Masonry Magazine June 1993 Page. 7
FROM THE PRESIDENT
George
Has Left
His Mark
on the
Industry
By RICHARD MATTHEWS
President, Mason Contractors
Association of America
I was asked at a recent chapter meeting, "what was the single most important event that took place at our Conference and Expo 93"?
Actually there were several. First, the positive attitude all the attendee's had for our workshops and seminars. Most agreed that overall, the Conference and Expo was one of the best ever presented. The credit for this must go to the staffs of the associations who worked hard to make it the best.
Secondly, the overall upbeat outlook most of our members seem to have for construction in 1993. Many have hopes that President Clinton will unite the country and bring down the deficit, and still stimulate the economy without stirring the winds of inflation. Of course, we also had some criticism, but for the most part, they were of the kind meant to improve our association.
The most frustrating part of this job is being unable to do something for a troubled area of our industry; one which has a problem and asks for help. And I felt this frustration during a meeting at the Conference. The harsh fact of life is that there are some problems for which there are no easy solutions. Sometimes the most we can do is offer comforting words and continue to work "together" toward a solution. This MCAA must continue to strive to accomplish.
One important event that sticks in my mind was the announced retirement of George Miller at the banquet. The people who attended represented every facet of the masonry industry. Also in attendance was his wife Betty, his two daughters, Susan and Karen and four grandchildren, Matthew, Mark, Terry and K.C.
Speakers included John Heslip of NCMA and L. Gerald Carlise, representing the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen. Carl Booker representing Laborers International Union of North America spoke at the opening session of the conference. All had high praise for George.
George Miller has served MCAA for forty-three years and will continue to work for MCAA on a consulting basis, so that we may continue to benefit from his expertise. He has been retained and will continue to represent our association as trustee on all current boards he now serves on.
George was hired after he assisted in the formation of the Mason Contractors Association of America in 1950, and since that time served as the association's chief executive officer. George is a current trustee of the International Masonry Institute, the Housing Investment Trust, the Bricklayers and Trowel Trades International Pension Trust and is co-chairman of the Laborers Health and Safety Fund of North America.
In 1970, George was appointed a management member of the Construction Industry Stabilization Committee for its entire existence by President Nixon. In 1975, he was appointed a member of the Collective Bargaining Committee in Construction by President Ford. He currently serves on many technical and educational committees within the masonry and construction industries.
At the Conference, George was presented with the MCAA's highest award, its "Lead Man" award. Today, it seems like every hour someone is getting an award. That's what some people measure you by. Success is all too often equated with how many awards you have received, or how much money you make. And we have a hard time separating what we do from what we are. As you go through life using one's talents is important, but you can't get by on that alone. You give of yourself.
It's important to know that George will be remembered for his dedication to an entire industry. Because he has left an imprint on this industry that few will ever equal. He worked to help form the International Masonry Institute, the Bricklayers Pension Fund and the Ma-
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