Masonry Magazine April 1978 Page. 6
MCAA CONFERENCE REPORT
continued from page 5
regional activities. A final report on this market study will be presented at IMI's 8th Annual Promotion Meeting. May 7-10, 1978, at the Fairmont Hotel in New Orleans. La.
Buck Richardson gave a slide presentation that graphically portrayed what IMI's Masonry Engineering Department is doing to promote masonry, especially in the area of energy conservation. Research on the exceptional thermal performance of masonry is presently being conducted and the facts are being circulated among building designers and code officials, he said.
Richardson indicated that this research is emphasizing the passive energy of masonry walls from the standpoint of their outstanding ability to retain heat and cold. The use of properly designed masonry fireplaces also is being encouraged as a means of conserving energy in residential construction.
Richardson said that the college deans currently serving on IMI's Engineering Education Advisory Council are aiding in the development of teaching modules in masonry, covering such areas as design, testing and structural properties. The aim is to provide engineering students with first-hand experience in designing with masonry, including laboratory testing and field work.
Sunday, March 12, was devoted to the President's Reception and the opening of the '78 MCAA Educational Trade Show. Both were held in the massive new Pavilion of the Las Vegas Hilton, as were all of the MCAA Conference activities.
Promptly at 9:15 on Monday morning. March 13, the Opening Session of the '78 MCAA International Masonry Conference was convened in the Pavilion, with MCAA President Robert Ebeling presiding.
The official program began with the playing of the American and Canadian national anthems, and the presentation of colors by the color guard of the Marine Corps Training Center based in Las Vegas.
The invocation was delivered by the Rev. Oscar M. Braunschweig of St. John Lutheran Church, Romeo, Mich. This was followed by a welcome address by the Hon. William Briare. Mayor of Las Vegas. Mayor Briare pointed out that much of the new building construction going up in Las Vegas is of masonry design, and he thanked MCAA members for constructing "buildings that last." He concluded his brief address by presenting the keys to the city to President Ebeling.
In delivering his President's Report. Ebeling emphasized that the primary purpose of MCAA's Annual Conferences will be to provide topics of educational benefit to the membership. "This year," he said, "we have planned a Conference that will impart educational value to everyone here. We hope you will return to your businesses with a better overall picture of our industry, and especially with ideas that will be of particular benefit to you."
Ebeling singled out for praise the MCAA Material Handling and Safety Committees for their accomplishments over the past year. The committees, respectively chaired by Jerry Dufour and William Dentinger, co-produced the MCAA Rough Terrain Fork-Lift Safety Training Manual. and followed this up with a very effective Audio Visual Program on the same subject.
In the area of apprenticeship. Ebeling reported that the International Masonry Apprenticeship Trust (IMAT) continues its steady growth and now has available for distribution two valuable training manuals designed to standardize and improve training and craft skills among the trowel trades. These also have been augmented by several fine visual aids.
Ebeling also lauded the IMI which, he said, "stands out as one of the finest tributes to the cooperative spirit that
Energy conservation was one of the topics covered in "Industry Review: Promotion Engineering Efforts" presented by IMI. Buck Richardson (left). Director of IMI's Masonry Engineering Department, addresses the audience on energy. Ray Lackey (right), Senior Vice President of Henry J. Kaufman & Associates, Inc.. IMI's advertising public relations agency, outlines IMI's advertising and promotion goals for 1978.
6 MASONRY/APRIL, 1978