Masonry Magazine April 1982 Page. 11
to the "infusion of collective energies and new perspectives." In terms of long-range impact, Helbert termed the creation of the "new" International Masonry Institute as probably the most important advance made by MCAA in 1981, a "remarkable achievement."
"One year ago, the broad concept under which IMI now operates had not even been thought of," he said. "The joint MCAA/BAC programs-market promotion and apprenticeship and training-were operating separately. We had no MCAA/BAC research fund and no labor/management relations program other than bilateral meetings between our officers and the IU's officers.
"Today all this has changed, thanks to an all-out effort by both organizations. Under the 'new' IMI, we not only have for the first time a research and development program that is supported by collectively-bargained contributions and a continuing labor/management relations program, we also have the latitude to deal with other problems and opportunities on a joint basis.
"It is my sincere belief," he said, "that the kind of labor and management cooperation that has led to the new IMI can also lead us to a solution to the problem of competition from non-union contractors."
gram," he said, "is designed to exceed all budget deficits. Nevertheless, the economy has been doing its own thing while the Administration has been making other plans."
He said the government is "trying to do too much for the economy," and this will have a significant impact on the construction industry. "The 1981 Tax Act is extremely favorable to big business, and does very little for the small businessman," he noted. "The tax laws today are so complicated that the small businessman cannot figure out how to take advantage of the tax laws."
Dr. Mills indicated that American workers are working with "completely outdated" capital stock, and the U.S. is becoming more and more dependent on American producers like Japan. He added that the government "must do something to stop inflation, but not at the expense of the economy."
"Despite what the administration says, inflation, high interest rates and poor productivity are still with us and will probably continue for the balance of the year," Dr. Mills said.
Following Dr. Mills' talk, the keynote address was delivered by Dick Milham, president, Human Resource Services, Orlando, Fla. Milham captured the audience's at-
Featured speakers at the Conference included (from left) keynoter Dick Milham, president, Human Resource Services, Orlando, Fla.; Dr. D. Quinn Mills, professor, Harvard Graduate School of Business, and 1980-81 MCAA president Louis J. Helbert, Jr.
President Helbert left the membership with two long-range goals, as he prepared to take leave of his office after completing two successive one-year terms:
1. To double masonry's share of the building market, and to double the MCAA contractor's share of the masonry market by 1990.
2. To double the number of MCAA members in that period, and to increase the number of associate members to 1,000.
"If we adopt these goals," Helbert said, "we will be required to do a lot of things which we otherwise might postpone. The year 1990 is not that far away. To double our markets and membership by that time will require that we begin today, and that we continue without interruption. I hope that MCAA will make this commitment."
Following President Helbert on the speaker's platform was the noted economist and business analyst, D. Quinn Mills, Ph.D., professor of business administration in the Harvard Graduate School of Business. Dr. Mills articulately covered the principles of Reaganomics and the current Administration in Washington. "The President's pro-
tention with his enthusiastic and dynamic delivery punctuated with true-to-life anecdotes and plenty of humor. He stressed the power of ideas and being a good listener. "And the best way to gather some of the best ideas in the world," he said, "is to join an association. Terrific ideas are cropping up all the time during association business sessions and social affairs-if you just take the time to listen."
Milham concentrated on how to "stay alive and survive" in the 80s. Emphasizing the need for constant motivation of one's self, he held out the theory that "survivors set higher goals and take chances, survivors are creative, take pride in their work, and exude professionalism. There is strength in unity," he concluded, "and survivors work together within their industry."
The business day concluded with a return visit to the Trade Show, which enjoyed considerable attendance during the full three days of its run.
Tuesday, February 16, began with some apprehension among the membership. A night-long heavy rain threatened postponement of the "Masonry Industry Showcase," continued on page 13