Masonry Magazine January 2008 Page. 10
For the
For the Re
Jennifer Morrell
Editor
jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com
The Year Ahead
MASONRY
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
MASONRY Magazine
Official Publication of the
Mason Contractors Association of America and the
Canadian Masonry Contractors Association
MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Regional Vice Presidents
Robert V. Bames, Jt.
Ron Bennett
Edis Davenport
Mark Kemp
Frank Capit
Tom Daniel
Mackie Bounds
John Smith, J
Douglas Nichols
Tim Spiker
Mike Sufter
Roy Swindal
As we launch into 2008, I bring you good news: We survived 2007. Many of you prospered, while others muddled through a flat year. The housing decline affected some businesses negatively, but otherwise merely veiled what was a strong year in the commercial markets. Gains were seen in the private, non-residential building market, including the office building and lodging markets. Those contractor businesses led by smart people took advantage of this healthy segment of the commercial market.
The really smart ones applied a green mentality to the way they did business. Green, my friends, is here to stay. It's not a fad; it's not a trend. It'll soon be the way we are programmed to live, work and play. Many contractors and industry professionals recognize this and are acting accordingly.
What else shook out from 2007? A need for education. Training, training, training It's what's for dinner. Or at least, it's on our menu of what we need more of 2008. From basic skilled masons and knowledgeable bricklayers to architects and engineers who understand how to incorporate masonry into their plans early on, this year can and should be a year to expose everyone to this vibrant industry, full of opportunity and promise.
Green will soon be the way we are programmed to live, work and play.
Lastly, we have to acknowledge the white elephant in the room we can no longer ignore as an industry: technology. While many of masonry's finest do a fantastic job incorporating technology into their businesses, from the software they use to their robust, interactive Web sites, we still need to work hard at getting everyone onboard. It's a flat world, and those who aren't "linked in" with the age of Internet will be left behind. As a result, the industry suffers as a whole.
Beyond these issues, I would like to say I look forward to working with you all in 2008. I received a warm welcome from so many of you, and it has made my transition into this world of masonry both pleasant and smooth. I wish you the best as we usher in a New Year with unlimited opportunity.
Execathe Director
Jeff Buckiewicz
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Director of Government Affairs
Jessica Johnson Benell
Membership Director
Alyana Lopez
Manager of Information Technology
Events Corder
Administrative Assistant
Timothy W. O'Toole
Erin Anderson
Ann Trowel
Consultant
Rashod Johnson
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Robert L. Nelson (Robert L. Nielsen & Associates, Inc.), David Jolly Do
Masonry Contractors, John Chrysler (John Melander (PCA), David
(Pettit Construction Co.,JJSmith Smith Masonry Ca), Brian Gra
(Grant/Jack's Masonry, Jery Painter (Painter Masonry, Inc. Doug Nich
(Doug Michels Enterprises, Alan Griff Griff Contracting Inc.), Tom Dar
(GBC Concrete and Masonry Construction, inc.)
Executive Office
33 South Roselle Road
Schaumburg, 601593
Phone: 847.301.0001 of 800.536.2225
Fax: 847.301.1110
MASONRY is the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association (CMCA). The magazine acts as a sounding board without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data, claim or opinion appearing under a byline or obtained or quoted fun as acknowledged source. Opinions expressed by officers do not necessarily reflect the official views of MCAA or CMCA. The appearance of advertising or new product information doesn't constitute an endorsement by MCAA or CHICA of product featured.
8 Masonry
January 2008 www.masoncontractors.org
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The Voice of the Masonry Industry