The Tampa MCAF Apprentice Program & chapter meeting “on the slab” was held on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the CEMEX Block Plant in Tampa.  The MCAF  apprentices had a chance to showcase some of their masonry skills. Thank you to everyone who took the time on a Saturday to come out and support Florida's future generation of masons.  Your continued support of this program is the cornerstone of our success. Immediately following the masonry expo, the MCAF gave a salute to their graduating apprentices along with a luncheon catered by Mission B-B-Q.
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Congratulations to the following graduating apprentices:
Jake Franklin
Kenneth Tilghman
Brad White

September 5 - 8, 2019
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Please join us at the 2019 MAF Annual Convention, hosted by the MAF SE Chapter at the beautiful Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale!

Details for registration, competitions and sponsorships will be available soon on:   www.MAFConvention.com
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Friday, April 19, 2019 @ 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Please Join US!
Come enjoy a day of relaxation, golf, refreshments and prizes at the MAF Central Chapter Fundraiser Golf Tournament.
All proceeds will benefit the MAF Central Chapter Apprentice Programs.

Location
Orange County National
Golf Center & Lodge
16301 Phil Ritson Way
Winter Garden, FL 34787

Map & Directions

Schedule
7:30 AM Registration
8:30 AM Shot-gun Start
12:30 PM Lunch, Prizes & Awards

Cost
$175/player | $600/foursome
Sponsor Opportunities available!
Registration fee includes golf, breakfast, raffle ticket and lunch.

Registration
For registration, please use the PDF form available here:
2019 MAF CF Golf Scholarship Scramble

Written By: Chris Eversole

Longtime building industry leader works to attract workers

Members of the Painter family have been masons since the early 20th Century, and Painter Masonry has operated for 50 years.

The company, which laid bricks and cement blocks for many of the buildings at the University of Florida and other parts of Greater Gainesville, won’t continue for another generation.  No family member is ready to continue Painter Masonry’s legacy, and none of the workers have stepped up to take over.

What’s more, it’s harder and harder to find workers who are willing to take on the arduous work of building the future – one brick at a time – in the Florida sun.

​Read more:  
​https://www.businessmagazinegainesville.com/an-interview-with-skilled-trades-evangelist-jim-painter/

On Friday, February 8, 2019, Robert Ball, Vice President of Coastal Masonry, Masonry Association of Florida (MAF) Southeast Chapter President and Donna Hinson, MAF Executive Director represented the association's apprentice programs and masonry industry at the 1st Annual Junior Achievement Inspire Event.  The educational job fair featured a concrete block/masonry demonstration by Central Broward Construction (Justin Lord, Owner Central Broward Construction and MAF State Board Vice Chairman).  Over 2000 students attended and were exposed to the masonry industry and construction trades.

Ken Urquhart, Workforce Employment Manager for Junior Achievement of South Florida thanked the MAF for their participation:

Members of the Concrete Coalition of Florida presented at the National Concrete Masonry Association's Town Hall event held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at their annual convention in Orlando's Lake Buena Vista resort. 

The MAF's ProMasonry Chairman and Board member, Chris Bettinger presented the accomplishments of the Masonry Association.  Matt Sitter, president of the Florida Concrete Products Association gave an overview of the FC&PA's BlockStrong program and Jim Painter, Executive Director of the Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council informed the attendees about Florida's state masonry check-off program. Also speaking were MAF program partner, the AIA Florida's executive Director, Vicki Long and Leslie Chapman-Henderson, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), the country’s leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters.

The MAF Southeast chapter honored chapter treasurer and longtime member Peter Saunders with the Masonry Association of Florida's Lifetime Emeritus Membership. Emeritus members are those members that have dedicated many years of service to the association and the masonry industry.  Emeritus members are nominated by their local chapters and approved by MAF State Board of Directors.    In November 2018, the board voted unanimously to award Peter for his many years of service.  Congratulations Peter!