This course is for AMC Members only. Please note we must have a minimum of 3 participants to conduct the class and are allowed a maximum of 12 participants per class.

Please note we must have a minimum of 3 participants to conduct the class and are allowed a maximum of 12 participants per class.

The course provides a roadmap to achieving excellence in Leadership. It outlines the theoretical foundations of the concept of Leadership through a thorough review of leadership theories and provides the opportunity to understand what it takes to lead, influence, and empower others. The course presents behavioral models, tools and personality benchmarks that may be immediately implemented into their own career path.

The Arizona Masonry Council recently hosted its Train the Trainer event during the AZCTE Conference, bringing together 20 high school and community college instructors for a day focused on hands-on masonry education, industry connection, and workforce development. The event began with hands-on training at Oldcastle Tucson, where instructors had the opportunity to engage directly with masonry materials, techniques, and practical instruction they can take back to their classrooms and training programs. The day continued with a presentation and lunch at Sundt Construction, creating space for conversation, collaboration, and stronger connections between educators and industry partners. One of the highlights of the event was seeing AMC’s Southern Arizona apprentices step into the role of trainers. These apprentices shared their skills and experience with the educators in attendance, offering a meaningful example of the apprenticeship pathway in action. Their involvement showed not only what students can learn through masonry training, but also how quickly they can become leaders and advocates for the trade. The event also created valuable networking opportunities among schools that already offer masonry training and those that are just getting started. Instructors were able to share ideas, ask questions, and better understand how masonry education can fit into their programs. Feedback from the event was once again strong, and momentum continues to build. AMC is already scheduled for its 2027 Train the Trainer event, continuing its commitment to supporting educators, strengthening career and technical education, and building the next generation of Arizona’s masonry workforce. Through programs like Train the Trainer, AMC is helping ensure that students across Arizona have greater access to hands-on construction education and a clearer pathway into the skilled trades.

AMC Annual Sponsor Spotlight Sun Valley Masonry’s story begins long before the company opened its doors in Arizona. Its roots trace back to the skilled trades of 1940s Illinois, where its founders learned the importance of craftsmanship, hard work, and integrity. That foundation traveled west, and Sun Valley Masonry was officially established in Phoenix in 1977. What began as a small operation quickly developed a reputation for reliable service and quality workmanship. The company completed its first commercial project just one year later and continued expanding its equipment, workforce, and capabilities to meet growing demand. Over the decades, Sun Valley Masonry opened a Tucson division, added concrete and insulation services, expanded into Oklahoma, and contributed to major projects that have helped shape communities throughout the Southwest. Today, the company remains focused on a straightforward commitment: deliver quality work and take good care of its customers. “Construction is not always easy, and every job comes with its own challenges, so being reliable and doing the work the right way matters.” While Sun Valley Masonry has earned a strong reputation through its projects, the company considers its people its greatest accomplishment. From the field to the office, its team members care about the work, support their customers, and take pride in getting the job done correctly. One project that represents an important turning point in the company’s history is the Borgata of Scottsdale. The high-profile development allowed Sun Valley Masonry to demonstrate its capabilities on a larger scale and helped establish the reputation that would lead to future opportunities. That legacy continues through a material that has stood the test of time. “Masonry has been around forever for a reason. It is strong, durable, and holds up well over time.” From ancient structures to today’s commercial developments, masonry continues to provide the strength, longevity, sustainability, and architectural character that owners and builders depend on. Sun Valley Masonry believes those qualities will keep the craft relevant as the construction industry continues to evolve. For those beginning a career in masonry or construction, the company’s advice is simple: find a good mentor, ask questions, show up on time, work hard, and take pride in what you do. Experience matters in the trades, but so does the willingness to keep learning. For Sun Valley Masonry, that combination has helped build nearly five decades of growth, opportunity, and trusted work.

