MCAA's Online Auction Taking Place Now

Don't miss out on your chance to bid on new, name brand equipment for a fraction of the cost of retail. Save your company thousands of dollars and support the industry at the same time. View products

Construction Employment Up in 197 of 339 Metros, March '13 - '14

Construction employment expanded in 197 metro areas, declined in 87 and was stagnant in 55 between March 2013 and March 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted, however, that construction employment stands to suffer if Congress allows federal highway funding to stop this summer.

“Much of the country experienced relatively robust growth in construction employment during the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “But the fact construction employment remains below prior peak levels in most areas shows just how hard hit the industry was during the downturn and how vulnerable it is to disruptions, such as a potential lapse in federal highway funding.”

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif. added the largest number of construction jobs in the past year (10,000 jobs, 9 percent), followed by Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, Calif. (9,100 jobs, 12 percent) and Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas (6,200 jobs, 6 percent). The largest percentage gains occurred in Monroe, Mich. (43 percent, 900 jobs), El Centro, Calif. (37 percent, 700 jobs), Pascagoula, Miss. (35 percent, 1,900 jobs) and Lewiston, Idaho-Wash. (33 percent, 300 jobs).

The largest job losses from March 2013 to March 2014 were in Gary, Ind. (-5,400 jobs, -28 percent), followed by Bethesda-Rockville-Frederick, Md. (-3,000 jobs, -10 percent), Putnam-Rockland-Westchester, N.Y. (-2,200 jobs, -8 percent) and Rochester, N.Y. (-1,400 jobs, -9 percent). The largest percentage decline for the past year was also in Gary, followed by Yuba City, Calif. (-13 percent, -200 jobs), Elkhart-Goshen, Ind. (-12 percent, -300 jobs), and Sandusky, Ohio (-11 percent, -100 jobs).

Pascagoula, Miss. experienced the largest percentage increase (26 percent, 1,500 jobs higher than March ‘08) among the 27 metro areas that topped or matched their prior March construction employment highs. Baton Rouge, La. added the most jobs since reaching its prior March peak in 2013 (3,400 jobs). Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale, Ariz. (-86,300 jobs) experienced the largest drop in total construction employment compared to its prior March 2006 peak while Lake Havasu City-Kingman, Ariz. experienced the largest percentage decline compared to its March 2006 peak (-69 percent).

Association officials said thousands of construction jobs could be at risk if Congress and the Obama administration allow billions in highway funding to come to a halt this summer when the federal Highway Trust Fund is expected to reach a zero balance. The prospects are so daunting that thousands of highway workers have already contacted their members of Congress asking for help as part of a “Hardhats for Highways” campaign organized by a coalition of construction and labor groups.

“It would be an economic travesty to put thousands out of work and undermine the construction industry’s recovery because Washington officials don’t fix a problem they’ve known about for months,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “This isn’t the kind of summer break hard-working crafts men and women expect or deserve.”

View construction employment figures by state and rank.

Showcase Your Masonry Work in the Masonry Design Gallery

Your projects (be they buildings, hardscapes, etc.) are your calling card – your signature. They are how you and your firm get noticed, and therefore, earn more clients. By this logic, the more you are able to showcase your designs, the better your firm’s bottom line. This is where the Masonry Design Gallery comes in. We want to help you showcase your projects. Just submit your project images for free to our gallery. Learn more from the blog.

Masons: AcmeTools.com Uses IBM Smarter Commerce for Mobile Shopping

Acme Tools, an authorized online retailer of tools and equipment, has launched its new mobile version of AcmeTools.com for online customers using smartphones. Developed by BlueSky Technology Partners, the new mobile platform leverages Acme Tools' ongoing investment in IBM WebSphere Commerce to deliver a seamless online shopping experience regardless of how customers choose to browse and buy.

Based on a recent IBM study, mobile traffic and sales have continued to soar as a component of overall online sales. In the fourth quarter of 2013, mobile traffic accounted for nearly 35 percent of all online traffic, up 40 percent year-over-year. In addition, mobile sales neared 17 percent of all online sales, an increase of 46 percent over the same period in 2012.

