISSUE
Be sure to catch the July issue of Masonry, which will feature articles covering current trends and examine industry issues, including:
# BRICKLAYERS' TOOLS
Your arsenal of masonry tools is stocked full -or is it? What new and exciting tools could you be using to enhance your business? Masonry examines the latest and greatest bricklayers' tools.
# MANUFACTURED STONE
Masonry looks at what's new in the world of manufactured stone, from new products to trends and techniques.
# BIM
What exactly is a Building Information Model (BIM)? How does it work, and how can it benefit mason contractors? Masonry explores this trend and how it can affect your business in a positive way.
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Marvin Diamond
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E-mail: marvin@lionhrtpub.com
MASONRY
The Voice of the Masonry Indust
MASONRY Magazine
Official Publication of the
Mason Contractors Association of America and the
Canadian Masonry Contractors Association
MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
President Tom Daniel
Vice President Mackie Bounds
Secretary John Smith, Jr.
Treasurer Mark Kemp
Regional Vice Presidents
Robert E. Barnes, Jr. Richard Porter
Ron Bennett Tim Spilker
Edwin Davenport Mike Sutter
Douglas Nichols Roy Swindal
Executive Director Jeff Buczkiewicz
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Government Affairs Representatives The Keelen Group
Director of Membership Mandy Adams
Manager of Information Technology Timothy W. O'Toole
Administrative Assistant Ann Trownsell
Consultant Rashod Johnson
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Robert L. Nelson (Robert L. Nelson & Associates, Inc.), David Jolley (Jolley
Masonry Contractors), John Chrysler (MMA), John Melander (PCA), David
(Pettit Construction Co.), John J. Smith (John J. Smith Masonry Co.), Brian
(Grant/Jack's Masonry), Jerry Painter (Painter Masonry, Inc.), Doug
(Doug Nichols Enterprises), G. Alan Griffin (Griffin Contracting, Inc.), Tom
(GBC Concrete and Masonry Construction, Inc.)
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The Voice of the Masonry Industry