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
Masonry in the Media: Casa Azul, Chapultepec Castle, & More
June 2026

A film’s settings can take viewers to new locations, all from the comfort of their own home. It immerses them in the scenes, whether they take place in an opera house in Brazil or a grand mansion in Mexico City. Explore how these Latin American masonry ma

Lily Burger
Masonry in the Media
Read More
Chairman’s Message: When Things Don’t Go as Planned
June 2026

Not every day in this business goes the way we planned. Some days, everything lines up. The crew is moving well. Materials are on time. The job is flowing the way you hoped it would. And then there are the other days. The ones where something breaks. T

Kent Huntley
Chairman’s Message
Read More
Marvelous Masonry: Borobudur
June 2026

For masonry contractors and suppliers, few structures offer as much practical insight as Borobudur. Built in the 9th century in Central Java, this massive stone monument remains as one of the most advanced examples of large-scale masonry construction ever

Cassandra Stern
Marvelous Masonry
Read More
Wrapping Up Our Year And A Look Ahead
June 2026

It is amazing another year has gone by and what a year it has been. We have seen a lot of progress on so many fronts. All of this happens specifically due to the support of our members. Your support this past year is positioning our industry to make huge

Jeff B
President's Message
Read More