December 2009: President's Message

Words: Dan Kamys

December 2009

President's Message

Tom DanielStart the Year Strong

Attend the World of Concrete/Masonry this February

Tom Daniel President Mason Contractors Association of America

Start the year strong and rejuvenate at the World of Masonry, Feb. 2-5, 2010. While the economy is still not as strong as anyone would like it to be, we can’t pass up this great opportunity to rejuvenate with fellow industry members. Come check out what can give your company a competitive edge this year, not only through new product introductions, but also through the excellent assortment of educational opportunities. In addition to these excellent networking and educational opportunities, attendees will have the opportunity to witness three of the most exciting and grueling masonry competitions in existence. Tuesday, we’ll present the best and brightest apprentices.??These apprentices are winners from local contests around the country, all in Las Vegas to compete for the crown of national champion in the first-year, second-year and third-year levels. Wednesday, we’ll present the fastest brick layer in the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500, and Thursday, we’ll present the fastest block layer in the MCAA’s Fastest Trowel Contest. These events showcase the best of the best that the masonry industry has to offer. In a twist to the MCAA’s traditional schedule, the Opening Session for this year’s convention will be a dinner on Tuesday evening. Just before the Opening Session, the MCAA will host their MAC PAC reception. This is a critically important event that will host the candidate who will be taking on Harry Reid for his Senate seat in the fall of 2010.??All MCAA attendees are strongly encouraged to attend the MAC PAC reception and support the ever-growing important MCAA political action committee. On the final night, I will pass the reigns of the Presidency of the MCAA to Mackie Bounds as the MCAA will have the changing of our Board. The dinner will be followed by one of the great shows at the Venetian/Palazzo. Lest we forget to mention that there will be the largest display of industry-related exhibitors in the World of Concrete and World of Masonry Show. I realize as much as anyone that these tough economic times can make us think of not attending or potentially cutting out our annual expenditure for the convention. It is critically important that we not sacrifice our opportunity to start the year strong and to give ourselves and key employees from our companies the opportunity to partake in an experience that will give us a competitive edge in the marketplace. The downturn will not last forever, and we need to be prepared and ready for the upswing. I find the convention a great opportunity to recharge my batteries, network, and learn from and share with other contractors in the industry. Sometimes, some of the most important things you will take home from an event like this happen outside the classroom. I would encourage all our readers to sign up today for this year’s convention. I look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas! Return to Table of Contents
About: President's Message
Color Trends Shaping Today’s Masonry Projects
July 2026

Homeowners today are coming into projects with a lot more opinions than they used to have. Between social media, home shows and contractor sites, most customers already have a look in mind before you even quote the job. For masonry contractors, having a

Chad Riley
Stone Savvy
MAP Partner
Read More
The New Equation for Masonry Profit: Predictable Hardware and Proven Data
July 2026

The masonry industry is built on tradition, but modern growth requires a shift from guesswork to absolute certainty. When we talk about the philosophy that you cannot improve what you do not measure, we are looking at the literal minutes and manpower lost

Erin Koets Shayne Sanders
Build Smart
MAP Partner
Read More
Owen Heimbach
July 2026

This month, the MCAA had the pleasure of speaking with SkillsUSA First Place Winner Owen Heimbach, a young mason just starting out whose enthusiasm for bricklaying is truly contagious. His passion for the craft was evident throughout our interview.

Justin Stengel
GEN NXT
Read More
Backfill Your Foundation
July 2026

I’ve been noticing an uptick in a very specific kind of application lately, and once you see the pattern, you can’t unsee it. The résumé usually reads like a family photo album. “Started helping my dad when I was 15.” “Worked summers, then full time.” “R

Corey Adams
Building More
Read More