I would like to say I am honored to be the AWCI’s 2007–2008 president. I look forward to an exciting year of chapter visits and the opportunity for me to host the membership at AWCI’s Industry Executives’ Conference & Committee Week in San Diego this fall and AWCI’s Annual Convention and the INTEX Expo in Las Vegas next spring.
It has been a great experience working my way through the chair positions on the AWCI Executive Committee and the board of directors. It has given me a chance to learn from past presidents and others on the committee coming up behind me. My best teacher has been my father, Jim, who was the AWCI’s president in 1982–1983.
Of the many issues facing our industry, I believe the one that could have the most impact is immigration. Our government needs to come up with a plan that will benefit both immigrants and employers. Immigrants represent a major percentage of our industry’s work force: Our industry could be brought to its knees if the government comes up with tough immigration reform.
Look for an in-depth peek into immigration in our industry when the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry presents a white paper on the subject this month (see AWCI on the Job, page 9).
One of my goals as AWCI’s president is to get more members involved in our association whether that is on a tech committee, at an AWCI Business Forum or through attendance at the fall conference or annual convention. I am confident that the experiences will help your business. There is a direct relationship between what you get out of this association and what you put into it.
My wife, Barb, and I are really looking forward to this year—she more so because it gets me out of the house. Seriously though, her support and understanding for my busy schedule—including my schedule at Mader Construction—has been crucial to my well-being. I feel that I have the best employees working beside me and appreciate their support during the past few years.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being your president this year.
