Masonry Magazine June 1989 Page. 36
JUST A MINUTE
continued from page 24
Style And Distribution
The style of minutes, generally, include the following elements: organization and grammar. Every effort to be certain grammar is correct is necessary to avoid any misinterpretations. All subjects should be organized in a fashion whereby anyone reviewing the minutes can follow or locate a subject from its introduction to its conclusion. In addition, the organization of minutes should follow a chronological order of developments during the meeting which, in most cases, is identical to an agenda.
Just as important to the proper development of minutes is the timely distribution of the minutes to all parties. If the minutes are prepared and then distributed, for example, three months after the meeting, then certain items may have been acted upon which are contrary to the minutes, so the sooner the minutes can be prepared and reviewed for accuracy, the better for all concerned. After all, we are only human and the human tendency is that memories fade. When the minutes are presented at a subsequent meeting, and if the minutes were timely developed and corrections solicited early, the process by which they are formally approved will be enhanced. If it is necessary to modify the minutes, make certain that the official file copy is appropriately altered to reflect the change(s). Many groups prefer to have the final minutes signed by one or more parties.
Cushwa Doubles Plant Capacity
A new era for the 117-year-old brick manufacturer Victor Cushwa & Sons, Inc., was formally launched at a grand opening and dedication at the firm's plant in Williamsport, MD.
"Our rich heritage is now complemented by a true state-of-the-art brick-making facility," said David K. Cushwa, IV, president and CEO of Cushwa, "positioned to contribute to the changing architecture of America."
The event marked the doubling of Cushwa's manufacturing capacity to 70 million brick a year. The $12 million expansion includes a new, computerized Lingl tunnel kiln, fully-automated Lingl drying system, and Kercher Industries, Inc. Autobrick press, as well as the renovation of the original tunnel kiln, original brick machine, and shuttle kiln.
This new state-of-the-art Lingl tunnel kiln is capable of turning out 40 million brick a year. Victor Cushwa & Sons, Inc. added the new kiln as part of a plant-wide expansion, which has increased the company's total brick capacity to 70 million per year.
36 MASONRY-MAY/JUNE, 1989
Summary
In summary, we use minutes as a summary record for an organization's meeting proceedings. They can often protect a group's intentions and be used by others to formulate action. In most cases, minutes are often construed as self-serving, but they do carry considerable clout in the judicial system. All of the suggestions listed here need only be adapted by a particular group's needs. A church Sunday school class' minutes need not be as detailed as the quarterly officers meeting of a large construction firm; however, both require timely and accurate minutes.
About The Authors
Harold E. Moore is the General Manager of the North Texas Contractors Association, Arlington, Texas. A specialist in labor law, Mr. Moore is a recognized arbitration authority. Currently he is a lecturer at the School of Business, University of Texas, Arlington. Mr. Moore, an attorney-at-law, maintains offices in Arlington.
James L. Schwinkendorf is the Manager of Trust at the North Texas Contractors Association. He received his Bachelor of Science from Southern Methodist University. Mr. Schwinkendorf is a member of the Construction Advisory Committee, Richland College, Dallas and a speaker and author for the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.
Victor Cushwa & Sons, Inc., the second-oldest brick manufacturer in the U.S., produces the highest quality machine-moulded and handmade brick available for residential and commercial building, and colonial renovation.
Home Buyers Demand More Luxury
Undeterred by surging interest rates and rising costs alone, today's home buyers want more space and comfort, according to the Cahners Building & Construction Market Forecast.
"While higher interest rates will make it harder for home buyers to afford the space, amenities and design features they want this year, consumers will continue to demand high quality homes. Demographics will accelerate this trend as the baby-boom generation enters the higher income-earning years," Cahners economist, Lisa Gilmore, said.
The trend toward larger homes with more amenities continued last year, despite the declining number of trade-up buyers. The average size of a new single-family home increased for the sixth consecutive year, up 4.7% to 1,995 square feet versus 1,905 square feet in 1987.
A larger percentage of units completed in 1988 also had central air conditioning, 2.5 bathrooms or more, 4 bedrooms or more and at least one fireplace. "These are the most popular luxury features along with an extra room and more storage space," Gilmore said.
Wintz Joins WJE as Consultant
J. A. "Tony" Wintz, III, has joined Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE), as Consultant working in the Washington, DC, area. He is located at 3250 Annandale Road, P.O. Box 2257, Falls Church, Virginia 22042, (703) 241-7557.
Wintz is a specialist in masonry engineering. This will enhance WJE's extensive capabilities in the field of masonry engineering consulting, research and testing. In addition, WJE's other consulting and research services in all areas of construction technology will be more readily available in the Metropolitan Washington area.