Masonry Magazine March 2009 Page. 42
2009
MCAA
CONVENTION
The 2009 MCAA Convention was held during the World of Concrete/World of Masonry show in Las Vegas last month. Mason contractors, suppliers and allied industry representatives from across the United States met to discuss their experiences and best business practices. The convention was successful and upbeat, leaving attendees on a positive note as we move through this tough economy.
The convention kicked off with an Opening Session on Tuesday, Feb. 3, during which MCAA President Tom Daniel officially welcomed attendees to the annual event. Special guest and keynote speaker, Alan Thicke, fired up the crowd with an amusing and motivational presentation.
The Tenth-Annual International Masonry Skills Challenge took place on Tuesday afternoon. This is a competition of masonry apprentices in first, second- and third-year skill levels to showcase skills training in the masonry industry. Winning apprentices from regions of the United States and foreign competitions were challenged, to determine the top masonry apprentice at each level. They weren't able to practice, and they weren't allowed to consult their instructors, employers or anyone else during the competition. They had three hours to complete their projects with the given materials.
The top-placing contestants for each skill level were:
FIRST-YEAR APPRENTICES
First Place
Yuvini Funes Ramero, United Masonry Inc., Alexandria, Va.
Second Place
Juan Cazares, P & S Masonry Inc., Hamilton, Texas
Third Place
Jesus Castaneda, R & R Masonry Inc., Hollywood, Calif.
SECOND-YEAR APPRENTICES
First Place
Mike Momeyer, Huff & Sons Construction, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Second Place
Nick Sapp, Adams Masonry, Chattanooga, Tenn.