Masonry Magazine April 2009 Page. 10
FOR THE RECORD
Jennifer Morrell
Editor
jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com
Is This the Time to Diversify Your Skillset?
We've all heard the phrase "He's a Jack of all trades, master of none." Usually, this is not a good place to be.
However, in your industry, becoming skilled in a few trades that may be outside your usual "box" may not be a bad idea. Diversifying your offerings can boost your bottom line. Look at the growing need for rehabs and restorations. The older masonry buildings become, the more restoration they'll require. Becoming an expert in even one restoration or rehab skill could mean a nice chunk of change in your pocket.
With the arrival of spring, you might also consider hardscaping services as a new addition to your masonry construction arsenal of offerings. An outdoor kitchen here, and a stone fire pit there could quickly add up in your bank account, especially if you become skilled at this art and build a solid reputation.
No matter your portfolio builder, any "extra" component you can offer will help you gain new market share. And from this new market share may come extraordinary opportunity.
Consider this: You'll build a stone outdoor grill surround today for a family. But, in three years, that family builds a newer, bigger home. You are the mason contractor they demand. Not too shabby, huh? IMAS
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
I read with interest the article "New Ruling May Force Higher Blade Prices" in the February 2009 issue. As counsel to the plaintiffs in the case you describe, I would like to take the opportunity to provide a few details not mentioned in the article.
In 2005, the Diamond Sawblades Manufacturers' Coalition, a group of primarily small, family-owned U.S. diamond sawblades producers, alleged that Chinese and Korean imports were being sold at unfairly low prices that injured U.S. producers, and petitioned the U.S. government for relief under the antidumping laws. The U.S. Department of Commerce determined that the imported sawblades are, in fact, being sold in the United States at "less than fair value." The court ruling discussed in your article upheld a separate determination that these unfairly priced imports threaten to materially injure U.S. producers of diamond sawblades. The duties that will be imposed as a result of these findings will ensure that Chinese and Korean diamond sawblades are sold at a fair value, so that U.S. producers can compete on a level playing field with the foreign companies.
Unfairly priced diamond sawblades from China and Korea have caused U.S. manufacturers to shutter their facilities, and put workers out of their jobs. The duties that the law provides for permits U.S. companies to recover from "dumped" imports, become ever more competitive, and deliver better products to consumers. Over the past decade, U.S. manufacturing jobs have been outsourced abroad at an outrageous rate. The antidumping duties are necessary to prevent yet another U.S. industry from being further injured.
The U.S. antidumping laws are now more important than ever. American manufacturers, like the diamond sawblade producers, deserve relief from imports that are found to be sold at less than fair value and that are found to cause, or threaten, material injury. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Best regards,
Daniel B. Pickard, Partner
Wiley Rein LLP
1776 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006
dpickard@wileyrein.com
8 MASONRY
April 2009 www.masoncontractors.org
MASONRY
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