Masonry Magazine August 2001 Page. 48
masonry news
MASONRY INSTITUTE OF MICHIGAN LAUNCHES NEW MAGAZINE MARKETING MASONRY
SIX MICHIGAN MASONRY AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS
STORY POLE
Wall Bracing
Supplement
Knowledge
Livonia An aura of excitement permeated the room as 23 board members of the Masonry Institute of Michigan perused the premiere issue of the new Story Pole, the official association magazine. Comerica Park is featured on the cover as one of six award winning projects in the annual "M" awards competition co-sponsored by the Masonry Institute of Michigan (MIM) and American Institute of Architects Michigan (AIA MI). Projects designed innovatively using masonry brick, block, stone and glass block bedded in mortar were submitted by architectural firms.
Winners this year were: Comerica Park, Detroit, designed by Smith- Group, HOK Sport and Rockwell Group; Richard M. DeVos Center at Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, designed by Design Plus; Pontiac Coil Corporate Offices & Manufacturing Facility, Independence Twp., designed by The Heil Partnership; Dow Institute for Materials Research at Michigan State University, East Lansing, designed by Albert Kahn Associates; the Energy Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor, designed by HarleyEllis and Oakland Christian School, Auburn Hills designed by Van- Tine/Guthrie Studio of Architecture.
The Story Pole is mailed to 1200 architectural firms throughout Michigan as well as 3800 contractors, construction managers, building officials, inspectors, municipalities and suppliers. This is now one more tool the MIM will use to educate the designers of buildings on the benefits of designing with masonry.
Besides being a strong, durable material, masonry is economical, fire resistant, sound resistant, thermal resistant, with endless ways of expression that will endure the test of time.
Technical and business articles will inspire and enable the industry to perform to higher standards. And now, the Story Pole is a perfect opportunity for suppliers to cost-effectively and efficiently inform the entire industry on benefits of their products and services through advertising.
"A story pole is a guide used to aid in laying masonry units level and plumb," states Steve Dudek, President of MIM as well as Navetta Mason Contractors. Dudek is enthusiastic about the new Story Pole, the guide to Michigan's masonry industry. "I can't wait for the reaction of the industry. This full-color magazine brings us to a new level. For centuries, we have had a quality product; in Michigan we have a great number of quality mason contractors. We already have credibility and now we have a publication which represents us well. It is very exciting to be a part of this."
"Although brick has been used in construction for 5000 years, technology is changing to allow taller, thinner walls rather than the massive load
NATIONAL MASONRY INSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The National Masonry Instructors Association held its annual Masonry Conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on July 8-11, 2001. Masonry instructors from Alabama, Connecticut, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia attended the three-day workshop.
Prestigious leaders in the masonry field, including educators, suppliers and related affiliates, presented programs on certification, brick technology, recruitment, curriculum development, problem solving, health, proper use of diamond blades, new tool lines and uniform curriculum. Attendees received certification hours through South Carolina University along with in-service hours through NMIA.
At the annual awards banquet, incoming President William L. (Buddy) Combs presented James T. Ham a plaque in appreciation for his outstanding service as President for the past three years. Eugene Johnson was elected to serve as President-Elect, while Milton Young was re-elected to another term as Secretary-Treasurer of the organization.
Butch Hardy, President of Adams Concrete Products was inducted into the NMIA Hall of Fame. He joins other educators, contractors and affiliates who have received this award since the formation of NMIA twelve years ago. Mr. Hardy also delivered a motivating keynote address prior to his induction.
NMIA's conference for 2002 is scheduled for July in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
(Right) Butch Hardy from Adams Products Co. receives a plaque from James Ham recognizing Mr. Hardy as the 2001 ΝΜΙΑ Hall of Fame Inductee.
(Above) Two instructors take time out to discuss the educational topics at this year's NMIA Annual Conference.