Exciting news this week in Athens, OH and across Appalachia.

BAC Local 23 has entered into a Memo of Understanding with Vitruvian, a 3-D construction firm located in Athens, Ohio, to create a model training program in digital masonry.

“We are going to work with our partners at the International Masonry Institute (IMI) and Vitruvian to develop a 3-D printing curriculum and programming that will be provided to BAC Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship students,” said Danny Musacchio, BAC Local 23 President. “A key component of this effort involves Vitruvian’s collaboration with our union to ensure our members in the region can lead the way in attaining skills and training necessary for a career in digital masonry.”

“The BAC craftworkers are uniquely suited to take on the technical and design challenges presented by digital masonry,” said Tom Elliot, IMI Director of Industry and Development Services. “Developing and adding this new curriculum to what we already have in place will prepare the next generation of BAC to address our nation’s evolving construction needs.”

“We’re not just building homes; we’re building careers, industries and opportunities for communities to thrive,” said Chris Sentz, Vitruvian Founder. “The future of construction is happening right now in Southeast Ohio. What we build here – both in housing and workforce development – can serve as a model for the country.”

Photos from the MOU signing at Vitruvian’s facility:

The ballots for BAC Local 23 elected offices were mailed on February 3.

Members will have the opportunity to vote for individual candidates or for a slate of candidates as a whole.

Members in the North Shore Ohio Chapter will receive a separate ballot packet to vote on their Chapter Chair. The two candidates are Neal Helmick and David Greer.

Returned ballots will be counted on March 14.

If you make a mistake on your ballot, lose your ballot, or need any materials which accompanied your ballot, you may request a replacement by call MK Elections at 412.548.2140.

BAC Local 23 Steward Neal Helmick (left), and John Nero, working on the Fairport Harbor Local School district construction project for Foti Contracting.