Masonry Magazine March 2011 Page. 44
INDUSTRY REPORT
The development of the BrickStainable Design Competition, which is now in its second year, seeks to attract and promote new ideas in the manufacturing of, the application of, or the physical arrangement of clay masonry units that promote energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable building design. This has quickly become a premier event that received entries from more than 60 countries. The synergies created by this competition are almost unbelievable and have earned recognition from the USGBC-MD chapter. Anyone seeking inspiration will likely find it by learning more about these efforts at www.brickstainable.com. Not every individual or company has the resources to make such a large contribution to the masonry industry, but with imagination and determination, there are surely smaller-scaled projects that can be developed using similar concepts.
These are just some of the examples that inspired me during the convention. I have witnessed the creative juices that are flowing. I encourage each of us to capture that energy. Be it on a large or small scale, I urge you to invest in yourself and contribute to the industry.
A call to action
We are all aware this is a critical time for everyone connected to the masonry industry. Every business owner knows that now is the time to look internally for ways to can make their businesses run more efficiently and effectively. However, that is not going to be enough. As a collective, we also need to make certain masonry excels as the exterior of choice as the construction industry turns around.
Take the lead from those innovators I met at the convention, and begin to imagine what more you can do to help shape the industry's future. Find ways to promote masonry in your community, region and beyond. Seek out and become active in local association chapters (e.g., The Masonry Council, MCAA, International Masonry Institute). There is strength in numbers. Team up with other businesses in the industry-maybe even your competition. Embrace technology and its ability to show people how masonry construction is sustainable, desirable, efficient and durable. We each have to accomplish what we can independently, so that collectively our efforts will provide the masonry industry with a bright future for generations to follow, IMAS
Sarah B. Atkins is president of CavClear/Archovations Inc., an MCAA Strategic Partner
RESOURCES
U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Joint Release. New Residential Construction in December 2010. U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. January 19, 2011.
Brick Industry Association. 2009 Annual Brick Industry Report. Researched and edited by Ducker Worldwide. September 2010.
Brick Industry Association. Summary of Brick Production and Shipments, November 2010. January 12, 2011
Typical Wall Using CavClear® Drainage System
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Edward Jacoby
Lenox Hotel-Boston, MA
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