Masonry Magazine December 2009 Page. 35
INDUSTRY NEWS
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jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com
Compete Against the Best in the Industry
By Tim O'Toole
The MCAA is inviting all journeymen masons to compete in the annual Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition at the MCAA Convention at World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas, Feb. 4, 2010.
The Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition showcases the speed and skill of a journeyman mason and how important teamwork is in accomplishing a final product. With a time limit in place, each contestant must make certain decisions based on the judging criteria set forth. Only those journeymen masons who have the skill, confidence and courage to face off with the industry's best should compete. Winners of the contest will take home more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.
To submit a team (consisting of one journeyman mason and two tenders), visit www.fastesttrowel.com, and download the registration form. Registrations must be received by Dec. 23, 2009. Only 20 stalls are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those who are up to the challenge to prove they are the best.
For more information, contact the MCAA at 800-536-2225, or visit www.fastesttrowel.com.
Tim O'Toole is manager of information technology for the MCAA.
News From IMI
Apprentices Compete for "Top Trowel' Honors at Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers' International Apprentice Contest
A select group of talented, relative newcomers to the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) earned the distinction of top apprentices in eight trowel trades crafts at the BAC/IMI (International Masonry Institute) International Apprentice Contest, held in September at the BAC/IMI John J. Flynn International Training Center.
A total of 103 contestants competed in eight craft categories that included brick, cement, marble, plaster, PCC/restoration, stone, tile and terrazzo. BAC apprentices receive their training through Local Union training programs and the IMI.
Masonry Contest at N.C. State Fair
Rhett Hallman was the 1st-place winner at the 56th Annual Masonry Apprentice Contest at the North Carolina State Fair in October.
Hallman, who works for McGee Brothers Co., won a $325 premium from the State Fair, a plaque and an assortment of sponsor prizes for his efforts. Apprenticeships have been the backbone of North Carolina's work preparation programs for more than 70 years. Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction to prepare exceptional workers for North Carolina and America's industry.
Shown are: (top row) Gary Manning, contest judge; Jared Gandy, 2nd place; Rhett Kallman, 1st place; Calvin Brodie, contest planning committee; and Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry. (bottom row) Justin Helms, 5th place: Chris Lunsford, 4th place: Macy Williams, 3rd place and Doug Burton, head judge.
Jared Gandy, who also works for McGee Brothers Co., placed second. Macy Williams, who works for Brodie Contractors, took home 3rd-place honors.
Fifteen masonry apprentices competed in the contest. To be eligible to compete, apprentices must be registered in the occupation and training with an employer with a program registered with the N.C. Department of Labor. IMAS