Tucson, Arizona—I am preparing to depart home to Columbus and am beyond my deadline. Magazine publishing deadlines unfortunately don’t always coincide with important events, so I forewarned our editor this would be the case when I realized the timing of the annual AWCI Industry Executives’ Conference & Committee Week. Aside from a great location and perfect weather, I am pleased to report attendance levels on par with those of last year. While perhaps somewhat related to the locale, and surely not a sign of the current economy, we saw a true representation of the commitment of our members and attendees to what AWCI is about, for this was an incredibly successful week.
So what does a successful Industry Executives’ Conference & Committee Week entail? Not too long before our conference began, I was contacted by a potential member about what exactly goes on at our bi-annual events and what might be in it for their company. In my summary, it was then that I realized how remarkable these events are. For example, there were 25 committee meetings, seven networking events, five forums, five fund-raising events, three education sessions and two board meetings.
But all these numbers alone do not make for a successful week. The great turnout and the prospects having attended and joined the association surely contribute to its success, an overriding factor in my mind is the amount of enthusiasm shown, despite the difficult times. So I would be remiss in not taking advantage of this occasion to offer my sincere appreciation to our members, guests and staff for all their hard work and positive attitudes. Additionally, I would like to thank those returning to the AWCI board of directors: Mikel Poellinger, Chris Murphy, Gregg Brady and Roger Barrett; new directors Steve Bjorklund and Keith Costanzo and confirmed nominees John Rapaport and George Kutcher. Special thanks to departing board member Harry Lubitz for his service to our association and Secretary-elect-elect John Hinson, your AWCI president for 2015–2016.
In addition to being the 2010–2011 president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, Brent Allen is vice president of Compass Construction in Columbus, Ohio.
