December 2007 Table of Contents Words: Dan KamysDecember 2007 Volume 46, Number 12 FEATURES Mortar for an Industry: The Natural Stone Council The Natural Stone Council joins us to discuss the organization, its initiatives, and the strides that they're making for the industry in the green building community. Reinforcing an Industry: Anchors, Fasteners and Connectors Masonry relies on specialized connectors, anchors and fasteners to assure solid system construction and reliability. In this issue, we'll discuss some typical — and maybe not so typical — products available for use with brick, block and stone, as well as what mason contractors and their crews need to know about these products. Benefits of Masonry Industry Software Technology is a fast-paced area that can give contractors who are "in the know" an extreme advantage. Whether in the office or out in the field, a software package is available to make tasks faster, safer and more productive. COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS For the Record President's Message Government Affairs Making The Grade New Products BAC/IMI Apprentice Contest MIA Awards Business Building Full Contact Project Management Masonry News Classified Advertising