Dold Campaign Goes Through Northfield Block

Words: Dan KamysDold Campaign Goes Through Northfield Block
Congressmen Dold and Roskam and Lake County State’s Attorney candidate Michael Nerheim visited Northfield Block Plant Nov. 2. The Congressmen were there to learn more about the masonry industry and to discuss their plans for getting the construction industry working again. 
 
Each of the representatives spoke of the need to get government out of the way and let business excel and do what it does best. They discussed the uncertainty of the markets we work in and that our government needs to give a solid look to the future so business people will be willing to begin investing the dollars that have been sitting on the sidelines throughout the past few years. 

Steve Hunt the host for the event thanked Congressman Dold’s recent support and co-sponsorship of the industry’s Check-Off Program. Jim O’Connor of the MCA of Greater Chicago asked Congressman Roskam to consider his support as well. Mr. O’Connor followed up with some information regarding union pensions since the union pension law will be sun setting shortly. He pointed them to the work of the NCCMP a coalition of both management and labor looking to come to consensus on how to deal with the current pension plan and future retirement options. 
 
The day ended with a block plant tour. The masonry community thanks both Congressmen for attending the tour and wishes them both well in their re-election efforts. Both Congressmen have been friends of the industry and their path forwarded is one our industry embraces.         
 
Northfield Block is a member of the MCAA through their parent company Oldcastle. Oldcastle is a member of the MCAA and is also a Strategic Partner of the MCAA.  
 
Article by Jeff Buczkiewicz
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