TCAA Tile Talk Monthly

January 2025

Hi TCAA Team,

As you know, Coverings will be in Orlando April 29-May 2, 2025. For those who missed the early-bird registration deadline - December 31st, TCAA members can still register for free here: Link use promo code IMI25

Thank you to our partners at IMI for providing the Coverings promo code!

2025 TCAA Scholarship Applications Now Open Including a New Second Family Scholarship!

The Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Architecture/Interior Design Scholarships and TCAA Family Scholarship's. Thanks to generous donations in memory of Emily Williams, we are able to provide TWO family scholarships this year. Established in 2001, this merit-based program supports outstanding students pursuing professional degrees in Architecture or Interior Design, as well as family members of employees of TCAA contractor member companies.

Available Scholarships:

1. Architecture/Interior Design Scholarship

   • Amount: $5,000

   • Eligibility:

     • Enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate Architecture or Interior Design program.

     • Specific eligibility criteria for Architecture and Interior Design students are outlined below.

2. Family Scholarship

   • Amount: Two awards of $5,000 each

   • Eligibility:

     • Immediate family members (siblings, children, or grandchildren) of employees of TCAA contractor member companies.

     • Applicants must be full-time students.

Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: April 7, 2025

• Award Notification: July 2025

Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, personal statements, and letters of recommendation. Final decisions are made by the TCAA Scholarship Committee and are not subject to appeal.

Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your education and career! Visit our website for more details on previous winners and to access the application: TCAA Scholarships.

For questions, please contact us at info@tcaainc.org.

We Want To Come To "Your Neck Of The Woods"

Just like NBC weatherman, Al Roker, we want to come to your neck of the woods.

TCAA in conjunction with the International Masonry Institute (IMI) is available to offer programming that best fits the specific needs of any and all regions of the country.

TCAA, with IMI, offers seminars, meetings, and conferences for our members anywhere in the country. Each year we work with IMI to provide the most up-to-date information on installations, materials, marketing, education, and training. These programs can be designed to reach specific audiences such as architects, owners, developers, construction managers, general contractors, as well as our TCAA members.

For example, TCAA will be in Detroit in September to put on a program during the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers' (IUBAC) national convention. The highlight of the convention, at least for me, is the national apprenticeship contest. Winners from local areas compete nationally against the very best apprentices from around the country in 8 different trade categories. It is truly a sight to behold when watching these highly skilled and motivated craftworkers apply their skills to unique projects.

More information about this program and any others will be sent to our members as they scheduled. Please let our TCAA staff or myself know what TCAA can do for you "In your neck of the woods".

- John Trendell, TCAA Labor Chair