Masonry Magazine October 1995 Page. 54
THE LAST WORD
By GENE ADAMS
ASBPE, SPD, SNAP
Editor, Masonry Magazine
We're All In the Same Boat
THAT MANY of us in the industry too conveniently forget in addressing our own constituencies is that we're all in the same economic boat. Brick and block producers, distributors, mason contractors, block and bricklayers are all a part of the whole, each dependent on the other. The success or failure of a part is the success or failure of the whole. Rather than acting independently in seeking solutions to problems besetting the industry such as manpower recruitment, training, safety and increasing masonry's share of the building market - let's band together to solve them. Being in the same boat, we can sink or swim together.
AS SUCCESSFUL as the first two Masonry Magazine's International Excellence in Masonry Awards program were, the third now underway promises to be even better. A number of the parameters of the competition have been changed this year, including: (1) The program is now open to all entrants, with the requirement that the entry be a previous local or regional winner being dropped; (2) Judging will be conducted by a panel of architects and contractors, not be popular vote as previously; (3) Judging will be done prior to Expo '96, and winners will be announced at a presentation breakfast the second day of Expo, instead of the last; and (4) More emphasis will be placed on craftsmanship (as well as architectural merit) of the entries. It's not too early to prepare your entries in this prestigious competition. Use the entry form bound into the center of this issue, or call 708/782-6767 or fax 708/782-6786 for copies today.
THROUGH THE YEARS, we tend to join a number of organizations professional, service, recreational, ad infinitum. And, we participate in the activities of each in varying degrees, ranging from indifferent to enthusiastic. Take time to notice which are the most enjoyable and which you get the most from. the answer is obvious. Almost without exception, the amount of devotion and enthusiasm you bring to an organization, the more it benefits you. Never underestimate the power of one you can make a difference. -- Gene Adams