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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.

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

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 especially proud of our Arizona competitors: ●       Level 3 – 3rd Place  Robert Lopez, Sun Valley Masonry ●       Level 1 – 3rd Place  Isaac Jasso, Keystone Masonry Their performance reflects the strength of our contractors, instructors, and apprenticeship programs here in Arizona. AMC was also represented at the annual conference of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association in Kansas City, where conversations centered on innovation, standards, and advancing the industry nationwide. Excellence in Masonry – Jury Review Our Excellence in Masonry Awards jury met in Houston to carefully review and vote on this year’s submitted projects. The caliber of work continues to impress, highlighting the collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and owners who are pushing masonry design forward. We look forward to celebrating these projects and the teams behind them at the awards event on April 24th. If you are interested in supporting this event with sponsorship, click here for more details - EXCELLENCE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Engaging the Design Community I had the opportunity to present as the Designer Spotlight for the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) ASU Student Chapter. The focus was clear: bridge design and construction. From material performance to constructability, masonry offers designers a system that is both technically sound and design-forward. Conversations like these ensure the next generation of architec ts understand not just how masonry looks — but how it performs. Thank you to NOMA ASU for creating space for meaningful dialogue that strengthens the future of the A/E/C community. Strengthening Workforce Development On February 7th, AMC proudly celebrated the graduation of our latest apprenticeship class. Graduation represents more than completing hours — it reflects discipline, craftsmanship, and commitment to the trade. To our graduates: congratulations. You are the future of masonry in Arizona. A sincere thank you to our instructors, contractors, families, and sponsors who continue to invest in workforce development. Your support makes these programs — and the strength of our industry — possible. Apprenticeship Programs Kick Off Strong We’re also excited to have launched both of our 2026 apprenticeship cohorts — and the momentum is undeniable. This year, the masonry program welcomed the largest first-year incoming class in more than six years — and likely the strongest in close to a decade.  That growth is a powerful reflection of contractor commitment, industry collaboration, and renewed interest in the skilled trades. January 10 – Southern Arizona Our Southern Arizona class launched with expanded training locations as the program continues to grow.• Lab: Oldcastle• Classroom: Sundt Construction With sincere thanks to Pima Community College for their support in helping elevate and expand the program. January 17 – Central Arizona The Central Arizona class kicked off at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Mesa, continuing hands-on training for the next generation of masonry professionals. To our partners, instructors, and apprentices — thank you. We are proud to keep building Arizona’s masonry workforce together. What’s Ahead The calendar continues to reflect AMC’s commitment to education, advocacy, and collaboration: ●       Speaking at the 2026 Construction Industry Forum hosted by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) in Dallas ●       ULI Trends Day – February 20 ●       Hosting NOMA for an education and competition day at Oldcastle’s Solutions Center, followed by a block tour ●       Sponsoring Northern Arizona University students at the Women in Construction Dinner ●       Supporting Women in Construction Week in Arizona (March 2–6) Each initiative reinforces AMC’s mission: to strengthen masonry through workforce development, education, advocacy, and collaboration across the A/E/C community. Thank you to our members, educators, municipalities, and industry partners for your continued engagement. Together, we are building more than structures — we are building a stronger industry for Arizona.   With appreciation, Dawn Rogers Executive Director Arizona Masonry Council

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, has resulted in long nights at the capitol as House and Senate committees grind through hearings.  But for the next week, committee hearings are on pause as the both the House and Senate work through this enormous logjam of bills coming out of committee.  They must be considered on the House and Senate floor by the entire body before they can cross over to the other chamber – when the whole process starts over again. The most consequential issue taken up each year by the legislature is the state budget.  And this year, the news is not good.  Typically the state aligns itself with federal tax law changes to simplify accounting for personal and business taxes.  This year, the legislature sent a bill to Governor Hobbs to conform out laws to federal changes in the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’  The governor vetoed that bill. She prefers not to include the business tax breaks from the federal legislation, which would amount to $100 million in tax savings for Arizona businesses if they were to be implemented. In addition to tax conformity, another legislative priority for AMC is H1241 municipalities; counties; private permitting providers.  The proposed bill would update current statutes by allowing property owners or their contractors to utilize private permitting providers for building plan reviews and inspections for single-trade residential construction projects without requiring approval from municipalities or counties. This change is marked by the insertion of new provisions that mandate private permitting providers to issue private permits and certificates of completion, which must be submitted to the relevant municipality or county within 48 hours. Municipalities and counties would be required to accept and track these private documents in the same manner as their own, and they would be prohibited from imposing additional fees related to the review or processing of these private permits. Finally, our meet and greet with Gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs, which was scheduled for February 26 has had to be rescheduled.  Once a new date is selected, we will send out invitations to attend.

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 I’ll be supporting another regional competition in Avondale, John S. from Sun Valley Masonry will be helping down in Tucson. That kind of contractor partnership is exactly what makes this program work. Workforce development is strongest when industry shows up. Beyond competitions, we’ve been visiting schools and colleges throughout the state, including: East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) Peoria High School Yavapai College Western Arizona College Holbrook High School Centennial High School These visits allow us to connect directly with students and educators — answering questions, sharing opportunities, and reinforcing that masonry is a professional pathway that offers stability, pride, and long-term growth. We also recently celebrated the graduation of our latest apprenticeship class. Watching these apprentices complete their program and step forward in their careers is always a proud moment. Their dedication reflects the strength of our contractors, instructors, and families who support them along the way. At the same time, our apprenticeship programs at both locations are running full throttle. Classes are active, hands-on training is underway, and the pipeline remains strong. In addition to technical training, we recently wrapped up our Leadership Development course. Developing leadership skills alongside trade skills is critical. Strong leaders strengthen crews, companies, and ultimately the entire industry. Finally, we’re excited to be sharing all of the details of our Tender Training Program with partners in Texas. Arizona’s model is getting attention, and we’re proud to contribute to strengthening masonry workforce development beyond our state lines. Workforce development doesn’t happen overnight — it’s built through consistent presence, strong partnerships, and industry commitment. I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to show up and invest in the next generation of masons. The future of masonry in Arizona is active, engaged, and moving forward. Ryan Gray Workforce Development & Training Coordinator Arizona Masonry Council