The new Acme Tools mobile site is designed to reduce load time and enhance the user's experience making it easier to browse, search and purchase using a smartphone. Registered users can utilize cross-platform features that include saved wish lists, saved checkout and the convenience of completing a purchase on a smartphone, tablet or laptop. The new mobile site also offers click-to-call and store locator functions and excellent readability on smartphones.

"The new mobile site expands Acme Tools' e-commerce capabilities," says Steve Kuhlman, VP of corporate operations for Acme Tools. "Mobile optimization ensures Acme Tools' online customers a consistent user experience regardless of platform."

Mobile shoppers will find the same extensive product specifications unique to AcmeTools.com and the exclusive option of shopping by trade, category or brand.

"We recognized the importance of having a mobile friendly site for our customers," stated Paul Kuhlman, VP of merchandise operations and marketing for Acme Tools. "Our online customers will experience the same excellent shopping experience whether they're using a smartphone, tablet or laptop."

Acme Tools' new e-commerce platform is based on the latest version of IBM's WebSphere Commerce, the industry's leading customer interaction platform. Designed through IBM premier business partner BlueSky Technology Partners, WebSphere Commerce provides Acme Tools with a differentiated e-commerce experience to drive better customer engagement and increased sales through a single platform.

Sims Crane Earns Insurance Premium Reduction Via Safety Record

Sims Crane & Equipment Co. has earned a significant reduction in its insurance premium, due to its on-the-job safety score. The firm’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR) is .68, meaning its insurance premiums will be 68 percent of the premiums required from less safe companies. 

“The EMR is a rigorous standard set by insurance companies and the state, so having those outside third parties attest to our superior workplace safety practices and our culture of safety at Sims is a credit to everyone who works here,” says Dean Sims II, VP of marketing at Sims Crane & Equipment.

The EMR is a gauge of both past cost of injuries and future probability of injuries. An EMR of 1.0 is considered industry average. The lower the EMR, the lower the firm’s worker compensation insurance premiums will be. 

The EMR is designed to measure whether a company’s workers’ compensation losses are better or worse than expected. If the experience is worse than expected, a company is punished with a high EMR greater than 1.0. If the experience is better than expected, a company is rewarded with a low EMR below 1.0, paying less for workers compensation premium than a company with a high EMR.

“In Florida, Workers Compensation rates are ultimately determined by the Florida State Department of Insurance. The only real mechanism to apply either good or bad loss experience to the premium calculation is through the experience modifier,” says Randy Proos, USI Insurance Services, Coral Gables, Fla..

The EMR is calculated by a rating bureau, the National Council on Compensation Insurance, using three years of past loss history, excluding the immediate past year. The 2014 EMR is calculated using the 2012, 2011, 2010 loss experience.

Exchange-A-Blade Changes Name to EAB

Exchange-A-Blade, the pioneer in exchangeable and environmentally sustainable power tool accessories, announces the change of its corporate name to EAB Tool Co. Inc., and the marketing of its core line of exchangeable products under the brand name EAB.

The EAB acronym preserves the connection with the company's origins as a supplier and re-manufacturer of exchangeable circular saw blades for the retail hardware and building supply markets, while allowing it to represent its entire power tool accessories product line.

This announcement launches the rebranding of the Company's exchangeable EAB products, and its non-exchangeable products under the existing StaySharp name. The rebrand encompasses all logos, graphics, product packaging and in-store displays and will be rolled out to retail dealers in Canada and the United States during 2014.

"We're very excited about the new EAB," says Rob Forbes, founder and president of EAB. "This is an evolution of the brand. We continue to enhance the Exchange System that has allowed us to compete successfully against much larger competitors, while reinforcing our principles of delivering outstanding value and service, building customer and dealer loyalty, and striving for a more environmentally sustainable industry."

News for Masons: QUIKRETE Opens Company Store

The QUIKRETE Cos., manufacturer of packaged concrete products for the building and home improvement markets, is opening an online company store at www.thequikretestore.com. Consumers, customers and employees can chose from hundreds of officially licensed QUIKRETE items, ranging from premium golf shirts and fleece jackets to die-cast toy trucks and trains.

