February 2008: President's Message

Words: Dan KamysFebruary 2008 President's Message

New Horizons

Tom DanielTom Daniel President, Mason Contractors Association of America

It was a great honor for me to be installed as the new president of the MCAA in January at the annual convention in Las Vegas. There have been so many respected individuals who have done a superb job in this position. I will endeavor to work hard and maintain the integrity and leadership that the MCAA has built over the years. I also want to thank the immediate past presidents, especially President Frank Campitelli, for their mentorship in my preparation for this esteemed position. Having served many years as a senior board member and regional VP, I was involved with developing long-term goals for the association.

For my two years in office I would like to focus on the following.

Convention

During the last year, we have made many exciting changes in the organization. We are no longer in the "show business." We have a stable schedule and have agreed to have our annual convention in conjunction with the World of Masonry for the next five years in Las Vegas. We will strive to improve the Mason Contractor show and seminar attendance.

Membership Growth

Our focus is changing to help our members, mason contractors, which, in essence, is our customer. MCAA is committed to providing programs with regards to training, education, codes and standards, legislation, OSHA, etc., to help your business prosper.

Certification

Our goal will be to help all mason contractors who want to become certified to do so. MCAA has developed this program by contractors, for contractors. It was developed not be a detriment to contractors but as an added asset for their businesses. Being certified is a recognition to show that you, as mason contractors, have taken the extra steps to be quality contractors. In many respects, it is like continuing education to show that you are keeping up with the changes in the industry.

Legislation

The MCAA will continue to have an industry presence in Washington to insure we have a voice in protecting our businesses, employees and family from legislation adverse to our needs.

I look forward to the next two years and am excited about working with the MCAA staff and our board members to accomplish these goals.

I would like to ask for your support in making the entire industry a more effective and profitable environment for all of us. Feel free to contact me with your input and suggestions through our national office.

     
About: President's Message
From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,

Matt Dibara
Business Management
Read More
Finding the Right PPE for Your Work
January 2026

When it comes to PPE, one thing’s for sure: safety isn’t one size fits all. The work you’re doing, where you’re doing it, and even what time of year it is, can all make a big difference in what gear actually works. Price, comfort, and job performance all

Greg Brown
Safety Library
Read More
Back Injuries: The Real Cost and How to Prevent Them
January 2026

The mention of back injuries makes mason contractors cringe, and for good reason. Masons lift heavy objects every day, all day long. When a person sustains a back injury, it is serious. It affects every part of their life, from their ability to perform wo

Zach Everett
Safety Library
Read More
Detailing for Durability: The 2026 Guide to High-Performance Stone Veneer Transitions
January 2026

Some of the most expensive failures involving manufactured stone veneer installations don’t come from the stone at all, but rather from the material transitions and flashing around it. Transitions are weak points in the overall cladding where water can fi

Jeff Tew
Technical Talks
Read More