Masonry Magazine February 1994 Page. 51
Changing is not just changing. If the new words only cover up old thinking, then you're building customer cynicism, not customer loyalty.
So, why change now?
Short-term economics and long-term demographics are producing structural changes in the construction industry. The recession brought tougher competition for available work, longer bid lists, more hard-bid jobs, and thinner profit margins.
Changing technology, industry consolidation, and the shrinking labor pool are powerful trends reshaping the industry.
Chasing jobs, while ignoring people, is a 1950s solution to a 1990s problem.
Regardless of whether the problem is a shortage of work-or a shortage of workers the solution is the same: increased productivity. And that spells a shift in management priorities.
FMI IS THE NATION'S largest management firm exclusively serving the construction industry. Principal services are marketing, crisis planning, improving productivity and quality, facilitating mergers and acquisitions, and corporate evaluation and planning. Contact FMI at company headquarters, 5151 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina 27622.
Medical Leave
Act Exceptions
THE FAMILY and Medical Leave Act, the new federal law that requires all covered employers to give their eligible employees up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave over twelve months, took effect August 15, 1993, except for employees working under collective bargaining agreements that are now in effect.
The new law will begin to apply to the latter when their collective bargaining agreements expire or on February 5, 1994, whichever comes first.
Equipment
Shows Unite
TWO OF NORTH America's most effective and well-known equipment shows, CONEXPO and CON/AGG are joining forces to stage what's expected to be the broadest display of construction equipment ever assembled in the Western Hemisphere.
The combined "megashow" will be held March 10-14 in Las Vegas. The co-sponsorship is based on an agreement between CIMA, the producer of CONEXPO, the National Aggregates Association and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, producers of CON/AGG.
The show is expected to be on a scale with the largest equipment expositions in the world, and companies traditionally exhibiting at both events will not have to budget for separate shows in the same year. "CONEXPO-CON/AGG will be a great industry event on a par with the huge BAUMA, INTERMAT and SAMOTHER European equipment shows," says Fred F. Broad, CIMA president and secretary.
ENGINEERED
FOR QUALITY
Each and every Marshalltown brick and block-laying tool is built to exacting standards. The standards professional masons have come to rely on since 1890. The standards that make your job easier.
Look for the full selection of quality engineered Marshalltown masonry trowels, brick jointers, runners, and related accessories at leading hardware and hand tool retailers across the country. Write for your free catalog.
Marshalltown
MARSHALLTOWN TROWEL COMPANY
PO Box 738 Marshalltown, lowa 50158 (515) 753-0127
MASONRY JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1994 51