Masonry Magazine February 1994 Page. 7
FROM THE PRESIDENT
By RICHARD MATTHEWS
President, Mason Contractors
Association of America
This is A
Time of
Reflection
for Me
MY TERM as President of MCAA comes to an end at our Annual Conference
in Atlanta, Georgia, at the end of February. At that time, I shall hand over
the gavel to Lenny Pardue, our current Vice President.
As I reflect on the recent past, I'm happy that our Association continues to
add members at a steady rate. This has come about, I believe, because they're
convinced that MCAA's aim of protecting and educating the contractor is wor-
thy of support-that our Association has something of value to offer each indi-
vidual member.
During my term as President, I cherished the opportunity to work with vol-
unteer leaders and our Association's outstanding staff, and working closely
with other associations towards a common goal-betterment of the masonry
industry. I'm grateful for the new friends who've come into my life and for the
support of the officers of MCAA, especially this past year, while facing new
challenges.
I consider it's more essential to look to the future than to dwell on the past.
Our Association will always have new challenges and new opportunities.
Our resolve has been tested this past year with the pension dispute with the
BAC, and it will continue to be tested well into 1994. We must not be discour-
aged. We must never give up in our efforts to protect our members-at what-
ever the cost.
Looking to the end of this century and beyond
We have other challenges to test our resolve in the future:
We need to train more apprentices.
We must become more involved in participation in the ASC Legislative
Conference held each year in Washington.
We need to expand and improve our educational programs.
We must continue to expand our membership base.
We need to look to the end of this century and beyond. We need to ask our-
selves what major trends in technology, employment and education are most
likely to evolve during the next two decades. Will MCAA be ready for these
changes?
When we meet in Atlanta, numerous speakers and specialists will examine
many facets of our changing industry. I fully expect this Conference and Expo
to be our best ever.
Serving as President of MCAA has been one of the greatest challenges of my
life. I can attest that it's a demanding, but eternally stimulating office. I know
you will give Lenny Pardue your full support during his term as President, as I
will. How fortunate we are to have someone of his ability, his good common
sense and his understanding of MCAA's basic philosophy to lead our Associa-
tion.
As I near the end of my term, my thanks goes out to the hundreds of mem-
bers across the U.S. and Canada who have given me encouragement and un-
ending support. It has been a privilege to serve. Richard Matthews
MASONRY-JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1994 7