“We’ve had countless people over the years express a desire to own QUIKRETE branded apparel and merchandise,” says Frank Owens, VP of marketing for The QUIKRETE Cos. “The online company store makes it easy for consumers to get their hands on fun, authentic and even retro QUIKRETE items, like baseball caps and hoodies, while contractors and QUIKRETE employees might select more practical things, like hard hats.”

There is no minimum purchase at the online company store and, for convenience, there are several delivery options, including “QUIKSHIP.” More information on QUIKRETE products and access to home improvement project how-to videos are available at www.quikrete.com.

SAKRETE Named 2013 Building Products Vendor of the Year

SAKRETE, a concrete and concrete-related products company, has been named an ENAP Inc. 2013 Building Products Vendor of the Year in the Specialties Department category. ENAP Inc. vendors are evaluated on a variety of criteria including sales growth, gross margin improvement, customer support and product quality. 

ENAP Inc. is a member-owned forest products and building materials cooperative whose corporate headquarters are in New Windsor, N.Y. ENAP is comprised of premier independent lumber retailers. 

“Sakrete has been a supplier to ENAP Inc. for more than 30 years, and we continue to support the co-op and its members,” says Johnsie Beck, president of Sakrete. “Being named vendor of the year proves our commitment to understanding our customers’ goals. We strive to provide them with leading products, outstanding customer service and support.”

For additional information about SAKRETE, call 866-725-7383 or visit sakrete.com.

Kleinfelder Names Janacek as Retaining Wall Practice Group Leader

Noel Janacek, a senior engineer in Texas’s architecture and engineering community, has been named Kleinfelder’s new retaining wall technical practice leader.

  

Janacek has developed expertise in retaining wall design, construction and forensic evaluation through years of engineering work and work with a specialty contractor. Kleinfelder has been providing investigation, design, construction and expert forensic services to transportation and commercial clients throughout the Texas region.

“Kleinfelder’s ability to deliver integrated retaining wall services provides our clients continuity and clarity in this diverse industry,” says Janacek. “I am excited about the opportunity to support our practitioners in continuing growth and innovation in the practice.” 

The Retaining Wall Practice Group works within Kleinfelder’s Geotechnical and Geological Engineering Discipline and focuses on coordinating high quality, efficient analysis, design, and construction among geotechnical engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers and project managers for large or complex retaining walls of all types. 

The group has already built a solid record of accomplishment of providing innovative, cost saving designs, including a recent project where Kleinfelder’s retaining wall engineers saved the client $1.3 million through a revised design of a key retaining wall on a commercial site.

Janacek earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and his Master of Science from the University of Texas, Arlington. He is licensed Professional Engineer in Texas.

To learn more about Kleinfelder, visit www.kleinfelder.com.

Big News for the Masonry Industry: Holcim, Lafarge Announce Merger

Two of the world’s largest suppliers of building materials announced plans for a “merger of equals” that would create an industry giant with a combined $44 billion in annual revenues.

Swiss-based Holcim and its French counterpart, Lafarge, said the new company would be named LafargeHolcim and be based in Switzerland. They said the merger would create the most advanced group in the building materials industry. The two companies are already global leaders in the supply of cement, crushed stone, sand and gravel.

The plan is for Holcim board member Wolfgang Reitzle to serve as chairman of the merged entity, while Lafarge’s chairman and chief executive Bruno Lafont becomes its CEO. Seven people from each company will be represented on the board.

Reitzle, a German mechanical engineer, also has extensive experience in the automotive industry, while Lafont, a French business executive, has been with Lafarge for more than 30 years and is also a special adviser to the mayor of Chongqing, a Chinese city of 32 million.

“This merger of equals is a unique opportunity in the history of our companies,” Holcim Chairman Rolf Soiron told reporters in Paris.

