November 2009: President's Message

Words: Dan Kamys

November 2009

President's MessageTom Daniel

The Greening of our Industry

Tom Daniel President Mason Contractors Association of America

“Green” is the catchphrase of the construction industry and society, in general, these days.??The MCAA recently had an excellent green opportunity for our members.??The MCAA’s lobbying firm in Washington, D.C., is affiliated with an international law firm (Williams/Mullen).??The firm has delivered several excellent presentations for MCAA members on a variety of business law issues. Recently, on a trip one of the members took to Europe, he had an interesting request from France’s largest law firm, which also happens to be that country’s largest green firm, and has been involved in a whole host of green construction efforts in Europe.??The firm requested that they be put in touch with United States mason contractors with whom they could partner to secure and work on green retrofitting of federal buildings (which was a major part of the original stimulus package with billions of dollars set aside for this exact effort). The French firm has done many of these projects in Europe, and Europe is much further along in the whole green process. This should enable MCAA member partners with technology and products not yet introduced in the United States to increase the likelihood that they can secure many of the green retrofit projects. In a tight economy, and during such a major shift in our industry to green construction, this has presented all MCAA members with a wonderful opportunity to advance well beyond what we are capable of in the United States.??It has presented opportunities that non-member firms will not be exposed to.??This is yet another of the many reasons I give to people who ask me what the MCAA can do for them, and why they would want to be a member. If you would like to find out more about this program, contact the MCAA office at 800-536-2225. Return to Table of Contents
About: President's Message
From Idea to Jobsite: Inside EZG’s R&D Process
May 2026

In the masonry industry, equipment is rarely developed in isolation. The most effective tools are shaped by real jobsite challenges and refined through contractor feedback. At EZG Manufacturing, research and development is a hands-on, iterative process th

Abigail Spung
MAP Partner
Read More
Announcing The MASONRY STRONG Network™
May 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to announce the MASONRY STRONG Network, a video-first multimedia platform. This marks the next chapter for the Association’s MASONRY, the brand that has informed and connected the trade for over

Dan Kamys
Read More
Manufactured Stone Veneer or Thin-Cut Natural Stone: Which One is Right for Your Next Project?
May 2026

Stone continues to be a go-to material in both residential and commercial construction, used for its texture, depth and ability to elevate a façade or interior space. For masons, general contractors, builders and design professionals looking for lightweig

Sarah Lograsso
MAP Partner
Read More
Celebrating Craftsmanship and Country
May 2026

The 250th anniversary of the United States is more than a date. It is a reflection of centuries of progress, innovation, and determination. STABILA has chosen to mark this milestone with a product that mirrors those same qualities. The Patriot Series Maso

Elsa Bueno
MAP Partner
Read More