Masonry Magazine July 2007 Page. 6
From the Editor
Moving Forward
Jennie Farnsworth, editor
jen@lionhrtpub.com
"What we all do is like
riding a bicycle. We are
moving forward or we're
falling down."
Jack Griffin
President of Meredith's
Publishing Group
The masonry industry has been a relatively unchanged tradition throughout the ages. From the Egyptian pyramids to the local, modern-day public school, the masonry trade has been as solid as the buildings themselves. While the heavy equipment and power tools may be new and improved every year, little has really changed in the industry itself. However, this year, the industry will realize momentous changes that will create a new, solid foundation for years to come.
First, the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) has announced a change in leadership. Jeff Buczkiewicz has accepted the position of executive director of the MCAA. Prior to accepting this position, he was executive vice president of the Building Stone Institute; prior to that, he was the marketing director for the MCAA. He is quite familiar with the masonry industry and its strengths, as well as the areas where it could improve. In speaking with him, he talks of changes for the better, and envisions an even stronger Association and a more unified industry.
Second, comprehensive immigration reform is a controversial, yet crucial, source for change in our industry. As I write this column, the Senate is heading back into session to try to seal a compromise on this very issue, knowing full well that if they don't succeed, the window of opportunity will most likely not come again until after the presidential election. Hopefully, lawmakers will be able to set aside partisan politics and agendas to do what's best for the country. Whatever the resolution, the masonry industry will need to remain flexible in moving with the outcome.
During the next six months, our industry will see other changes as well. I urge you to stay involved and help make these changes a positive step.
And Some Things
Never Change
While the masonry industry begins to make these giant steps toward a stronger future, there are some things that never change: the hardworking industry people in the shadows who tirelessly work toward a better tomorrow for us all. From the state association executive directors and their staff members who are, day in and day out, doing everything they can for the industry; to the MCAA members serving as committee chairmen and working to bring better programs and solutions to its members; to the authors in our magazine - such as Tim Hughes, Gary Micheloni and J. David Holt who donate their time and expertise to help this great trade. These people deserve our gratitude for their steadfast support and efforts. Without people like them, the idea of making a better industry and a better future would not at all be possible.
MASONRY
The Voice of the Masonry Industr
MASONRY Magazine
Official Publication of the
Mason Contractors Association of America and the
Canadian Masonry Contractors Association
MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
President Frank Campitell
Vice President Tom Daniel
Secretary Mackie Bounds
Treasurer John Smith, Jr.
Regional Vice Presidents
Robert V. Barnes, Jr. Douglas Nichols
Ron Bennett Tim Spiker
Edwin Davenport Mile Sutter
Mark Kamp Roy Swindal
Executive Director Jeff Buczkiewicz
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Director of Government Affairs Jessica Johnson
Manager of Information Technology Timothy M. O'Toole
Events Coordinator Erin Anderson
Controller Liz Fidanuk
Administrative Assistant Renee Stevens
Consultant Rashod Johnson
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Robert L. Nelson (Robert L. Nelson & Associates, Inc.), David Jolley
(Masonry Contractors), Jake Chrysler (MIA), John Melander (PCA), Dale
(Peter Construction Co.), John J. Smith (John J. Smith Masonry Co.), Bruce
(Grant/Jack's Masonry), Jerry Painter (Painter Masonry, Inc.), Doug
(Doug Nichols Enterprises), G. Alan Giffin (Griffin Contracting, Inc.), Tom
(GBC Concrete and Masonry Construction, Inc.)
Executive Office
33 South Roselle Road
Schaumburg, IL 60093
Phone: 847.301.0001 or 800.536.2225
Fax: 847.301.1130
MASONRY is the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of
America (MCAA) and the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association (CMCA).
The magazine acts as a sounding board without approving, disapproving or
guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data, claim or opinion appearing
under a byline or obtained or quoted from an acknowledged source. Views
expressed by officers do not necessarily reflect the official views of
CMCA. The appearance of advertising or new product information does not con-
stitute an endorsement by MCAA or CMCA of product featured.
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www.masonrymagazine.com
Publisher Julie Llewellyn (llewellyn@lionhrtpub.com)
Editor Jennie Farnsworth (jen@lionhrtpub.com)
Contributing Editor Tom Inglesby (tom@editor.com)
Assistant Editor Cory Sekine-Pettite (cory@lionhrtpub.com)
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Production Artist Christopher John (chrisjh@lionhrtpub.com)
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Advertising Sales Marie Diamond (marie@lionhrtpub.com)
Reprints Kelly Milwood (kelly@lionhrtpub.com)
The Voice of the Masonry Industry