Masonry Magazine May 2010 Page. 10
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Mackie Bounds
President
Mason Contractors Association of America
The Government is Working, 24-7
We all are aware of the many changes taking place in Washington, D.C., today. No matter where we stand in the political system, we are alarmed by the rapid changes. It makes us realize that, while we sleep, our government is working overtime making all of these changes. It seems today that we, as business owners and especially our industry, will feel effects that do not add up to many plusses on the bottom line. That's why our Legislative Conference is more important this year than ever.
We will be gathering in Washington, D.C., May 5 and 6, with our other industry partners and will go to The Hill to meet with our lawmakers, voicing our concerns and our needs. Our Legislative Committee, chaired by Paul Odom, is doing an outstanding job for all of us mason contractors, and we need to be there as a support team to their efforts.
Today, there is a law in place that will allow the government to withhold 3 percent from all government contracts with no deadline for when we would ever receive the money. In my thoughts, we need to call it a tax, rather than a withholding. So far, we, along with others, have been able to keep this bill from coming into effect.
The MCAA is now leading the way in getting this withholding bill repealed. We are confident that, with the help of each of you, we will be able to accomplish our mission. Then, we will make a strong push on Worker Misclassification laws. Many are avoiding paying payroll tax by giving all of their employees a 1099, rather than showing them as employees, which they are. We are gaining support on both sides of the aisle, but we need the help of all to accomplish our mission. We truly want the playing field to be level in these tough economic times.
There also is the issue of MILCON, which is taking market share from us. When I wrote my last article, I was in D.C. to visit with the Pentagon concerning the issue of the use masonry in the construction of our Army bases. As we speak, we are being replaced with stick construction. Do we remain quiet and say, "Oh well?" No, we do not. Rather, we visit the Pentagon and our congressmen to voice our concerns, and we will never give up until we are successful.
We will not stop with these issues that I have just mentioned, but will continue to work on behalf of every mason contractor in the United States. We all know how important the success of Vision 20/20 is to our business and our industry. We will use the hallways of Capitol Hill, as well as the city council chambers, to achieve bills and ordinances that will require the use of masonry in construction.
If you do not know your congressman or senator, break down that wall and get to know each one of them. Our grassroots efforts will enable us to establish relationships that we can use for the good of our industry for many years down the road. If you do not feel comfortable doing this on your own, then contact our MCAA office. We will give you the help and guidance in doing this. This is one of the easiest ways to add money to your bottom line. If we don't do it, then we will lose, because the government is working 24-7. Remember the bill called "Healthcare Reform?" Do I need to say more?
Until next time, this old cowboy says, "Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss, you will land among the stars" IMAS
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
COMING IN JUNE 2010
Be sure to catch the June 2010 issue of Masonry, which will feature articles covering current trends and examining industry issues, including:
FLASHING AND DRAINAGE
Masonry provides fresh information on the dynamic topic of flashing and drainage from an industry expert.
BIM
Get a first-hand account of how the use of Building Information Modeling works well for one company.
FORKLIFTS AND TELEHANDLERS
Telehandlers and forklifts provide mason contractors with precision and versatility on the jobsite. Masonry will report on what's new in this category.
For advertising information, contact
Marvin Diamond
770.431.0867, ext. 208
Toll-free: 888.303.5639
E-mail: marvin@lionhrtpub.com
MCAA
New Members
The Mason Contractors Association of America is proud to welcome the following new members to the Association, MCAA would like to take this opportunity to thank them for joining their fellow mason contractors nationwide in helping to build a strong masonry industry. MCAAs members look forward to a long affiliation with their firms.
Masonry Unlimited
3610 Avenue I
Kearney, NE 68847
(308) 338-1078
Class B
Kennison Forest Products, Inc.
319 East Thomas Street
Sulphur, LA 70663
(888) 697-5585
National Supplier
If your company is interested in becoming a member of Mason Contractors Association of America as a contractor, supplier or instructor, please contact MICAA at (800) 536-2222 or complete an application at www.masoncontractors.org.