Report of the MCAA Education Committee

Foreman Development
The Foreman Development course was cancelled at the 2003 convention but brought back for the 2004 conference. The marketing efforts in the attendee brochure and the online show resources turned this seminar into a sold out event. At total of 35 spots were available but was extended to a total of 37 participants. Due to the large interest in bringing back this course, discussion about holding the seminar as part of an overall seminar series will be looked into on a demographic needs basis.

MQI
Discussion about updating the Masonry Quality Institute, last offered in 1997, as part of the seminar series is still in discussion. Initial proposals to totally revamp this seminar reached $15,000. Further discussions with Al Roach on this project came back with a proposal of $5,000 to update the previous MQI program and postponing the Team Building and Problem Solving course preparation. Recent work was done for Davenport Masonry in regards to the Quality Training program. This may also be something to look into forming some sort of partnership with Davenport or another contractor on this project.

Resource Catalog
The MCAA Resource Catalog is looking to be updated in the 2004 budget year. A scaled back version is being put together, removing items that are out of date or slow in sales. New resource offerings are being looked into. Projected time frame for distribution is scheduled for the July issue of Masonry Magazine.

Online Book Sales
Since the addition of the numerous online resources on the MCAA website, we have experienced an increase of book sales via the web.

Best Sellers
MCAA Rough Terrain Forklift Safety and Maintenance Manual Part 2 (26+ copies)
MCAA Rough Terrain Forklift Safety and Maintenance Manual Part 1 (26+ copies)
Standard Practice for Bracing Masonry Walls Under Construction
Masonry Wall Bracing Design Handbook
MCAA Rough Terrain Forklift Safety and Maintenance Manual Part 2 (11-25 copies)
MCAA Rough Terrain Forklift Safety and Maintenance Manual Part 1 (11-25 copies)

2005 Construct America Workshop Program
CSI and TFM have proposed to do an educational swap out program. What is proposed is that attendees registering for education at any of the shows would be able to attend education sessions at the other conferences at no cost. CSI does not offer a large number of specifier programs, a few offerings include Tile Installation, Stucco, Mold Issues and Waterproofing. The majority of their programs are accredited courses which MCAA does not offer at this time. The future scope of our educational offerings needs to be discussed regarding these issues.

Educational programs offerings for 2005 Show need to be discussed. Some additional workshops topics are: Website Development Workshop for contractors, Industry Software Programs, Installation programs of various Masonry offerings. The 2004 show has a number of suppliers hosting workshops to help further industry awareness and education.

Website Overview
In June, the MCAA hired its first Manager of Website Development, Tim O'Toole. Since this time, our website, masoncontractors.org, has been completely redesigned and expanded. Content has increased fifteen fold; hits have tripled, rising from approximately 100,000 per month to 300,000 per month; and revenue from the site has more than doubled. With daily updates, it is quickly becoming the premier source of news and information for the masonry industry.

Mr. President, officers, and MCAA members thank you for the privilege of serving as the Chairman of the MCAA Education Committee. This is my report.