The Mason Contractors Association of America(MCAA) is the trade association in the U.S representing mason contractors. The MCAA aims to improve the masonry sector by recruiting people to join the industry workforce, educating members and protecting their interests, advocating for conducive work environments, and influencing federal regulations and issues affecting contractors.
In 1887, the Frontier Mason Contractors Association of Milwaukee became the pioneer Mason Contractor Association, paving the way for the birth of the Mason Contractors Association of America in 1950.
Shortly after its establishment, the association launched its trade show, the MCAA show, in 1952 as a platform for the community to showcase products and equipment and network with each other. The first show was a success. It became an annual event and was successful for another four decades.
1n 1953, the MCAA launched "News & Trends," the association's first publication, known today as the Masonry Magazine. A year later, the society established the Material Handling Committee.
1955 marked the MCAA's immense increase in popularity as their numbers grew exponentially. The association grew from nine chapters in 1952 to 48 chapters three years later. In 1956, the organization established lecture circuits which evolved into today's webinars.
By 1971, the labor disputes in the industry rose to the point that President Nixon felt the need to establish the Construction Industry Stabilization Committee, which George Miller, an MCAA member, worked on. The Committee was able to execute changes that would improve excessive wage and contract demands.
In 1975, the MCAA held its first trade show in a Western state, Las Vegas, and went on to celebrate the association's 25th Anniversary. The same year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) passed regulations concerning "overhand bricklaying," which would have severe implications for the masonry industry. The MCAA reacted by conducting a survey proving that accidents rarely occur due to overhand bricklaying. The administration took these results into consideration. The MCAA celebrated a major achievement when in 1981, OSHA ruled that the law would exempt masons and mason tenders due to the MCAA's efforts.
The association's membership peaked at 1,400 members, but by 1984, it had declined to less than 800 members after the MCAA had gone through the most challenging economic period it had seen.
In the early 1990s, the organization made a controversial amendment to its laws, granting the Executive Board the ability to sign labor agreements binding on members. Members did not receive the amendment well, and the association repealed it a year later. In June 1988, The MCAA collaborated with the National Concrete Masonry Association and declared a joint statement of their intent to establish a World of Masonry Expo.
The 1990s came with technological advancements; the association transitioned to computers and more advanced technological innovations, contributing to improved efficiency and safety in masonry and construction professionals. The MCAA promoted these advancements through Training Courses, which evolved into the webinars they now hold.
In 2018, the association launched MASONRY Design to serve the design community. Over the years, the MCAA has continued to protect the interests of the mason industry and equip members with resources to develop their skills and careers. The organization celebrated its 70th Anniversary in 2020.
