On the workforce side, attendees were updated on The John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center in Maryland, which since its opening last September has hosted hundreds of BAC members, plus key construction leaders such as project managers, architects, engineers, and contractors.

Best practices in recruitment, training and continuing education were covered by knowledgeable speakers like Dr. Gary Meers from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, who said that engaging the next generation of craftworkers begins with The END: Examples, Nurturing, and Direction.

On the market-building side, IMI unveiled several new initiatives. Structural engineer David Biggs, PE, discussed the upcoming Bentley Design Software, which will make masonry much easier to design, and therefore more attractive to designers. Dr. Frank Moon from Drexel University talked about how IMI-sponsored research is poised to recapture the low-rise and mid-rise building market by presenting a more realistic picture of seismic requirements. Design-Build Institute President Walker Lee Evey showed how alternative delivery systems can offer an advantage for union masonry contractors and craftworkers. Attendees also got to preview the latest Contractor College course, Quality Assurance, that can help union contractors outshine the competition.

That fresh, contemporary look also appears in a new “IMI Toolkit” that will help sell the union masonry solution. In a three-part series of inserts that can be customized for target audiences, the Toolkit addresses common issues like manpower, fire safety, and grout testing. The “IMI Explains” series speaks to all the facets of the construction industry, while the “Masonry Attributes” series sells the advantages of masonry materials to designers and owners. The “Contractor Tools” series offers answers to common jobsite problems.

The “IMI TOOLKIT” collection is downloadable at www.imiweb.org.

In New York City, where some private firms are charging $250 per class, IMI training resources save real money, as well as keep members working. “That’s something that members and contractors can relate to,” says Local 1 President Sid Lanzafame.

The group of brothers and friends made two smart decisions this year. They joined BAC, and they came to The Flynn Center to improve their tile skills. After working non-union for a while, the men wanted something better, including pensions and benefits. "We were looking for the full package," says Tom Donahue, 35, "and we got it with BAC."

All five had some tile experience, but they needed to brush up their mud skills, especially to be able to handle larger commercial scale work, so Local 1 CT tile field representative Eddie Hackett sent them to The Flynn Center for two weeks of specialized training.

There, they were impressed by, well, everything. "Everyone here was very professional and courteous," says David Cory, 36. The facility itself had all the tools, equipment and safety measures possible. "It was money well spent," says Ralph Dabrowski, 35. "It was above and beyond our expectations."

Cory also liked seeing other tile practitioners and different craftspeople. "It was great being here because you get to meet other members for all different areas," he says. The members left the center confident that it will "definitely help" them in their careers. They recommend The Flynn Center for all BAC members and would even like to come back themselves.

"It is a win-win situation for everyone when you come here for training," says Kelly.