Masonry Magazine February 1987 Page. 44
TRAINING CENTER
resume 15 million concrete masonry units and 300,000 yards of concrete, and utilize at least 250 masons and an equal number of helpers. Involved are 173 buildings including 23 administrative buildings, 36 barracks and eight dining facilities, predominantly of masonry construction. George Miller commented that the Fort Drum project has proved the ability of industry and unions to work together.
The Rome State Road "hasn't seen this much activity since General Brown marched his troops from Rome to Sackets Harbor in the War of 1812," quipped Floyd C. Kitto, secretary of Taylor Concrete Products.
The training program currently has 16 students. Student Susan Trueself of Watertown commented. "I always wanted to learn a trade. I believe in what unions have done for the working person. I think this is a fantastic opportunity to be provided by the union and government. I'd never get a chance except for this program."
Cecilio Pizarro, Watertown, said he signed up for the program "because it is a chance to be somebody, not just a number. In this trade if you believe in yourself you can do anything."
"I'm looking for better job benefits and looking ahead to retirement," said Richard Pitts, Antwerp, who noted his previous construction jobs had not provided benefits for the future.
Dayton Superior Corp.
Acquires Ty-Wal
Dayton Superior Corp. has announced its acquisition of Ty-Wal, a producer of masonry reinforcement and masonry anchoring and tying systems.
A division of Jim Taylor, Inc., Ty-Wal has manufacturing facilities in Birmingham, Ala., and Baltimore, Md., and will be operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dayton Superior with Jim Taylor as president.
Glenn Schimpf. Dayton Superior president, said the acquisition of Ty-Wal fits well with the company's manufacturing experience as a wire and metal fabricator. "Masonry reinforcement products will enable us to participate in the block and masonry construction market, in addition to our traditional concrete construction market," he said.
The firm operates 15 production and service centers throughout the United States and Canada.
Marble Center to Host
Exhibit and Seminars
Crowning the widespread recent revival of interest in the use of stone in architecture, the Italian Marble Center will host an exhibit and seminars that highlight international design and craftsmanship in stone.
The exhibit will be open to the public daily from March 7 to 15 in the Puck Building, 295 Lafayette St. in New York City's SoHo district. It will feature landmarks of Italian modernism, from Muzio's famous pavilion for the Biennale di Monza to Scarp's much-admired Verona Bank as well as the work of internationally acclaimed architects and artists.
For additional information or reservations to the seminars contact: The Italian Marble Center, Italian Trade Commission, 499 Park Ave., New York, NY 10022, (212) 980-1500.
Safety Lesson
A story is told about a farmer who used to go over his field the day before plowing to kill all the snakes he could find. When asked if that wasn't a dangerous thing to do, he replied. "I reckon so, but if I don't kill them today when I'm looking, they might get me tomorrow when I ain't looking." There is a lot of logic in this farmer's thinking.
Removing the hazard before it removes us is close to the starting point of safety. The starting point, of course, is the recognition and the constant awareness of hazards. However, recognition doesn't count if action isn't taken to correct the situation. That completes the safety cycle.
Construction Contracts
Stay Strong and Steady
"Strong and steady" described the condition of the construction sector in November, 1986, according to the latest report on contracting by McGraw Hill's F. W. Dodge Division.
Contracting for new construction of all kinds edged up another 1% in November to an annualized rate of $241.4 billion. The latest month's high level of contracting followed a 7% rebound in October.
"October and November could be called average months in a record year," said George A. Christie, chief economist for Dodge. "They show that if tax reform and deficit reduction pose a threat to this industry's boom, it hasn't happened yet."
Out-of-town Expenses
Up 11%, Survey Reports
Corporate executives spent an average $152.84 on per diem out-of-town expenses in the United States last year, an 11% increase from the previous year, a nationwide survey reported.
According to the Associated Press, the annual study by Corporate Travel Magazine said it cost $277.16 for a hotel room, three meals and a rental car in New York, the most expensive city, versus $116.93 in Roanoke, Va., the cheapest.
The nation's largest cities were among the most expensive, the survey showed. After New York, the six costliest were: Washington, $235.43; Boston. $218.59: Philadelphia, $206.50; Chicago, $205.67; Newark, N.J.. $193.56, and San Francisco, $189.53.
The survey found that some of the least expensive U.S. cities are in Florida, where low car rentals hold down costs. Food costs reflected the most dramatic difference in expenses. In New York, where daily food costs average $92.72, prices run more than one-third higher than in Washington, the No. 2 city for food costs.