Positive Changes on the Horizon

Words: James FarnsworthAlthough the New Year is still four months away, it's already stirring up some exciting news for the masonry industry. The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is taking some revolutionary steps to increase exposure, spread knowledge, and motivate the masonry industry into a better tomorrow.

The first of several steps is MCAA's financial assistance for the amazing MasonrySystems.org website. Designed and created by the Masonry Executives Council and Whole Wheat Creative, an advertising and marketing firm in Houston, this innovative website will provide the masonry industry a collective front, offering information, inspiration and interaction for architects, engineers, specifiers, builders, owners and other masonry clientele. Finally, the industry will be on the right track to collectively provide the information and knowledge that the architect, engineer and construction (AEC) community needs to better understand and utilize masonry systems.

Taking that a step further, MCAA is taking the lead in sponsoring a new Lionheart Publishing magazine, titled Masonry Design, which will begin in January 2008. Provided to 17,000 professional AEC decision-makers, this magazine will complement MasonrySystems.org. Offering features and departments on masonry systems, design, standards, engineering, new products, trends and other information, this two-front approach to promoting the masonry industry is a sure-fire way to increase masonry understanding and market share.

These two initiatives, along with the National Mason Contractor Certification program, will put the masonry industry back on the map. The MCAA is taking tremendous strides in making your business and industry better. If you are not a member of the MCAA, you need to put your support into the organization that is supporting you. Join now! Call 800-536-2225, or visit www.masoncontractors.org.

In addition to the changes that MCAA is making toward your future, Masonry magazine is changing as well.

As many of you have read in my columns over the years, I am not only the editor of Masonry and Building Stone Magazine, but I am co-owner of a photography business as well. After years of working full-time for Lionheart Publishing and helping run my business during the evenings and weekends, I've reached a point where it's time to make the leap to full-time self-employment. While I may still write articles from time to time for the industry's magazines, it's time to hang up my masonry hardhat and focus all of my efforts on my own business.

I have to admit that this change is very bittersweet for me. I have been editor of Masonry for more than five years. I have made friends with so many of you and, wherever I go, the experiences and everything that I have learned from you will always be with me. Thank you all for a wonderful five years, and I wish you, your businesses and the MCAA continued success well into the future.

With that being said, I am pleased to announce that Jennifer Morrell, a seasoned veteran of the magazine industry, will take over the editor position for Masonry. Having a father who owns a construction company and having been raised in the business, Jennifer has what it takes to bring this magazine, step for step, with every advance the industry makes in the near future. For news, information or article ideas, please feel free to contact her at jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com.

Thank you all!
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