Masonry Magazine February 1970 Page. 26
Annual Convention Report
(Continued from page 11)
Lackey outlined the promotional goals of IMI, which is a unique alliance of labor (Bricklayers, Masons & Plasterers' International Union) and employers (MCAA) in the masonry industry. One of the first steps being taken is to mail promotional press kits to consumer and trade publications, radio and TV stations to publicize masonry's role in construction and the nation's over-all economy.
The kit contains fact sheets, news releases, reproduction materials, and a copy of IMI's new publication, Masonry Building News. All of the items can be rewritten by editors to achieve a local slant, explaining the masonry industry in terms of a specific locale. (Copies of the kit are now being sent to all MCAA chapter offices.)
Roy Wenzlick was in agreement that prefabrication is having a definite impact on masonry construction. "While prefabrication will increase, it will be gradual," he indicated. "This is desirable because you can adjust to it gradually, as opposed to something bursting on the scene overnight. Conventional construction methods, however, still will be the major way of building for a long time to come."
He was of the opinion that panelization saves little money in production costs. "It is just about the same as a conventionally built structure," he noted, "but it is making gains nevertheless."
Wenzlick pointed out that in 1969, for the first time, prefabricated dwellings and mobile homes totalled more units than conventional building. According to him, 90% of all dwelling units under $15,000 are now in mobile homes, representing 20% of the over-all single family dwelling market. He predicted that mortage interest money will "remain tight, at least through the rest of this year and probably will stay tight for a long time."
Tuesday morning, February 17, was "Industry Day," with President Bidwell presiding. Speakers included Woodrow Eshenaur, President, Structural Clay Products Institute; James Holman, President, National Association of Dealers and Distributors; Robert H. Hopkins, President, National Concrete Masonry Association; James Piper, Sr., Vice President, Portland Cement Association; Kenneth Gutschick, National Lime Association, and Ray Lackey, International Masonry Institute. Each of the speakers gave a short resume of the history of his association as well as a capsule comment on programs and projects underway.
This was followed by a presentation by MCAA's Legal Counsel, Peer Pedersen. His talk, titled "The Legal Aspects," consisted of a review of recent NLRB decisions and Federal court cases currently pending which affect the business operation of the mason contractor. A question-answer period followed.
At 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, President Bidwell called the Annual Meeting to order in the Bal Tabarin Room, after which T. Walter Kirk led the members in prayer. Following the reports of the officers and committee chairmen, the Nominating Committee presented the slate of officers and the annual election was held.
State Chairmen named at the Annual Meeting are: Arizona-Blaine Warner; Arkansas D. T. Allen; Connecticut-Ray Paquette; Georgia James Randolph; Hawaii-Charles Miyata; Illinois-Robert Hansen; Indiana-Hal Wade; Iowa Charles Seedorff; Kentucky-William Mitchell; Maryland-George Arconti; Massachusetts Charles Velardo; Michigan-Norman Parker; Minnesota Sid Mosman; Missouri-Robert Sloss; Nebraska-Karl Kehm; New Hampshire -Rodney Rich; New York Anthony Zotollo; Ohio -Robert Dalton; Oregon-Ken Parker; Pennsylvania -Mark Parseghian; South Carolina Mack Pettit; Tennessee Walter Lerch; Texas-William Dendy; Virginia William Coor; Washington C. Lowell Bass; West Virginia-Richard Harris; Wisconsin-Peter Germinaro, and Canada-Eugene George.
The Convention closed Tuesday evening with the Annual Banquet. Newly elected officers officially took office at the MCAA Executive Board Meeting in the Gold Room on Wednesday morning, February 18.
Note: The above report constitutes the Secretary's minutes of the '70 MCAA Convention. A transcript of the proceedings will be on file at MCAA Headquarters and may be reviewed by any interested member of the Association.
IHC Names Dierbeck to PR Post
International Harvester Company has announced the appointment of John J. Dierbeck, Jr. as public relations manager, farm and industrial equipment.
Dierbeck, formerly public relations consultant for IH, served as public relations manager at the Company's Milwaukee (Wisconsin) operations and later as western area public relations manager, opened IH's first public relations office on the west coast.