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!
The GT30: A Block Laying Robot by Shanghai Intelligent Masonry Technology

China is the world's largest construction market and the largest producer and user of various types of building blocks (AAC blocks, hollow concrete blocks, porous clay sintered blocks, etc.). According to industry association statist

About: Featured
Brick in Architecture Awards is Now Open!

Lay the Foundation for Success: Enter the 2024 Brick Awards Today! The Brick in Architecture Awards celebrates the world’s most innovative and sustainable architectural designs, all centered around the creative use of clay

About: Featured
Concrete Masonry Checkoff Program Webinars

Join us for an insightful Program Webinar on October 29th at 12 PM ET/11 AM CT, where you will hear directly from industry leaders Jeff Buczkiewicz and Ryan Shaver. They will discuss two pivotal programs shaping the future of the masonry industry: the Nat

MCAA Opens Door for Joining Committees

The Mason Contractors Association of America is announcing an open invitation to all industry professionals interested in joining our diverse range of committees. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a collaborative environment w

About: Featured