2007 Masonry Industry Legislative Conference Wrap-up

Last week the 2007 Masonry Industry Legislative Conference was held in Washington D.C. Mason contractors, brick and block manufacturers, and stone quarriers gathered in our Nation’s Capitol, to promote industry-friendly reform and legislation. Held May 14-16th, the Masonry Industry Legislative Conference — consisting of the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), Building Stone Institute, National Concrete Masonry Association and the Interlocking Paving and Concrete Institute — allowed members of the masonry industry to get involved in their business's legislative future and help promote the best building system in the world.

"The conference provided an excellent opportunity for members of the masonry industry to personally meet with their members of Congress in order to educate them about issues specific to our industry," said Jessica Johnson Bennett, MCAA director of government affairs. "During the conference, MCAA members were able to show that MCAA is a strong grassroots organization that is leading the fight to protect the interests of its members and protect the long-term viability of the masonry industry as a whole." One of the major highlights of the conference was the appearance by Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, a member of the President’s cabinet.

Nothing can impact our industry more than a unified industry working to impact legislation coming out of Washington, D.C. We were proud to have been a driving force in making this conference happen.

Throughout this groundbreaking event, attendees got the chance to interact with members of Congress and several different federal agencies, including a member of the House of Representatives Leadership, Majority Whip James Clyburn, the third highest position in the House, Ranking Member on the Education and Workforce Committee, Congressman Buck McKeon (R-CA), Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R_GA), Senator John Tester (D-MT), Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine). In addition, attendees heard from key staff from the House Judiciary Committee and Ways and Means Committee.

The 2007 Masonry Industry Legislative Conference offered the perfect opportunity for the masonry industry to join together and discuss, one on one, the issues that affect the masonry industry with members of Congress and the administration.

But it doesn't stop here. We look forward to an even larger event next year, and we hope that you participate as well.

See you next year!