Masonry Magazine March 2012 Page. 16
MCAA Convention
An Event-Packed
MCAA Annual
Convention
The MCAA Annual Convention kept attendees busy, from the MAC/PAC reception with guest speaker Danny Tarkanian, and an opening banquet, to daily committee meetings, and education and certification opportunities. The South of 40 group hosted a night of dueling pianos. And, a Closing Banquet ended the festivities on a super-high note, as members honored outgoing MCAA President Mackie Bounds, and welcomed new president, John Smith Jr. Here's a rundown of some of the other stellar events that took place during the convention.
Fastest Trowel on the Block
The Fastest Trowel on the Block showcases the skill of masons and importance of teamwork. Each contestant's goal was to complete as much of an 18-block-long wall as possible in 20 minutes. Winners were presented with trophies. First place took home $6,000 and a special trophy from Marshalltown; second place received $2,500; and $1,500 was awarded to third place. All contestants received a Marshalltown tool bag and tools, a Grout Grunt, and more. Sponsors and donors were SPEC MIX Inc., QUIKRETE, Angelus Block Co., Marshalltown, Gatorback, Grout Grunt and Linovation Corp.
The 1st Place winner was Mike Canez III of Triple M Masonry, Phoenix, Ariz. His tenders were Manuel Coronado and Issac Perez.
The 2nd Place winner was Bob Christensen of A.S.R. Constructors, Riverside, Calif. His tenders were Shawn Romano and Victor Lozono.
The 3rd Place winner was Kris Chee of Rhino Masonry Inc., Mesa, Ariz. His tenders were Luis Vargas and Ricky Esparza.
C. DeWitt Brown
Leadman Award
Each year, the MCAA presents the C. DeWitt Brown Leadman Award to an individual who has provided exemplary leadership in advancing the masonry industry. This year, the award went to Robert V. "Buddie" Barnes Jr. of Dee Brown Inc. in Dallas, Texas, during the Closing Banquet.