MCAA Regional Report, Region G

Words: Glenn HottmannArizona - Tony Avila
Colorado - No State Chairman
New Mexico - No State Chairman
Utah - Alan Johnson
Wyoming - Jim Thompson

Workforce Development

Arizona

With the improvements in the overall market conditions, we as an industry are faced with one of the largest labor shortages in recent history. Finding sufficient skilled tradesman continues to be difficult. In fact, finding a Mason under thirty is akin to finding a White Rhino. In the last year, there has been an aggressive bidding war between members for the limited talent in the market. This has had the positive result of bringing wages back to or above the 2008 crash levels. Hopefully, this will continue and will result in more interest in entry level laborers and tradesmen.

Colorado

No State Chairman

New Mexico

No State Chairman

Utah

In Utah, we are very fortunate. Utah was ranked #1 in the US for business in 2016. Our cup is over flowing. With such a diverse economy, we are blessed with so much growth in business. Of course, with all this opportunity comes challenges and especially with the situation of finding qualified employees. Construction trades of all areas are dealing with this challenge. Along with the aging of the baby boomers heading towards retirement and millennial’s coming into the workforce without the desire to work in trades that tax their physical traits and abilities, complicates these issues even more.

Wyoming

No report as of this writing.

General & Economic Conditions

Arizona

The Construction industry in Arizona continued to improve in 2016. Resulting in most AMCA (Arizona Masonry Contractors Association) members being extremely busy for the majority of 2016. Most members with which I have spoken say they are optimistic about 2017 and are planning accordingly.

Colorado

No State Chairman

New Mexico

No State Chairman

Utah

Most all areas of the economy in Utah are enjoying robust growth; this has created a boom for construction in our area. Our ability to attract youth into our trade has been difficult. But for the Contractors who persevere, the rewards have been plentiful.

One major concern for the masonry trade in Utah is the proliferation of wood buildings being built and up to 5 stories. Some of this could be blamed for the shortage of qualified mason contractors, mason and tenders, available to compete in a competitive market.

Wyoming

No report as of this writing.

Market Expansion & Initiatives

Arizona


The recent Silica Regulations continues to be a topic of discussion not only between our MCAA Members, but also between our Members, GC’s, and Concrete Subs. As you all know, AMCA & MCAA will continue working on this issue on our behalf.

From my own personal perspective, I believe that we are stewards of this industry and as such, we need to make every effort to improve our products and improve the lives of the people with whom we work.

Colorado

No State Chairman

New Mexico

No State Chairman

Utah

Major Construction on the radar screen:

Major airport expansion with a second terminal under design while the first terminal is still only about 50% built.

4,000 bed new prison in design to start in 2018.

4 major hotels to be built in the SLC downtown area.

Bonds approved in several areas for continued school construction.

Continued large growth in retail and office expansions.

1 billion committed in hospital expansion for IHC hospitals over the next 7 years.

Wyoming

No report as of this writing.
Natural Stone Ordering: Details Matter Before the Job Starts
October 2026

A lot of problems on a stone job can be traced back to the order. I’m on the supplier side, so I see it regularly. A mason can do everything right in the field and still end up fighting a job because the wrong material was ordered, quantities were off, c

Rob McKay
Resources
Read More
Dust Mitigation in Masonry: Practical Strategies for Safer Job Sites
October 2026

Every day, masonry professionals cut block, grind mortar joints, core drill, mix dry materials, and demolish existing structures. These tasks are fundamental to the trade, but they also generate dust. While dust may seem like an unavoidable part of the jo

Greg Brown
Safety Library
Dust Extraction Systems Silica Safety Sponsored
Read More
General Shale Continues as a Gold Partner in 2027
October 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to announce that General Shale will continue as a Gold Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.

MAP Partner
MAP Partner
Read More
Unique Industries Kem-O-Kleen Remains a Silver Partner in 2027
October 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is pleased to announce that Unique Industries Kem-O-Kleen will remain as a Silver Partner in the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.

MAP Partner
MAP Partner
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →