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!
Concealed Lintels, Exposed Craftsmanship: Navigating High-Detail Brickwork
October 2026

In modern architecture, some of the most striking masonry features are the ones where the structural support is completely invisible. Concealed lintels, floating brick soffits, and intricate column projections create clean, continuous sightlines that high

Shayne Sanders
Technical Talks
Read More
Dust Mitigation in Masonry: Practical Strategies for Safer Job Sites
October 2026

Every day, masonry professionals cut block, grind mortar joints, core drill, mix dry materials, and demolish existing structures. These tasks are fundamental to the trade, but they also generate dust. While dust may seem like an unavoidable part of the jo

Greg Brown
Safety Library
Dust Extraction Systems Silica Safety Sponsored
Read More
General Shale Continues as a Gold Partner in 2027
October 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to announce that General Shale will continue as a Gold Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.

MAP Partner
MAP Partner
Read More
Unique Industries Kem-O-Kleen Remains a Silver Partner in 2027
October 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is pleased to announce that Unique Industries Kem-O-Kleen will remain as a Silver Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.

MAP Partner
MAP Partner
Read More