November 2016: From the Editor

Words: Dan Kamys

Committees: Strong Commitment to the MCAA

Karen HickeyKaren D. Hickey, Editor - karen@lionhrtpub.com

Last month I wrote about the efforts of the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association to involve younger people in the masonry industry. I mentioned Brandon Hartsell, who is leading the charge in that state. Brandon was recently appointed co-chair of MCAA’s South of 40 Committee, and he’ll be working on a national level toward this effort. Congratulations to Brandon for this honor! Besides the South of 40 Committee, there are nine other committees working toward MCAA’s long-range goals. These include:
•    Bylaws •    Certification
•    Education •    Legislative
•    Marketing •    Membership
•    Safety •    Technical
•    Workforce Development
Committees are the building blocks for associations. It’s through strong committee structures that the work of successful associations is done. Committees and their chairmen, when motivated, help the organization involve members, develop direction and achieve its long-range goals. Any effective organization, whether it is a volunteer organization, private sector, or even governmental, can accomplish great tasks through strong, vital committee structures. The Mason Contractors Association of America is no different. MCAA’s ads read, “We are masonry. Together we are stronger.” While this is a call for membership in the association, it is also a call for active participation. The more we put into MCAA, the more we will get out of it and better our industry. MCAA has achieved significant milestones as a direct result of active committees. When members are committed to MCAA’s mission, the committees can carry on meaningful work, and successfully so. Volunteer for an MCAA committee today. Visit www.masoncontractors.org/committees to find out more. Save
When Schedules Tighten, Experience Shows
May 2026

In construction, schedules rarely open up; they tighten. Weather delays, trade coordination, and last-minute scope changes all add pressure, even on jobs that were planned down to the minute. When that happens, experienced masons don’t start cutting corne

Jeff Tew
MAP Partner
Read More
Five Truths About Final Brick Cleandown
May 2026

Not all truths are self-evident. Sometimes they’re easy to forget or clouded with misunderstanding. The good news is these truths of final cleandown are not hard to implement on your next project to ensure successfully cleaned and beautiful new brick.

Jake Boyer
MAP Partner
Read More
Shelf Angles and Their Impact on Wall Performance
May 2026

Shelf angles have long been a standard component in masonry construction. Installed at the slab edge, they provide support for brick veneer and are often treated as a routine detail. However, as building performance requirements evolve, particularly aroun

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More
Registration Now Open for the 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting in San Antonio, Texas
May 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the highly anticipated 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting, set to take place in San Antonio, Texas. This exciting event is scheduled from September 13th-1

Industry News
Read More