Report of the MCAA MasonrySystems.org Committee

Words: Imani Brodie

Progress Report

Website statistics (from January 1 — December 15, 2014):
  • Sessions
    • 2013: 38,019
    • 2014: 75,499
  • Unique Users
    • 2013: 32,985
    • 2014: 65,947
  • Pageviews
    • 2013: 91,875
    • 2014: 188,845
The site has had visitors from over 180 different countries.

As demonstrated from the statistics above, visits and users have more than doubled over the past year just from word of mouth promotion and limited advertising. As sponsorship dollars increase and widespread advertising becomes a reality, these numbers will only continue to grow.

Funding

The following sponsorships were collected in 2014:
  • $11,500.00 in MEC Dues from ten associations
  • $2,000.00 in banner advertisements from four companies
  • $2,500.00 in Online Sponsorships from ten companies
Sponsorship opportunities are available to accommodate any budget. These sponsorships are the primary revenue generator for the website.
  • MEC Dues ($1,000.00/year)
    Each state association is encouraged to pay this fee once per year to help offset costs.

  • Banner Advertisements ($500.00/year)
    To any supplier, contractor, or other affiliate who may be interested in a banner ad placed throughout the website.

  • Online Sponsorship ($250.00/year)
    Names of these sponsors will be featured on the “Sponsorship” page with links to that company’s website.
Every sponsorship dollar is put back into the MasonrySystems.org promotional effort. Contributions help fund MasonrySystems.org and allow for continued improvements to the site and to promote the use of masonry throughout the country, but more specifically, in local markets.

Banner advertisements and sponsorships can be purchased online at www.masonrysystems.org/advertise.

Emerging Technologies

Information has been added to the MasonrySystems.org over the past year on emerging technologies, such as building information modeling (BIM), green building, and more.

Additional Content

Associations, contractors and suppliers are encouraged to support the site by submitting new content, especially with regards to masonry details to download and project profiles for the gallery. To submit content, please contact Tim O’Toole at 800-536-2225 or via email at totoole@masoncontractors.org.

Goals for 2015

As a committee, we have set the following goals for 2015:
  • Continue to pursue new material to post to site
  • Continue to promote the site with dollars raised for the site
  • Sell advertising to the site
  • Develop a promotional tool to sell
Contractor Tip of the Month: Get Used to the Pain
April 2026

Pain isn’t just negative; it’s a natural part of growing and improving. Instead of seeing pain as a reason to quit, recognize it as a sign you’re making progress. What sets successful people apart is their ability to stay calm and keep going when things g

Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees
April 2026

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.