Masonry Magazine April 1997 Page. 30
Canadian Masonry Conference
January 16-18, 1997, Scottsdale, Arizona
The 1997 Canadian Masonry Conference was held at the beautiful Red Lions La Posada Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. There was a tremendous turn out for this years conference, with delegates from all across Canada attending. The conference kicked off with a welcome reception fitting the location. While delegates were entertained by a strolling mariachi band, they were able to enjoy enchiladas, tacos and margaritas; traditional foods of the area.
The morning technical sessions topics included: Does Mortar Make a Difference presented by Jean Claude M. Roumain, Corporate Manager of Technical Services, New Product Development and Promotion of Holnam Inc., Tall Wall Design and Construction Addressing the New Warehouse Market-presented by Dr. Robert Drysdale, Professor and Associate Dean of Civil Engineering at Mc Master University in Hamilton, Ontario, Design/Build Success in this Environment presented by Dr. Michael Hatzinikolas, Executive Director, CMRI, Product Tech-nol-ogy and Innovation presented by Charles W. Ostrander, Executive Director of the Illinois Masonry Institute, Residential Construction New Opportunities for Masonry - presented by Michael Wojno, President of Akron Brick and Block Co., in Akron Ohio. The C.M.C.A. annual general meeting and luncheon followed. The afternoon was spent at the Masonry Expo in downtown Phoenix, at the convention centre. That evening all delegates attended the Presidents Dinner and Casino. Gamblers took their chances into the early hours of the morning.
The ladies spent the day touring Superstition Mountains, lore's of lost treasures, a real gold mining town, and a 1 1/5 hour narrated cruise on Canyon Lake. From all reports this was trip not to be missed.
Saturday's technical sessions kicked off with a Macintosh Breakfast and the first address was by Paul Johannsen, addressing the Promotion of Masonry Through an Internet Web Site. This presentation was followed by an update by the Chairman of Masonry Canada on the proposed programme and direction of this group.
A conference well worth attending and long to be remembered! During the conference, the president's of both the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association, Mr. John Blair, and the Masonry Contractors Association of America, Mr. Don Grant, met to discuss the relationship between the two associations. We look forward to an upward and rewarding future.