December 01, 2009 8:43 AM CST

Start the Year Strong

Attend the MCAA Convention this February

By Tom Daniel

Start the year strong and rejuvenate at the World of Masonry, Feb. 2-5, 2010. While the economy is still not as strong as anyone would like it to be, we can’t pass up this great opportunity to rejuvenate with fellow industry members. Come check out what can give your company a competitive edge this year, not only through new product introductions, but also through the excellent assortment of educational opportunities.

In addition to these excellent networking and educational opportunities, attendees will have the opportunity to witness three of the most exciting and grueling masonry competitions in existence. Tuesday, we’ll present the best and brightest apprentices. These apprentices are winners from local contests around the country, all in Las Vegas to compete for the crown of national champion in the first-year, second-year and third-year levels. Wednesday, we’ll present the fastest brick layer in the Spec Mix Bricklayer 500, and Thursday, we’ll present the fastest block layer in the MCAA’s Fastest Trowel Contest. These events showcase the best of the best that the masonry industry has to offer.

In a twist to the MCAA’s traditional schedule, the Opening Session for this year’s convention will be a dinner on Tuesday evening. Just before the Opening Session, the MCAA will host their MAC PAC reception. This is a critically important event that will host the candidate who will be taking on Harry Reid for his Senate seat in the fall of 2010. All MCAA attendees are strongly encouraged to attend the MAC PAC reception and support the ever-growing important MCAA political action committee. On the final night, I will pass the reigns of the Presidency of the MCAA to Mackie Bounds as the MCAA will have the changing of our Board. The dinner will be followed by one of the great shows at the Venetian/Palazzo.

Lest we forget to mention that there will be the largest display of industry-related exhibitors in the World of Concrete and World of Masonry Show. I realize as much as anyone that these tough economic times can make us think of not attending or potentially cutting out our annual expenditure for the convention. It is critically important that we not sacrifice our opportunity to start the year strong and to give ourselves and key employees from our companies the opportunity to partake in an experience that will give us a competitive edge in the marketplace. The downturn will not last forever, and we need to be prepared and ready for the upswing. I find the convention a great opportunity to recharge my batteries, network, and learn from and share with other contractors in the industry. Sometimes, some of the most important things you will take home from an event like this happen outside the classroom. I would encourage all our readers to sign up today for this year’s convention.

Register today for the MCAA Convention and view the daily schedule at convention.masoncontractors.org.

I look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!

---

About the Author

Tom Daniel, owner of GBC Concrete and Masonry Construction, Inc. in Lake Elsinore, Calif., has worked in the masonry industry since the 1980s. During that time, he has volunteered countless hours for the masonry industry locally in California and on the national scale. Daniel spent eight years on the MCAA Executive Board, including two years as President from 2008-2010 and was the recipient of the 2011 C. DeWitt Brown Leadman Award.