I’m certain every NPCA Chairman feels the same about this time of year, but the nearly three years since becoming an officer really have gone by fast. In a little more than a month, I’ll hand the gavel to Andy Wieser of Wieser Concrete Products knowing it’s in good hands but it will also come with a little nostalgia.
I’ve heard suggestions about this becoming a two-year position to add more continuity between the officers. That said, Andy, Greg Stratis of Shea Concrete, and I talk a lot and that’s where the best continuity comes from. One of the most rewarding parts has been working with the other officers. We work well together and communicate well together. Being chairman is a rewarding job, and it’s great knowing that what our board started during my year will positively impact members for years to come.
I am most proud of our accomplishments in specifier outreach and marketing. When you look at the places NPCA staff will go to take the precast message, it’s very encouraging. When NPCA staff attend an ASTM committee meeting or AASHTO conference, it’s a perfect opportunity for producer members to get involved and gain exposure. NPCA keeps a calendar on the website that is updated frequently. The more voices we have, the greater impact we can have and it’s a win for us all.
To move this idea along even further, NPCA committees are now being encouraged to meet face-to-face in conjunction with specifier meetings, rather than holding a formal Committee Week. Again, this gives members an opportunity for more exposure and a chance to discuss why precast concrete is a durable, reliable and sustainable building material with specifiers.
There are many more challenges for us to face as an industry. The changing labor force is something almost every precast concrete plant – as well as anyone in the construction industry – is going to be dealing with for years to come. And as an association we can always do more to show the value of membership to those plants that have not yet joined. Becoming involved in NPCA has made a big difference for my company and I want my competitor to experience that as well. That’s the best way I see for our industry to grow stronger.
There’s a bit more time before my year is up and I plan to make the most of it by pushing these important initiatives forward. I encourage you to get involved and do the same. And don’t forget to register for the NPCA 50th Annual Convention. It’s going to be an excellent meeting and celebration of this milestone year. I look forward to seeing you there.
Michael Tidwell, Chairman, National Precast Concrete Association
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