November 2014: Chairman's Message

Words: Mark KempNovember 2014 Chairman's Message

Coming Together for our Industry

Mark Kemp Chairman Mason Contractors Association of America Mark@superiormasonry.com

Wow! It was nice to see so many of you at the Midyear Meeting in Milwaukee. My wife and I thank you for coming and, if you get up this way again, don’t be afraid to drop in. We had some great meetings, starting with the TEAM Awards Dinner held at the Harley-Davidson Museum. There were some great masonry projects, and I am sure the judges had a tough time selecting winners. Before and after the meeting, it was nice to be able to socialize with so many members. Plus we all had time to have a picture taken on some really nice Harleys. The committee meetings went very well, with lots of great input from just about everyone there. This is why the Midyear Meeting is so important – to get the input from members about how their association can best serve them. The goals and direction of each committee have been redefined for the next year. A special “thank you” goes out to all the committee chairs, co-chairs and active committee members. Something new for the Certification Committee is the starting of a Certificate Program on key masonry educational topics. You will be able to get certificates on a variety of topics. Look for more to come on this. MCAA also will be putting together a program for certification on the proper way to build Storm Shelters, which will be required in school construction starting in 2015. Â Pauline and I truly enjoyed having attendees at our home for the Open House Reception. What made it special was how everyone helped out without being asked. The catering people showed up at the same time as the first bus load of attendees. But everyone pitched in to help. I have said it before, but this is what MCAA is all about, everyone helping everybody.
alt
Shown are Mark and Pauline Kemp at the Harley-Davidson Museum.
On the third day, we had our board meeting ratifying some minor changes to The Masonry Foundation, and then went right into the Roundtable Discussions. The discussions are a great opportunity to find out how other contractors handle different situations. Later, we had our closing dinner. The first stop was Barnacle Buds on the river, followed by dinner at The Horney Goat. Congressman Reid Ribble was there to greet us and told us all to contact our representatives about moving the Check-Off Bill forward. Rep. Ribble is a true friend to our Industry.  The next morning, our first-ever Speed Dating event took place. This event connected contractors to vendors, so they could tell us what is new with their products and how we could save money. All walked away with something positive. We are already being asked to do it again at the next Midyear, which will be in Key West, Fla. The Midyear Meeting gave The Masonry Foundation a nice push, and we are excited about the support contractors have provided to the foundation.  We will be opening up the pledge opportunities to everyone soon. We have developed a regional committee that will be asking contractors to make a pledge as well. I am excited about our first Regional Masonrypalooza to be held November 14th and 15th in Phoenix, Arizona.  There will be lots of education classes and also serves as a great way for us to reach out personally to our members.  We have several other regional events planned for this year and will keep you updated. In closing I leave you with this thought, let no one come to you without leaving better and happier. Return to Table of Contents
About: Chairman’s Message
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More