Excellence in Masonry Celebrating the Strength and Beauty of our Industry Purchase Award Submital Package Sponsorship Banquet Info 46 days to the event 2026 Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet Fri, Apr 24 The Arizona Biltmore Strength - Beauty - Honor Where Design Meets Durability +83 more Buy Tickets About the Program Register Projects You must register and pay the entrance fee in advance. After registration you will receive your submittal package instructions and forms. Jury Review Check the current year's instructions for requirements, dates, and deadlines to ensure your project submittal package is complete and on time. An impartial jury consisting of architects, engineers, and industry leaders will meet to judge all eligible submittals and select the winners. Join Us at the Awards Banquet to Celebrate the Winners Keep an eye out for details and registration for the Awards Banquet! Buy your tickets and reserve your table on-line and join industry leaders and project teams at this can't miss event. See Previous Year's Winners 2022 2023 2024 Submit Your Project! The general criteria for projects for the Excellence in Masonry Awards is broad: Project can be anywhere in Arizona. Can be residential, commercial, monuments/entry ways or architectural perimeter walls. Completed within the last 5 years (see rules for exact dates). Masonry must be a “predominant component” of the project. Masonry veneer projects without structural masonry (Masonry veneer must be the prominent system being used/shown). Projects that didn’t win previously can be re-submitted, as long as they were completed between the above dates. Every jury is different! Interested? Have a project? Want to learn more? We would love to see your project! Click below to learn more, see this year's submittal deadlines, and register today so you can receive your instructions and submittal package. AMC Excellence Submittal Webinar Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Project Entry for the 2026 Excellence in Masonry Awards Don't miss out! Enter your masonry project today! You must register your project here, in advance, by October 31, 2025. Your submittal package and instructions will be forwarded to you once you register and pay the entrance fee. Final submittals are due by December 19, 2025. +62 more Details Sponsorship Diamond Trowel Sponsors Platinum Trowel Sponsors Award Sponsors Thanks to our additional sponsors... Concrete Designs Natural Exteriors Salt River Materials Group Yavapai Block Sponsorship Opportunities Sponsorship is an excellent way to show your support for the industry and industry partners, while also promoting your company or brand to the hundreds of industry professionals who attend the banquet. View sponsorship opportunities below. If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Rogers at 480-465-7874. Diamond Trowel $ 8,000 8,000$ Diamond Trowel Sponsor: Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet Valid for 9 months Purchase Dinner for 8 at Awards Banquet Priority Seating Program Recognition Step & Banner Pre-dinner recognition Dinner presentation Post-dinner recognition Issue magazine Website Banner - 6 months Recognition book Award Sponsor $ 7,000 7,000$ Award Sponsor: Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet Valid for 9 months Purchase Dinner for 6 at Awards Banquet Program Recognition Priority Seating Step & Banner Pre-dinner Recognition Dinner Presentation Post-dinner Recognition Issue Magazine Website Banner - 6 months Recognition Book Platinum Trowel $ 6,000 6,000$ PlatinumTrowel Sponsor: Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet Valid for 9 months Purchase Dinner for 6 at Awards Banquet Priority Seating Program Recognition Step & Banner Pre-dinner Recognition Dinner Recognition Post-dinner Recognition Issue Magazine Website Banner - 3 Months Recognition Book Wine Table Sponsor $ 4,500 4,500$ Wine Table Sponsor: Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet Valid for 9 months Purchase Dinner for 4 at the Awards Banquet Program Recognition Pre-dinner Recognition Dinner Presentation Post-dinner Recognition Issue Magazine Recognition Book Gold Trowel $ 4,000 4,000$ Gold Trowel Sponsor: Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet Valid for 9 months Purchase Dinner for 4 at Awards Banquet Program Recognition Step & Banner Pre-dinner Recognition Dinner Presentation Post-dinner Recognition Issue Magazine Recognition Book Silver Trowel $ 2,000 2,000$ Silver Trowel Sponsor: Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet Valid for 9 months Purchase Dinner for 2 at Awards Banquet Program Recognition Pre-dinner Recognition Dinner Presentation Post-dinner Recognition Issue Magazine Parking Sponsor $ 1,500 1,500$ Sponsor the parking at the Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet Valid for 9 months Purchase Company recognition on the parking validation slips Program Recognition Pre-dinner Recognition Dinner Presentation Post-dinner Recognition Issue Magazine Bronze Trowel $ 1,000 1,000$ Bronze Trowel Sponsor: Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet Valid for 9 months Purchase Dinner for 1 at Awards Banquet Program Recognition Pre-dinner Recognition Dinner Presentation Post-dinner Recognition Issue Magazine Copper Trowel $ 500 500$ Copper Trowel Sponsor: Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet Valid for 9 months Purchase Program Recognition Pre-dinner Recognition Dinner Presentation Post-dinner Recognition Issue Magazine

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

Throughout the year we have training classes for AMC Members, awards banquets, recognition dinners, and competitions. Check out all of our upcoming events here. AMC EVENTS Membership Offer 2026 Excellence in Masonry Awards Banquet Fri, Apr 24 The Arizona Biltmore More info Buy Tickets Ongoing Member Training Silica Training Loading days... From 25 US dollars From $25 Book Now First Aid and CPR Training/Certification Loading days... From 25 US dollars From $25 Book Now Scaffold Training Loading days... From 25 US dollars From $25 Book Now Leadership Development Loading days... From 25 US dollars From $25 Book Now Blueprint Reading Loading days... From 25 US dollars From $25 Book Now