Masonry Magazine March 2002 Page. 11
from the editor
MCAA LEADERS LOOK TO THE FUTURE
On Thursday, February 7 at the Mason Contractors Association of America's Annual Meeting held in Phoenix, members of the association elected a new president for the 2002-2004 term. Normally in each issue of MASONRY, a "President's Message" is featured to offer insight on some of the leading issues facing both the MCAA and the masonry industry. Instead of the usual monthly message, we felt it would benefit our readers to gain insight into our new president and the goals he has for the association and industry. So this months cover feature story titled, "Meet Bill McConnell: A Conversation With the Newly Elected President of the Mason Contractors Association of America," is featuring this month on page 28. In this interview, we sought answers to some of the questions and concerns facing the MCAA, the industry and the association's role on the future of the masonry industry.
In addition to the in-depth interview with Bill McConnell, featured on page 19 of this issue is the "2001 Report of the President," presented by MCAA President Richard M. Johnston at the opening session luncheon held on Thursday, February 7, 2002. In his presentation and report, he gives us an overview of the association's key accomplishments for the past year as well as presenting his outlook for the future. He specifically outlines the association's goal to become more influential in the areas of federal regulation and legislation affecting both MCAA members and the masonry industry.
2001 has been a remarkable year for the association. MASONRY, the association's magazine, went monthly providing the industry with a consistent source of information regarding our industry. We led the charge against restrictive code changes proposed by the American Society of Civil Engineers, who sought a requirement to brace masonry walls to withstand seventy mile per hour winds. We assisted in promoting masonry in our customers' trade publications with the first industry advertisement in Architecture Magazine, as well as running an industry trade show pavilion in the Construction Specifications Institute trade show. We conducted another great Architects' Masonry Symposium and a quality Excellence in Masonry contest promoting the greater use of masonry to our customers. And once again, we held another Masonry Skills Competition and Fastest Trowel contest to promote the best of our craft.
We now look to impact what comes out of Washington D.C. with the hiring of a full-time Government Affairs Director who will work solely for your interests. Undoubtedly, Mike Johnston has left a great legacy to follow. But like all of our past presidents, he chooses not to retire but instead to rededicate himself by continuing to serve the industry through continued service on the MCAA committees. We look forward to Mike's continued leadership within the association.
It has indeed been a good year for the association and for the industry. I can't wait to see what next year brings.
Debra J. Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief
MASONRY MARCH, 2002 11