End of Arizona’s 57th Legislative Session The 57th Arizona Legislature adjourned for the year early morning on Saturday, June 13th. Shortly thereafter, Governor Hobbs signed the $18.29B bipartisan state budget. Of the record 2000 plus bills introduced, less than 200 have been signed into law and 63 have been vetoed thus far. View the budget signed here https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2026/06/pool-footage-governor-katie-hobbs-signs-arizona-first-budget. Know Your Primary Election Dates June 22nd, last day to register to vote June 24th, mail‑in ballots are mailed (Active Early Voting List) and early voting begins July 21st, primary election day What to Expect on the November Ballot HCR 2048 military families; scholarship accounts Protects scholarship funds that are reserved for eligible children of military families pursuing higher education. Prohibiting the state from seizing scholarship account funds, transferring those funds to other state purposes, redirecting the money to unrelated programs, or using the funds to address budget shortfalls. Read HCR2048 HERE SCR 1032 instructional expenses; operational spending; enforcement Increases the proportion of school district spending that is directed toward classroom instruction and student learning activities. The measure is intended to ensure that a larger share of district operating budgets is spent on teachers, instructional staff, and other direct educational services rather than administrative or non-instructional functions. Read SCR1032 HERE HCR 2044 preferential treatment; discrimination; prohibited acts Expands Arizona's existing prohibition on preferential treatment and discrimination in public employment, public education, and public contracting. The measure is intended to reinforce a "colorblind" and race-neutral approach to government decision-making by restricting the use of race, ethnicity, and certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in state and local government operations. Read HCR2044 HERE HCR 2003 interscholastic; intramural athletics; biological sex Ask voters whether state law should require school athletic teams and certain athletic facilities to be organized according to an athlete's biological sex. Intended to preserve separate girls' and boys' athletic teams based on biological sex, protect what they view as fairness and competitive opportunities for female athletes, establish clear statewide rules for participation in school sports, require certain athletic facilities, such as locker rooms and showers, to be designated by sex. Read HCR2003 HERE HCR 2040 school districts; labor organizations; resources Prohibits school districts from using public money, equipment, facilities, communication systems, or employee work hours to support labor organizations or their activities. The measure would also prohibit school districts from deducting union dues from employee paychecks through district payroll systems and from providing district resources for union organizing, recruitment, or political activities. Read HCR2040 HERE HCR 2001 citizenship; identification; contributions; early voting Establishes statewide election requirements related to voter eligibility, voter identification, campaign contributions, and voting procedures. The measure would explicitly require that only United States citizens are eligible to register and vote in Arizona elections and would prohibit foreign individuals and foreign corporations from making contributions intended to influence Arizona candidate or ballot measure campaigns. Read HCR2001 HERE SCR 1004 photo enforcement systems; voter approval Changes how photo enforcement systems—such as speed cameras and red-light cameras—are used in Arizona. State agencies and local governments that use photo enforcement systems would be required to obtain voter approval to continue operating those systems. Existing jurisdictions with qualifying camera programs would need to place the issue before voters at the next general election. If voters reject the program, the photo enforcement system would have to be discontinued within 90 days. If voters approve it, the program could continue operating for ten years before requiring voter reauthorization. Read SCR1004 HERE HCR 2055 drug cartels; terrorist organizations Designates drug cartels as terrorist organizations under Arizona law and direct the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (AZDOHS) to address cartel-related threats using all authority available to the agency. The measure is intended to strengthen Arizona's response to drug trafficking, fentanyl distribution, human trafficking, and cartel-related violence by formally recognizing drug cartels as terrorist organizations at the state level. Read HCR2055 HERE SCR 1004 prohibit tax; monitoring; vehicle mileage Prohibits Arizona state and local governments from imposing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) taxes or fees and from monitoring or limiting an individual's vehicle mileage without that person's voluntary consent. The resolution is designed to prevent future implementation of mileage-based transportation taxes and government programs that track, restrict, or regulate the number of miles a person drives. Read SCR1004 HERE HCR 2021 food; municipal tax; exemption Restricts how cities and towns may impose transaction privilege taxes (sales taxes) on food. The measure is intended to limit or eliminate municipal taxes on groceries purchased for home consumption while preserving certain local taxing authority through voter approval requirements and rate limitations. Read HCR2021 HERE