The combined entity has a market value estimated at 40 billion euros ($55 billion) based on their share prices Friday before news of the deal was announced. LafargeHolcim will dwarf the next largest cement makers, Cemex of Mexico and Heidelberg Cement of Germany.

Lafont emphasized the two companies’ complementary geography. While Lafarge has greater presence in mature North American and European markets, Holcim has a far larger reach in the faster growing markets of Asia and Latin America.

Holcim, based near Zurich, employs 71,000 people and has production sites in around 70 countries. Paris-based Lafarge, meanwhile, employs 65,000 people and operates in 64 countries. The companies said that by combining they would “be uniquely positioned in 90 countries around the world with a balanced exposure to both developed and high-growth markets.”

They said they plan to sell off businesses in developed markets representing about 3 billion euros ($4.1 billion) of revenue and businesses in developing markets worth about 1.5 billion euros ($2 billion) of revenue. The deal is expected to close in the first half of next year, subject to regulatory approval.

Masonry Structural Design Seminar Coming in May

The American Concrete Institute is hosting a one-day seminar is for Engineers, Architects, Specifiers, Public Agencies, and anyone else involved in the designing and specifying of masonry structures. Attendees will learn to design and specify masonry structures using the 2013 edition of Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry Structures. Discussion and comparisons of masonry provisions in earlier Codes and the International Building Code will also be presented. Practical design examples of typical masonry building elements will be reviewed as part of this informative seminar. Earn .75 CEUs (7.5 PDHs) by attending this one-day ACI Seminar in Charlotte, N.C., on May 14, 2014. Location: Doubletree Guest Suites Charlotte/South Park 6300 Morrison Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28211
Topics Covered This intense one-day seminar guides attendees through masonry design requirements while reviewing practical design examples of typical masonry structures. Instructors will review masonry design and specification provisions in the 2013 Masonry Standards Joint Committee's (MSJC) Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5), which is the primary reference in the International Building Code (IBC) for the design and construction of masonry. Several practical design examples of typical masonry elements will be examined using the 2013 MSJC, and necessary revisions to the design examples based on modifications in the 2013 IBC will be discussed. In addition, a preview of the masonry provisions that will appear in the 2015 IBC will also be presented.
Free Publications As part of this seminar, you will receive a FREE compilation of related ACI technical documents valued at $144 if purchased separately.
TMS 402/ACI 530.1-13/ASCE 6	Building Code Requirements and Specifications for Masonry Structures and Companion Commentaries Speaker Lecture Notes.
In addition, nonmembers can receive a FREE 6-month ACI membership for attending a 2014 ACI Spring Seminar.
Register To register or for complete information, click Masonry Structural Design or contact Karen Smith at Karen.Smith@concrete.org or 248.848.3814.
Custom Seminars: Education Customized To Meet Your Company's Needs Let ACI bring the latest concrete technology to your doorstep for all of your employees at one low price. For more information on Custom seminars visit ACI Custom Seminars. To schedule a custom seminar, contact Eva Korzeniewski at eva.korzeniewski@concrete.org or 248.848.3754.

Masons: ASTM Standards in Building Codes Available on DVD, Online

The latest compilation of ASTM Standards in Building Codes is available in DVD and online. The ASTM Building Codes contain more than 2,000 ASTM construction specifications, practices and test methods compiled from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. These standards satisfy the international code requirements established by the International Code Council.

ASTM Building Codes enable you to meet international code requirements; stay informed and remain competitive; specify the right material for the job; understand the significance and use of the standards; and speak a common language that the entire industry recognizes.

ASTM Standards in Building Codes provides easy access to the latest versions of ASTM standards referenced by:
• The International Codes published by ICC
• National Building Code of Canada—National Research Council Canada
• Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code—International Association of
  Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
• MASTERSPEC
• BSD SpecLink
• NFPA5000 – Building Construction and Safety Code
• SPECTEXT Master Guide Specifications
• Green Standards: Federal Green Construction Guide for Specifiers, International Green
   Construction Code (IgCC), Green Globes
• AWS: Structural Welding Code D1.1/D1M: 2010
• UL Global Standards
• National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).

