Masonry Magazine February 1977 Page. 19
He labeled the non-union contractor as the masonry industry's biggest competitor. "You people command a tremendous amount of knowledge, skill, ability and know-how when it comes to building buildings," he said. "You cannot be successfully challenged by the non-union industry. However, your success can only be achieved with the full cooperation, understanding and willingness of the people in the labor unions who work for you. I pledge to you the cooperation of the Laborers' International Union of North America to convince our members that it is absolutely necessary that we sustain and support you in your efforts to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible, and to do this without jurisdictional disputes."
Keynoter Justin Wilson entertained the audience with his home-spun Cajun humor, which millions of Americans have enjoyed over the years. On the serious side, Wilson characterized himself as a "great believer" in free enterprise and urged everyone to take a more active interest in government, especially the democratic system. "Free enterprise, which your association represents, has worked wonders for this nation," he said. "When people support the government, that is true democracy. But when the government supports the people, that is socialism. You can't have both working in harmony."
He particularly urged people to vote when the occasion arises so as to have a strong, unified voice in political affairs. "If you don't take an active role, then don't complain about the results accomplished by the people in office," he asserted. "To put it bluntly, if you don't vote, then keep your mouth shut."
The International Masonry Institute (IMI) progress report delivered by Neal English depicted the strides the IMI has made in its seven years of existence and pointed up the need for mason contractors to vigorously engage in efforts to promote their industry and ward off competition. He pointed out that "one of the major problems is the lack of masonry instruction in schools of architecture and engineering. Most of the competitors have put considerable time, effort and supplies into educational programs to instruct architectural/engineering students in the use of their materials. But the masonry industry has not, and it has suffered because of this."
English said that IMI has begun its attack on this problem by giving copies of the slide show, "Brick In Architecture," and the awarding-winning film on loadbearing design, "First Principles," to every accredited school of architecture in the United States and Canada. He said the film presentations are repeatedly in use in the architectural schools.
English said that the various influential masonry groups which are members of the Masonry Industry Committee, such as the Brick Institute of America, the National Concrete Masonry Association and the Portland Cement Association, are pooling funds and talent to tackle major problems involving energy conservation, wood basement competition, waterproofing and governmental policies. "This type of cooperation," he said, "is essential if we are to cope with the many challenges facing the industry."
English related that the IMI has appointed an Architectural Education Council composed by deans of four schools of architecture. The deans have recommended that IMI prepare a major new motion picture on masonry design, along with related teaching aids, and to give this educational packet to the deans of all accredited schools of architecture in North America. The new design film and related aids, he said, are nearing completion and will be distributed during 1977.
In conjunction with this, English said the IMI is establishing an Advisory Council of Deans from schools of engineering. "We will soon start working with them to de-
masonry • February, 1977
Topflight musical entertainment featuring authentic Dixieland jazz delighted the guests at the MCAA Annual Banquet.