Masonry Magazine April 1992 Page. 11
Meeting the Challenges Ahead of Us
Newly elected Mason Contractors Association of America President, Richard Matthews, outlines his goals for MCAA at his inaugural address in Orlando in February.
WHEN I WAS in Washington recently, I was asked what my goals for the Mason Contractors Association of America were for the coming year. To achieve goals, it becomes necessary to make changes and change-at times-is difficult. When is the best time for change? The answer to that question is simple-When it's needed. And, if it's that simple, why don't we make changes. We just find it hard sometimes to get started. Unfortunately, as the old saying goes, "Even if you're on the right track-if you stand there long enough, you may get run over."
Not too long ago, many of you made your annual resolutions. In the past, I've considered a few myself, but usually they're never kept. But here are a few for our association-which we will keep. Out of crisis can come opportunity. So, as we've just begun this decade, following one that-to say the least-hasn't been kind to our association, we must begin the process of getting ready for our future. In doing so, we can't dwell on the past and curse the demise of the "good old days." Some have dwelled on the past far too long. We should make some resolutions that go further than our own self interests-resolutions that address the collective masonry industry and the association and its inherent interests, its common goals and its long range future.
Here's a short list. Resolved- That we step up the pace of exploring the merger of the Masonry Expo with our other partners, to have them hold their conventions and trade shows in conjunction with MCAA and NCMA each year. That we set aside political turf jealousies in the process. That we understand, in an era of fewer resources and depleted assets, we cannot afford divisive internal competition and expect to compete with outside forces. That we clearly understand that MCAA is the one investment you make that will pay off again and again. That it's the only voice that speaks for the mason contractor in Washington with OSHA, and the EPA, or wherever vital industry interests are involved. With more members, we could easily muster the kind of muscle necessary for our industry's voice to be heard in critical political forums. Strength comes from numbers, and that translates into new business.
Resolved- That as we prepare for the turn of the century, we must support one another and recognize that the mason contractor and MCAA is the common denominator for the industry-We buy the material, and the labor force is employed by us. That we build on our industry's image, improve the quality of our projects, and support and attend the Masonry Quality Institute. That we support the leaders of our association, and when asked to help that you commit yourselves. We need your experience and expertise.
Resolved- That as an association, we must be thinking about the next decade, not just the next year-That we should be thinking about our industry's future, not just our own pocketbooks-That we should be thinking about the challenges that are ahead of us, not the troubles behind us. Each day you're witnessing a faster changing world. Last year at this time, it was Desert Storm. Now it's the time of change in the Soviet Union. If all of what's happened to the USSR, a nation that just a few years ago was seen as one of the world's two great superpowers, can happen, it should provide a lesson for everyone. We can dwell on the past and watch the world go by, or we can buckle our seat belts, commit ourselves to change, learn from our mistakes, and get ready for an exciting ride into the future.
I'm fully committed to seeing MCAA continue to grow. If each member would get just one new member in the coming year, just consider how much stronger this association could become in just one year. I'm committed to seeing the association become more aggressive in government relations-And I'm committed to establishment or revival of education programs that will not only benefit you, the contractor, but will build the future of the masonry industry. We will build on our proud tradition. Of course, this is going to take some resources and commitment. But, together, these goals can be accomplished. think of the strength we'll have when we become an association to be reckoned with-not just tolerated.
I've always felt that everyone in business should put something back into the industry he or she works in. Today, we're outnumbered, we're outspent, and we've been outmaneuvered and outsold. As Ben Franklin once said, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."
By RICHARD MATTHEWS
President, Mason Contractors
Association of America