November 2011: President's Message
Words: Dan Kamys
President's Message
Mackie Bounds
President
Mason Contractors Association of America
Norma Jean and I have booked our flights to Las Vegas, and I hope you have, too. You might want to see this secret DVD my wife is working on that I can’t see. Add John, Mark and Mike into the mix, and there is no telling what you or I will see.
Let’s forget that part for now and talk about all the good stuff that will happen at the Annual Convention, like the Big Money golf tournament. Just think about going to Vegas and winning $10,000 dollars for having fun. Put your team together, and come have fun and support our industry all at the same time! If you don’t have a team, we will put you on a team.
It won’t be all play – there will be educational opportunities also. The MCAA continues to improve the courses for the mason contractor, and they will always go toward certification. Not only will there be opportunities for the owners of the companies, but also the employees.
South of 40 will, once again, show us how the younger generation of our industry has fun as they network and learn together. This is the group’s second year in existence, and they have already put new life in the MCAA. They lead six different committees, attend legislative conferences, raise money for future research and are active in the decisions that will affect the future of our industry. If you have young folks in your business, you need to assure you encourage them to join the South of 40 group. I have three employees on this committee, and it has served Brazos Masonry well.
Committee meetings will take place, and all are invited to attend. This is where planning for our future takes place. The chairs of these committees welcome your input, so that MCAA can continue to improve and be a greater value to the contractor. You also will be given the opportunity to serve on a committee if you like. The more we put into our industry, the better it becomes for all of us. We will hold our annual membership meeting, and I am sure there will be plenty of information to share and act upon. Of course, most important, we will vote on the new state of officers. I will then be able to start enjoying the “has been” status.
Even with all of that going on, you’ll still have time go to the show floor. There, you will be able to see the best and the latest changes to the equipment we use daily. There will be many opportunities to purchase equipment at some of the best prices we’ll see this year. It will bring pride to all of us as we see how innovative our industry has become.
Yes, I know there will be one more thing that will take place – the closing banquet. This is where I will see the DVD my wife is working on, and hear all the good stuff John, Mark & Mike will have to say. I said “good stuff,” which I doubt, but I will be roasted almost to the point of being burnt.
Until next time, this old cowboy says to each of you, “Shoot for the moon and, even if you miss, you will land among the stars!” See ya in Vegas!
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