First of all, let me start by saying that we were three weeks away from our annual convention and expo in San Antonio (March 18–22) at the time of this writing. I will comment about the convention and expo in my next President’s Message, which will hit your desks in May. I trust, though, that all of you who attended enjoyed the event and brought back something new to help your business—and had a safe return home to your families and coworkers.
My main message this month focuses on the future and all the positive opportunities that will hopefully present themselves. It has been a long, hard road for a lot of us—some more than others. However, this is a perfect time to get back to basics and to stay active and visible in your local and national associations. It is time to reach out to all those clients and customers you have done business with along the way and let them know you still remain a viable option for their construction needs and will be there as their businesses start to capitalize on some new opportunities. The same goes for forging relationships with new clients. No matter what sectors are your strengths, every month try to introduce yourself to another new client and bring them into the fold.
The metrics for condos, apartments, schools/universities, religious, libraries/museums and amusement construction all look positive, with growth projected nationally through 2013. Some key markets in the country may enjoy other types of positive economic growth also. All of this is encouraging as we stay focused on the future and keep a keen eye out for opportunity. It may not be like it was in 2005, but it is a start in the right direction.
Though the construction industry has been stagnant the last few years, the improvements in technology, tools and equipment have moved forward. There are so many new innovative products out there, and they need to be explored. In this era of construction, if you are standing still and not trying to improve your business through technology, then you are falling behind. By employing this new technology and utilizing the educational sessions and Doing it Right programs that AWCI offers, your forces will be in an excellent position to succeed as your companies start to grow again.
Warmest regards,
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.
