this issue sponsored by · competitions around the state page 5 annual meeting report page 6 2018...
TRANSCRIPT
See Page Three
In this Issue:
A Message from the President Page 2ESCSI Recognizes NCMCA Page 2 Welcome New Members Page 2Sponsor’s Page Page 3A Message from the WDTC Page 4 Contest Results Page 4Competitions Around the State Page 5Annual Meeting Report Page 62018 Safety Awards Page 7Member News Page 10McGee Contest Contributors Page 11White & Helms Win NC SkillsUSA Page 12Dates To Note Page 12Fall Protection Workshop in July Page 12
June 2019 Vol. 45 No. 2
The Newsletter of The North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association
www.ncmca.com
This Issue Sponsored by
See “McGee” continued on Page #11
DURHAM - Nineteen-year-old Huntley Brothers Company apprentice Jace Huntley of Monroe is the 2019 Champion of the NCMCA Annual Samuel A. McGee Memorial Masonry Apprentice Skills Contest and takes home the prestigious David R. Sigmon Award for best score in the competition along with serious cash and tool prizes. The May 18th contest was held at Triangle Brick Company in Durham, who hosted the event along with the NCMCA Raleigh Chapter. Thirty-one contestants from eight NCMCA member firms competed.
Rounding out the top-ten were Drew Huntley, Huntley Brothers Company, second place; Reece Hallman, McGee Brothers Company, third place; Grant Helms, Helms Masonry, fourth place; Justin Isenhour, McGee Brothers Company, fifth place;
2019 Samuel A. McGee Contest
Top-Ten and Friends Bottom, left to right, NCMCA Workforce Development & Training Coordinator Ryan Shaver; Errol McGee, McGee Brothers Company, sixth place; Rex Huntley, Huntley Brothers Com-pany, seventh place; Ashton White, Gates Construction Company, eighth place; Esequiel Gayton, Brodie Contractors, ninth place; and Harron McGee, McGee Brothers, tenth place. Top row, left to right, Contest Chairman and NCMCA President-Elect Danks Burton; Justin Isenhour, McGee Brothers Company, fifth place; Grant Helms, Helms Masonry, fourth place; Drew Huntley, Huntley Brothers Company, second place; Jace Huntley, Huntley Brothers Company, 2019 Champion and winner of the David R. Sigmon Award; Reece Hallman, McGee Brothers Company, third place; NCMCA Raleigh Chapter President Bo Black; and NCMCA President Kent Huntley.
Errol McGee, McGee Brothers Company, sixth place; Rex Huntley, Huntley Brothers Company, seventh place; Ashton White, Gates Construction Company, eighth place; Esequiel Gayton, Brodie Contractors, ninth place; and Harron McGee, McGee Brothers Company, tenth place.
Contestants had two hours to build a predeter-mined masonry panel later judged for measurement, range, level, plumb, proper design and other criteria by a team of experienced journeymen masons. Top-ten scores ranged from 1003 points to 943 out of a possible 1050. The McGee Memorial Contest is one of the very few apprentice contests in the country that only allow two hours for construction. Most are three hours or more.
Page 2 NC Masonry News June 2019
Kent Huntley, CME, PresidentHuntley Brothers Company, Monroe, NC
Danks Burton, CME, President-Elect Pinnacle Masonry, Cary, NC
James “Bo” Black, CME, Sec/TreasurerCarolina Masonry Unlimited, Willow Spring, NC
Robert H. Gates, CME, ChairmanGates Construction Company, Mooresville, NC
Doug Burton, CME, Eastern Vice Pres.Whitman Masonry, Raleigh, NC
Brandon Hartsell, CMP, Central V Pres.Gates Construction Company, Mooresville NC
Don Caldwell, Western Vice Pres.C & R Masonry, Candler, NC
John Cramer AAI, Insurance ConsultantTriSure Corporation, Raleigh, NC
Pete Schantz RHU, Insurance ConsultantMountcastle Insurance, Winston-Salem, NC
Lynn Nash, Executive Vice PresidentHickory, NC
Ryan Shaver, NCMCA WDTCMount Pleasant, NC
The Quarterly Newsletter of The North Carolina
Masonry Contractors Association
109 11th Avenue NWPost Office Box 3463
Hickory, NC 28603-3463Telephone (828) 324-1564
Fax (828) [email protected]
Andy-the-Cat Productions
What a busy spring! Each year the NCMCA helps host several contests. From high school, to the Sam McGee apprenticeship contest, it takes a lot of time and effort from all of us. Thanks to everyone for pitching in. It makes it much easier.
Our company usually has five to ten apprentices to compete in the apprenticeship contest and the contest in the fall at the state fair. In preparation for these contests, our apprentices will practice a few times at our office.
This year on a Thursday evening, we had ten apprentices practicing. Several of us mixed mor-tar and tended the contestants as they practiced. Before the practice time was over, we had attracted 30 to 35 employees, girlfriends and young masons to watch the contestants. We set up small walls for some of the younger “masons” and they were laying brick as well.
We ordered pizza for the crowd and it was a great time! I looked around as the night progressed and thought how awesome it was that these young apprentices had gathered on a Thursday evening after working all day to try to learn more. It makes me realize how lucky we are in the masonry industry to have such enthusiasm!
Over the years, I have had people make com-ments to me about spending so much time watch-ing apprentices learn to lay brick. The comments are usually something like, “Wow. That must be boring” etc. My standard answer is this: We as a nation spend long hours at ball fields etc. watch-ing our children play ball, why would I not watch our apprentices prepare for their future? Now I am not criticizing playing sports. I just think that masonry can be entertaining as well and is
Message From the President
June 2019
definitely very rewarding as a career! Several of the younger “brick masons” laying that
Thursday night declared it was the most fun they had ever had! Most younger folks love to practice laying brick! Let’s keep encouraging the next generation to pick up our trade!
Thank you and have a safe summer! KentHuntley,CME President 2018-2020
NCMCA Recognized In May, President Kent Huntley was in Bolton Landing, NY to accept the Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate Institute (ESCSI) prestigious 2019 Frank G. Erskine Award in recognition of NCMCA’s “outstand-ing contributions to the use of lightweight aggregate.” The award is named after Frank Erskine, the first Managing Director of the Institute and was presented at the ESCSI’s Mid-year Meeting. President Kent (pictured) says, “It was a privilege to represent our Association. I accepted the award from (ESCSI Chairman) Jody Wall… At the dinner, it was expressed by all of the members of ESCSI how much they appreciate our support and promotion of their product. Thank you for allowing me to represent the NCMCA and to accept this award on behalf of our Association.” An interesting note: The base of the plaque is a composit of lightweight aggragate made by all of ESCSI producer member firms.
Welcome New MembersSiteOne Hardscape
Preston Sadler (A1)Charlotte, NC
www.hardscapes.siteone.comRecruited by Brandon Hartsell
Vega Construction Company, Inc.Carlos Francisco Vega (R2)
Mount Airy, NCRecruited by Brandon Hartsell
Mecklenburg Restoration, LLCC.G Hardy (A1)Knoxville, TN
www.mecklenburgrestoration.comRecruited by Brandon Hartsell
Oak City Law LLPCaroline L. Trautman (A1)
Durham, NCwww.oakcitylaw.com
Recruited by Caroline Trautman
Performance Diamond ProductsGlenn Townsley (A1)
Fort Worth, TXwww.performancediamond.com
Recruited by Mike Rogers
June 2019 NC Masonry News Page 3
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Page 4 NC Masonry News June 2019
By Ryan Shaver Things are heating up with our young people! With summer knocking on our door, I hope that
you have had some knocks on your business door from our students across the state.
We have had an extremely busy spring! I have been involved with fifteen masonry competitions from March to May across the state. We have seen a strong display of talent and have had many students hired at these events. I have presented to numer-ous masonry classes as well as schools that do not offer masonry.
Many of our masonry contractors are interview-ing and hiring students now. I have personally seen masonry instructors that have hit another gear promoting the trade and making connections with masonry contractors in their area.
I have said it multiple times that young people today will work with the right guidance and leader-ship and I still hold firm on this! I had someone to invest in me when I was young and show me that hard work and dedication pay off. If we start chang-ing the message from negative to positive, how much could we grow our companies?
I have a young man that I met and starting in-vesting time in five years ago. This young man was on another path academically and never dreamed of masonry as an option. I talked him into giving masonry a try and showed him the benefits and pride that come with our trade. He had a tragic family event that could have turned him another way, but
he remembered a group of masonry contractors that showed interest in him and now has worked the last two summers with one of the contractors while he is paying his way through college. If this young man never comes full-time in the trade, we made a last-ing impact on him that he will never forget.
I challenge you to step up your game and be-come a positive role model for these young folks. If you have said that young people today will not work, when’s the last time you worked with the young people?
I am encouraged by the push in our industry and what the NCMCA has done is unmatched. Let’s take full advantage of our potential and get the folks we need to keep our trade strong!
Ryan Shaver is NCMCA Workforce Development & Training Coordinator. Reach him at [email protected] or (704) 791-5240
Things are Heating Up!
Caldwell County Contest Luke Norris, a junior at West Caldwell High School (third from left) is the Champion of the Eighth Annual Caldwell County High School Masonry Contest held early May at Hibriten Supply in Lenoir. Pictured left to right, Cody Boyd, Caldwell County Home Builders Association; NCMCA’s Ryan Shaver, Norris, and Matt Woods, instructor West Caldwell High School. Second Place Finisher was Jaron Pope, South Caldwell High School; and Third Place Finisher was Alex Pope, South Caldwell High School. Andy Schronce and Trenton Johnson won the block laying event and Brady Shehan and Hunter Ervin won the labor contest, all four from South Caldwell. Trenton Ford of West Caldwell won in the first year division. South Caldwell won the overall best team award. Members of the NCMCA Western Carolina Chapter supported the contest with materials, funds and judges. Both Chairman Bob Gates and President Kent Huntley were on hand to meet the contestants.
Mountain Contest Twenty masonry students from five western North Carolina high schools participated in the Annual Land of the Sky Masonry Contest in March at the Haywood County Fair Grounds. The new champion is Tristan Cutshall (second from left, top) from Madison County High School where he is instructed by Brian Sams. Second, third and fourth place went to McDowell High School students Ethan Powell (second from right, top,) Mason McPeters (bottom right) and Trevor Simmons (middle, bottom) respectively. Curtis Chandler (bottom left) of Madison High finished fifth. Brayden Mackie (not pictured) of Brevard High School won the First Year Division. NCMCA President Kent Huntley (top right) was on hand to con-gratulate all the students. Land of the Sky Chapter President Gary Kitchen is pictured top left.
Jan Peleaz Garcia (left) is the winner of the North Carolina SkillsUSA “Rally Day” masonry competi-tion held the end of February at Wilkes Community College. Garcia is a student at John F. Kennedy High School in Winston-Salem where he is instructed by Dean Bagnoni (right.) Aimar Dominguez-Noyola, also from Kennedy High School, won the Masonry One division contest. Some sixteen students partici-pated in the masonry events.
Photograph by Ryan Shaver
June 2019 NC Masonry News Page 5
Cabarrus County Contest Grant Helms of West Rowan High School was the winner of the mid-March Charlotte Home Builders Association pre-SkillsUSA competition in Concord. Lowes Home Improvement at Concord Mills once again hosted the contest. Top, left to right, Charlotte HBA Executive Kathryn Lewis; Chad Little, Charlotte HBA board member; Darlene Prescott, Lowes; First Place Winner Grant Helms; Trey Barnes, Lowes; NCMCA President Kent Huntley who acted as contest head judge and master of ceremonies; and Ryan Shaver, NCMCA staff. Bottom left to right, second place finisher Cyress Brown of West Rowan High; and third place finisher Mason Saunders, Mount Pleasant High. 28 students from nine high schools participated.
Rowan Contest Grant Helms of West Rowan High School (above) won the masonry competition at the Third Annual Skills Rowan in Salisbury held the end of March. Second place finisher was Ethan Fesperman, Carson High and third place finisher was Cyress Brown, West Rowan High. Christian Kluttz of Mount Pleasant High School won the Johnson Concrete Products block-laying contest and Jakob Eudy of West Rowan High won the “Masonry One” competition. NCMCA President Kent Huntley served as head judge for both the Cabarras County and the Rowan County competitions
Lee County Competition Lee County High School hosted a regional SillsUSA high school masonry contest at the end of February. Sixteen students from three high schools participated. Fred Mason’s Columbus Career and College Academy claimed the top three spots. Jennifer Key placed “First” (pictured above right) and Maria Torres place “Second” (the left of Jennifer,) Annayeli Dionisio finished third place. Macy Wil-liams , Brodie Contractors; Jimmy Wall, Adams/Oldcastle and NCMCA’s Ryan Shaver were judges for the contest.
Masonry Competitions Across the State!
Goldsboro Contest The 38th Annual Butch Hardy Memorial Masonry Competition including “Top Trowel” and “Line Burner” contest took place in May at the Adams/Oldcastle facility in Goldsboro. Hundreds of students participated from thirteen eastern North Carolina schools. Pictured left to right, bottom row, Fred Mason, instructor, Co-lumbus Career & College Academy with his student Maria Torres who finished Second overall, finished First in the ladies’ division of “Top Trowel” and tied for First in the Line Burner contest; Noah Lausterer, White Oak High, Third place, Top Trowel; and Jennifer Key, Columbus Career & College Academy, Fourth place, Top Trowel. Top row, left to right, Keith Toomer, Second place, Top Trowel next to his instructor, Daniel Bright, at Swansboro High School next to his student Jacob Jones who finished First in the Top Trowel and tied for First in the Line Burner; White Oak instructor Jeff Lausterer; Pender County High School Instructor Roland Dixon with his student Hygenio Ramirez, who finished Fifth in the Top Trowel contest. Dylan Potter (not pictured) of Pender HS won the Masonry One/First Year competition. Columbus Career & College Academy won the best overall team award.
Page 6 NC Masonry News June 2019
Annual Meeting ReportThe Association Annual Business Meeting was
held Saturday March 23, 2019 at The Marriott, Charleston, SC. The following is a summary of the meeting.
Treasurer Bo Black, presented financial reports: Assets 2018 ending: $602,958.05 not counting unrealized gains from investments. NCMCA ended 2018 with a $7,809 surplus thanks to several factors, especially the generous contributions to the WDTC fund. $76,410.00 was collected for the WDTC pledge fund for 2018. 2018 annual operating expense was $270,013.91. ($185,131.41 in 2017) Assets as of mid-March 2019: $711,850.38 not counting un-realized investment gains. $503,751.85 originally invested with Morgan Stanley (September 2015.) Value as of 2/28/19: $585,809.96 including accrued interest. Unrealized gain as of 2/28/19: $82,058.11. The 2019 convention has set a new record of $37,000 in sponsorship
Pete Schantz reported on the Association’s health and benefits program: “Group Health plan renewal activity has been somewhat consistent through the first five months of 2019 (May renewals have been released). Our small group book of business (under 50 employees) has averaged just under a 4% increase. In fact about half of our clients in this segment received rate decreases. While this is the lowest average in several years, it is tempered by the fact that the renewal plan designs are less rich in benefits than last year’s plans given increases in copays and out of pocket costs for insureds.
“Our 50-500 employee book of business has averaged a 10.4% increase year to date. While some plan modifications were made to this segment, the benefits in the plan designs mostly remained the same as last year.
“Prescription formularies in both group and individual medical segments continue to evolve and cost shift higher cost drugs to the consumer. On the legislative front: ACA mandates and responsibili-ties remain in effect for employees and employers, although the penalty for individuals not having credible medical coverage is not presently being enforced (new for 2019). In other news, NC Senate Bill 86 is progressing which calls for loosening the requirements for Association Health Plans in North Carolina in response to federal Labor Department changes made last June by the Trump Administra-tion. While this is promising, it is very early to determine the timeliness and impact this will have.
“We are closely monitoring as this can only be seen as a positive for NCMCA membership in offering greater choice in healthcare coverage.
“Mountcastle continues to manage several group, individual, medicare supplemental, life, dental, vi-sion and disability policies for NCMCA members. We greatly appreciate our partnership.”
TriSure’s John Cramer reported on the Association liability and workers’ compensation program. “This report is almost identical to the last Board Meeting report. Trends continue strong throughout 2019. Larger masonry contractors are trending towards subcontracting more work than in previous years. Proper written agreements with Subcontractors are critical as the trend toward subcontracting continues. Make sure your company has properly reviewed subcontract agreements and/or purchase orders in place.
“Experience Mods are fluctuating wildly. One claim can easily push a client in excess of 1.00. We will continue to emphasize the importance of Early Return To Work and Light Duty programs for our clients and demonstrating how this reduces their mod. Owners and General Contractors must be educated on not using Experience Mods as sole determinations of the safety and loss prevention culture of a subcontractor.
“OCIPS/CCIPS and Sub-guard continue to impact our volume, as volume increases with our clients, just as much is being pulled into these wrap programs. We do not see an end in sight to these programs.
“The insurance market is definitely stable and very competitive. Best in class accounts are having minimal changes on renewal and some are seeing decreases in Work Comp. The NC Reinsurance Facility has approved and will be assessing ALL commercial automobile policies a 7.6% surcharge of liability premiums, effective all renewals 10/1/18 through September 30 2019
“2019 - Key things to protect your company and future insurance costs:
Safety, Early Return/Light Duty programs. “Written sub contract agreements on every job or
blanket basis with proper risk transfer. (Additional Insured Status, Waiver of Subrogation and Primary/Non Contributory wording as a minimum. KEEP CURRENT CERTIFICATES THAT HAVE RISK TRANS-FER WORDING
“No texting and hands free driving policy and enforce it.
“Train on Silica, Scaffold/Fall Protection and Powered Lift Truck.
“We sincerely appreciate the support and partici-pation of the NCMCA and please do not hesitate to call us for assistance.”
Mr. Cramer informed attendees that he has sold his business to a national firm. He has not retired, however.
President-Elect and Apprenticeship and Training Chairman Danks Burton recognized WDTC Ryan Shaver’s successful first year with the Association. He solicited for additional WDTC pledges and thanked the firms that have already contributed.
Shaver provided a report on his first year. One Year in Review “As I think about how fast my first year went by, I am also in awe of how much we have accomplished towards Workforce Development! The NCMCA has made a commitment that no other State has. We have actually addressed the problem of gain-ing young people in our Industry while others are still meeting to discuss what to do. The NCMCA has put boots on the ground and got in front of students, administrators, key government officials and parents to tell and show them the opportunity that exists in our trade. I have listed some of the highlights from this past year below:
•First State wide agreement for any trade for a true registered Pre-Apprentice Program. This pro-gram was formulated and built by the NCMCA and is now being looked at by many other States across the country. It allows a student that is 16 years of age who has completed Core and Masonry I to do “On The Job Learning” and guarantees a minimum starting pay of $12.00 and hour. By completing this program, the student also receives another High School credit.
•We have grown our registered Apprenticeships from 3 to 15. We still have more work to do but this is a great start!
•The State SkillsUSA Masonry contest grew to 114 students. This number rivals the numbers that we had before the downturn and proves that our interactions are working.
•Our annual Sam McGee Memorial Apprentice contest had 35 registered Apprentices competing, which is also up from previous years.
•The NCMCA has been featured in Masonry Magazine, World of Concrete, local newspapers and “The Top Ten Reasons to Join the Masonry Team” video by the MCAA for the work we have done towards Workforce Development.
•The NCMA’s WDTC has been asked and traveled to as many as three other States to present what we have done in NC and the programs that we have for-mulated, including speaking at the SCMCA conven-tion and presenting at the MCAA midyear in Austin.
•We had a true Masonry Instructor training day that gave the instructors the necessary tools and knowledge to better their classroom.
•The WDTC joined the SkillsUSA NC board of directors.
•The WDTC has presented to over 50 High Schools and Community Colleges. This would account for over a 1,000 students.
•We touched as many as 1,000 students at two events in the State. The annual Butch Hardy Contest in Goldsboro and Masonry Education Day held in Gold Hill.
• The Annual State Fair Apprentice Contest had 30+ working Apprentices compete this year, which was the first year in over 10 years that we had enough Apprentices to fill the spots.
•Enrolled 24 Pre-Apprentices last summer and
June 2019 NC Masonry News Page 7
all 24 completed the program.•Successfully placed 5 new masonry instruc-
tors across the State with the help of our entire membership.
We had a great first year and we have a lot of things to build and work together on. I encourage and challenge you to get involved with the efforts we are working and for you to take the future of your company in your hands and gain the young people that can sustain our Industry for many years to come. Thank you for the support that you have given to me and thank you for believing in me!”
Ryan proposed a mentor program pairing a masonry con-tractor with every high school masonry program in the state.
Danks recognized the compa-nies that have participated in the WDTC pledge thus far:
•Brodie Contractors•Carolina Masonry Unlimited•Gates Construction Co•Huntley Brothers•Joyner Masonry Works•McGee Brothers Co•Michael J Rogers Masonry•Pinnacle Masonry•Raleigh Chapter NCMCA•Whitman Masonry•Piedmont Masonry of NC•General Shale•EZG Manufacturing•Tucker-Kirby company•Adams/Oldcastle Certification Board of Gov-
ernors Chairman Doug Burton provided a report on certifica-tion. The eighth series of classes was just completed. Over 600 individuals have participated. Statistics:
138 Certified Masonry Professional (CMP)59 “Suspended” CMP34 “Expired” CMP57 Certified Masonry Executive (CME)19 “Suspended” CME14 “Expired” CME22 Company Certifications (in good standing)6 suspended firms5 expired firms New classes will begin with demand, but no
sooner than the fall. Inform the office of potential participants. Doug expressed appreciation for McGee Brothers Company hosting the classes in Greensboro.
Two Certification Program Governors’ terms ex-pired in May; Byard Stevens and Danks Burton. The board approved Danks Burton for another three-year term and accepted the SCMA nomination of James Cain to represent the Southeast Concrete Masonry Association for a three-year governor’s term. The
new terms begin in May.Doug Burton provided a history and update of
the Sigmon Memorial Scholarship program at NC State (17 years) and now at Appalachian State University (6 years.) A design competition that features scholarship prizes. Cost to NCMCA is about $8,000 annually.
Safety Committee Chairman John Cramer re-ported:
AUTO SAFETY – We encourage all contractors to
implement a strict no-texting and no emailing while driving policy. In addition, all cell phones should be required to have hands free operation in vehicles. Current estimate are that 70% of all accidents are the result of distracted driving.
NEW SILICA STANDARD –Make sure you are modifying your work processes to stay within Table 1 Guidelines! As of this date, we have not heard of any masons having any inspection issues of significance related directly to the new standard.
SCAFFOLDING – Same report as before - Make absolutely sure your Competent Person training is up to date and documented. Make sure you have written documentation of inspections of your scaf-folding every day and after moving or set up. Have your scaffold all clearly tagged for use or service and signed off daily. Most of all, make sure all ladders, bracing, mud sills, footings, base plates, railings, access points and fall zones are perfect on every job, every day.
OSHA FINES AND PENALTIES- Employers will continue to feel pressure and see an increase in the number of fines from inspections and Serious viola-tions they are charging against employers. There is much less negotiating for the removal and/or reduc-tion of fines. If you feel it is wrong or unfair, chances are you will have to go through a full hearing. We encourage all our masons to call us immediately if they have an inspection with violations and to discuss their rights and alternatives.
VERIFY that your subs have full safety programs and are en-forcing and following them at all times.
SAFET Y- Record number of applicants for NCMCA ANNUAL Safety Awards. Sixth Annual Awards. Con-gratulations to our seven recipients: (See picture and caption.)
The awards a re sponsored by and ad-ministered by TriSure Corporation.
Nash reported the 2020 Convention will be at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Green-ville, SC April 16 to 19.
Statistics and pro-jections for the 2019 Marriott/Charleston convention: 164 to-tal individuals, 18* masonry contracting firms, 28 associate member firms. Four
chapter presidents and four chapter vice-presidents attending
Nash reported membership stands at 138. The number was 136 at the 2018 annual meeting.
The present list of 18 NCMCA “Distinguished” and “Leadership” member firms:
Brodie Contractors*, Carolina Masonry Un-limited*, Cherokee Masonry*, Edgar Boettcher Masonry*, Gates Construction*, Huntley Brothers Company, Hydro Clean, Joyner Masonry Works*, Kirby Construction Services*, LPS Enterprises*, Manning Masonry*, McGee Brothers Company*, Mountcastle Insurance, Roanoke Cement Compan, Pinnacle Masonry*, Rush Construction* , TriSure Corporation, Whitman Masonry*
These firms voluntarily pay as “Leadership Members” (double normal dues) or “Distinguished Members” (double dues and maintain MCAA mem-bership*)
Brandon Hartsell, Central Regional Vice Presi-
Safety Awards in Charleston Sixth Annual NCMCA Safety Awards sponsored by the NCMCA Insurance Program and TriSure Corporation were presented at the Annual Association Business Meeting at the Charleston NCMCA Convention in March. Bottom, left to right, Danks Burton, Pinnacle Masonry, three-year award; Jason Oliver, Edgar Boettcher Masonry, three-year award; and Mike Cook, Gates Construction Company, six-year award. Top row, left to right, John Cramer, TriSure Corporation; Calvin Brodie, Brodie Contractors, two-year award; Bill Anderson, Manning Masonry, one-year award; and Chris Joyner, Joyner Masonry Works, four–year award. Not pictured, McGee Brothers Company (because Greg Huntley had his first grandbaby the day the convention started) one-year award.
Page 8 NC Masonry News June 2019
dent: Metrolina Chapter Update: What a busy year the Metrolina Chapter has
had! We are so very lucky to be placed in an area where Masonry is promoted the way it is. We are fortunate, and one line has stuck with me ever since MCAA Midyear in Austin Texas. Mackie Bounds, Masonry Legend and Livestock Entrepreneur put it best, “Brandon, Brazos Masonry is very successful, but look out that window, which I did. See that little building out there on the yard? Brazos Masonry started there. No heat, no air. We don’t need that building, but I keep it for one reason. It keeps me grounded, humble, and proud. He said, stay humble Brandon and you will be just fine.” Keep in mind, I was standing in his new corporate office which will leave you speechless because of its beauty. As I stood there after touring his Ranch and Office, I thought to myself, this gentleman summarized exactly what we all should do daily. Be humble, be thankful, take time to smell the flowers, take in a sunrise or sunset, and put your faith in the good Man above. I have been very fortunate to lead a Chapter built on family, tradition, and relationships.
I hope you enjoy reading about all the fun things we have done this year!
1. MARCH 2018 MEETING: The March meeting of the Metrolina Chapter featured Mr. Luke Dutton and Todd Hartsell. Luke represented the United States at the bi-annual 2017 WorldSkills Competition in Abu Dhabi, UAE. We are honored to have been rep-resented by Mr. Dutton on the International stage. Todd Hartsell, US WorldSkills Bricklaying Instructor, accompanied Luke. Todd shared how they prepared for the competition as well as showcased other talent from around the World. Thank you to Luke Dutton and Todd Hartsell for spending the evening with the Metrolina Chapter.
2. 2018 SAMUEL MCGEE MEMORIAL APPREN-TICE CONTEST: We had another very successful apprentice contest last year. The 2018 Samuel A. McGee Memorial Apprentice Masonry Skills Contest is in the books! Jamison “JK” Huntley of Huntley Brothers Company successfully defended his 2017 championship title by repeating in 2018 and once again taking home “The David R. Sigmon Award” for top-score. Jamison is only the second two-time winner in the history of the contest.
3. 2018 STEAK ON THE LAKE: A special thank you to Statesville Brick Company who hosted the Western Carolina Chapter at “Sunset Point,” the company’s Lake Norman conference center. The Western Carolina Chapter was joined by members of the Metrolina Chapter on an unusually cool June evening as everyone grilled their own steaks on the massive charcoal grill. We had a great time and we appreciate you including the Metrolina Chapter.
4. GREAT WORK RYAN SHAVER & KENT HUNTLEY: In June, NCMCA participated in “Masonry Life Skills for Girls” with Girl Scout Troop 743 at Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury. NCMCA Workforce
Development & Training Coordinator Ryan Shaver says he and NCMCA President Kent Huntley, “had approximately eighteen girls for hands-on training and building a fire pit at the church. We demon-strated masonry tools and let them practice laying a few brick before having them lay brick and block on the fire pit project. It was a great day!”
5. 2018 MASONRY RECOGNITION NIGHT; LOW COUNTRY BOIL: Gates Construction Company hosted the NCMCA Metrolina Chapter’s annual Recognition Night at the end of October. The event hosts Greater Charlotte area masonry students and apprentices that have achieved success in masonry competi-tions across the country over the past year, along with their families.
6. NCMCA AND THE METROLINA CHAPTER REP-RESENTED WELL IN VEGAS: Two NCMCA member firm’s apprentices successfully competed in the MCAA International Skills Competition at the January World of Masonry in Las Vegas. Jamison “JK” Hunt-ley of Huntley Brothers Company won First Place/Second Year Division and Grant Helms of Helms Masonry won Second Place/First Year Division. JK won the First Year Division at the 2018 contest.
7. BOB GATES WINS IN VEGAS: NCMCA Chair-man Bob Gates and Gates Construction Company got lucky in Las Vegas at the January “World of Masonry.” Bob dropped his name in the hat at the Oldcastle/Amerimix display booth on the show floor and won a new EZG Corporation Mud Hog in the “Mud Hog Giveaway by Amerimix.”
9. METROLINA TOPGOLF WAS A SUCCESS: In February, the Metrolina Chapter enjoyed a social outing at TopGolf in Charlotte. Event sponsors: Gates Construction Company, Adams/Oldcastle, Tucker-Kirby Company, Argos, Taylor Clay Products, Firestop Carolinas, Blue Dot, and Huntley Brothers Company. Forty-two-chapter members and guests participated.
8. METROLINA 2019 BOWLING SOCIAL: The Metrolina Chapter will host a Bowling Social at Spare Time Lanes in Huntersville. Details will be released after the 2019 Convention.
11. The Metrolina Golf Tournament will be No-vember 6, 2019 at Mooresville Golf Club. Registration starts at 9 am with a Shotgun start at 10 am.
Closing: Finally, I would like to thank the Metro-lina Chapter Officers; Greg Huntley (VP) and Carson Grief (Secretary) for helping me to honestly be able to say, there is no “I” in the word Team! When we travel to other parts of this Country and your State is recognized as the Standard, you know you belong to a Strong Organization. Thank you to everyone for all you do!
Chapter Reports:Land of the Sky Chapter – Mike Roger provided a
review of chapter activities and suggested chapters share successful program ideas. The chapter’s annual high school contest was March 15th at Waynesville. Recent programs have included fall protection and silica compliance. David Bass of
Adams/Oldcastle retired at the end of February. Raleigh Chapter – Chapter President Bo Black
reported. On the chapter’s behalf, he presented three checks: $250 for the Annual Samuel A. McGee Memorial Contest; $3,000 for the annual executive office pledge and $10,000 for the workforce develop-ment initiative pledge fund. The chapter is partner-ing with the Eastern Carolina Chapter for the 38th Annual Butch Hardy Contest in May.
Eastern Carolina Chapter - Board Report – Kendra Blackmon, President: “The Eastern Chapter, after a long period of dormancy, is swiftly approaching 2 years of consistent meetings. Topics of discus-sion have mostly revolved around the shortages in skilled masons, and how our association can help to encourage/foster local high school & community college programs. We’ve hosted an array of speakers from EacoChem, Adams Products, & NCMCA’s Ryan Shaver. The Eastern Chapter is set to meet again on April 16th in Kinston, NC with a guest from Hohm-ann & Barnard’s architectural division.
Noteworthy News: Eastern Carolina Chapter•Once again, representatives of the Eastern
Carolina Chapter are on a mission to spread the word about the masonry trade to local High School students. Tim Manning, Bo Black, Parrish Hoffman, Jason Bloodworth & Travis Plymell have each made an effort/are continuing to make an effort to visit the following high schools to stir up interest in the trade and the upcoming competition: Kinston, North Lenoir, Southern Wayne, Swansboro & White Oak.
•On Saturday, March 2nd, 2019 representatives from the Eastern Chapter built 2 baseball dugouts at Christ Covenant School in Winterville, NC. Many thanks to Adams Oldcastle, Manning Masonry Inc, Joyner Masonry, Rush Masonry Management, JB Overman Masonry, Bembridge Masonry, RE Harris Masonry & Heber Aldridge w/ Hydro Clean.
Upcoming Events:•Participation/Gold Level Sponsors for Carteret
County – Construction Trades Day 2019•In conjunction with the 38th Annual Butch
Hardy masonry contest, the Eastern Chapter is put-ting on a “Masonry Day” featuring the Line Burner contest. In attendance will be around 250 high school students from 15-20 High Schools. Many will be participating in the Masonry I & II skills contests. ONE participant from each school will be competing in the Line Burner contest for a cash prizes. There will also be a showcase of the entire masonry industry featuring vendors from all aspects of the industry.
Chapter Vice-President Chris Joyner presented the chapter’s annual $3,000 executive office pledge.
Western Carolina Chapter Report – President Larry Kirby reported. Chapter “Founder’s Award” presented to David Sigmon’s family at the chapter’s January Winter Social. Chapter will be hosted by Statesville Brick Company in June at Lake Norman. He presented the chapter’s annual pledge of $2,000.
June 2019 NC Masonry News Page 9
Central Piedmont Chapter - Chapter Secretary Brent Moore: “The Central Piedmont Chapter has four meetings a year on the 2nd Monday of the month and four socials a year at locations not yet decided on. We kick off at 6:00pm with our social and 7:00pm is our Speaker/Dinner. The meeting’s will be held at Bleu Restaurant and Bar, 3425 Frontis Street, Winston Salem, NC.
Our June social will be, The Danny Koonts Memo-rial, at Lexington Golf Club and our August social will be a Winston Salem Dash Baseball game.. We will have George Arnold with Specified Materials speaking on May 13 about the York Flashing System.
Our officers and sponsors are a huge part of our chapter and they do a lot of work behind the scenes! Thank you to Chapter President Sabrina Beck, An-gie Puckett (Secretary) and Nick Ferrucci (Treas). Thank you to all our sponsors for all the time and money they put in! Nick Ferrucci presented the chapter’s annual $3,000 pledge check.
Old business: Sean Loftis provided a report from the safety services committee: A survey was answered by 17 different companies. The results were positive for NCMCA to host and charge for safety classes. As a whole, the masonry industry and construction are getting stricter on safety. In house, training is becoming less accepted by construction manag-ers/GCs. Having to outsource to get our employees trained in silica and competent person was over $5k for 15 employees. If NCMCA were to offer training to NCMCA members, it would be more cost efficient and allow for more input from other mason contractors and safety directors. Provide access to on-demand safety training. That way, rain and cold days could be great training days. From these results the com-mittee suggests we host six events over the next year.
1. 30 hr course in the western part of the state. Greensboro area to the west and 30 hr course for the eastern part of the state. Raleigh to the east.
2. Fall Protection Competent Person Training in Greensboro.
3. CPR First Aid, AED Training Charlotte and Raleigh.
64 Silica Competent Person Greensboro The committee suggest NCMCA use the authorized
OSHA trainers, and Red Cross trainers that our in NCMCA membership for the 30 hr, CPR First Aid, and Silica. For Fall Protection Competent Person Training, suggest bringing in a supplier trainer. Malta Dynamics supports the MCAA and the NCMCA as an example.
The Board voted to arrange a fall protection/competent person class at a central location (Greens-boro?) Sean Loftis agreed to secure an instructor.
Gary Joyner, who serves as an MCAA Regional Vice President, reported on the status of MCAA’s Masonry Foundation grants and expects the first awards will be determined by the summer of 2019. NCMCA is preparing a grant request of $25,000 annually for five years (total $125,000) in support of NCMCA
workforce development. The request will be ready for submittal by fall.
Nash reported on the revised ncmca.com web-site. The software was out of date and no longer supported, specifically regarding security issues. In updating the software, the site received a new look and new workforce/ career menus. The new software allows the site to better render on phones and tablets.
New business: The Board approved a NCMCA resolution in support of the CMU Check-off program. Gary Hensley and James Cain, representing the Southeast Concrete Masonry Association, provided an update on the effort to gain support for imple-menting the check-off now that has been approved by Congress and is being administered by the US Department of Commerce. The majority of block producers across the country must vote in favor.
Southeast Concrete Masonry Association director James Cain gave an update on SCMA activities. He has been on the job for three months, busy gather-ing support for the check-off, especially non-SCMA members. SCMA website improvements underway. State council meetings implemented. Each will have two committees: workforce development/training and promotion. Ultimate goal is to drive wall share for member companies. He explained how check-off money grants will be made.
Attorney Thomas H. Davis, Jr., Poyner Spruill LLP provided a legal update: There are five (5) signifi-cant issues, which I would like to address which may affect your companies:
First, you should expect a significant increase in OSHA inspections, more citations, and greater monetary penalties. This is because last year was the deadliest year for North Carolina construction workers in more than five (5) years. 49% of all employment-related deaths in 2018 were in the construction industry. Of these, half involved fall-ing from an elevated platform where the employee was not using adequate fall protection. The second most common cause of construction fatalities was crushed by or crushed between. I predict a signifi-cant increase in emphasis on fall protection this year.
Secondly, on federal or federally funded projects, you will see increased EEOC audits on large projects and targeting larger contractors and subcontractors. There is a push for more inclusion in construction employment opportunities by military veterans. Federal contract requirements support these efforts. This push particularly emphasizes veterans with service-related disabilities.
Third, on construction projects subject to the Federal Arbitration Act, you can be forced to arbitrate your contract disputes in whatever venue or state your construction contract specifies. North Caro-lina statutory law generally restricts venue to North Carolina for projects constructed within this state. However, the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina has determined that the Federal Arbitration Act, which allows the parties
themselves to set venue, overrules our state’s statutes.Fourthly, with respect to arbitration, the North
Carolina Supreme Court has determined that where a construction contract contains a binding arbitra-tion provision for “all disputes” arising under the contract, it means what it says. All disputes between the parties, including whether or not the parties agreed to arbitration or whether the dispute is sub-ject to arbitration, are to be decided by the arbitrator and not a court.
Finally, be very wary about giving any extended warranties. In cases involving alleged hidden defects in construction work, a contractor or subcontrac-tor has two time related defenses: the statute of limitations and the statute of repose. The statute of limitations generally give a plaintiff three (3) years to bring a breach of contact action from the date of the breach (or the date of discovery of the breach). To protect contractors from claim way into the future arising from hidden defects, the statute of repose generally places an absolute bar to any legal action after the running of six (6) years from project completion no matter when the defect was discovered. Case law going back decades held that parties to an agreement could not extend the statute of repose, although they could agree to extend the statute of limitations. The North Carolina Supreme Court has now held that if a contractor or subcontractor provides an express warranty which exceeds the statute of repose, the statute of repose is automatically extended for the full warranty period. For example, a 10 year warranty would add four (4) years to the running of the statute of repose.
President Kent introduced Mason Contractors Association of America Chairman Paul Odom, who expressed his admiration for NCMCA. Chairman Odom encouraged everyone to participate in the Mid Year meeting September 9 to September 11 at Omni Mount Washington Resort, New Hampshire.
President-Elect Kent Huntley expressed appre-ciation to convention sponsors and tentatively set Wednesday September 4, 2019 as the date for the next meeting, probably in Greensboro. Details to follow.
Newly CertifiedIn May, NCMCA Masonry Contractor Certifica-
tion Program Board of Governors’ Chairman Doug Burton announced the approval of Laura Mendez as a Certified Masonry Profession (CMP) in the program. Ms. Mendez is with Joyner Masonry Works in Greenville, NC.
Companies with individuals who want to begin the Certification Program classes should provide that information to the NCMCA office in order to assist in scheduling a new series, probably toward the end of the year.
See more pictures from NCMCA events and
activities linked at the NCMCA.com News page
Page 10 NC Masonry News June 2019
Member NewsRetired masonry instructor and regular Metrolina
Chapter participant Bruce Mullis is recovering from knee replacement surgery in January.
The Eastern Carolina Chapter raised funds for chapter activities and projects on an early March Saturday morning by laying the concrete masonry units for two baseball field dugouts at Christ Cov-enant School in Winterville. Twenty-two members participated. Materials, equipment and labor were provided by Adams/Oldcastle, Manning Masonry Inc, Joyner Masonry Works, Rush Construction, J. B. Overman Masonry, Bembridge Masonry, and RE Harris Masonry, HydroClean provided lunch.
Western Carolina Chapter members visited Fred T. Foard High School in Catawba County in February to participate in a class promoting construction craft trades and then assisted instructor Jeff Yount do one-one-one training with students in the masonry shop.
In February, the Metrolina Chapter enjoyed a social outing at TopGolf in Charlotte. Event spon-sors: Gates Construction Company, Adams/Oldcastle, Tucker-Kirby Company, Argos, Taylor Clay Products, Firestop Carolinas, Blue Dot, and Huntley Brothers Company.
In February, Jason Thompson, Vice President of Engineering with the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) was a featured presenter at NCMCA’s Masonry University 2019. McGee Brothers Company hosted the session, provided as an op-portunity for NCMCA certified individuals to obtain continuing education credit, at their Greensboro facility. Thirty-two individuals participated. John Cramer of TriSure Corporation and the NCMCA In-surance Program provided a timely update on safety issues and insurance coverage and liability concerns.
Mike Rogers, Michael J. Rogers Masonry, took a few days off to join WDTC Ryan Shaver for visits to several western North Carolina high school masonry programs in January and February.
NCMCA Chairman Bob Gates and Gates Construc-tion Company got lucky in Las Vegas at the January “World of Masonry.” Bob dropped his name in the hat at the Oldcastle/Amerimix display booth on the show floor and won a new EZG Corporation Mud Hog in the “Mud Hog Giveaway by Amerimix.”
In April, NCMCA’s Ryan Shaver along with Grif-fin Masonry’s Jarrett Ennis and McGee Brothers Company’s Rogan Smith appeared on a segment of PBS WTVI 42 Charlotte’s “Carolina Impact” program with reporter Jeff Sonier. The story featured NCMCA’s Masonry Pre-Apprentice Program and the facts about career opportunities in masonry.
Metrolina Chapter VP Greg Huntley and Stephanie have a new grand baby, their first. Elena Brynn was born to Paul and Summer Goforth March 19th.
Margaret Loraine Freeman Koontz passed away March 9th. She was the wife of Stanley and the sister-in-law of Roger and Freddy, and the daughter-in-law
of NCMCA past president, the late Belton Koontz. She was 73 and lived in Lexington. The family suggests memorials be made to the Reeds Baptist Church New Building Fund, 180 Reeds Baptist Church Road, Lexington, NC 27295.
Wayne Coleman (Gain & Well Corporation) died March 26th. Wayne was a past secretary of the Triad Chapter and has the distinction of being the only person (so far) to ever make a hole-in-one on the annual Raleigh Mur-dell Golf Tournament trip. ( January 2003.) Wayne was 84 and lived in Greensboro. The family suggests memorial contribu-t ions be made to Friendly Hills Baptist Church “Missions Fund,” 1450 Guilford College Road, Jamestown, NC 27282 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405.
Steve and Debbie Stout, Merrill Masonry, have a new grandbaby, their first. Walter “Walt” Edward Condon was born February 24th.
Bill Worley passed away March 31st after an ex-tended illness. He was a past-president of the Western Carolina Chapter of NCMCA. William Henry Worley Jr. was 66 and lived in Conover.
Amy and Randall King (Adams/Oldcastle) lost their youngest son in early April. Henry King was fifteen years old.
After 51 years, Charles Newsome retired from Johnson Concrete/Carolina Stalite March 31, 2019. He will continue to promote the CMU Check-Off initiative with producers in the southeast.
At convention, John Cramer confirmed that his company, TriSure Corporation, has been sold and is now a part of Alera Group. Cramer told everyone that, despite rumors to the contrary, he is NOT retired and will continue to lead and manage TriSure.
In April, Land of the Sky Chapter members, friends and co-workers enjoyed a retirement dinner to honor David and Kim Bass. David retired from Adams/Oldcastle in February after more than thirty-two years with the company and its predecessors.
McGee Brothers Company hosted Dean Bagnoni’s John F. Kennedy High School masonry classes at their Greensboro location for demonstrations, hands-on training, competitions and lunch complete with homemade ice cream. The kids turned the tables on the industry folks and insisted Ryan Shaver, Greg Huntley, and Cliff McGee try the three-minute competition the students were doing earlier. The results of that contest are “sealed.”
Two Southeast Concrete Masonry Association (SCMA) Blockfest events were held in March. NC State Blockfest was held at the NC State University
annex in Raleigh. More than forty students partici-pated in two divisions: “Wall Competition Design” where teams design and craft a concrete masonry unit wall structure and “Unit Competition Design” where teams design a new concrete masonry unit. Winning teams claimed cash prizes and certificates. Participating companies included Adams/Oldcastle, Johnson Concrete Products and Carolina Masonry Unlimited. NCMCA Secretary/Treasurer Bo Black served as a judge for the contest along with Will Sendor of Cannon Architects, SCMA’s James Cain, and David McQueen of Adams/Oldcastle.
NCMCA joined with McGee Brothers Company for SCMA “BlockFest” with students from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Adams/Oldcastle hosted the event at their Charlotte block plant also at the end of March. The students received hands-on instruction and demonstrations from Doc McGee, Dalton Reynolds and NCMCA’s Ryan Shaver, and toured the manufacturing facility.
Our good friend and certification program in-structor NC State Distinguished Professor of Archi-tecture Patrick Rand was awarded a Fulbright Dis-tinguished Chair Award, one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. The award allowed Rand to teach and research at Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland, since January. His term concluded in May. Roughly 40 Fulbright Distinguished Chair positions are awarded annually. Rand is the second faculty member from NC State University to be awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Chair Award.
Fathers & Sons! In April, Joyner Masonry Works announced Chris Joyner has been promoted from Vice President of Field Operation to President of the company. Chris started with the firm twenty-seven years ago as a laborer. Chris’s father Gary Joyner moves to the position of company Chief Executive Officer. Joyner Masonry Works was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Greenville, NC.
Custom Brick & Supply Company in Raleigh an-nounced the promotion of Grant Fisher to company President as of May first. Tom Fisher will continue active involvement as Board Chair, and Steve Frazier continues as VP-Sales, along with Rhonda Hart as Operations Manager. The firm began in 1961 when D.T. Fisher started the brick distributorship serving the Raleigh-East territory. D.T. was joined by his son, Tom in 1970. Upon D.T.’s retirement, Tom took over as President, and was joined by Steve Frazier in 1994. Tom’s son Grant joined the company in 2001. Custom Brick has 27 employees.
Lori McGee, wife of Chris McGee passed away May 3rd after an extended illness. She is the mother of champions. Son’s Haran, Wristen, Kaleb, and Kelton have numerous masonry championships between them, and no doubt her younger sons will add to the count in the future. She and Chris have seven children total. Lorie was 53 and lived in Monroe.
Oldcastle’s Jimmy Wall brought home three Gold Medals in the recent Wake County Senior Games at
Wayne Coleman
June 2019 NC Masonry News Page 11
“McGee” continued from Page One
The “third time is the charm” for Jace. He com-peted in the 2017 and 2018 contests, finishing in eighth place in 2018. 2019 completes his eligibility for the McGee contest. Winning the McGee competi-tion earns Jace the opportunity to represent North Carolina at the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) International Skills Competition in February 2020 at the Las Vegas World of Concrete.
Jace is the third child of Chet and Donna Huntley, one of six. He has one sister, Jade, the oldest, and four brothers Jansen, Cannon, Dash and Gunner. Jace graduated Penn Foster High School one month before turning sixteen and began working for Hunt-ley Brothers upon graduation. His supervisor is Robbie Watson and Chaney Huntley is his foreman. Jace works as an assistant foreman.
Dad Chet Huntley says, “Outside of work, Jace loves CrossFit and basketball. Jace and three of his cousins bought a sixteen-passenger Moomba ski boat last year and he loves to wake-board in the summer. And snow board in the winter, which his mom thinks he is a little reckless on. He is always doing something.”
2019 marks four consecutive years that Huntley Brothers Company has fielded the McGee Memorial winning apprentice.
Triangle Brick Company’s Director of Sales, Ken Holland, commented on hosting the event, saying, “For me personally, and for Triangle Brick Com-pany as a whole, it is a great honor to participate in continuing to further the legacy of Sam McGee and support the efforts of NCMCA. Sam’s mantra, “Fame, Fortune, and Glamour,” as a way to keep young folks excited and involved in wanting to be a part of the masonry industry is deeply ingrained within me. We certainly had “Fame, Fortune, and Glamour” for all of the contestants (at the contest.) To me, the event was like watching a great athletic event that came right down to the wire. I believe that is exactly how Sam wanted the competition to be.”
Samuel Alexander McGee (1939-2015) was co-founder and President of McGee Brothers Company. Recognized as an innovator in the industry, Sam was inducted into the MCAA “Hall-of-Fame” in 2014. He was inducted into the National Masonry Instructors
Association “Hall-of-Fame” in 2012. He had a pas-sion for the masonry industry and for encouraging and teaching young people craft skills, especially masonry. In recognition of his contribution and dedication to masonry in the Carolinas, the annual contest is named in his memory.
The apprentice that finishes with the top score in the contest is presented the “David R. Sigmon Award” as first place finisher of the Samuel A. McGee Memorial Apprentice Skills Contest. The award is named in memory of David Sigmon, a journeyman mason from Hickory who passed away in 1998 while serving as NCMCA president-elect and who had been active in promoting this contest and other programs around the state to recruit and develop young crafts-men for masonry careers.
The 2020 Samuel A. McGee Contest is set for Saturday May 16th at Carolina Stalite’s Ben Ketchie Park in Gold Hill hosted by Johnson Concrete Prod-ucts and the NCMCA Metrolina Chapter.
Every contestant took home cash and tool prizes thanks to the generous contributions of NCMCA member firms and friends who also provided labor, equipment and materials. 2019 McGee Contest contributors include:
Hosts: Triangle Brick Company, NCMCA Raleigh Chapter
Materials: Adams, an Oldcastle® company, Amerimix, Triangle Brick Company
Equipment: Ahern Rentals, BCI Transport, Gregory Poole Equipment, Raleigh Chapter
Meal & Refreshments: Triangle Brick CompanyFinancial Sponsors:$4,000: Gates Construction Company, McGee
Brothers Company$1,000: Huntley Brothers Company$500: Adams, an Oldcastle company, Beam Con-
struction Company, Griffin Masonry, LehighHanson, Metrolina Chapter
$400: Michael J. Rogers Masonry$300: Central Piedmont Chapter, Masonry Un-
limited of Cherryville$250: Associated Scaffolding, Chandler Concrete,
Custom Brick & Supply Company, LafargeHolcim, Lee Brick & Tile, New South Construction Supply, P & D Architectural Precast, Pinnacle Masonry, Raleigh Chapter, SafeDay, Triad Chapter, Western Carolina Chapter
$200: Brodie Contractors, Inc., Giant Cement, Kirby Construction Services, Roanoke Cement, Wire Bond
$150: Pyramid Masonry Contractors$100: Hydro-Rents Carolinas, Joyner Masonry
Works, Koontz Masonry, LPS Enterprises, Inc., Master Masonry, Palmetto Brick, Palmetto Waterproofing, RBD Associates, Southeastern Concrete Products, Whitman Masonry
$50: Outlaw MasonryTool Prize Donation: Marshalltown Company
Athens High School in Raleigh. In the 75-79 age group, he won in the 50 meter, 100 meter, and 200 meter events. He advances to the Durham State Senior Games in September.
Darin Koontz Buchanan (Freddy’s daughter, Johnson Concrete) married Jared Hall in May.
Nancy Barr Carson passed away on May 3rd. She was the wife of Charles Adams “Tiny” Carson, Sr., founder of Southeastern Concrete Products, and the mother of Charles Carson, the company’s present CEO. Mrs. Carson was 88 and lived in Columbia, SC.
In April, McGee Brother Company’s Bobby Fisher received the NC Department of Labor Gold Award on behalf of McGee Brothers. The award recognizes their record of less than three lost time/restricted duty accidents during 2018.
Caroline Trautman is now with Oak City Law LLP in Durham. Reach her at [email protected] (919) 899-9655.
Bill and Sarah Marsh’s (Hydro-Rents Carolina) son Alex recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics at Western Carolina University.
In May, masonry students from West Stanly, North Stanly, East Montgomery and Forestview high schools visited McGee Brothers Company’s shop at Midland for demonstrations, competitions and lunch featuring pizza and homemade ice cream. Seventy students participated. Timed competitions earned the students cash prizes. Jaclyn Britt of East Mont-gomery was the big winner for the day. Jody Little of McGee Brothers says, “It was a great day of laying brick and giving out cash prizes of over $400. After the brick laying we had a lunch where 44 pizzas and 9 gallons of ice cream were consumed. All in all, it was a great success and we hope to see some of the bright faces in the future on a job site.”
Gary Joyner, Danks Burton, Ryan Shaver and Byard Stevens joined masonry industry leaders from across the country in May for the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) annual legislative “fly-in” to call on congressional offices about issues of concern to the construction industry.
Josh Alward is the new masonry instructor at Cox Mill High School in Concord. He’s the brother of Cody Alward, the masonry instructor at Mount Pleasant High School, and the son of member Don Alward. Josh and Cody are two of the five school masonry instructors in North Carolina that have completed the NCMCA Masonry Contractor Certifica-tion Program class series.
NCMCA Chairman Bob Gates and his family celebrated two graduations in May. Daughter Em-ily Horsman graduated from Medical University of South Carolina, James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine on the 18th and daughter Rebecca Gates had her “White Coat” ceremony, Lenoir-Rhyne University Physician Assistant Program on May 2.
In May, masonry students and their instructors from South Caldwell, West Caldwell and Hibriten
High Schools in Caldwell County got together to build the base for a “Charters of Freedom” monu-ment under construction at the courthouse in Lenoir. According to instructor Matt Woods, Caldwell County students are the first in the nation to construct their own “Charters of Freedom” monument. “Charters of Freedom” monuments around the country display copies of the Declaration of Independence, The United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Mark Shepherd, Shepherd Masonry and the ma-sonry instructor at Watauga High School, lost his father on May 26. Marion Fletcher Shepherd was 84 and lived in High Point and Charlottsville, VA. He was an artist and custom home builder.
N
Page 12 NC Masonry News June 2019
This Issue Sponsored by
NC SkillsUSA State Masonry Competitions Left to right, Grant Helms of West Rowan High; Ashton White, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College; and Rodney Harrington, masonry instructor at West Rowan High School and masonry advisor to Ms. White will be headed to Louisville this month to represent North Carolina at the National SkillsUSA Masonry Championship competition. Helms and White won the NC SkillsUSA high school/secondary and post-secondary North Carolina state championship respectively in April at Greensboro. Ms. White will be defending her 2018 national post-secondary masonry championship. Mr. Helms won the 2018 NC State Fair Apprentice Contest in October. Finishing second in the NC secondary division was Mason Saunders of Mount Pleasant High School followed by Cyress Brown, West Rowan High; Joshua Queen, West Stanly High; and Mitch Winterbery, Central Cabarrus High respectively. Jakob Eudy of West Stanly High won the Masonry I competition. West Rowan High received the Douglas Drye Award for best overall performance in the masonry competitions.
Photograph by Jodi Helms Dates to Note6/6/19 - Central Piedmont Chapter Annual
Danny Koonts Memorial Golf, Lexington Golf Club – Lexington
6/18/19 - Metrolina Chapter Bowling Social, Spare Time - Huntersville
6/18/19 - Eastern Carolina Chapter Meeting, Circa 1922, Wilmington
6/23/-6/26/19 - Southeast Concrete Masonry As-soc Meeting - Isle of Palms, South Carolina
6/24-6/28/19 - SkillsUSA Nationals, Louisville7/7-7/10/19 - National Masonry Instructors As-
sociation Anniversary Meeting, Landmark Resort – Myrtle Beach
7/24-7/25/19 - Competent Person/Fall Protection Workshop, McGee Brothers - Greensboro
9/4/19 - Board Meeting - details pending9/9-9/11/19 - MCAA Mid-Year Meeting, Omni
Mount Washington Resort – New Hampshire9/26/19 - Annual NCMCA Golf Tournament, Mill
Creek Golf & Country Club - Mebane, NC11/6/19 - Metrolina Chapter Golf Tournament,
Mooresville Golf Course – Mooresville11/14/19 - SPEC MIX BL-500 Regional qualifier,
Ben Ketchie Park – Gold Hill11/14/19 - Masonry Education Day, Ben Ketchie
Park – Gold Hill1/17-1/19/20 - NCMCA Raleigh Chapter Annual
Murdell Golf Tournament – The Grand Strand 2/3-2/7/20 - MCAA Convention/World of Concrete
– Las Vegas4/16-4/19/20 - NCMCA Annual Convention, Hyatt
Regency – Greenville, SC4/22-4/24/20 - NC Skills USA (Masonry Contest)
tentative, Coliseum – Greensboro5/16/20 - Annual Samuel A. McGee Memorial
Apprentice Contest, Ben Ketchie Park – Gold Hill
Additionaldetailsandregistrationformsarealwaysavailableonthe“Calendar”pageofNCMCA.com.
Competent Person Workshop in July
The NCMCA Safety Services Committee and Malta Dynamics will provide a sixteen-hour fall protection competent person workshop July 24 and 25, 2019 at McGee Brothers Company on Triad Drive in Greens-boro. Seating is limited.
Wednesday July 24 & Thursday July 25, 20198:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Boxed lunch provided)McGee Brothers Company, 8221 Triad Drive,
Greensboro NC 27409Instructor: Ken Hebert, National Sales Manager,
Malta Dynamics.$300 per participant NCMCA member firms ($450
non-members)The Safety Service Committee is making this
presentation available to association members at a significant discount compared to the usual cost for similar workshops.
Competent persons are required by the OSHA 1926.32(f), 1926.500 and 1910 standards. This two-day, 16-hour course is designed for facility managers, site supervisors and superintendents who have been appointed by their employer to serve as
the competent person.The course is designed to provide training on
evaluation for fall hazards. The participants are as-signed tasks using power point, hands on training and real world scenarios. The training provides more detailed coverage of the standards and the reasons behind the laws and mandates.
The course also supplies the participant with the knowledge and skills to perform the annual inspec-tion and record keeping.
Satisfactory completion of the workshop can be counted as Certification Program continuing education.
Registration form and additional details linked at ncmca.com or call (828) 324-1564
Central Piedmont Chapter Golf
The annual Danny Koonts Memorial Golf Tour-nament is Thursday June 6, 2019 at the Lexington Golf Club in Lexington, NC. Shotgun start at 11:30. Barbecue Chicken dinner follows play. Teams and sponsors solicited. Contact Brent Moore: [email protected]