MCA Bids Farewell to Joel Waters

MCA will bid farewell to staff member Joel Waters at the end of the year as he departs to join the American Subcontractors Association of Mississippi as their new executive director.

Joel has been a valued member of the MCA team for nearly 10 years, providing dedicated service and steady leadership in support of the association and its members. Throughout his tenure, he played an important role in advancing MCA programs, strengthening relationships within the industry, and supporting the day-to-day operations that help the association serve its membership.

His professionalism and commitment to the concrete industry have left a lasting impact on MCA and those he worked with. Joel’s contributions over the past decade have helped position the association for continued success. MCA thanks Joel for his many years of dedication and service and wishes him continued success in his new role with the American Subcontractors Association of Mississippi.

Promotion Committee Sets 2026 Priorities

Cory Franks

The results of a survey of the producer members were reviewed and provided much insight into what promotional areas need to be focused on in 2026. Key areas discussed during the meeting included expanding promotional efforts that showcase concrete in parking lots, overlays, city streets, tilt-up panels, and insulated concrete form walls.

Chairman Franks thanked committee members for their engagement and commitment to advancing the industry. “Promoting the many uses of concrete is essential to the long-term success of our members and the industry as a whole,” Franks noted. “By working together, we can tell a stronger story about why concrete remains the material of choice in Mississippi.”

MCA Executive Director Testifies on Work Zone Safety

Also addressing the committee were Mississippi Asphalt Pavement Association Executive Director Colton Robison, American Road & Transportation Builders Association Senior Vice President Brad Sant, and Mississippi Highway Patrol Master Sargeant Dustin McGee.

Together, the speakers highlighted the increasing risks faced by highway construction workers and supporting company employees, and the need for continued collaboration between lawmakers, law enforcement, and the construction industry. Testimony focused on the importance of awareness, enforcement, and practical policy solutions that can help reduce crashes and save lives in active work zones.

Howell stressed that MCA members are committed to safe job sites and support reasonable measures that enhance visibility, driver compliance, and overall safety for both workers and the traveling public. The unified presentation demonstrated broad agreement among industry, enforcement, and legislative partners on the need to strengthen work zone safety initiatives.

MCA Announces Search for Promotions

and Education Director

MCA is seeking candidates for the position of Promotions and Education Director, a key role that supports the association’s mission of promoting the concrete industry and providing high-quality educational programs for the design and construction industry.

This position offers an opportunity to play a meaningful role in advancing MCA’s promotional efforts and educational initiatives while building strong relationships across Mississippi’s concrete industry. Additional details regarding the position and application process will be made public soon. MCA encourages interested individuals with the appropriate skills and enthusiasm for the industry to consider applying.

Mark Your Calendar:

2026 MCA Winter Meeting & Hall of Fame Banquet

The Mississippi Concrete Association’s 2026 Winter Meeting and Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Thursday, February 5, at the Country Club of Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi. This annual event brings MCA members together for an afternoon of association business, followed by an evening of recognition and celebration. The recipients of these prestigious awards will be announced soon.



Online registration is now open. All attendees must register to attend the Winter Meeting and Hall of Fame Banquet. MCA members may register for $130, and the registration fee for spouses or guests is $95. The registration deadline is Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Schedule:

1:00 - 3:00 pm       Board of Directors Meeting

3:30 - 5:00 pm       Membership Meeting

6:00 - 7:00 pm       Reception

7:00 - 9:00 pm       Hall of Fame Banquet

All events will be held at the Country Club of Jackson, located at 345 St. Andrews Drive, Jackson, Mississippi.

Support the 2026 Winter Meeting and Hall of Fame Banquet by becoming an event sponsor. All sponsors will receive recognition on event signage, in the program, and in MCA email communications.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Hall of Fame Banquet Sponsors .... $1,500

Reception Sponsors ....................... $1,200

General Sponsors ………………….. $500

MCA has a block of rooms for February 5^th at the AC Hotel located in Ridgeland, Mississippi. The group rate is $159 plus tax. Members can make reservations by calling 1-888-236-2427 and referencing Mississippi Concrete Association, or by using the reservation link. The last day to book is Thursday, January 15, 2026.

MCA Wraps Up Strong Certification Year

The Mississippi Concrete Association closed out a successful 2025 certification year with two final classes: the ACI Aggregate Certification in November, which hosted 40 students, and the ACI Strength Certification in December with 37 students. Enrollment remained strong across the nine certification courses offered throughout the year, resulting in a total of 402 students which is an 11% increase in participation over 2024.

Looking ahead, the 2026 certification schedule is now finalized (see below), and MCA is preparing for another busy year of concrete training and testing. Online registration will open on January 5th.

A Season of Thanks and Reflection

As we move through Thanksgiving and into the Christmas season, it gives me an opportunity to pause and reflect on how thankful I truly am—both personally

and professionally.

From an association standpoint, there are many positives to celebrate. Over the past year, we have seen an increase in MCA membership, record numbers in our certification programs, and increasing member involvement. The level of interaction and member engagement in recent months has been especially encouraging and is a clear sign of a strong, healthy association and industry.

On a personal level, this time of year reminds me to be grateful for the things that matter most—our Savior, my family, my health, and my good friends I have been fortunate to build relationships with over the years. I am also thankful to be part of such a wonderful industry, one that provides not only a livelihood, but also a sense of purpose and fulfillment for all of us who work within it.

I want to sincerely thank our members for your continued support and for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your Executive Director. It is a privilege to work on behalf of this association and alongside professionals who are so dedicated to their craft and to one another.

As we close out the year, I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas! I look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.

Les Howell

Executive Director

MCA 2026 CALENDAR

February 2026

Feb 5 | MCA Winter & Hall of Fame Banquet, Country Club of Jackson

Feb 17-18 | ACI Aggregate Testing Technician Level 1/MDOT Class 2

Tentatively Feb 24 | ACI Mid-South Chapters Concrete Symposium

March 2026

March 3-4 | ACI Field Testing Technician Grade 1/MDOT Class 1

Future MCA Association Conventions and Events