“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
—Theodore Roosevelt
What a year it’s been for me and Karan, and what a special honor serving as
your president and first lady. I enjoyed meeting with people from all over the country
and internationally, discussing common concerns such as shortages of skilled labor and
materials, learning about regional differences due to tradition or necessity, and agreeing
about how getting paid on time is everyone’s problem.
It has been a growth year for me, both in fulfilling my responsibilities and increasing
my knowledge and understanding of our industry.
I can’t say enough about the great staff and how they all helped me to maximize my
presidential duties, especially our executive vice president, Steve Etkin, whose nurturing
and diplomatic ways enhanced my efforts. I also would like to thank my local association
in New York, lead by Joe Olivieri, for its support of my presidency.
Final comments: The Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry is doing great,
but where is it going? I expect the reinvented Continuing Study Committee, under
Chairman Robert Geyer, to achieve new horizons. Greater involvement of the members
in committees, councils and forums is important to the strength of our organization,
particularly the involvement of our younger members. They are the future.
In closing, your incoming president, Pat Boyd, and his lovely wife, Brenda—two people
I respect and admire—will take us to greater accomplishments and successes. Pat,
the shy and reserved individual that he is, will require help from all of us to come out
of his shell.
