Upon returning from a late-January trip to the state capital of Austin for AWCI’s Executive Committee meeting, I am convinced that this resilient and diverse state is truly one to be explored and enjoyed by all. It is rich in history and culture, and its citizens are very prideful of their heritage. Our three-day visit was much too short for any long excursions, but we did manage to squeeze in a visit and tour of the Texas State Capitol building and The Bullock Texas State History Museum. After that I was totally brainwashed and felt like a true “son of Texas.” With Austin also being the home of the University of Texas, the town is always alive and teeming with students, music and, of course, a wide variety of drinking establishments and great restaurants.
But that is just Austin; there are other great cities in Texas to visit, and the next stop for our industry will be the Grand Hyatt and the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in the fine city of San Antonio—home of the Alamo and this year’s headquarters for AWCI’s Convention & INTEX Expo, March 18–22. The trade show runs Thursday and Friday. Please join us and take advantage of the quality AWCI educational sessions and awards program, EIMA and SFIA general sessions, networking with the decision makers in our industry and all the festivities—not to mention a premier list of exhibitors at the trade show. This is a must-attend event as you will come away with new ideas about technology and business that will help improve your company’s bottom line and grow your business. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy that good ole Texas hospitality.
In the meantime, safe travels, and I look forward to seeing y’all there. Afterward, you too will understand the true meaning of “God Bless Texas.”
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.
