MCAA - 2004 Masonry Showcase Review

Convention Review

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) held its annual Masonry Showcase and convention on March 21-24. Although an MCAA event, organizations from across the industry gathered in Las Vegas to promote the greatest building system in the world.

Mike Adelizzi Bill McConnell G. Alan Griffin

Annual Meeting
The voice of the mason contractor was heard loud and clear during the MCAA Annual Membership Meeting, held on the second day of the convention. From Committee Reports on initiatives throughout the past year to discussions of future projects, members proved that they're in it for the long-haul and are fighting every step of the way for their industry (see the "Committee Reports").

Election of Officers
After two years of determination and hard work, Bill McConnell passed the leadership of the MCAA to the new President, G. Alan Griffin. McConnell has played an instrumental role in expanding the Association and moving the Association into the position of being regarded as a key leader in the masonry industry. Griffin will continue to pursue many of the goals that McConnell and the MCAA staff have set forth for the Association, as well as some new goals of his own (see page 6).

The new elected officers of MCAA are as follows:

President
G. Alan Griffin, Griffin Contractors, Inc., Morganton, N.C.

Vice President
Frank Campitelli, Baltimore Masonry, Inc., Eldersburg, Md.

Secretary
Tom Daniel, GBC Concrete & Masonry, Lake Elsinore, Calif.

Treasurer
Mackie Bounds, Brazos Masonry, Inc., Waco, Texas

Retiring Regional Vice Presidents
Also after years of loyal service, three Regional Vice Presidents have retired. Rob Greer (Region A), John Spencer (Region E) and Robert Barkshire (Region I) were honored at the Annual Meeting for their dedication and assistance to the masonry industry.

The new Regional Vice Presidents are now Ron Clough, John Smith, Jr., and Tim Spilker, respectively.

C. DeWitt Brown Lead Man Award
Every year, one distinguished member of MCAA is applauded for his or her commitment and long-time service to the Association and the industry. This year, the C. DeWitt Brown Lead Man Award was presented to MCA-Chicago President and Owner of J&E Duff, Inc., Dick Lauber.

Masonry Systems Promotion Campaign
The MCAA Annual Member Meeting was the perfect place to introduce the new masonry promotional initiative. See the "MasonrySystems.org" sidebar for more details on this exciting new push to make masonry the building system of choice.

Masonry Showcase
Over sixty vendors exhibited their masonry products for the attendees. From small hand tools to large equipment, the 2004 MCAA Masonry Showcase offered something for everyone.

Some of the new items exhibited during the Masonry Showcase and other shows held this Spring can be found in our special "New Equipment Round-up" (see pages 24-27).

MCAA has partnered with the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), and next year the Masonry Showcase will co-locate with CSI's Construct America in Chicago. This joining of forces will create a show that covers virtually the entire construction lifecycle. It will also bring together over 600 exhibitors, giving attendees even more of the latest products and services available to them.