January 24, 2006 10:34 AM CST

Michigan Masonry Skills Challenge

By Masonry

The Michigan Mason Contractors' Association, along with Local #1, hosted the Masonry Skills Challenge at the Local #1 facility in Warren, Mich., on Nov. 5. Apprentices from each skill level competed for the opportunity to represent Region C at the Mason Contractors Association of America Masonry Showcase in Las Vegas, March 2006.

Twelve judges representing union, non-union and instructors scored the incredibly close competition. The top finishers were: first year apprentice, Terrance Vaughn of Detroit; second year apprentice, Thomas Hugo of St. Clair Shores, Mich.; and third year apprentice, Troy Holmes of Williams Field, Ohio.

Several union guests - including Jerry O'Malley, executive vice president from Washington, D.C.; Ray Chapman, Local #1 president; Nelson McMath, Local #9 president; the instructors from Locals #1 and #9; the International Masonry Institute; and Local #5 Ohio - attended the event. The Maplewood Career Center of Ohio also participated.

Materials, tools and funds were contributed by Best Block, Colonial Brick, ESSROC, Fendt Builders' Supply, Gibraltar National, Holcim, Lafarge North America, Local #1, Local #9, Local #9 MCE Cooperation Education Trust Fund, MASONPRO, National Block, Sabiston Building Supply, Schuster Equipment, St. Mary's Cement and Theut Products.

This wonderful function highlighted the skills of these young people and the future of our industry. We should all be proud of their accomplishments.

For more information about future activities, please visit www.mmca-mi.com.

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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.