News From MCAA

Words: Dan Kamys

News From MCAA

TEAM Awards Program to Recognize top Masonry Projects

TEAM Awards Program to Recognize top Masonry Projects
The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to announce the launch of the new Tribute to Exemplary Achievements in Masonry (TEAM) Awards program.

Mason contractors realize that quality masonry projects are the result of strong creative vision and skilled execution. The purpose of the TEAM Awards is to give recognition to these projects and members of the construction team for outstanding accomplishments in masonry design and construction.

The TEAM Awards will be launched at the 2011 MCAA Convention in conjunction with the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas.
Award categories will include:

  • Education: K – 12
  • Education: College/University
  • Landscape, Hardscape
  • Rehabilitation, Restoration
  • Industrial, Commercial
  • Government, Institutional
  • Block
  • LEED
  • Residential: Single Family
  • Residential: Multi-family

Registration information will be available June 1, 2010. Start thinking now about which projects your company would like to submit to next year’s new TEAM Awards. Visit www.masoncontractors.org/team for more information.

MCAA Unveils New Logo to strengthen MCAA brand

MCAA Unveils New Logo to strengthen MCAA brand
After months of hard work by the dedicated members of the Marketing Committee and Logo Task Force, the MCAA has unveiled its new logo. The redesigned logo gives a modern look to an iconic masonry figure: the pyramid. The pyramid symbolizes the strength and longevity of masonry building products, and is an image that represents both the association and the masonry.

The new logo is part of a larger rebranding campaign to strengthen the MCAA’s brand that also will include a new mission statement and marketing materials.

The MCAA would like to thank everyone who volunteered time toward the new logo creation process.


Tim O’Toole is director of marketing and information technology, MCAA.

Six Companies Certified in New Masonry Certification Program
Among the first companies to have earned certification through the newly created Masonry Certification program, sponsored by the MCAA, are Edgar Boettcher Mason Contractor, Bay City, Mich.; Lang Masonry Contractors, Waterford, Ohio; March Westin Inc., Morgantown, W.V.; P and S Masonry Inc., Hamilton, Texas; Knowlton & Sons Masonry Const. Inc., Clifford, Pa.; and Artisan Masonry, Garland, Texas.

The MCAA has developed the national Masonry Certification Program to provide customers with a tool to select mason contractors who are committed to quality and end-user satisfaction. Quality-of-work and end-user satisfaction are the foundation of the certification program. In addition, companies must renew their certification every three years.

“We congratulate these six companies in their commitment to be among the first to demonstrate their quality service. Our goal is to provide architects, designers, construction contractors, and consumers with an easy way to select and specify professional mason contractors,” says Jeff Buczkiewicz, executive director of the MCAA. “Certification now gives them the tools to seek out contractors who have committed their entire firm to meet the stringent requirements of the program.” ??

For more information about certification or the MCAA, visit www.mason contractors.org.

Beyond the Block: Aesthetic Innovations in CMU Construction
August 2026

Concrete masonry units (CMUs) have long been a mainstay of construction. They are well known as a “tried and true” material with a long history of high-strength structural performance, affordability, ease of assembly, and a long lifecycle. CMU constructio

The Most Overlooked Profit Center on Your Job Site
August 2026

The real cost of equipment ownership isn't what you pay on day one. It's what happens over the years that follow. The purchase price of a new mortar mixer, grout pump, material handling system, or masonry saw is only part of the investment. What happens

Installation Starts Before the First Course
August 2026

Some of the most expensive masonry installation problems begin long before crews arrive onsite. By the time a project reaches the field, many coordination decisions have already been made. Dimensional conflicts, congested reinforcement, specialty materia

Designing for Performance: Key Considerations for Efficient, Durable Masonry Projects
August 2026

A successful masonry project starts well before the first stone is set. The craftsmanship on site matters, of course, but many of the decisions that shape the final result are made much earlier—during design, detailing, and material selection. Those choic