Report of the MCAA Education Committee
Words: David HillCurrent Initiatives
In August 2003 we hosted a Basic Estimating Seminar w/ instructor Steve Saucerman in
Chicago, IL. We had 9 attendees and everyone valued the course and would like to see a
more advanced class that they can attend. Some additional issues that they would like
information on include Estimating Software, hands on estimating seminar and discussion
of further issues that occur in the estimating field. Steve Saucerman and Colin Faul
will go over the certain issues that were brought up and discuss where the program can
continue to grow.
Hanley Wood has come to us with discussion of their Masonry Estimating Book. They
would like to further update their book/course and would like to possibly work with
MCAA on this to ensure both program/book offerings do not conflict or possibly do a
joint venture on this project.
Further initiatives, we are looking at hosting Basic Estimating, Foreman Development
and Wall Bracing Seminars across the country. We will look into regional demand and
also company demand for these programs.
MQI
We have been in discussion Al Roach regarding the MQI program we offered in the past.
This program was last offered in 1997 and needs to be updated. The initial proposal
for updates was $15K but we can also look at updating the main part of the course for
$5K and not redoing the team building/problem solving aspect. They are currently using
the old program with other groups, discussion should be made about MCAA paying for the
update or not.
Convention
For the 2004 Masonry Showcase, MCAA is offering the Foreman Development Course and
bringing back the Basic Estimating Course to the show program. Promotion of these two
programs is in the attendee brochure unlike 2003 and will get more of a response.
A few workshops do not have contracted speakers for the 2004 show and new instructors need to be selected.
Discussion for further workshop and seminar offerings for the 2005 show will be discussed. Industry trends and current needs will also be discussed.
A number of on floor demonstrations and workshops will be occurring at the 2004 show. Much interest from exhibitors in demonstrations and workshops has been brought to the attention of MCAA. Further discussion of these opportunities will be brought up in the meeting.