For the first time in many years, the South Central Wall, Ceiling & Plaster Association held its annual trade show and convention out of Texas. This move is prompted by the 2010 decision to change its name from Texas Lathing & Plastering Contractors Association to SCWCPA. This name change reflects the association’s decision to now include the neighboring states of Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico.

This year’s event, held at the Sheraton Hotel, New Orleans, was located near the infamous French Quarter from June 12-15.

“This is our first convention out of the state of Texas in many years and what better place than New Orleans to eat great food, gamble a little and visit with old friends,” said the association’s 2012-2013 President Brent Cannedy.

The event kicked off with the President’s Welcome Reception on June 12, followed by an outing at the neighboring Harrah’s Casino. The next day, free time was had for attendees while the association held its board of director and annual business meetings. During these meetings, the hot topic was on labor shortage, with several of the members discussing what to do addressing the problem of a lack of laborers, said Dallas’s Specified Products’ Cannedy.

Another issue discussed at the show was heard in the seminar “Health Care Reform,” which will be impacting employers very soon. This topic and what the government will be mandating is concerning a lot of employers. The seminar’s speaker Andy Adams outlined what the changes will entail. Other seminars included installation systems for thin veneer, high performance EIFS and energy efficient steel stud wall assemblies.

On June 14, the trade show commenced and the association all meet for a final dinner, where this year’s Design Awards Competition took place.

For the category of Commercial EIFS, the award went to Southwest Lath & Plaster for the Harmony School of Business. For Residential EIFS/Stucco, Silver Star Plastering Inc. was named winner for the Kara Adams Designs project. For the Commercial Interior Plaster & Drywall award, KHS&S Contractors walked away with top prize for WinStar North Expansion project. DMG Plaster & Stucco won the Commercial Exterior Stucco award for its work on TCU Amon Carter Stadium. And this year’s Pinnacle Award went to Baker Drywall, Dallas for its work on the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

Last but not least, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Billy Hubbard of Trinity Drywall and Plaster. Hubbard was there to accept the award, presented by the association’s Executive Director Eddie McCormack and board members.

“To be successful in this business, you have to have good relations with manufacturers, suppliers, customers and staff,” said Hubbard. “I have been lucky to have the full support of all of them and thank them all.”