Mason Contractors Association of America

The Mason Contractors Association of America is the national trade association representing masonry contractors and suppliers in national legislative and political affairs, codes and standards composition, workforce development, education, market promotion and general industry advocacy. Our association's membership accounts for $2 billion in masonry sales annually.
MCAA was incorporated in 1950. It's purpose is to help educate, train, and represent the mason contractor through its various programs aiding members to maintain its competitive edge against other construction methods. In addition, the MCAA promotes the use of masonry, recruits and assists in training of the industries workforce, impacts federal legislative and standard issues affecting contractors and provides educational programs for the key employees of member firms.
As a contractor, you encounter many different problems on the job site. The benefits of belonging to an association of your peers can never be overlooked. A shared experience often times saves contractors thousands of dollars. The MCAA offers many opportunities for mason contractors to share in experiences, learn from one another and continue to grow professionally as well as personally.
The Mason Contractors Association of America is the only trade association which represents the needs of the industry mason contractors. Through strong programs, publications and services the MCAA promotes the interests of its members. By promoting the use of masonry, influencing reasonable codes and standards, work force development and public affairs, the association actively advances the use of masonry.
MCAA members are represented by Officers who are elected by the membership every two years. The Executive Committee consists of ten Regional Vice Presidents along with the four Executive Officers and Past Presidents. The Executive Board meets twice formally each year to conduct and review association business.
In 1950, a small group of mason contractors concerned about the well being of the masonry industry, banded together to form the Mason Contractors Association of America.
In hopes of uniting existing local mason contractors organizations into a cohesive national force acting in one voice to affect issues that were impacting the industry. These visionary leaders worked diligently to create what today has become a strong national organization helping all mason contractors to compete effectively in today's tough construction environment.
The creation of the MCAA Show in 1951 opened up a whole new field for MCAA activities. It would be an excellent showcase for the entire industry, a membership tool and possible revenue-producing vehicle. The show was officially opened with a reception line and official ribbon cutting by the President at the enterance to the show in 1952.
By 1954, the association had now developed beyond the formation stage and was beginning to tackle some of the issues that faced the masonry industry. The Material Handling Committee had several open forums relative to proposed packaging while the Apprenticeship Committee emphasized greater participation by local chapters in apprentice programs.
The year of 1955 continued the fast pace the association was setting. Memberships of the Mason Contractors Association of San Diego, Mason Contractors Association of Baltimore, Mason Contractors Association of Salt Lake City, Mason Contractors Association of Spokane, Washington, Mason Contractors Association of Pierce County (Tacoma), Washington, and individual member J.J. Steckling of St. Cloud, Minnesota were approved and swelled the MCAA ranks. This was a phenomenal growth since in 1950 MCAA had 9 chapters and in 1952 it had expanded to 22 chapters. Now in 1955, it took its place in the construction industry as a full fledged responsible national trade association with 48 chapters and 20 applications pending.
There was a surge of enthusiasm to create new programs for the Industry during 1970. On July 22, President Allen Young and Thomas F. Murphy signed the official documents in Washington D.C. that created the International Masonry Institute. The fund was administered by five trustees appointed by MCAA. This was the start of a productive relationship.
In keeping with this fast pace, the International Masonry Industry All-Weather Council released the first edition of the "Recommended Practices for Cold Weather Masonry" in October. Thirteen editions and approximately 100,000 copies of the manual were distributed in the United States and Canada. The U.S. Corps of Engineers were major users of the booklet and many agencies adopted the manual as a guide.
After 27 years at 208 South Lasalle Street in Chicago, the Executive Office of the MCAA was moved in 1976. It became necessisary to find larger quarters, so MCAA departed for Oakbrook Terrace.
All the MCAA Committees were developing new projects in 1995. The Apprenticeship Committee was working on a curriculum for a three year bricklayer training course, the Safety Committee was developing Tool Box Talks and videos, the Legislative Committee had created an MCAA Policital Action Committee, a Foreman's course was in the works and being working on by the Education Committee, the Membership Committee was developing a Membership Service Program and Directory, and the Marketing Committee was developing a profile program which would assist all the other efforts in determining their course of action.
1997 saw the MCAA kick off its first Masonry Career Day and it drew wide attention to the issue of on-going recruitment. The purpose was to activate recruitment efforts and to draw positive attention to the masonry industry. It was a national success and Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist declared a proclamation officially declaring February 28th Masonry Career Day. Other efforts in Illinois, Arizona, California, Texas, and Washington brought the apprenticeship story to the students in middle and high schools.
In the year 2000, the MCAA celebrated its 50th birthday.
The MCAA began to establish a permanent home and headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois. The new headquarters provides flexibility for growth while helping to ensure the long term financial health of the MCAA. The building is a hub of activity with association meetings and educational offerings.
The years have been spiced with victories, and today MCAA represents nearly 1,000 industry mason contractors nationwide. The association continues to grow and be a strong force in the masonry industry.