I have been harping on this page now for half my tenure as president on how we can affect change in our business by being more engaged in our association and other aspects of the construction industry. Last month we participated in a great example of affecting change by going to our local voting stations. Based on the results, collectively we have chosen a new direction for our future at all levels of government across the country. As this issue comes as we near year end—a time for us to review our fiscal situation—it is my hope that when we are doing the same next year, this new course of government along with recent encouraging indicators for the construction industry will be reflected positively through that bottom line.
You can read more on these newest indicators in Construction Trends (page 13), but between this December and next December we all need to keep sharpening our pencils and keep steering our companies in the best possible direction to prepare for when better days return. On Jan. 25–26, the AWCI Academy 2011 will be held in St. Louis, Mo., and one of the sessions, “Managing Your Company in a Tight Economy,” sure fits the bill for that kind of thinking. The two-day academy is also hosting another appropriate session—”The Building Envelope: Beyond the Basics.” The timing for this session is perfect because the final International Energy Conservation Code hearings concluded this past month—yes, they are happening.
This issue also starts the holiday season, and Cassie and I wish you all the very best during these times. It is also my hope that we not only enjoy our family, friends and associates during this special time of year, but that we also take the time to let them know how much they are appreciated.
In addition to being the 2010–2011 president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, Allen is vice president of Compass Construction in Columbus, Ohio.