December 2023

In 2023, we focused our time and energy on the three main priorities identified by our members through our strategic business planning process:

1. Technical assistance and troubleshooting​
2. Promotion of masonry as the optimal building material​
3. Representation by MIM related to specification and code bodies​

The year was punctuated by some exciting key accomplishments for each priority including:

A special thanks to all of our supporters and partners for the national masonry initiative, including: the Arizona Masonry Council, The Block Foundation, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2, Davenport Masonry, the International Masonry Institute, Laborers Local 499, the Masonry Institute of Iowa, the Masonry Institute of St. Louis, the Mason Contractors Association, the Michigan Mason Contractors' Associations, the Mason Contractors Association of America and Wire-Bond!

From the Desk of Phil Ledent

As I look back on 2023, I am truly astonished at all that we were able to accomplish through the MIM! I am so thankful for our members who constantly volunteer their time and effort to promote our industry and through my relationships with multiple organizations throughout the country. I am proud of Michigan for leading the way.

Looking ahead to 2024, we have a dedicated Board of Trustees that has already set in motion plans to drive the success of our industry and I am excited for what the new year holds in store. Beyond the research that we are spearheading, I am excited to have the opportunity to teach structural masonry at Lawrence Technological University and focus on educating tomorrow's engineers and architects.

From my family to yours, have a great holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Coming out of Covid, we've expanded our in-person learning opportunities and, in 2023, we've provided lunch and learn presentations for architects and engineers across Michigan.

Thank you to our lunch and learn sponsors, including:

Albaugh Masonry

Baker Construction

Belden Brick and Supply

Best Block

Burggrabe Masonry

Consumers Concrete

Davenport Masonry

Fendt Products

Leidal and Hart Mason Contractors.



In 2023, we:



• Held block plant tours with architects at Vanderwall, Consumers Concrete and Fendt Products.
• Presented at the CMHA Mid-Year Meeting.
• Conducted proof-of-concept testing on higher grout lifts with Davenport Masonry.
• Attended the North American Masonry Conference in Omaha and the TMS annual meetings in Albuquerque where we are actively making code changes.
• Held training workshops with 40 MIOSHA enforcement officers and nearly 50 architects from the State of Michigan.
• Performed multiple job site visits, hosted Masonry 101 workshops, and conducted many other training sessions.

2024 promises to be just as busy with more workshops and lunch and learns already on the schedule.

MIM workshops are intended to build collaboration between the field and the design office so that masonry becomes more than lines on a piece of paper. If you would like Phil to present a workshop, a lunch and learn or provide training for your team, please reach out. 

Interested in growing your brand and reaching a wider audience? For 2024, the MIM is offering newsletter advertising to our members, with the opportunity to reach hundreds of users through our website and thousands through our social media accounts!

Learn more here!

Tip of the Month

With the 2021 Michigan Building Code adoption process underway, the maximum allowable cavity width will increase from 4 1/2" to 6 5/8" meaning that more insulation can be added to cavity walls without the need for designing veneer ties!

Make sure you're following us on social media for upcoming projects and events!