AMC was proud to once again sponsor the SEAoA Conference, continuing our commitment to strengthening relationships within Arizona's structural engineering community. A special thank you to Jason Thompson and Lauren Kennedy, who presented to a packed room and helped showcase the value, performance, and possibilities of masonry design and construction. We also extend our appreciation to Paul Scott and Canan D'Avela for their support and participation throughout the event. Confe

May was a strong month for workforce outreach as we wrapped up the school year and continued building connections with students across Arizona. AMC spent time with 20 students at West-MEC Southwest and visited EVIT just before the end of the year, reaching 60 students and continuing to introduce masonry as a real career path with long-term opportunity. We also traveled to Tucson for a practice day with Kate as she prepares for SkillsUSA Nationals. It is always exciting to see

For JG Block Co, masonry is about more than completing a job. It is about quality, reliability, relationships, and showing up with the kind of workmanship that earns trust project after project. Owned by Justen Gibbs, JG Block Co has worked with general contractors and developers for years, building a strong reputation in the masonry industry through dependable service and a commitment to keeping projects moving. The company takes pride in managing work effectively, staying o

The House will be back for regular business after taking off 3 weeks. Four republicans are absent this week. The Senate will also be down a few republicans so they’re only doing COW calendars or bipartisan bills; we suspect that will happen in the House as well. Senate Majority Leader Kavanagh had suggested that a budget agreement may come as soon as this week. However, as of late last Friday, Senate President Petersen said there was still that 1 percent they had not yet

On May 5, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a Republican-backed $17.9 billion state budget, calling it “unbalanced and reckless.” The proposal, passed along party-line votes by the Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature, reflected major GOP priorities on taxes and spending cuts but immediately triggered conflict with Hobbs. The Republican budget proposed spending roughly $800 million less than Hobbs’ own January budget plan. A central feature was conformity with federal tax cha

Excellence in Masonry Awards Recap On Friday, April 24, 2026, the Arizona Masonry Council hosted the annual Excellence in Masonry Awards at the Arizona Biltmore, bringing together more than 300 attendees for an evening filled with energy, excitement, and industry pride. The night celebrated the strength, beauty, and craftsmanship of masonry while honoring the teams, projects, and people who continue to raise the standard across Arizona’s built environment. From the project aw

AMC apprenticeship instructor Jacob Brooks, along with apprentices Miguel Angel Andrade, Gerardo, and Manny, volunteered their time and skills to support an Eagle Scout project for Liam of Troop 1776. The team helped teach Liam and fellow scouts how to repair a damaged CMU screen wall, pour footings for a new extension, and install the new wall with stucco — a hands-on project benefiting American Legion Post 145.

AMC’s workforce development efforts continued strong throughout April, with apprenticeship programs active at both locations and instructors doing an outstanding job supporting the next generation of masonry professionals. Throughout the month, AMC connected with hundreds of students, educators, and future tradespeople through career fairs, advisory meetings, and hands-on training opportunities across the state. Career fairs and advisory meetings reached approximately 500 peo

From signature events to hands-on workforce development, AMC continued to show up across every level of the masonry industry. The month was highlighted by the Excellence in Masonry Awards, bringing together over 300 industry professionals for a night dedicated to celebrating craftsmanship, leadership, innovation, and the people who continue to move masonry forward. Beyond the awards, AMC remained deeply engaged in education and industry collaboration. Participation in the NAU

Last Spring, Governor Hobbs signed Executive Order 2025-09 directing the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) and Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) to form a Workplace Heat Safety Task Force to draft and recommend Heat Guidelines for Employers. These guidelines would provide additional recommendations for employers to be included in the Arizona Heat Stress State Emphasis Program . The Task Force, composed of business, labor, and industry leaders m

March was a month of showing up—on jobsites, in classrooms, and across the industry. From workforce development to national conversations, the Arizona Masonry Council continues to stay present where it matters most: building the future of masonry from the ground up.

Monthly update from - Brian Tassinari, AMC's Legislative Representative. Just six weeks into session, we have seen a remarkable onslaught of bills being introduced. For the 25 years I have been a lobbyist, every House bills started with a ‘2’ as in HB2001 and every Senate bill started with a ‘1’ as in SB1001. But for the first time ever, the legislature has run out of ‘1’s’ and ‘2’s’ and had to move the ‘3’s’ and ‘4’s’. This logjam of ideas, some good and many not so good, h

As we move through a busy and productive season, I’m proud to share just how active — and energized — workforce development has been across Arizona. We’ve been on the road supporting SkillsUSA regional competitions in Yuma, Prescott, Peoria, Mesa, and Holbrook. These competitions are more than events on a calendar — they are opportunities to introduce students to masonry as a skilled, respected profession with real career potential. This month continues that momentum. While

Monthly Update From Dawn Rogers, Executive Director Arizona Masonry Council As we move through a busy start to the year, I’m proud to share the continued momentum building across Arizona’s masonry community. Representing Arizona on the National Stage The Arizona Masonry Council was on the ground at the World of Concrete and MCAA meetings in Las Vegas — connecting with industry leaders, sharing ideas, and cheering on outstanding talent in the Skilled Trades Competition. We’re

Arizona's minimum wage has increased from $14.35 to $14.70 effective January 1, 2025.

Calling all architects! Save the date - April 24-26, 2025

Arizona voters will find thirteen measures on the ballot this November, covering topics ranging from lifetime appointments for judges...

Updates from AMC's legislative group for the 2024 elections and ballots.

The bad news for the state budget continues. The size of the projected deficit has ballooned to $1.7 billion, which is even more dramatic...

At a March 26th meeting the Phoenix Council approved a law for contractor requirements for the mitigation of heat related injuries.