Masonry Magazine May 2005 Page. 50
News
Masonry Institute of Iowa (MII) Celebrates 30 Years of Helping to Build a Better Iowa
On March 9, Masonry Institute of Iowa (MII) members gathered in Des Moines to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their organization. Since its beginning in 1975, MII has remained true to its original mission of promoting and educating builders, architects, designers and consumers about the many benefits of masonry construction.
"The reason we've survived," says Charles Nicolay, founding member and the group's first President, "is because we got everyone involved contractors, bricklayers, manufacturers and suppliers." At the group's annual meeting, Dick Felice, MII President, introduced the organization's new scholarship program aimed at helping students interested in careers in masonry, design or engineering.
"Our industry needs new professionals who understand the value of masonry," Felice says, "and if we can help them on their career path with some financial support, we're more than happy to do so."
MII already works closely with Ellsworth and Kirkwood Community Colleges and the Bricklayers Union to help train new masons. In addition, it collaborates with Iowa State University professors to provide masonry educational experiences for their architectural and construction classes.
"We wanted to do something special to mark our anniversary," Felice adds, "and knowing how [the people of Iowa] value education, this seemed an appropriate way to give something back."
Members also used the day to elect officers and hear from various speakers. David Hansen of HR-One Source in Des Moines mapped out a plan on "How To Avoid Employee Lawsuits" while Alan Pettingale of Specialized Masonry Restoration in Dallas shared his knowledge of building inspection, restoration and repair.
Eric P. Fogg is the Executive Director of the Masry Institute of Iowa.
Board Members of MII, first row from left to right: President Richard Felice, Forrest & Assoc, lac; Trea United Brick & Tieniche Weber State DenBruc Edwards Cast Stone and Gary Pri the second row, from left to right, Tod Boucher, Boucher Masonry Vice President Andy Ward, Rhino Materials LCBPnder, Qua City Brick & Stres Larry Lars Seedorf Masonry Da Ditzenberge, Glen-Gary Brick and Secretary John Thi Marquart Block Co. Members set pictured inchat: Board Members Cappaert, Lafarge Corporation, Charles Mosley, Chas. Nicolay & Associates: Gary Crees, Bricklayers Union 3: Rass Gundersen ApprenticeCord Local Gardaber District Council and Olson Bricklayers Lacal 6.
Founding members Nicolay and Felice teamed up to provide some insight into the group's origins, as well as words of wisdom for the future.
The evening concluded with a presentation by noted Iowan historian Tom Morain, Dean of Liberal Arts at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa.
The Masonry Institute of Iowa is committed to providing education, service, leadership and promotion in support of its 90+ members and the masonry field statewide.
For more information about MII, please visit www.masonryinstituteofiowa.org.
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48 Masonry
May 2005
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