SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 299

WHEREAS, The Texas Masonry Hall of Fame is inducting Mackie Bounds, Kevin Camarata, Dennis Knautz, and Mel Oller on March 20, 2025, in a ceremony conducted at the Alamo in San Antonio; and

WHEREAS, A towering figure in Texas commercial masonry for more than four decades, Mackie Bounds joined Al Brown Masonry in 1980; he went on to shape the industry as a founding member and president of the Central Texas Masonry Contractors Association; in addition, he has served as president of the Texas Construction Association, Mason Contractors Association of America, and Texas Masonry Council; he has been a tireless, visionary advocate for masonry and oversaw the creation of the Masonry Rocks workforce development program, which has introduced thousands of high school students to the trade; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Camarata has advanced Texas masonry over the course of four decades; as CEO of Camarata Masonry Systems, he built one of the nation's largest firms, which has redrawn Houston's skyline with such iconic projects as Enron Field and Rice University; he served as president of the board of TMC and authored key bylaws and fostered supplier engagement; recognizing the importance of workforce development, he championed training programs through Construction Career Collaborative; he also guided industry best practices through involvement with MCAA and the Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston; and

WHEREAS, A pioneering architect of today's TMC, Dennis Knautz changed the industry's landscape through his steadfast commitment to corporate responsibility; during a career with Acme Brick spanning over four decades, he helped orchestrate the merger of TMC and the Southwest Brick Institute, resulting in a strong funding framework for statewide growth and advocacy; moreover, he has encouraged leadership from major manufacturers, championed masonry ordinances, and guided organizations through challenging times; and

WHEREAS, Mel Oller has strengthened professional associations through careful financial stewardship and steadfast devotion; he has served twice as TMC president, and he is a former president of the Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston as well; through national ASTM committees, he has been a powerful voice for fair codes; a trained union bricklayer turned estimator, he revived vital cost guides, and he has worked to preserve industry history; in addition, he has mentored and taught countless younger masons; and

WHEREAS, Generously sharing their time and expertise, these inductees have elevated the masonry construction industry across the Lone Star State, and in so doing, they have inspired others to uphold a tradition of excellence and innovation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby congratulate Mackie Bounds, Kevin Camarata, Dennis Knautz, and Mel Oller on their induction in the Texas Masonry Hall of Fame and extend to them sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That official copies of this Resolution be prepared for the inductees as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Campbell

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 24, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate