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See Page Three The Newsletter of The North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association December 2011

Seasons Greetings!

Vol. 37 No. 4

In this Issue:
Message from the President Page 2 Considering Workers Comp Page 4 Sigmon Design Contest Page 5 Welcome New Member Page 5 Board Meeting Report Page 6 Land of the Sky Recogniton Pages 6 & 8 Students Featured in Exhibit Page 7 Member News Page 8 SpecMix Carolina Qualifier Page 8 Dates to Note Page 9 Certification Update Page 9 State Golf Tournament Page 10

State Fair Contest Class of 2011 Pictured, top, left to right, NC Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler (representing the NC State Fair;) second place finisher Brantley Little of McGee Bothers; Winner Kale Hallman of McGee Brothers; third place finisher Lamal ONeal of Brodie Contractors; and NC Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry. Bottom, left to right, contestants Cipriano Cilla, McAdams Masonry; Daniel VillarrealMendoza, Pinnacle Masonry; and Thomas Whitlow, McGee Brothers Company.

Hallman Wins Fair Contest

RALEIGH Seventeen-year-old Kale Hallman, an apprentice with McGee Brothers Company in Monroe, is the Champion of the 2011 NC Department of Labor State Fair Masonry Apprentice Skills Contest. Second Place finisher is Brantley Little of McGee Bothers and Third Place finisher is Lamal ONeal of Brodie Contractors. Hallman, who finished in Fifth Place in his first attempt at the State Fair Contest last year, is a recent graduate of the Shiloh Vocational School in Mint Hill where his grandfather, Sam McGee, instructed him in masonry. Hallman placed second in the NCMCA Masonry Apprentice Skills Contest last May

in Raleigh. He is the son of Bruce and Rene Hallman and has two brothers and a sister. The family lives in Fairview where they attend Shiloh True Light Church. Besides competitive masonry, Kale enjoys basketball, all sports, and hunting and fishing. He says his future is to continue laying brick. When youre good at something, keep on doing it, says Kyle. His supervisor at McGee Brothers Company is Clint Little. This makes the third State Fair win in a row for McGee Brothers Company, including a win by Kyles brother Rhett in 2009. They have enjoyed seven firstsee Fair continued page nine

NCMCA.COM MasonrySystems.org

Page 2 NC Masonry News December 2011

Sign of a Professional www.ncmca.com

Kirby Construction Services, Conover,NC

Larry Kirby, CME, President

Joyner Masonry Works, Inc., Greenville, NC

Gary Joyner, CME, President Elect

Ashlee Moore, CMP, Secretary Treasurer

Koontz Masonry, Inc., Lexington, NC

Gary Manning, CME, Chairman

Manning Masonry, Williamston, NC

Gates Construction Company, Mooresville NC

Chris Bruner, CMP, Central Vice Pres.

James Bo Black, Eastern Vice Pres.

Carolina Masonry Unlimited, Inc., Apex, NC

Don Caldwell, Western Vice Pres.

C & R Masonry, Candler, NC

Glenn Sipe, First President 1974-75

Glenn W. Sipe & Son, Conover NC John Cramer AAI, Insurance Consultant TriSure Corporation, Raleigh, NC Fred McMahan CLU, Insurance Consultant McMahan Insurance, Lexington, NC Lynn Nash, Executive Vice President Hickory, NC

Workmanship Contest As they have done for many years now, members of the NCMCA Western Carolina Chapter provided the judges for the Upper South Carolina Masonry Contractors Associations Annual Masonry Workmanship Competition. Left to right, NCMCA President Larry Kirby, Western Carolina Chapter President Wayne Starr and Chapter Secretary/Treasurer Ross Gary judged six projects in the Greenville/ Spartanburg area November 9th. Giant Cements Brett Harris is in the foreground and joined Carolina Ceramics Ann Reisinger as hosts for the tour. Winners will be announced at the Annual USCMCA Christmas Dinner December 6th.

A Word from the President

Well, another season is once again upon us as we move from fall into winter. I like these changes in our weather not so much from a contractors point of view, but just for the cooler weather. Our companies are kinda like the seasons and also our association. We as an association are kinda in a winter pattern right now, kinda slow. We need now more than ever to band together to withstand

these slow times so we can be stronger when things ever turn around for the better. We also need to be thankful for the blessings we do have and the ONE who provides them. Let us always remember each other our service men and women and our leaders in our prayers. So until we meet again be safe and may God bless each one of you - W. Larry Kirby, CME President

December 2011

The Quarterly Newsletter of The North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association

109 11th Avenue NW Post Office Box 3463 Hickory, NC 28603-3463 Telephone (828) 324-1564 Fax (828) 324-2179 Information@ncmca.com
Andy-the-Cat Productions / Deluxe Printing Company Photographs by Andy-the-Cat Productions unless otherwise noted

Raising Walls and Funds Members of the NCMCA Eastern Carolina Chapter built masonry dugouts and knee walls on a softball field as a chapter fundraiser in November. The project at First Christian Church in Greenville, NC will be used by the church and by the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department. Chapter members laid approximately 1,300 blocks and 9,000 brick in a day. Chapter President Tim Manning says labor, equipment, materials and lunch were all donated by chapter member firms.

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December 2011 NC Masonry News Page 3

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Page 4 NC Masonry News December 2011

Your Workers Compensation Insurance:

By John Cramer, AAI, CIC Your Workers Comp Insurance Are you a Dog or a Daisy? What if I told you your Workers Comp premium next year would be half of what it is right now, or could possibly double? Have your attention? This is probably an extreme example, but it is possible. It is important to understand how an underwriter looks at your business when pricing your Workers Comp coverage. I have had the pleasure of working with the NCMCA masonry for almost twenty years. In my career, I have had the opportunity to be on both sides of the underwriting desk. The first ten as a manager of a commercial insurance company and the last twenty, as a broker representing the client. Our firm has become one John Cramer of the largest providers of insurance for masons in the country and we use this experience and expertise to guide underwriters in writing insurance for masonry contractors in several states. Many underwriters rely on our expertise to help them understand the characteristics and traits that separate the Dogs from the Daisies in the masonry business. Workers Comp rates have been declining in a soft market for over a decade. In 2010, insurance carriers reported that they lost $1.20 for every $1.00 they collected in premium. 2011 has not improved. In 1993, the masonry rate in North Carolina was $11.03. It is now in the $8.00 range, but most folks are discounted substantially below that. I am not suggesting that rates will not go back to $11 overnight, but they will begin to increase. If you understand the underwriting process, do the right things, make these issues a priority, you can literally reduce or maintain your premiums by 40 to 50% below the market over the next few years. Masons that do not have good risk characteristics will have fewer options and will pay much higher rates. Masonry is considered a high hazard, high-risk class of business to most all Workers Comp insurance companies. In the last 10 years, dozens of insurance companies have competed hard for your business as competition, capacity, and investment income have driven them to write new business, without as much concern for class of business or bottom line pricing. All the indications now say those days are over As we enter a hardening insurance market, the first businesses that will experience difficulty in obtaining Workers Comp insurance are high

Are You a Dog or a Daisy?

hazard business in the construction industry. A few examples are roofers, steel erectors, underground utility contractors, and unfortunately, masonry contractors. In order to get the best rates, you have to be sure you are considered Best In Class, in your business. Fewer insurance companies will be willing to consider high risk business, and those that do, will be watching their risk selection and bottom line pricing very carefully. Insurance pricing is more subjective than most people think. There is a lot of judgement factors that affect your costs and the days of simple spreadsheets and rating tables are gone. So what are the underwriting traits that will make you stand out as a Best In Class company to an underwriter? Management Is the owner and management involved in all aspects of the day to day operations? Are they committed to Safety and an Accident Free Workplace, or is this an expense and inconvenience they go through the motions on? Do they offer incentives to the Superintendents, Foreman, Masons and Laborers for following their safety program? Do they penalize and terminate those who do not care? Are the owners involved in the claims process and take proactive steps to help resolve claims and provide information? Safety Program Does the mason have a comprehensive written Safety Program that is written and customized for masonry construction? Does it specifically address programs for Fall Protection? Powered Lift Trucks? Personal Protective Equipment including hard hats, eye protection and dust masks? Is the program strictly enforced because they see the importance and understand the importance of safety or do they just go along because the GC makes them? Do you have a lock-out/tag out system for everything on your job, especially scaffolding? Do you have a Haz-Mat program? Training Programs Does the mason provide serious, documented training programs for Competent Person Scaffolding and Fall Protection? Are all their forklift operators properly trained and certifications up to date? Has the owner, Superintendents, Foremen and employees completed the 10 or 30 hour OSHA Safety training? Do you conduct weekly safety meetings on relevant construction hazards? Are you a Certified Masonry Contractor demonstrating commitment and dedication to your industry and professionalism? Drug Testing Do you require Pre Employment, Post Accident, Random or For Cause drug testing? Is it well publicized that you have zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol? Are you hiring today, your next claim in the morning? Early Return to Work Are you providing light duty work for an injured employee who is transitional back to full duty? This practice dramatically

reduces loss time injury payments and greatly reduces long-term claim potential. Records - Are OSHA 300 reports complete and properly maintained? Do you have copies of prior loss investigations, safety inspections and any OSHA violations? Do you perform post accident investigations and reviews to know exactly what happened and how you will prevent it from happening again? Do you have written daily inspections of your scaffolding system? All OSHA violations are public record and yes, we do pull them. Are you addressing your serious and repeat violations? Reporting How long from time of accident to reporting to carrier is typical of your operation? Statistics show that an average cost of a claim increases 18% if reported a week late, 30% if two weeks late, and 45% if three weeks late. Carriers track this information for obvious reasons. Financials/Credit Rating Underwriters want to make sure you can afford to operate in a financially sound manner and that financial stress will not cause you to skip or short cut on the time and cost of safety. (Okay, they want to make sure you can pay your premiums timely too). Equipment/Housekeeping - Is your equipment in good operating condition? Clean and well maintained and inspected and repaired daily? Is your job site clean and the housekeeping maintained to very high standards? Is there trash, debris and broken brick and block everywhere? Are your walk boards and scaffold frames, safety rails, end gates, ladders, and toe boards in excellent condition and properly utilized? Loss History - Most clients think that the loss history is the first and only item an underwriter looks at, they are half right. An underwriter who only looks at your prior loss summary and Experience Modification Factor to make a decision, is probably not the one we want to work with. Bad accidents happen to good contractors every day. Understanding the cause, addressing the issue, and taking strong measures to keep it from happening again are key. Many times we have written great accounts the year after a devastating accident. Nothing emphasizes safety like a severe accident. Frequency of Losses Are you constantly having small losses? You may never have had a severe fall or trauma, but an account that is consistently experiencing numerous avoidable claims, is a large accident just waiting to happen. Cooperation Underwriters talk to Claims Adjusters and Loss Control Inspectors every day. The underwriter is evaluating the willingness of the client to help the adjuster make a fair, accurate, and quick assessment and response to a claim. Do you provide the information they request quickly and accurately? Are you helpful and considerate or short and too busy to work with them? Did you take the time to learn anything from the Loss Control Inspector? Did you immediately fix any problems

December 2011 NC Masonry News Page 5

or ask their assistance in problem areas? Were you too busy to meet with them and help them schedule their inspections? Driving Records Do you regularly review the MVRs of your drivers? Do you ban individuals from operating company vehicles if they have more than 3 moving violations in a three-year period? Do you remove driving privileges completely for anyone with a DUI, Reckless Driving, or multiple at-fault accidents? A lot of what I listed above will seem like common sense to most folks. Clients are often surprised that Management Attitude is considered as important as Safety Programs by some underwriters. It does vary from company to company. How much can these underwriting factors affect your bottom line cost? How about 40 to 50%? Would you rather pay $20,000 per year for Workers Comp or $10,000 per year for Workers Comp? There is that much judgment factor. All of the items listed above can be remedied with your commitment. The tools, techniques and programs are readily available, most at little or no cost from the NCMCA. Take a hard look at your operation. Are you a Dog or a Daisy? Your pricing will depend on it. John Cramer is CEO and Founding Partner of TriSure Corporation in Raleigh, a partner in the NCMCA Insurance Program. Contact John at (800) 849-8545 or jcramer@trisure.com

Photograph by J. Patrick Rand

Sigmon Design Competition The NC State underclassmen team of, left to right, Andy Park, Meredith Grantham, Kristin Veloza, and Chase Hoke has claimed the 2011 NCSU Sigmon Memorial Scholarship Masonry Design Award and will share a semesters in-state tuition as their prize. NCMCA Past President Doug Burton and Jason Miller, AIA, Lecture of Building Science at Appalachian State University, served as jurors for the October 11th competition, which required the team to design and model a hypothetical masonry office building. The competition is part of Professor Patrick Rands Architectural Construction Systems class at North Carolina State Universitys College of Design. The scholarship is named in memory of David, Randy, and Dwayne Sigmon. 2011 marks the eleventh year for the NC State/NCMCA design competition. As a student himself, judge Millers team finished in second place the first year the contest was presented at NC State. The winning NC State Students and Professor Rand were guests of the Raleigh Chapter for the chapters November meeting. They exhibited their project model and made a slide presentation of the contest. a competition for a scholarship and that my group was the winner. I am very grateful for this scholarship. It will relieve some of the burden of paying for college from my parents. As the oldest of five children, this is especially important as my siblings deal with the consequences of my parents funding my education. This scholarship will help prevent my siblings from missing something due to lack of funds because of my education Your generosity is a reminder of the support we have from alumni and friends of the College of Design. I am glad to know that we have such support as design fields are often forgotten. I am very grateful to be the recipient of this scholarship and I hope to one day be successful enough to do for someone as you have done for me. Sincerely, Meredith Grantham School of Architecture, NC State University Dear (NCMCA,) I am writing to thank you for your generous donation for the NC Masonry Contractors Association Sigmon Memorial Scholarship. I am very thankful and happy to be chosen for this award. Currently, I am a Junior in Environmental Design in Architecture. This fall semester, I am taking sixteen credit hours that include a sustainable building studio and lectures on construction systems and structures. I hope to receive my Bachelors of Architecture in the spring of 2013 and eventually my Masters of Architecture. After graduation, I want to focus on bettering communities by construction municipal buildings such as schools, libraries, and community centers. With your donation, I am one step closer to reaching my goal. This scholarship has lightened my financial burden, allowing me to focus on more important aspects such as studying and learning more about the field of architecture. In addition, this masonry scholarship competition has sparked my curiosity in the masonry industry. I am eager to learn more about masonry and its application in architectural design. I am so grateful that the masonry industry is interested in helping architectural students like me. This scholarship has inspired me to give back to my community and help others. The Masonry Associations support of the College of Design has contributed to furthering students goals and interests in architecture and related fields. Thank you for bettering our college and supporting the community. Sincerely Kristin Veloza Junior Environmental Design in Architecture NC State University

Letters
Dear (NCMCA,) On behalf of myself and the rest of the College of Design here at NC State, I would like to sincerely thank you for your outstanding generosity to this school. Without gracious donors like you, the College would not be the same. The North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association is truly a wonderful organization and we are very appreciative of your long-standing commitment to reward observing student work that embodies the same principles that your organization exemplifies. My family was delighted to hear that I was rewarded this scholarship and so on their behalf, I would like to give you their gratitude. It was truly a pleasure to meet you and to listen to your insight and expertise on the matters of masonry and construction... Thank you. Chase Hoke Junior - School of Architecture NC State University Dear (NCMCA,) I am writing to thank you for your generous scholarship donation to the College of Design at North Carolina State University. I was very excited to learn that the masonry wall section project was

Welcome New Member

Icon Custom Masonry
James McCarthy (R2) Pineville, NC Recruited by NCMCA

Page 6 NC Masonry News December 2011

Board Meeting Report

With this merger, I think we have accomplished those goals. Kathy and I, along with Pete Schantz, will continue to serve all of our clients just as we have in the past. The second part of my report concerns the status of the health insurance program. We still have 14 groups covered, which is the same as last year. However the size of each group (number of employees) has been steadily decreasing over the past 2 years. It has not leveled off yet. As far as Healthcare reform is concerned, there are few certainties at the present time. I can however, report two things that we as agents know as fact. First, the renewal rates continue to increase and that will continue to occur as long as the cost of health care continues to increase. The second thing that we as agents know for a fact, is that commissions are decreasing as a result of Healthcare reform and the size of the groups. That also will apparently continue to be the case. Hopefully, the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the matter of Healthcare Reform sooner rather than later, so we will have more certainty as to what the future holds. TriSures John Cramer reported on the Association liability and workers compensation pro-gram. He reported that participating premiums had decreased to $1.6million. While the same numbers of masons were participating, the payroll and sales estimates had declined. Cramer reported that the insurance industry has exThank You Gary Kitchen! The Land of the Sky Chapter recognized their perienced record losses so far Chapter President, Gary Kitchen (second from left,) with a plaque presenta- this past year, however, Worktion at their October 2011 meeting. In his remarks, Chapter Vice President ers Comp and commercial Steve Stout (right) noted President Garys dedication and commitment lines market are still holding to the industry and invited him to consider serving for additional terms firm. In the next year or so, as chapter president. Also participating in the presentation were NCMCA good accounts may see some President Larry Kirby (left) and NCMCA Western Regional Vice President rate increases, but, exceptional accounts may not experience Don Caldwell (back, third from left.) any increase. Overall, the paythought, reflection and discussion between me and rolls for masonry in North Carolina are extremely the principals of Mountcastle whom I have known low, while losses are increasing by 50% according for some time. We felt that the two companies were to North Carolina statistics. The NCMCA members a perfect fit in order to achieve some common goals. are not indicative of the overall masonry losses in Although I have no intention of retiring in the the state, and there is concern about Experience near future, I felt that at this time in my career, I Modification factors increasing for all construction needed to make contingency plans in the event that trades. TriSure has and will continue to provide the I, for whatever reason, was unable to run the busi- most favorable markets for masonry contractors ness as I have in the past. I also felt strongly about and he expects that to remain strong portion of continuing the relationship that has developed TriSures business. over the years between McMahan Insurance and President-Elect Gary Joyner reported on apprenthe NCMCA. ticeship and training. North Carolina has added a The NCMCA Board of Directors met September 7, 2011 in Greensboro. The following is a summary of that meeting. Treasurer Ashlee Moore, presented the financial report. Total assets as of August 31, 2011: $642,877.42. This figure includes of $57,241.36. Freddie McMahan presented a report on the Associations health and benefits program, saying, There are two distinct parts to my report for this quarter. The first part has to do with a business decision I have recently made to protect my business as well as Kathy Young who has worked with me for 11 years. Effective June 1st of this year, McMahan Insurance and Employee Benefits merged with Mountcastle Insurance in Lexington. Mountcastle Insurance is a large multiline agency that has been in business since 1890 and has a reputation for exemplary service, competitive pricing and problem solving. The merger was the result of much

Silver and a Gold Medal to its collection of National SkillsUSA Masonry wins. Drew Dennis of West Stanly High School won second place in the Secondary division and Dylan Ennes, representing Central Cabarrus High School, placed first in the Post-Secondary division of the June contest in Kansas City. He reported the newest high school masonry program in Pitt County fired their instructor. The status of a continuing program at Ayden-Grifton High School is presently unknown. There was discussion about the discontinuation of masonry programs in favor of green building technology classes in Johnston County high schools and a general discussion about the need for support of local high school masonry programs by everyone who can possibly aid in that effort. Executive Vice President Lynn Nash reported on the July meeting of the North Carolina Masonry Instructors Association as part of NC DPIs annual Trade and Industrial Summer Conference. The instructors voted to continue as in April of 2011 holding a regional contest separate from the state SkillsUSA masonry contest. Nathan Degraffinreaidt, the instructor at Greensboro Grimsley High School, was elected the new president of the NC Masonry Instructors Association. Certification Board of Governors Chairman Doug Burton reported on certification. We are finishing the fourth series of classes. Schedule for the next series will be determined by demand. Statistics as of the board meeting: 80 firms participating. 106 Certified Masonry Professional (CMP) certificates awarded, 77 Certified Masonry Executive (CME) certificates awarded, 27 Company Certifications awarded. Doug Burton provided a promotions report. This fall will be the 10th Annual NC State/Simon Scholarship Design Competition and the first Simon Scholarship Design Competition at Appalachian State University. Nash added that the Western Carolina Chapter has donated $1,000 earmarked to help begin the ASU program. Both competitions provide a semesters tuition as the prize for the winning team. John Cramer provided a safety committee report. Trisure is available for training and OSHA violations and Tom Hayes has been very engaged with a lot of the masons. Cramer discussed that NCOSHA will be more difficult to deal with during informal conferences and masons should expect to see more frequent visits from OSHA on their job sites. Nominations Committee Chairman Gary Manning says a committee has been formed and should have a slate to present at the January board meeting. In his convention report, Nash reported the 2011 Convention at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach was attended by 132 individuals from 38 companies. The event cleared almost $12,000 on total income of about $49,600, which was considerably better than expected. 2011 sponsors provided $13,500: CEMEX: banquet entertainment; Oldcastle Adams Products:

December 2011 NC Masonry News Page 7

Education Seminar; TriSure Corporation: Thursday evening dinner & entertainment; Kirby Construction Services: Spouse Event; EZ Grout: Golf Tournament and hole-in-one prize; McMahan Insurance & Employee Benefits: Friday evening Presidents Reception; and Johnson Concrete Company, Saturday Continental Breakfast. For 2012, the meeting is back at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville April 12 to 15. The board asked Nash to pursue an arrangement once again with Kingston Plantation if the resort will maintain its willingness to negotiate favorable terms in light of the present uncertain economy With his central office report Nash reported that membership stands at 147 members versus 154 reported at the April meeting. 2 new members have joined since the January board meeting, and 10 have been dropped. 2 have been reinstated. There are presently 68 associate members, 3 Life Members, and 76 contractor members. 19 firms have stepped-up for optional Distinguished or Leadership membership status. Bo Black presented the Eastern Regional Vice Presidents Report. He has visited the masonry program at Clayton High School, offering assistance. There is concern about the remaining programs in Wake County. With budget concerns, Bo says, Masonry is an easy target. He is following up on a new program in Lee County. Don Caldwell provided a report for the Western Region. Their area lost a program in Asheville when the Career Education Center shut down its masonry classes. The local chapter has about five good programs they continue to work with. Chris Bruner presented the Central Region Vice Presidents report. He continues a close relationship assisting Jody Barbees new class at Cox Mill High School. The Charlotte area enjoys having some very good masonry high school programs, he says. The industry lost a good masonry instructor when Ryan Shaver left Mount Pleasant High School. It is not known if a replacement has been named. The Metrolina Chapter hosted recent masonry completion winners and their families at their July meeting. Chapter Reports: Land of the Sky- Don Caldwell reports the chapter meets the third Tuesday. They recently enjoyed a program provided by BIA-SEs Bryan Light. The chapter is conducting a gun raffle fundraiser. Metrolina- Chapter President Chris Bruner reported they meet the second Tuesday of each month in Pineville at the Longhorn Steakhouse. Their golf tournament (was) Wednesday September 14th at the Mooresville Municipal Golf Course. Good participation is expected and 35 sponsors are already committed. The chapter has about $10,000. Triad- Chapter Vice President Randall Cox reported the chapter has about $2,629.39 after making their annual pledge last month. The chapter meets the evening of the board meeting at Marias in Burlington. Chapter Secretary Gene King asked

for assistance in arranging programs for chapter meetings. Western Carolina- Chapter Vice President Wayne Starr reported they now meet at the Conover Caf. Second Tuesday. They have approximately $6,000 in the bank. 1216, including 45 masonry contractors generally attend their meetings. Raleigh- Chapter Vice President Calvin Brodie reported they meet the first Monday each month except July and December at the Peddler Steak House. They have 25 to 30 attending their meetings and have $18,000 in the bank. They hold their annual Fun Raiser in January with their Myrtle Beach Golf Tournament. The chapter has recently enjoyed timely, relevant and interesting programs. Central Piedmont- Chapter President Ashlee Moore reported they meet the second Monday of each month now at a new location; Big Shotz in Clemmons. They have $4,442 in checking and $1039 in savings. Eastern Carolina- Gary Manning reported the chapter took the summer off to have babies. The chapter secretary treasurer and vice president both have new arrivals. We are the most fertile chapter. They plan to offer hurricane relief assistance working with Grifton Mission Ministries and Samaritans Purse. Doug Burton advised the board of his attempts to bring the problem of rogue 1099 sub-sub contractors to the attention of state authorities. They dont pay taxes, maintain workers comp or

pay overtime. Doug says these sub-contractors (in all trades) represent a loss of more than ten million dollars in lost revenue to the state and to insurance companies, as well as the lost revenue from work legitimate contractors lose to these subcontractors. Doug reports he has been discouraged and surprised to find state agencies are taking little interest in the problem when he calls and visits their offices. At the Raleigh Chapters September meeting, attorney Louis Meyer with the firm Poyner Spruill LLP presented the program Independent Contractor or Employee? Doug plans to continue investigating steps that can be taken to shutdown these operations and may bring specific requests for board action at future meetings. The next meeting of the Board of Directors is Wednesday January 11, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Courtyard by Marriott on West Wendover Avenue in Greensboro.

Thursday April 12 to Sunday April 15, 2012 The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa
Watch for your registration packet in January.

Attend the NCMCA Convention

School Board Exhibit Seniors from Todd Hartsells award-winning masonry class at Central Cabarrus High School joined NCMCA and the Carolinas Concrete Masonry Association to provide a masonry exhibit at the North Carolina School Boards Associations November Annual Conference in Greensboro. Left to right, students Brent Austin, Alex Ossowski, Justin Hartsell, and Bailey Tucker who provided masonry instruction and demonstrations for many of the folks attending the conference. The exhibit promoted masonry vocational training in schools, NCMCA Certification, and the use of masonry materials for school construction.

Page 8 NC Masonry News December 2011

Member News
Roger Manning, Manning Masonry, used his champion draft horse team to do cleanup in and around his neighborhood in Williamston after Hurricane Irene. Brother Gary reported, that despite his personal misgivings at first, the horses proved to be much more effective than the companys tractors, forklifts and other equipment, doing considerable less damage to yards and property as they pulled trees and debris. Roger was beaming, reports Gary. Several members in Eastern North Carolina reported damage from the storm, but apparently none too awfully serious and no one injured. Retired CCMA Executive Paul LaVene has a new grandson. Samuel Anthony Landon LaVene was born to Tony and his wife on September 3rd. Statesville Brick Company is featured in the September 2011 issue of Our State magazine. See it online at http://www.ourstate.com/northcarolinas-brick-industry Eastern Carolina Chapter Secretary Treasurer Misty Joyner and Troy have a new daughter. Kylee Dawn Hencye was born August 17th. Nate Ariel, Ariel Masonry, and his family have moved to Columbia, South America to begin their work as full-time missionaries. North Carolina was well represented at the MCAA-Midyear meeting in San Antonio in September. Attending from NCMCA were past presidents Danks Burton and Calvin Brodie , President Larry Kirby, Damian Lang, Ed Boettcher, and Lynn Nash. Calvin Brodies team won the MCAA PAC Golf Tournament. McMahan Insurance & Employee Benefits is now a division of Mountcastle Insurance. Freddie

Fast Brick Layers The Carolina Qualifier for the SpecMix Bricklayer 500 was held October 8th in Peachland, NC. Left to right, master-of-ceremonies Ryan Coyne of SpecMix; the third place finishing team of, top, mason Ronald Brooks with tender Jason Bolding of Blue Ridge Masonry in Anderson, SC; the team of mason Curtis Wright, top, with tender Stanly Bell of AW Masonry/Clearwater Company of Columbus, SC, who won the craftsman award AND won the Peachland competition; the Second-place team of mason Kevin Burlough, top, with tender Patrick Cabe of KS & K Masonry of Walnut Cove, NC; and Tommy Broome representing national sponsor Boral Bricks. By winning the Carolina Qualifier, Wright and Bell will compete in the SpecMix Bricklayer 500 at the World of Masonry in Las Vegas January 25, 2012. says the change should only improve the companys services to NCMCA. Matt and Chandra Mahoney have a new baby. Mason William was born August 13th. Matt, with McGee Brothers Company , won the Annual NCMCA Masonry Apprentice Contest in 1990. Fay Block Materials Eric Peele got married September 17th. Team Winners of the Metrolina Chapters September Golf Tournament: First Place - Piedmont Brick Sales; Second Place - CEMEX; Third Place - Palmetto Brick. Joseph Joe Wayne Storie, 51, of Lenoir, passed away as the result of an automobile accident October 5th at the Outer Banks. He was co-owner of Norris & Storie Construction, a firm that often subcontracted masonry from Kirby Construction Services, Glenn W. Sipe & Sons, and other NCMCA masonry contractors in the Hickory-Lenoir area. Retired NCMCA masonry contractor Adolphus D. Hayes passed away in August last year. Mr. Hayes was 71 and lived in Beverly Hills, Florida. Casey Chantler Whitmore, son of former NCMCA member Carlton Whitmore, also passed away in August of 2010. He was 44 and lived in Mebane. (Unfortunately, NCMCA was late in receiving the news of Mr. Hayes and Mr. Whitmores passings.) Past president Freddy Koontz was the first name pulled for the Central Piedmont Chapter gun raffle at the Chapters October monthly meeting. The next night, his name was pulled as the winner of the Western Carolina Chapters gun raffle! Two guns for Freddy! Lafarge, at least around NCMCA, is now Argos. Veteran Masonry Instructor Tim Kidd at West Stanly High School has his first great-grandchild. Flake Martin, a retired masonry contractor known by many in the business around Hickory, passed away

Hensley Recognized The NCMCA Land of the Sky Chapter celebrated Becky Hensleys retirement after 30 years of service to the Western North Carolina masonry industry at their September monthly chapter meeting in Arden. The Chapter presented Becky with a plaque to commemorate the occasion. Becky was the voice of CEMEX in Asheville and is known by everyone in the business. She is now devoting her time to practicing and performing on the piano, keyboards, and organ.

December 2011 NC Masonry News Page 9

November 2nd. He was 72. Congratulations to Boral Bricks Carson Grief and husband Clinton on the birth of their son, Knox, on October 6th. Frank Cox, working out of Charlotte, is now the Amerimix representative to NCMCA. New 2012 officers for the Western Carolina Chapter are Wayne Starr, President and Leland Eckard, Vice President. Ross Gary will continue as Secretary/Treasurer. The North Carolina Masonry Instructors Association has a new web site: www.ncmia.webs.com Pine Hall Brick had its products selected for three Brick in Architecture Award winners from the Brick Industry Association. The winners were: a Silver Award for the Plaza at Kenan Hall/Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida; and Bronze Awards for Pack Square Park in Asheville; and BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem. Land of the Sky Chapter President Gary Kitchen reports Betsy Hunnycut of Hendersonville (who bought her ticket from him) won the chapters November shotgun raffle drawing. President Kitchen expressed appreciation to NCMCA President Larry Kirby for his support, to everyone who bought a ticket, and especially to David Bass and CEMEX for underwriting the expense of the prize.

Certification Update
The NCMCA Certification Program completed its fourth series of certification classes in October. The Board of Governors is presently gauging interest for beginning a new series of classes sometime in 2012 and requests persons and firms interested in participating contact the NCMCA office. Certified individuals can obtain required continuing education credits with NCMCA Masonry University on Thursday February 9, 2012 at McGee Brothers in Greensboro. Additional details will be distributed by the first of the year. Since the last newsletter was published, the Board of Governors has approved the following new certifications: Certified Masonry Professional (CMP) - Gates Construction Company, Inc., David Walker; Joyner Masonry Works, Domingo Cruz and Gerardo Vega; Mattachione Construction, Inc., Charles Ross, Ellis Kennedy, Greg Federer, and Sam Mattachione; Pyramid Masonry, Dave Bridgers, Doug Campbell, Gene Croyle, Melvin Frady, Mike Williams, and Tim McManus; Stone Creek Masonry, Ruperto VasquezValdepena; and Whitman Masonry, Juan Zaragoza and Parker Allen. Certified Masonry Executive (CME) - McGee Brothers Company, James Rodney McGee; Merrill Masonry, Inc., Steve Stout; Pyramid Masonry, David Mauney. Certified Masonry Contractor - Mattachione Construction, Inc. and Pyramid Masonry Contractors.

Fair continued from front page:

place finishes at the Fair since Ryan McGee obtained the companys first win in 1999. 2011 marks the 58th year for the NC State Fair Masonry Apprentice Contest. Past Presidents Calvin Brodie chaired the event and Doug Burton served as head judge. At the risk of inadvertently omitting a contributor, the following provided financial sponsorship, tool prizes, and/or materials for the 2011 contest: Central Piedmont, Metrolina, Raleigh, Triad, and Western Carolina Chapters; Adams Products Company; Anderson-Jones, PLLC; Brodie Contractors; Custom Brick & Supply Company; Giant Cement; Holcim (US) Inc.; Kirby Construction Services; Klimer Platforms, Inc.; Marshalltown Tools; New South Construction Supply; Pine Hall Brick; Pinnacle Masonry; Pyramid Masonry Contractors, Inc.; The Quikrete Companies; RBD & Associates, LLC; Triad Supply & Rental; Triangle Brick; and Whitman Masonry. NCMCA firms and members provided more than $5,000 in cash, tools and materials for the contest. Each contestant was given a tool bag full of quality masonry tools, including a four foot level. NC Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler (representing the NC State Fair;) and NC Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry were on hand to congratulate and greet the contestants.
Next Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday January 11, 2012 1:00 PM - Courtyard by Marriott W. Wendover Ave. Greensboro

Dates to Note
12/7/11 Sigmon Design Competition, Appalachian State University Boone 1/11/12 Board of Directors Meeting, Courtyard, W. Wendover - Greensboro 1/13-1/15/12 Raleigh Chapter 24th / 13th Annual Murdell Golf Trip Myrtle Beach 1/21/12 Western Carolina Chapter Winter Party details pending 1/22-1/27/12 MCAA Annual Convention Las Vegas 1/25/12 SpecMix Bricklayer 500, World of Masonry Las Vegas 1/23-1/27/12 World of Masonry, Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas 2/9/12 Masonry University Certification Program Continuing Ed, McGee Brothers - Greensboro 4/12-4/15/12 NCMCA Annual Convention, Grove Park Inn Spa & Resort - Asheville 4/16-4/18/12 NC DOT High School Construction Career Fair Metrolina Fairgrounds 4/17-4/18/12 NC SkillsUSA Masonry Contest, Coliseum Greensboro 5/19/12 Annual NCMCA Masonry Apprentice Skills Contest (details TBA) 6/24-6/30/12 48th SkillsUSA Annual Conference, Bartel Hall Kansas City 9/27/12 Annual NCMCA State Golf Tournament (details TBA) 10/15/12 59th Annual DOL State Fair Masonry Apprentice Contest - Raleigh

Photograph courtesy of Central Cabarrus High School Masonry

Learning by Doing Todd Hartsells masonry class at Central Cabarrus High School regularly performs masonry projects for the community in and around Concord. In October, the class installed a foundation for a Habitat for Humanities home (photo.) Students in Dwight Brodars Thomasville High School Masonry class were featured in an extensive article in the Lexington The Dispatch November 14th for their work installing a Habitat for Humanities home foundation in Thomasville. Link to the story: http://www. ncmca.com/news-a-events

Post Office Box 3463 Hickory, NC 28603-3463

This issue sponsored by:

Thanks Golf Sponsors

Gold Sponsors: McMahan Insurance & Employee Benefits / Mountcastle Insurance; Pine Hall Brick Company; and TriSure Corporation. Dinner: Argos (Danny Batten, Danny Alford, Donnie Howard, Sean Varner) Silver Sponsor: Holcim (US) Inc Bronze Sponsors: Johnson Concrete Company; and Oldcastle Adams Products Tee Sponsors: Brixment/Essroc Cement; Brodie Contractors; CCMA; CEMEX; Custom Brick & Supply Company; Fay Block Materials; Giant Cement Company; Joyner Masonry Works; Kirby Construction Services; Koontz Masonry; Marshall Stone; P & D Architectural Precast; Palmetto Brick Company; Pinnacle Masonry; Reddrick Masonry Contractors; Roanoke Cement Company; The Sigmon Memorial Scholarship; Simmons Masonry; Triangle Brick; Whitman Masonry. Special Thanks: Chairman David McQueen, Freddie McMahan, Doug Burton, Beverly Sulek, Gene King, David Bunn, Emma Herring, Herb Jeffries, Craig Cochran, Brian Ferguson, Door Prize Sponsors, Mill Creek Golf & Country Club, all the participants.
Page 10 NC Masonry News December 2011

State Golf Tournament The ESSROC Cement team of (left to right) Mike Roshelli, Steve Waltman ,Grayson Sutherland, and Randy Clayton are the Champions of the 19th Annual NCMCA State Golf Tournament. The winners of the 2010 tournament, The Hanson Brick team of Brian Jones, Joe Clark, Kristin Rorie, and Greg Snowman, placed second, followed in third place by the Tucker-Kirby team of Corey Moser, John Zambelli, Kendall Paramore, and Guy Harrigan. The Oldcastle Adams Products team of Joyce Sutphin, Rita Koontz, Cheryl Gaw, and Kerri Mull was the First Place womens team. Robert Sotolongo and Ted Corvey won closestto-the-pin honors. Some 104 golfers and 26 sponsoring firms helped to make the tournament a financial success. The Argos BBQ Team prepared a first-class chicken barbecue dinner for all the participants. The annual tournament is always the fourth Thursday in September, so mark the 20th Annual NCMCA State Golf Tournament on your calendar today! Details to follow.