August 2016: From the Editor

Words: Dan Kamys

Excellence in Masonry

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

There’s always something big happening in the masonry industry. In June, the 52nd annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Ky., featured a masonry competition. Gold, silver and bronze awards were bestowed at both secondary and post-secondary levels. Regional qualifiers for the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500™ have started taking place and will continue through October, in preparation for the World Championship at World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas on Jan. 18, 2017. Training programs for both students and journeymen masons are offered year-round. Check with your state’s masonry contractors association or the MCAA for the next webinar or seminar near you. Though not without its challenges, the masonry industry is indeed “alive and well” (see the Special Report), and it’s progressing. Masonry-related organizations in Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin have already presented their awards of excellence for outstanding projects for 2016, while the AIA Montana, AIA Nebraska (sponsored by the Nebraska Masonry Alliance), and the Arizona Masonry Guild are currently judging entries. The 2016 Brick in Architecture Awards Competition has also released the names of its winning projects. To my knowledge, two 2016 Excellence in Masonry Awards programs are still open for entries:
  • Masonry Institute of Washington, deadline: Aug. 5.
  • Ohio Masonry Association, deadline: Nov. 30.
Even the Masonry Contractors Australia Ltd. is accepting entries until Aug. 1 for its “Excellence in Brick and Blocklaying Awards” — proof that programs like this aren’t limited to North America and that excellence in masonry is being recognized around the world. If you would like Masonry magazine to help promote your organization’s events, seminars or awards programs, email me at karen@lionhrtpub.com. Let’s spread the word!
Masonry in the Media: Fenway Park, Trim Castle, & More
February 2026

The settings of films influence the atmosphere of a scene and immerse the viewers in their movie-going experience. From Parisienne train stations to Boston baseball parks, these four masonry-made structures set the scene in the films they were featured in

Lily Burger
Masonry in the Media
Read More
2026 Masonry Hall Of Fame Nominations Are Open
February 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Masonry Hall of Fame, brought to you on behalf of the MCAA's Cornerstone Partners. Nominations will close on March 31, 2026.

Dan Kamys
News and Events
Read More
Outreach Outlook: Celebrating CTE Month and the Madness of Masonry
February 2026

As we settle into February, the masonry industry turns its focus to a celebration that lies at the very heart of our mission: National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. For the Outreach & Education Division, this isn't just a date on the calen

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Stop Juggling: The Best Way to Master Your Masonry Job Sites
January 2026

You’re in the business of building structures that will stand for generations. Yet, too often, the process of managing the job site feels built on quicksand. Every construction project manager knows the feeling: the constant, fra

Erin Koets
Technical Talks
Read More