Membership dues paid to the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is the largest source of funding that
we have. Its importance cannot be understated…it's a vital part of the
association that enables us to continue to fight for our industry on behalf of
all mason contractors. Our involvement on all fronts (from regulatory reform to
education and training) continues to ensure the survivability and viability of
our industry for generations to come. Below is a list of some our recent
successes supported by MCAA Membership dollars followed by a brief outlook for
the year ahead.
BIM software development
Phase One of the BIM Software Development program is
complete. Phase one has given the industry a roadmap forward to implement a
fully operational BIM for Masonry program. Phase Two of the process is formally
going to be kicked off June 1, 2013. Phase two will see contractor education
and input is a major emphasis. Phase two will have contractor education
initiatives rolled out and will take up to 18 months to complete. It is during
this time that the vast majority of "what contractors need from BIM"
will be developed, then the tools for contractors to access those wants will
begin in the form of education. This is an exciting step forward in the process
and will offer huge opportunities for contractors. The entire process is projected
to be about a five-year process. When complete masonry will level the playing
field with competing systems and will be at the very beginning of the
development process in building design.
Single wythe wall study
The MCAA has partnered with the IMI and the Canadian mason
contractors to engage the University of Louisville to conduct a study, which
will help make it possible to design single wythe masonry walls in climate
zones 3-6 in spite of the new IECC code. We expect to receive results of this
study this summer June/July and expect to begin to promote those results soon
thereafter. A large component of this study will deal with thermal mass and
it's impact on R-values. The results of the study are showing that thermal
walls with lower R-values perform better than walls without thermal mass at
higher R-values. This research will be invaluable in fighting for changes to
energy codes that impacted single wythe walls and getting better designs, that
are more energy efficient with thermal mass walls and lower R-values.
Learning experiences for contractors
The MCAA introduced new "Networking Sessions" at
our two face-to-face meetings. These new sessions replaced our old educational
programs. At our mid-year meeting we broke into five breakout sessions by
employment classification. Participants discussed some pre-developed questions
about best practices within their company and then had an open forum on topics
the participants wanted to learn more about. It was so popular it was carried
over to our convention and these sessions were conducted in a mobile classroom
on the show floor. In addition to this experience, the MCAA introduced the
"webinar season pass". This concept offer's programs and educational
opportunities for your entire company all year long. We are looking to reach
beyond a key contact and give benefits to your entire firm. New programs are
offered weekly and are recorded for on demand viewing. This brings the
educational experience to your doors and gives great opportunities to everyone within
your company.
MasonrySystems.org
MasonrySystems.org was re-launched Feb. 7, 2013, during the MCAA Convention at
the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas. The site allows visitors
to determine which masonry wall system is right for their next building, learn
why masonry structures outlast and outperform every other building system, and
discover the beauty and versatility of brick, block and stone. The goal for the
redesign was to create a user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and informative
website that would be used as a masonry resource for architects, owners,
contractors, masonry suppliers, and other decision makers. Masonry wall systems
along with an updated and easily visible Details, Benefits, Gallery, Knowledge,
Communication, and Resources sections are highlighted on the website. Each
section includes updated graphics, links to other resources, and
cross-references to other sections on the site. Since re-launching, over
400,000 visitors have viewed the new MasonrySystems.org and the site has
received over 1,000,000 hits.
A
Look to the Year Ahead
Silica initiatives
It is expected that OSHA will finally release a new silica
rule this year. In preparation for this rule, the MCAA has reconvened and been
active in the silica coalition made up of over 20 construction associations
including the Home Builders, AGC, ABC, ASA, Roofers and many more. This
coalition will shortly hire a law firm to develop an independent economic
impact study of construction, as well as develop a response and questions about
the new required PEL level. This level is believed to be half of the current
PEL, which would be 50 (from the current 100) with an action level of 25. This
would be economically devastating to the construction industry and very harmful
to our industry in particular. In addition to the economical issues, there are
great concerns about the technological feasibility of our industry to be able
to meet these new PEL levels. Those arguments will be discussed in detail in
the industries response to the new rule.
MQI redevelopment
Another very exciting program happening in 2013-14 is the
re-development of our Masonry Quality Institute program. This program will be
redeveloped and designed in consultation with eight different contractors from
around the country. Their knowledge and experience will be the basis of the
course. In addition to a great program, attendees will also take away from the
program an outline of a company quality assurance program. As they work through
the program, they will fill in the outline to make it company specific. We have
had numerous requests for Quality Assurance programs and this class will now
offer that opportunity. In addition the class will be more economical for
attendees and will likely see webinar based learning opportunities.
Contractor-to-contractor education
The MCAA is committed to bringing
more educational opportunities to contractors which give them real life
experience and learning opportunities from one another. The MCAA is in the
process of developing a new opportunity for contractor-to-contractor learning
by visiting each other's job sites, facilities, yards, etc. Look for the first
opportunity late this winter (of course in a warm climate), sometime soon after
the convention. It will be a unique experience for all to enjoy.
As the year develops there will be undoubtedly more exciting opportunities for our association to participate in. We need your continued support to maximize our opportunities and serve the needs of our industry.
As the year develops there will be undoubtedly more exciting opportunities for our association to participate in. We need your continued support to maximize our opportunities and serve the needs of our industry.
Jeff Buczkiewicz is the President
and CEO of the Mason Contractors Association of America. Jeff has worked in the
masonry industry for several years as the Executive Vice President of the
Building Stone Institute and the Director of Marketing and Membership for the
Mason Contractors Association of America. Jeff has also served as Secretary on
the Board of the Natural Stone Council and is a former Board Member of the
StonExpo Federation.
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