Masonry Magazine April 1997 Page. 13
Back in November, when convention registrations were flowing into the MCAA Executive Office, you begin to think what kind of show will the 47th Annual MCAA Conference and MASONRY EXPO will turn out to be?
Thinking back to the very first MASONRY EXPO which, to date, is on record as the most successful EXPO, you imagine the 1997 show topping all previous records. And why not... you have everything going for you.... Phoenix in January! A kick $@#(butt) program, including eleven educational programs, an Opening Session Breakfast with guest speaker Rocky Bleier, and Roy Firestone entertaining everyone at the ever popular MASONRY EXPO Luncheon. You have 200 exhibitors awaiting the ribbon cutting to officially open the 7th Annual MASONRY EXPO exhibits. And 16 contestants scheduled to compete in the Fastest Trowel on the Block Competition. To further convince yourself of the recording breaking show ahead, you review the great program scheduled for the spouses, the Excellence In Masonry Awards Competition, which brought in 27 entries and the final "let your hair down" evening taking place at "Rawhide", Arizona's largest western attraction. "It's gonna be a great show"!!
SUCCESS, SUCCESS!! The 47th Annual MCAA Conference and Masonry Expo has turned out to be a hugh success. As not all figures have been finalized, it looks as though we topped our 1990 attendance from the first MASONRY EXPO held in Phoenix and we reached our personal goal of 1000 mason contractor and 1500 mason contractors from those firms. Attendees as well as exhibitors were very happy with the Phoenix Program.
The MCAA Convention officially began Wednesday, January 15, starting with the MCAA/Masonry Expo Golf Tournament. 82 golfers were signed up to heat up the Pointe South Mountain Golf Course. The 8:00 am shotgun start was a bit delayed due to frost on a few greens ?!?! Though after it cleared, it turned out to be beautiful day on the links. With Jim O'Connor, Director of the MCA Greater Chicago, at the helm, it was definitely a good time had by all.
Wonderful comments were heard regarding the MCAA Opening Session Breakfast which took place Thursday, January 16 with guest speaker Rocky Bleier, legendary fullback from Notre Dame, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. 200 people filled the room and began the morning session, traditionally, with the presentation of colors, this year performed by the U.S. Marine Corps. Color Guard. After breakfast and a few conference announcements, President Donald Grant gave his "State Of The Association" address, highlighting the year's past accomplishments and future initiatives. The stage was then turned over to Rocky Bleier who entertained the audience with wonderful football tales from his years with Notre Dame and then with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rocky also talked about his two year battle to overcome leg injuries suffered in Vietnam to return and continue his 12 year career with the Steelers. Rocky ability to inspire effort and commitment was truly genuine and very well received by everyone who attended this Session.
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