Tick, tick, tick. Every moment that goes by gets us a little closer to that recovery mode we have all been patiently waiting for in the construction industry. Sure, we’re all worn down, to say the least, but not worn out, my friends—not by any means. Let’s go sharpen our saws, because better times are coming. Hang in there.
If you’re still out there performing work, then you made it through one of the toughest economic cycles we have ever experienced in our business careers. Congratulations to all of you for engaging those survival skills, and now let’s go shake off that drywall dust and get fired up! Let’s start preparing ourselves to complete this economic cycle and move on to new opportunities.
Allow me to shift gears for a moment and say that it is truly a privilege and an honor to represent AWCI as its 80th president for the next 12 months. I will endeavor to lead and represent our association with the same enthusiasm and quality leadership that has been provided by my predecessors. I will be communicating with you via my monthly “President’s Message,” doing my best to keep everyone informed of our activities and accomplishments through the year within the industry and our association.
As a proud member of AWCI, I continue to enjoy working my way through the chairs, meeting and working alongside some of the finest contractors on this continent and across the pond. The relationships that my wife, Nancy, and I continue to forge are priceless. We continue to learn from each and every one of them, and we cherish them dearly.
Please let me take a moment though to thank Tim Wies for his steady hand in the past year as president for helping guide our association through these difficult economic times and maintaining a positive outlook along the way. He and his lovely bride, Barbara, are truly special people, and their friendship to all of us within the AWCI is appreciated and valued.
Also appreciated is the staff of AWCI, which is second to none. Led by Executive Vice President/CEO Steve Etkin, it continues to provide our membership with quality educational programs that I encourage everyone to utilize to keep their personnel up to speed with changes in the industry. The staff’s willingness to take the bull by the horns and help our industry through all of its “speed bumps” along the forever-changing construction path is also appreciated. They continue to monitor code issues, energy and constructability issues to help solve the problems that we will face along the way. And these are just a few of the things that are truly what AWCI is all about.
Now back to the beginning. I have read a lot of positive articles lately, and there are some favorable statistics that indicate some growth in our industry and the economy is beginning to occur, be it ever so modest. Nevertheless, it does appear to be somewhat true and if it holds, the companies that are prepared and positioned for the next wave will be the better for it. Even though there are still some headwinds that we must continue to deal with and overcome, the signs are beginning to point in a positive direction, so don’t waiver in your efforts to be prepared.
Better times are coming so let’s get fired up and get ready for some new opportunities. I will look forward to sharing this moment again with all of you next month.
Warmest regards to all,
Jeff
In addition to being the 2012–2013 president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, Burley is president of B&B Interior Systems, Inc. in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
