Welcome

From the President:
Engaging the Leaders
of Tomorrow

Johnny Barnes
AWCI President

As AWCI’s 2024-2025 president, it is my pleasure to share the accomplishments of the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industry and the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry throughout 2024. This past year, we made remarkable progress, including groundbreaking projects and enhanced member services aimed at advancing our industry. We celebrate these accomplishments and look forward to building on this momentum.

The third class of Emerging Leaders for 2025 was announced, marking a significant step in our commitment to developing future industry professionals. Many of these individuals gathered in Hollywood, California, during the Industry Leaders Conference, where they connected and collaborated. The Emerging Leaders Program continues to grow stronger, fostering a dynamic network eager to make a significant impact in AWCI, their respective companies and the industry. Participants benefit from tailored workshops, mentorship, and real-world experiences that enhance their professional skills. Engaging with industry veterans and peers, they will contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, ensuring a vibrant future for our industry.

At BUILD24 in Orlando, Florida, we welcomed 11 students from the University of Florida’s Brinker School of Construction, who toured the tradeshow and explored new materials, tools and technology. In the fall, at the Industry Leaders Conference, 14 students from Cal Poly Pomona attended educational seminars and engaged in a Q&A session hosted by Travis Winsor from the Raymond Group. These interactions are planting seeds for developing future leaders within the wall and ceiling industry.

We also continue to support those in our industry who may need a helping hand through the Foundation’s AWCI CARES program. AWCI CARES remains dedicated to supporting our members in times of need, having granted $440,000 in financial assistance since its inception. We encourage you to spread the word about the invaluable benefits of AWCI CARES, ensuring that those who may benefit from these resources are aware of this support. For more information, check out the informative video on our website that highlights how we assist our members.

As you explore this annual report, you’ll uncover both a wealth of accomplishments and benefits associated with your AWCI membership, including access to industry resources, training programs, and networking opportunities. We strongly encourage you to share these insights with your colleagues and employees, as their engagement is vital to our collective success. Together, we can strengthen our community and drive our mission forward.

Thank you for your continued support!