Turning leaves, busy times

Words: Jennifer MorrellWe are smack in the middle of fall, and both Masonry and the MCAA have been productive and busy.

In late-September, the Masonry staff attended the CSI/CONSTRUCT Show, which was held in The Gateway City, St. Louis. The show is a dynamic mix of education, information and networking. The aisles were bustling with activity, and the booths were full — a great outcome for exhibitors. We were able to spend time with manufacturers, distributors and vendors, both old and new to our magazine. Innovation and breakthrough technologies surrounded the Masonry team as we observed the latest wall systems, new products and cutting-edge services for our industry. You’ll find coverage of the CONSTRUCT Show in the November issue of Masonry.

While the crew from Masonry was working the CONSTRUCT Show, the MCAA was holding its Midyear Meeting in Key West, Fla. Attendees experienced fun activities unique to the Florida Keys, along with networking events and delicious dinners. The group took part in the ever-popular Speed Dating event for contractors, and the association conducted business via Committee Meetings and the delivery of a Legislative Update from The Keelen Group. Annual Safety Awards were bestowed to deserving recipients as well. The Midyear Meeting is an event not to be missed.

I hope you enjoy the November issue of Masonry, which focuses on green building, natural stone and handheld tools for masons. We wish you a cornucopia of happy times this fall.
About: Tools
Beyond the Block: Aesthetic Innovations in CMU Construction
August 2026

Concrete masonry units (CMUs) have long been a mainstay of construction. They are well known as a “tried and true” material with a long history of high-strength structural performance, affordability, ease of assembly, and a long lifecycle. CMU constructio

The Most Overlooked Profit Center on Your Job Site
August 2026

The real cost of equipment ownership isn't what you pay on day one. It's what happens over the years that follow. The purchase price of a new mortar mixer, grout pump, material handling system, or masonry saw is only part of the investment. What happens

Installation Starts Before the First Course
August 2026

Some of the most expensive masonry installation problems begin long before crews arrive onsite. By the time a project reaches the field, many coordination decisions have already been made. Dimensional conflicts, congested reinforcement, specialty materia

Designing for Performance: Key Considerations for Efficient, Durable Masonry Projects
August 2026

A successful masonry project starts well before the first stone is set. The craftsmanship on site matters, of course, but many of the decisions that shape the final result are made much earlier—during design, detailing, and material selection. Those choic