Masonry Magazine December 2012 Page. 8
FROM THE EDITOR
Jennifer Morrell
Editor
jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com
The Future, Near
and Far
As 2012 leaves the building,
here's what I know: We have an
industry full of people just as
strong as masonry itself. No one
can be certain of what the next
four years will hold for any of us.
But I do know that most of our
industry weathered a hell of a
storm during the last four.
Next year, whether we con-
tinue to bounce back or flatten
somewhat, we still are far from
where we stood in 2009 and
2010. Heads no longer hang
Speaking of the future of masonry, shown is my 2-year-old nephew,
Rowan, on the brickyard at South Georgia Brick Co. on a hot day in
Albany, Ga.
down in despair and gloom when our staff attends trade shows, meetings and
events. Companies are able to do what they do again, including looking to the
future and what positive growth it holds.
The near future looks a lot greener than it once did. Sustainability is a real compo-
nent to how we do business, and that will only strengthen, year after year.
The near future also looks more technical and digital than ever. From iPads
on the jobsite to contractor software back at the office, we are working more effi-
ciently. Social media gives companies unique identities and exposure. Building
Information Modeling and the design-build concepts create maps and records
for the life of large construction projects. Every project can have a pedigree, if the
contractors so desire.
The far future is a little trickier, but it is in our hands. We need to promote
masonry. Masonry needs to be everywhere. I have had big players - suppliers -
in our industry ask me why masonry still is relevant. We need to use our passion
about our industry to educate others at every turn.
The far future also will depend on our ability to keep skilled workers. High
school and technical school programs are strong and commendable, but we need
to increase this in all areas of the country. Skilled labor is a good thing, and we
need it if masonry is to thrive.
Our industry isn't without worry, but we are solid. Masonry is solid. Masonry
isn't going anywhere, and neither are we. IMAS
Jemifer A. momell
MASONRY
December 2012 www.masoncontractors.org
MASONRY
The Voice of the Masonry Industry
MASONRY Magazine
Official Publication of the
Mason Contractors Association of America and the
Canadian Masonry Contractors Association
The Mason Contractors Association of America is committed to preserving
and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education
advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment
recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry
materials.ion of America is committed to preserving and promoting the
masonry industry by providing continuing education advocating arcodes
and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future
manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.
MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Chairman Jan Smith,
Vice Chairman Mark Kemp
Treasurer Mike Sutter
Secretary Paul Odom
Regional Vice Presidents
Robert V. Barnes, t
Geen Hotmen
Ron Bennett Douglas Nichols
Steve Bannan Michael Scherbeck
Edwin Davenport Ronal
Larry Vacala
President CED Jeff Buczkiewicz
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Administrative Assistant Ann Trownsel
Consultant Rhod Johnson
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
David Jolly Jollay Masonry Contractors, Chrysler (MIA),
Melander
(PCA), David Hill (Pets Construction Co., John Smith John Smith Masonry
Ca), Brian Grant (Grant/Jack's Masonry), Jerry Painter (Painter Mason, Inc.
Doug Nichols (Doug Nichols Enterprises), G. Alafiffracting
Inc., Tom Daniel (GBC Concrete and Masonry Constraction, Inc.)
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