AZ Masonry Expo with Fastest Trowel and Skills Competitions Saturday, October 24, 2026 Lone Butte Superlite Plant 6629 West Germann Road, Chandler, AZ 85226 Check Out Sponsorships View 2022 Event View 2023 Event View 2024 Event MASONRY SKILLS CHALLENGE The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Region G Masonry Skills Challenge showcases the training of first, second and third-year masonry apprentices and high school construction education students. In this competition, contestants are given a project drawing appropriate to their skill level and must lay out and construct the project in Apprentices - two hours and High School - one hour. The winners of the masonry apprentice’s competition are then entered to compete in the MCAA National Skills Challenge at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas, NV (January 20, 2027). CONTESTANTS - Must be currently enrolled in the AMC Apprenticeship Program, or any local high school to compete. APPRENTICES Entry Fee: None Check-in: 6:00 AM Contestant Meeting: 6:30 AM Duration: 7:00 AM-9:00 AM HIGH SCHOOL Entry Fee: None Check-in: 7:00 AM Contestant Meeting Time: 7:30 AM Duration: 8:00 AM-9:00 AM Masonry Skills Competition rules .pdf Download PDF • 157KB 2025 Expo Skills items to bring .pdf Download PDF • 125KB Expo Skills Liability Release form .pdf Download PDF • 131KB Photo_Video consent form .pdf Download PDF • 157KB Register Your High School Students FASTEST TROWEL ON THE BLOCK COMPETITION Fastest Trowel on the Block competition will showcase the best of Arizona’s journeymen masons alongside their favorite tender. Each contestant’s goal is to build the largest block wall, using 8” x 8” x 16” CMU with only the mortar provided – in 20 minutes! Contestants must excel in both speed and craftsmanship. PRIZES First Place: $2,000 – Trophy & Entrance fee to the 2027 World of Concrete Fastest Trowel Competition Second Place: $1,000 - Trophy Third Place: $500 - Trophy CONTESTANTS Each competitor must be employed by an AMC member. Entry Requirement: Must register an adult volunteer from your sponsoring company to work the event or pay a registration fee of $250 per contestant. SCHEDULE Volunteer Check-in: 6:00 AM Contestant Check-in: 8:30 AM Contestant Meeting: 9:30 AM First Course: 10:00 AM- 10:45 AM Competition Start Time: 11:00 am Fastest Trowel Competition rules .pdf Download PDF • 211KB Fastest Trowel Items to Bring .pdf Download PDF • 124KB Fastest Trowel Liability Release .pdf Download PDF • 127KB Register for Fastest Trowel Thanks to our Event Sponsors! Blade Tech Equipment Repair Shirt & Banner Sponsor Masonry Accessories Shirt Sponsor Sponsor Opportunities Masonry Expo Sponsorship Opportunities Masonry Expo Shirt Sponsor $ 350 350$ Valid for 6 months Purchase Logo on Competition & Volunteer shirts Logo displayed on website and newsletters Masonry Expo Shirt & Banner Sponsor $ 550 550$ Valid for 6 months Purchase Logo displayed on Competition & Volunteer Shirts AMC Banner Recognition at Masonry Expo Logo displayed on website and newsletters Social Media Recognition Masonry Expo Lunch Sponsorship $ 1,500 1,500$ Valid for 6 months Purchase Banner on Grill at Masonry Expo Logo on Competitor and Volunteer Shirts Vendor Space at Masonry Expo AMC Banner Recognition at Masonry Expo Logo displayed on Website and Newsletters Social Media Recognition (Company Spotlights) Masonry Expo Vendor Sponsor $ 1,000 1,000$ Valid for 6 months Purchase Banner and Vendor Booth at Masonry Expo Logo on Competitor and Volunteer Shirts Logo displayed on Web Site and Newsletters Social Media Recognition (Company Spotlights) Masonry Expo Hat Sponsor $ 2,000 2,000$ Valid for 6 months Purchase LIMITED TO THE FIRST TWO SPONSORS Logo on Competitor and Volunteer Hats Logo on Competitor and Volunteer Shirts Vendor Space at Expo AMC Banner Recognition at Masonry Expo Logo displayed on Website and Newsletters Social Media Recognition (Company Spotlights)

Creating timeless communities through the strength and beauty of masonry Arizona Masonry Council is the premier resource to ensure a prosperous future through continuous support and development for stakeholders in the masonry industry. This Year's Annual Sponsors Diamond Masonry Premier JG Block CO LLC Premier Oldcastle APG Premier Sargon Premier Sun Valley Masonry Premier Yavapai Block Partner Membership Arizona Masonry Council was formed by the merger of two long standing Arizona associations - The Arizona Masonry Guild & The Arizona Masonry Contractors Association - Bringing all of the resources developed and managed by both groups under the umbrella of a single trade association to better serve the industry. Learn More Opportunities Grow your company & upskill your workforce Resources From education to technical support Connections Events, Committees & Referals WHAT WE DO BUILDING A STRONGER FOUNDATION FOR ARIZONA'S MASONRY INDUSTRY Education & Promotion Workforce Development Building Code & Material Standards Advocacy Government Relations Events, Classes, News Featured Events Module 5: Mastering Masonry Details: Material Meaning - Masonry & the Language of Architecture Sep 17, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Kitchell Contractors Training Room, 2231 E. Camelback Road, Suite 400 Phoenix, AZ 85016 More info Buy Tickets Upcoming Training 1st Aid/CPR Silica Scaffold Foreman Training Blueprint Reading Check Schedule 1st Aid & CPR Courses Check Schedule Scaffold Training Courses Check Schedule Silica Training Courses Check Schedule Foreman/Leadership Classes Check Schedule Blueprint Reading Latest News AMC Train the Trainer Event Strengthens Masonry Education Across Arizona Jul 27 Built on Craftsmanship: Sun Valley Masonry Jul 27 End of Session - Legislative Update Legislative Updates Jul 27 Keeping Masonry in the Conversation Jun 10 The Future Starts Here Jun 10 Member Spotlight: JG Block Co. Jun 10

About Us BUILDING A STRONGER FOUNDATION FOR ARIZONA'S MASONRY INDUSTRY Our mission is to create significant and lasting positive change for the Arizona masonry industry and to reinforce that our systems provide the premier building envelope solution in the minds of public and private owners, developers, architects, engineers, general contractors and the general public. Team Members Melonie Leslie Chair G & G Masonry Read More Ben Hazelton Treasurer Paragon Concrete Products Read More Brendon Sarracino Board Member Sargon Masonry Construction Read More Ryan Gray Staff Workforce Development and Training Coordinator Read More Matt Montgomery Vice Chair AZ Best Block Read More Scott Palmer Board Member Salt River Materials Group Read More Tyler Smith Board Member Yavapai Block Company, Inc Read More Mark Van Sant Board Member Oldcastle Read More Mike Summers Secretary Top Quality Masonry Company, Inc. Read More David Peloke Board Member Sun Valley Masonry, Inc. Read More Dawn Rogers Staff Executive Director Read More