For networking prices, or to purchase ASTM Standards in Building Codes, contact ASTM Sales - 877-909-ASTM; sales@astm.org). 

Pricing is as follows:

Online Subscriptions:
Basic Individual (Single PC): $1,577; Stock #: BLDGSVC
Single Site Access (LAN): $4,013; Stock #: BLDGSVCX
Plus Individual (Single PC): $1,892; Stock #: BLDGSVCR
Single Site Access (LAN): $4,815; Stock #: BLDGSVCXR

DVD:
Individual Workstation
Basic: $1,275; Stock #: BLDGCD
Individual Workstation with Quarterly Updates
Basic: $1,608; Stock #: BLDGCDUPD
Plus versions available online only. See above.

For more information, contact Marsha Firman, 610-832-9612; mfirman@astm.org.

Houston Chronicle: Tougher Building Codes Can Help Prevent Fire Disasters

The Texas Masonry Council has distributed an article written for the Houston Chronicle regarding masonry's ability to prevent fires.
Read more.

Sims Crane Forms Construction Angels Chapter in Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Chapter of Construction Angels, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that helps with financial support for families of construction-industry employees killed on the job, will hold a fundraiser May 1.
 
Dean Sims II, VP at Sims Crane & Equipment Co. in Tampa, is the founder of the Tampa Bay Chapter of Construction Angels, which originally formed in Broward County.
 
According to the Florida Department of Labor, fatalities on construction jobs in Florida increased from 41 in 2011 to 55 in 2012 – a 26 percent jump. Numbers for 2013 have not yet been finalized.

“With all of the industry’s dedication to safety education and safety on the job, the fact that on-site deaths in the construction industry are on the rise is of major concern to everyone involved,” says Sims. “And the reality is, in most cases, the families of loved ones killed on the job need all the financial help they can get. That’s where Construction Angels comes in.”
 
The fundraiser, hosted by Sims Crane and open to the public, will be held at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, Fla., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on, May 1. Festivities include live music, a silent auction, a raffle, commemorative photos and locally grown and distilled strawberry and blueberry wines. Registration/donation is $25 online and $30 at the door.

For more information, call Dean Sims at 800-282-6651, or email dsims@simscrane.com. Register at www.simscrane.com or www.constructionangels.us.

Mason Contractors Association of America TEAM Awards

Mason contractors realize that quality masonry projects are the result of strong creative vision and skilled execution. The purpose of the Tribute to Exemplary Achievements in Masonry (TEAM) Awards is to give recognition to these projects and members of the construction team for outstanding accomplishments in masonry design and construction.

Eligibility

 

 

All mason contractors or architects may submit a project. Masonry must be the dominant material used in the project. Any work completed and landscaped between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2013, is eligible to be entered. Projects under construction or not landscaped will be disqualified.

Any project that has previously received a TEAM Award cannot be resubmitted. Winners of local, state and regional competitions are encouraged to submit their award winning projects.

Download the TEAM Awards Submission Form to enter your projects

Submission

 

 

The entry fee is $150.00 for one project; $100.00 for each additional project; $75.00 to resubmit a project already submitted in previous years. Entry fees are nonrefundable. Each submission must include a completed entry form (enclosed) and shall contain the following information on a CD to be sent to the MCAA:

• A minimum of four and maximum of twelve high resolution digital photos
• All photos must be high resolution digital photos (300 dpi, at least 3600 x 2700 pixels)
• Low resolution photos and hard copy photos will not be judged
• Photos must be submitted as TIF or JPG files
• Rehabilitation/Restoration projects must include at least two photos of the building prior to restoration
• A typed description of the project in Word, not to exceed 500 words, including design goals, the primary details and features, advantages of using masonry, and unique or special circumstances faced in designing or building the project
• A typed summary of the project in Word, not to exceed 100 words, highlighting the facts of the longer written description

Download the TEAM Awards Submission Form to enter your projects

Categories

 

 

Projects may only be entered into one category. If a project qualifies for more than one category, please select the category that best fits the project. Categories include:

• Commercial
• Education: K-8
• Education: 9-12
• Education: College/University
• Government
• Industrial
• Institutional
• Landscape/Hardscape
• Rehabilitation/Restoration
• Residential: Single Family
• Residential: Multi Family
• Block (projects must be at least 65% block)
• Lighweight Block (projects must use lightweight CMU)
• LEED (projects must be LEED certified)

Download the TEAM Awards Submission Form to enter your projects

Schedule*

 

Submissions must be received by April 30, 2014. Judging will take place June 3, 2014. Winners will be awarded at the TEAM Awards Program on September 10, 2014 at the MCAA Midyear Meeting in Milwaukee. Awards will be presented to the mason contractor, general contractor, architect, masonry supplier, and building owner.

* All dates are subject to change.

Download the TEAM Awards Submission Form to enter your projects

Judging

 

 

All projects are judged on the following criteria: Design, Craftsmanship, Percent of Visible Masonry, Overall Aesthetic Appeal, and Masonry Difficulty.

The jury panel consists of mason contractors selected from across the country who are not competing in the competition. The judges are selected by the MCAA TEAM Awards Committee with utmost care and the highest qualifications. Without exception, the decision of the judges will be final in all cases.

Download the TEAM Awards Submission Form to enter your projects

Past Winners

 

• 2012 MCAA TEAM Awards Winners
• 2011 MCAA TEAM Awards Winners

MCAA Vision Awards

 

 

Do you know a school district, university, community, or architect who has demonstrated outstanding use of masonry in their projects over the years? If so, nominate them to be considered for a Vision Award.

The Vision Awards celebrate school districts, universities, communities, and architects who have demonstrated outstanding use of masonry in their projects and incorporate masonry in their campuses, communities, and buildings.

Nominations can be submitted online at www.masoncontractors.org/team.

Past Winners

 

 

• 2012 MCAA Vision Awards Winners
• 2011 MCAA Vision Awards Winners

 

Questions?

 

 

If you have additional questions please visit www.masoncontractors.org/team or contact the Mason Contractors Association of America at 800-536-2225.

Oldcastle Architectural Names Jones as National Homebuilder Rep

Responding to the resurgence in new home construction, Oldcastle Architectural has created the position of national homebuilder representative and named Todd Jones to educate builders on best practices for using masonry and hardscape products in their home designs and community development.

“Oldcastle Architectural can be a valuable resource for homebuilders looking for ways to maximize space, enhance design and build homes for the way consumers live today,” said Ken O’Neill, senior VP of sales and marketing for Oldcastle Architectural, whose brands include Belgard Hardscapes pavers and retaining wall block for outdoor spaces, EnduraMax High Performance Wall System and Artisan stone masonry products.

“Todd Jones will help inform homebuilders on the many masonry and hardscape options available to them, from offering education on how permeable interlocking concrete pavers can be a stormwater management solution to sharing design ideas for the use of stone veneer and pavers in fireplaces and outdoor spaces,” O’Neill said. “His background and hands-on experience in home building and landscaping make Todd a natural fit for this new position.”  

Jones comes to Oldcastle from ULC-Landscape Architects and Contractors, a design build firm in College Station, Texas, where he served as vice president of operations. With ULC, Jones focused on providing the complete planning and construction process for retail, commercial, institutional, municipal and residential customers.

He began his career with home builder D.R. Horton Homes, holding positions of lead superintendent, construction area manager, director of land acquisition and development, director of sales and most recently vice president of operations. During his tenure with D.R. Horton, Jones managed the land planning services of landscape architects, engineers, environmental consultants and corporate attorneys; handled construction starts and permitting; managed sales and marketing; oversaw customer care/warranty service; and managed product development and option selections.  

“I’ve been on the side of the builder and landscape architect and understand the challenges they face in staying informed about the newest building products, so it’s exciting for me to be in a position where I can serve as educator and as a resource to help builders find smart, sustainable and attractive solutions for cladding, retaining walls and outdoor spaces,” Jones said.

Jones earned his bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and development with an emphasis in urban site planning from Texas A&M University.