WSCMC Create Award Named After Bill Blackstock
By Masonry
The Washington State Conference of Mason Contractors (WSCMC) has created an award named for one of the primary founders of the conference, Bill Blackstock.
Blackstock was a local mason contractor who so believed in the value of a mason contractors' organization that he left his business to form the WSCMC out of three other organizations ? the Tacoma, Spokane and Seattle groups. He worked tirelessly as its Executive Director for many years and organized these groups into one strong association to benefit the mason contractors throughout the state. Blackstock was involved in promotion, recruiting of new bricklayers, union negotiations and was not only the moving force and inspiration, but also the glue that kept the members together.
Blackstock has been retired for many years, and the WSCMC wanted to name this special award after him to be given to other outstanding individuals who possess similar characteristics and support for the industry. He was awarded his plaque on Sept. 25, 2004, at the semi-annual meeting of the Conference in Chelan, Wash.
Coincidentally, Monty Fairweather, a second-generation mason contractor, was awarded the Bill Blackstock Award for Outstanding Contribution that night as well. Fairweather has worked tirelessly behind the scenes with the union, the trade school, suppliers and members to broaden the base of the organization. Through his efforts over the last three years, the WSCMC and its new parent, the Washington Trowel Trades Promotion Group, are seeking to double its membership and thus its influence on the masonry industry in Washington state.
The award will not be awarded annually; however, it will be awarded when a person such as Blackstock or Fairweather comes along.
For more information about the WSCMC, please visit www.masonconf.com.
About the Author
Masonry, the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America, covers every aspect of the mason contractor profession - equipment and techniques, building codes and standards, business planning, promoting your business, legal issues and more. Read or subscribe to Masonry magazine at www.masonrymagazine.com.
