Are you a Contractor Member of the MCAA?

Words: Tommy DanielAre you a contractor member of the MCAA? If you are, you need to be applauded. Why? As one of our contractor members, you are in the unique position of being a small business owner. As a small business owner in the masonry industry, you are a contributor to the economy. You employ people, purchase products and contribute to the growth of the economy.Why is this important, and why are you unique? As a small business owner, some would say, “Wow, you’re rich. You have got it made. You can do whatever you want.”

It’s too bad that many politicians have this same viewpoint. We are the ones who work very hard at making sure we sell the work, and build it with qualified personnel on schedule and for a profit. We then collect the money for which we invoice, and repeat the same cycle over and over to maintain profitability. Through this whole process what else are we responsible for? Let’s look at the list: payroll, payroll taxes (state and federal), health care insurance, union benefits, pension funds, city business licenses, business property taxes, corporate taxes (state and federal), federal highway use tax, county business asset tax, fuel tax, contractor license fees, contractor license bond, general liability insurance, general liability umbrella insurance, workman’s compensation insurance, auto insurance, equipment insurance, etc., etc.

Have I missed anything? I am sure many of my fellow contractor members can add to this list. This is why, if you are a contractor member of MCAA, you should be applauded for all that you endure to insure your business is successful. The next time you watch the news and hear that politicians want to raise small business taxes, write to your representative. Cut this page out, and send it with your letter. Tell him that enough is enough. We don’t get bailed out. The buck stops with us. We either make it happen or go out of business. It’s about time that politicians realize that small business employs the majority of the workforce in this country. We need their support to lessen our burden, not add to it.
About: Featured
2024 Architectural Awards: Excellence In Masonry Winners

The Masonry Advisory Council held the 2024 Excellence in Masonry Awards on Saturday, October 26th at 167 Green St., Chicago, Illinois. Honoring 80 projects from over the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Area. The Awards program celebrates outstanding ar

By: Ashley Kelly
Read More
NSI and ISFA Announce Silica Exposure Literature Review

NSI and ISFA are proud to present a literature review that summarizes the growing library of studies related to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. Completed by Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the study covers 34 publications and d

By: Amy Oakley
Read More
La Maison Franchère: How Masonry Turns Functional Buildings Into Timeless Beauty

La Maison Franchère, or the Franchers’ House, stands as a notable relic of stone architecture in Saint-Mathies, a small Quebec town on the edge of the Richelieu River. Unlike the neighboring homes, this towering, two-and-a-half-story mansion immediately c

By: Vera Autushka
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 5 Recap: Zach Everett

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Masonry Strong podcast! Today, we have a very special guest, Zach Everett, sharing his journey and experiences in the world of safety within the masonry industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a vital

By: Justin Stengel
About: Featured
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →