Together, we are stronger

Words: Jennifer Morrell/Public/News/20120902070000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="Together, we are stronger." />
Together, we are stronger.
As the "Voice of the Mason Contractor," Masonry Magazine has a strong mission. Each month, we strive to bring you the latest news and information about everything from equipment and techniques to building codes and standards, training the future masonry labor force, business planning, promotion of your business, legal issues and more. More important, Masonry also is the official monthly publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America.

Having attended countless MCAA events over the years, I have been able to experience firsthand the business discussions and networking among mason contractors and masonry industry professionals – connections that make MCAA membership so incredibly valuable. The air becomes thick with the sharing of ideas and best practices, along with troubleshooting discussions and the addressing of challenges to our industry. The benefits to membership are overwhelming. Take it from a few members who will be highlighted in our September issue.

"The MCAA is a tremendous resource for information," says Don McCauley, VP of Hunt Country Masonry in Leesburg, Va. "They have both classroom and online contractor education and certification. They fight for us on Capitol Hill with a Legislative Committee and The Keelen Group, which lobbies for issues that affect us as masons. They also work with OSHA and ASTM to find a reasonable common ground for compliance. The MCAA is proactive and will step up and help you resolve your issues.

"The MCAA's concern is the image of our industry, not their survival as an organization," McCauley continues. "In addition, they are constantly adding partners so that we, as MCAA members, get considerable savings, including payroll services, office supplies, operational supplies and services. They are dedicated to all of our success individually and cohesively, as well."

Jerry Painter, president of Painter Masonry in Gainesville, Fla., agrees: "By joining the MCAA, the voice of masonry gets louder and can speak longer, with more authority. Through memberships, we grow in size and will be able to assist regional areas as well. The MCAA can help with training, business development, contractor certification, and safety education."

The passion of our mason contractor members is palpable, but perhaps Steve Borman says it best: "We cannot build our industry alone, and nobody outside our industry will do it for us. If you desire to have a future in the masonry industry as a craftsmen, contractor, manufacturer or supplier, we must act together as a team to ensure that our products will be chosen in the rebuilding of America."
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