January 2011: For The Record

Words: Dan Kamys

January 2011

For The Record

Welcome to Our World

jennifer morrellJennifer Morrell Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

World of Concrete/World of Masonry 2011 is upon us, so we’ll be packing our bags and heading out West for a week of learning and networking with our colleagues, old and new. The size and tone of WoC has varied during the last few years, but the show is always strong and beneficial to attendees. Though the week can be exhausting, it rejuvenates our respect for the masonry and construction industries, as well as stokes the entrepreneurial spirit.

I enjoy seeing all of the new products and advancements to our industry. Moreover, it is assuring to see determination and a fighting spirit from the attendees who refuse to let a brutal economy interfere with their will to conduct business. While some people simply can’t afford to attend during tough times – totally understandable – those who can attend send a message of strength to the entire masonry industry.

The MCAA Annual Convention will take place during the week of World of Concrete/World of Masonry as well. You can take courses and “earn while you learn” throughout the week. Also occurring will be the Team Awards, the MAC-PAC Reception, the Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition, the Bricklayer 500 Competition, the South of 40 Event at the Hofbr??uhaus, and more. Visit http://convention.masoncontractors.org for more information.

I hope to see you during the week of Jan. 17 in Las Vegas. Be sure to stop by our booth – N1755 – to say hello, or request a meeting ahead of time with one of our staff who is in attendance. You can email me directly for an appointment at jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com.

??Return to Table of Contents
PROSOCO Breaks New Ground With ICC‑ES Listing For Blok‑Guard and Anti‑Graffiti Products
May 2026

After years of pushing to raise the bar on third‑party verification, PROSOCO has reached another industry milestone, this time for anti‑graffiti and surface protection technologies.

Darcy Boyle
MAP Partner
Read More
Elevating Masonry: Old Habits, Familiar Tools, and the Real Reason Masonry Contractors Aren’t Making the Switch
May 2026

Ask a masonry contractor how they run their jobsite, and the answer probably sounds familiar: paper logs, a flurry of texts, maybe a shared email thread. It works until it doesn’t. And yet, even as purpose-built field management software has become more a

Erin Koets
MAP Partner
Read More
The Cornerstone of Craftsmanship: Nurturing Masonry Talent Through Competition
May 2026

In the evolving landscape of skilled trades, masonry stands as a testament to enduring craftsmanship and dedication. Yet, the question of how to cultivate and showcase this vital expertise remains paramount. While the bright lights of national competition

Robert Melgaard
Resources
Read More
There’s the Typical Way to Brace a Wall. And Then There’s a Better Way.
May 2026

Wall bracing is one of the most important safety considerations on any masonry jobsite, yet it is often treated as a task that happens after the wall is built. Crews return, equipment is brought in, and time is set aside to secure walls that have already

Abigail Spung
MAP Partner
Read More