Masonry Magazine June 2006 Page. 17
2006 MASONRY INDUSTRY
SLATIVE
ERENCE
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JENNIE FARNSWORTH
For the first time ever, mason contractors, brick and block manufacturers, and stone quarriers gathered in Washington, D.C., to promote industry-friendly reform and legislation. Held April 24-26, the Masonry Industry Legislative Conference - consisting of the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), Brick Industry Association, Building Stone Institute and National Concrete Masonry Association allowed members of the masonry industry to get involved in their business's legislative future and help promote the best building system in the world.
"The conference provided an excellent opportunity for members of the masonry industry to personally meet with their members of Congress in order to educate them about issues specific to our industry," said Jessica Johnson Bennett, MCAA director of government affairs. "During the conference, MCAA members were able to show that MCAA is a strong grassroots organization that is leading the fight to protect the interests of its members and protect the long-term viability of the masonry industry as a whole."
Michael Adellizzi, MCAA executive director, added, "One of MCAA's long-range strategic visions is to unite the industry to work cooperatively. Nothing can impact our industry more than a unified industry working to impact regulation and legislation coming out of Washington, D.C. We were proud to have been a driving force in making this conference happen."
Speakers
Throughout this groundbreaking event, attendees got the chance to interact with members of Congress and several different federal agencies, including the White House Domestic Policy Council, Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. Here are a few excerpts from some of the speaker sessions.
Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Blackburn kicked off the Opening Session Breakfast on Tuesday, April 25, discussing many of the key legislation that members were interested in hearing more about.
MASONRY INDUSTRY
LEGISLATIVE
Jessica Johnson Bennett, MCAA Director of Government Affairs
"One of MCAA's long-range strategic visions is to unite the industry to work cooperatively."
- Michael Adelizzi, MCAA executive director
June 2006
Masonry 15