MCAA Regional Report, Region A

Words: Joe BonifateConnecticut - John Duffy
Delaware - Gregg Furtaw
Maine - No State Chairman
Massachusetts - Paul Cantarella
New Hampshire - Kerry Gagnon
New Jersey - No State Chairman
New York - No State Chairman
Pennsylvania - Christopher Shirley
Rhode Island - No State Chairman
Vermont - Guy Tedesco

Safety

Connecticut

No Report

Delaware

Smaller contractors not up to speed with new silica rule and no OSHA citations have been reported regarding the new silica standard. Larger contractors are prepared for the new rule.

Massachusetts

98% of contractors are not doing anything about the new silica rule. There is a total lack of preparation.

New Hampshire

In general contractors in this area are prepared for the new silica rule.

Pennsylvania

There has been a good del of silica related training offered in the state. Most reputable contractors are preparing for dust free work areas.

Vermont

The larger contractors seem to lead the way as far as safety training and continued preparation of the new silica rule. Many of the companies in the state, as with many trades, seem to be in the latter stages of their progression.

Workforce Development

Connecticut

No Report

Delaware

Contractors can staff the projects they have. There are no trade schools to speak of in the area.

Massachusetts

Contractors can staff the projects they have. There are trade schools in the area but they have little impact on helping the masonry industry workforce.

New Hampshire

Contractors can staff the projects they have but would take on more projects if there was available workforce. There are no trade schools in the area.

Pennsylvania

Parts of the state have seen a great deal of rain shortening the season and creating additional workforce issues. There are many trade schools that offer employable workers upon graduation.

Vermont

The current workforce is in high demand when the college projects are in full swing at once and as usual, the demand decreases during the winter months. Subcontracting labor occurs very rarely in the state and there are currently no workforce development programs of any viable availability. There is no union presence in the state.

Economic Conditions

Connecticut

No Report

Delaware

There is projected economic growth in the area. This area also has a good deal of restoration projects.

Massachusetts

This area is seeing all sectors remain steady other than education which is seeing an increase. There is restoration work in this area.

New Hampshire

The educational and commercial sectors are seeing a decrease in this state. There is restoration work in the area.

Pennsylvania

Many sectors are seeing increased activity and there is restoration work in the area.

Vermont

The outlook for the upcoming work load is positive and on pace for possibly a small increase from previous years. This is due to the larger commercial projects, which are in the northern part of the state, around the Burlington area, where there are three or four colleges within close proximity. This city is also on Lake Champlain, which has helped a steady stream of the larger residential projects.

The ski resorts across the state have directed most of their funds to trail and chair lift type improvements with minimal masonry upgrades over the past couple of years. There has been a small spike in school safety upgrades, due to recent potential gun issues at elementary and high schools.

Marketing

Connecticut

No Report

Delaware

Masonry is promoted to architects, builders, and educational systems primarily through literature, TV, and radio.

Massachusetts

Masonry is marketed to architects and builders but not by much.

New Hampshire

There is no marketing of masonry being done to speak of.

Pennsylvania

Masonry is promoted to architects, builders, and educational systems using literature and social media.

Vermont

Masonry is somewhat promoted in the area primarily through social media.

Competition

Connecticut

No Report

Delaware

Wood materials are also being promoted in this area to the same audience and in the same methods.

Massachusetts

Wood is being marketed heavily and they are using social media.

New Hampshire

Wood and competing materials are being promoted to builders, architects, and educational systems primarily through literature.

Pennsylvania

Wood and other competing materials are heavily marketed to architects, builders, and educational systems.

Vermont

Competing materials are promoted through social media and printed literature.

Other

Connecticut

No Report

Delaware

Misclassified workers are an issue in this area. There are migrant workers in the region that drive down the cost.

Massachusetts

There are no migrant workers reported in this area, but misclassifying workers is an issue.

New Hampshire

Misclassified and migrant workers are an issue for contractors in the area.

Pennsylvania

Misclassified workers are an issue in this area.

Vermont

Migrant workers are an issue in this area.
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