Report of the MCAA MasonrySystems.org Committee

Words: Brian Grant

Direction from the MCAA Board

The MCAA Board has charged the MSO committee with making the website the centerpiece of the 2020 campaign. The Board asked that the web site be the location where the whole industry can come together. It is also important that “special interests” do not take over this project.

The Board has stressed the importance that the website be self-funded through advertising and industry dollars.

Goals of the Committee

The Committee will meet a minimum of four times per year.

The Committee has set a main goal of enhancing the content of the website. The website should have clear individual paths throughout, based on whether the visitor is a designer, contractor, owner, city official, or other. The website is to contain a cost guide, enhanced safety content, and LEED and Green resources. The committee stressed the importance of promoting the website to both contractors and designers.

Committee Ground Work

Tim O’Toole has been instrumental in collecting content and enhancing the website on an on-going basis. Tim continues to track website traffic and log new and unique visitors of the site.

The committee established three Task Groups to meet the objectives set forth by the Board. The Task Groups are entitled; LEED, Advertising and Self-Funding, and Promotion.

LEED Task Group

Jim O’Connor is the chairman of the LEED Task Group. Jim’s group has been working to enhance the LEED and Green website content. This Group is currently exploring methods to create links with other Industry websites that contain expansive LEED information.

Advertising and Self-Funding Task Group

Lynn Nash is the chairman of the Advertising and Self-Funding Task Group. Lynn’s group is currently reviewing the existing advertising price structure for possible changes. This group will look into generating income from Industry groups. The group will begin a marketing campaign once the committee feels the site is at a strong sell position. This group will also look into proposals for grant money.

Promotion Task Group

Dave Gillick is the chairman of the Promotion Task Group. Dave’s group has already begun to promote through a MSO business card outreach program. This group will focus on framework for a train-the-trainer push. The idea is that a network of individuals throughout the country would be well versed with the MSO website and will be able to help Industry professionals navigate through the site.

Year 2011

The committee will work very hard in 2011 to achieve the goals as listed in this report.

The committee will work to develop and promote MSO so that it will become a top rate tool for the Masonry Industry.
Holding History Together: The Art of Lateral Restraint in Masonry Restoration
January 2026

The first thing you notice about an old masonry building isn’t always its beauty. Sometimes it’s the bow in a wall or the way time and the elements have tugged at the mortar joints. Every century-old structure carries its story in cracks, tilts, bows, and

Stone Savvy: Helping Clients Choose Stone with Intent
January 2026

In today’s design environment, clients are surrounded by inspiration, endless images, samples, and styles that make choosing materials feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. Within that sea of options, stone carries weight. It defines first impressio

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 36 Recap: Kim Spahn, CEO of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff
January 2026

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Justin got to sit down for a conversation with Kim Spahn to talk about the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, how Kim first got involved in this industry, and much more.

From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,