President's Message

Greetings From Italy!

Frank Campitelli
President, Mason Contractors
Association of America

My message this month is a little unique as it is the first President's Message written on foreign soil. The MCAA is currently finishing our mid-year meeting in Italy.ÊOne of the reasons we selected Italy was for the amazing craftsmanship and artistry this country has given us throughout the centuries. It certainly has not been a disappointment.

It seems as if everywhere you turn, from Venice to Florence and Rome, the architecture is nothing less than spectacular. Masonry is a huge part of the culture.

This year's tour began in Venice with several tours of the Verona area, including a visit to the Verona Faire stone show. The fair grounds were quite impressive with one of the largest trade shows I, personally, have ever seen.

On our way to Florence, we had a nice stop at the Carrara marble quarries. Our group had an impressive view of this famous quarry, which supplies 90 percent of the white marble worldwide. While in Florence, we had an opportunity to see the true craftsmanship of some of the world's most famous sculptors, including Michelangelo. Our tour is ending in the glorious city of Rome, visiting some significant masonry structures, including Vatican City and the coliseum.

MCAA mid-year meeting attendees tour the Roman Colosseum in Italy.