Masonry Magazine February 2009 Page. 49
projects on the West Coast, where local and state governments increasingly require stronger, safer and more durable and sustainable materials with a smaller carbon footprint.
Environmental Systems
Acquires ECC Controls
Environmental Systems Inc. (ESI) has acquired ECC Controls Inc. (ECC) in a strategic growth move that expands ESI's technology offerings and its Midwest presence. ESI provides a wide range of technology and services in the areas of building automation, systems integration, networking and I.T. infrastructure, security, life safety, building operations and software applications in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. ECC provides temperature controls, building automation, energy management and security systems in Wisconsin and upper Michigan.
Escalante Elected
Chairman, Portland Cement Association
The Portland Cement Association (PCA) Board of Directors elected Enrique Escalante as chairman during the association's fall board meeting in Dallas. Escalante will serve a two-year term as PCA chairman, succeeding Charlie Sunderland of Ash Grove Cement Ca. Escalante is the current president of GCC of America in Denver. He joined GCC in 1999 as president of its Mexican division, moving to his current position in 2000. Prior to joining GCC, he had more than 20 years experience in management and sales positions in heavy industry and construction materials. In addition to serving as PCA's vice chairman for the past two years, he served as chairman of Research and Technical Council and Product Standards and Technology Committee. He also was a member of the Regional Promotion and Publications Committees.
AEM Launches 2009
Student Competition
High school students across the country have an opportunity to learn about construction-related careers through the Association of Equipment Manufacturers' (AEM) Construction Challenge teen competition. The AEM Construction Challenge, a problem-solving program in its second year, is introducing students across the country to the skills they could be using on the jobsite in the coming years, as federal and state governments seek to fund badly needed infrastructure projects through an economic stimulus package and other funding mechanisms.
On Feb. 7, more than 230 student teams will participate in 15 regional qualifying rallies designed to engage teens through a hands-on, educational experience. AEM sponsors the Construction Challenge in partnership with the Destination ImagiNation nonprofit organization. The challenge offers an opportunity for students, teachers, parents and community leaders to learn more about available industry careers, as well as how critical off-road equipment is to creating and maintaining the high quality of life enjoyed in Europe and North America. The Feb. 7 regional rallies are scheduled for Atlanta; Boston; Chicago.
MCAA Certification Calendar
The following is the MCAA's education calendar for certification:
March 5
Course:
Designing with Masonry and Other Things You May Not Have Thought of
Location: Knoxville, Tenn.
Discipline: General
Credits: 3
March 12
Course:
Designing with Masonry and Other Things You May Not Have Thought of
Location: Chattanooga, Tenn.
Discipline: General
Credits: 3
March 18
Course:
Masonry Wall Bracing Course
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Discipline: Safety
Credits: 4
March 18
Course:
MISL Post-Installed Masonry Anchors
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Discipline: Masonry Products
Credits: 1
March 25
Course:
MISL Masonry Design Aid: Direct Design
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Discipline: General
Credits: 1
April 8
Course:
MISL Seismic Overview for Masonry Construction
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Discipline: Codes & Standards
Credits: 1
April 15
Course:
MISL IBC and Special Inspections
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Discipline: Codes & Standards
Credits: 1
May 20
Course:
MISL Structural Design Aid: RAM Masonry Module
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Discipline: General
Credits: 1
May 27
Course:
MISL Thomas F. Walsh Memorial Lecture: Theodore Link, Architect
Location: St. Louis, Mo.
Discipline: General
Credits: 1
Online Program
Course:
OSHA 10 Hour Construction Industry Training Program
Location: Online
Discipline: Safety
Credits: 10
Note: More online classes available at masoncontractors.org.
For more information or to register for any of these programs, please go to http://certification.masoncontractors.org/education/index.php