Report of the MCAA MasonrySystems.org Committee Words: Brian GrantDirection from the MCAA BoardThe MCAA Board has charged the MSO committee with making the website the centerpiece of the 2020 campaign. The Board asked that the web site be the location where the whole industry can come together. It is also important that “special interests” do not take over this project. The Board has stressed the importance that the website be self-funded through advertising and industry dollars. Goals of the CommitteeThe Committee will meet a minimum of four times per year. The Committee has set a main goal of enhancing the content of the website. The website should have clear individual paths throughout, based on whether the visitor is a designer, contractor, owner, city official, or other. The website is to contain a cost guide, enhanced safety content, and LEED and Green resources. The committee stressed the importance of promoting the website to both contractors and designers. Committee Ground WorkTim O’Toole has been instrumental in collecting content and enhancing the website on an on-going basis. Tim continues to track website traffic and log new and unique visitors of the site. The committee established three Task Groups to meet the objectives set forth by the Board. The Task Groups are entitled; LEED, Advertising and Self-Funding, and Promotion. LEED Task GroupJim O’Connor is the chairman of the LEED Task Group. Jim’s group has been working to enhance the LEED and Green website content. This Group is currently exploring methods to create links with other Industry websites that contain expansive LEED information. Advertising and Self-Funding Task GroupLynn Nash is the chairman of the Advertising and Self-Funding Task Group. Lynn’s group is currently reviewing the existing advertising price structure for possible changes. This group will look into generating income from Industry groups. The group will begin a marketing campaign once the committee feels the site is at a strong sell position. This group will also look into proposals for grant money. Promotion Task GroupDave Gillick is the chairman of the Promotion Task Group. Dave’s group has already begun to promote through a MSO business card outreach program. This group will focus on framework for a train-the-trainer push. The idea is that a network of individuals throughout the country would be well versed with the MSO website and will be able to help Industry professionals navigate through the site. Year 2011The committee will work very hard in 2011 to achieve the goals as listed in this report. The committee will work to develop and promote MSO so that it will become a top rate tool for the Masonry Industry.About: Featured