Masonry Magazine April 2005 Page. 53
News
Local, State and Regional
# Atlanta
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The Retail Construction Expo, an event for retail design, construction, development and facilities maintenance professionals, takes place in the Georgia World Congress Center, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, May 11-12, 2005.
As the first trade show dedicated exclusively to retail design, construction and maintenance, the Retail Construction Expo is setting the stage to become the industry's ultimate must-attend event!
Join top industry decision-makers when they come together for two days of seminars, networking and deal-making at the third annual Retail Construction Expo. Activities include 30 AIA-accredited seminars, two days of exhibit hall hours and two networking special events for 1,000+ attendees.
For more information, visit www.retailconstructionexpo.com.
# Chicago
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The MCAA Masonry Showcase at CONSTRUCT AMERICA™ is the largest marketplace showcasing the industry's top masonry building products and services combined with advanced education programs and industry networking events. Held April 19-22 at Chicago's McCormick Place, Masonry Showcase attendees will experience:
* The only show representing the needs of mason contractors
* Access to three co-located shows at no additional cost to attendees;
* Over 1,000 exhibit booths offering extensive exposure to construction building products and services covering virtually the entire construction lifecycle; and
* An event that brings a large number of buyers and sellers together for the purpose of networking and education.
Registration forms can be downloaded from the MCAA web site. For more information, visit www.masoncontractors.org or www.masonryshowcase.com.
# Florida
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The Florida Masonry Apprentice & Educational Foundation, Inc., has had a busy winter.
The Apprentice Program student count in October was totaled at 250, which is a 3% decrease from the year before. The Foundation had expected to top 300 students, but the 2004 hurricanes had a severe impact on recruiting first-year students and getting second-year students back to class, especially in the Orlando and Southeast programs. These classes alone lost 22 students. However, two new programs have started in Tallahassee and Fort Pierce, plus the Foundation is expecting to graduate 40-50 students in 2006.
Also, pre-apprenticeship programs are springing up all over the state. Pre-apprenticeship students are learning about masonry while still in high school, trade school or correctional facility. Upon graduation, they have the knowledge to "choose" to enter the masonry field.
At the inception of the pre-apprenticeship program in 2002, there were two high schools with masonry pre-apprenticeship programs. Today, it has nine high schools with over 500 students. In addition, there are 10 correctional facilities and the Dozier School for Boys teaching the trade.
The Foundation has also added a new team member. Mary Jane Mueller is the new Coordinator for Orlando and the East Coast region.
For more information, visit the Foundation's newly expanded web site at www.masonryeducation.org.
# Michigan
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Established in 1908, the Mason Contractors Association of Michigan (MCA) this year begins its 97° year of service to the masonry contracting industry in southeastern Michigan.
The MCA has also announced its officers and directors for 2005. In the photograph (see page 52), seated from left to right, are: Secretary and Director, John Robovitsky, Robovitsky Inc; President and Director, Brad Leidal, Leidal & Hart LS&R News continued on page 52
TCT Masonry Handsaw
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For cutting in brick, lime stone and similar soft materials.
This handsaw has carbide teeth to improve the wear resistance.
Special developed tooth design for smooth and effortless cutting.
Newly designed ergonomic hard wood handle for better control.
DANISH TOOL SHOP
www.danishtoolshop.com
CIRCLE 270 ON READER SERVICE CARD
SPEEDARCH
FLEXIBLE MASONRY ARCH FORM
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Imagine saving up to 80% of the time required to install a brick arch above a doorway or window. Now you can with SPEEDARCH.
The simple installation process begins with measuring and cutting then the arch is mounted to the wall using pre-drilled mounting tab.
As you lay each row of bricks just simply place the bricks into the arch and the beauty of the SPEEDARCH process is apparent. Once the brick has been laid, your perfect archway is complete.
* SPEEDARCH is designed to hold the necessary weight to complete the arch installation.
* Saves time
* Easy to use
For more information on SPEEDARCH contact
GAHABA SAND & GRAVEL
2595 Alton Road Birmingham, AL 35210
Phone: (205) 833-8339 FAX (205) 833-0108
www.Speedarch.com
CIRCLE 271 ON READER SERVICE CARD