Well, as usual, the Holiday Season has come and gone as quick as a Central Texas cold front, and we find ourselves facing another new year.
Before I start on 2008, I need to recognize and thank all of the 2007 Board of Directors, committee chairmen and committee members, TABA members, sponsors, and volunteers that worked so hard to make 2007 such a success. Your efforts, especially concerning our new building, have not gone unnoticed and a much more formal and public acknowledgement of your tremendous support for TABA is scheduled for Thursday, January 24th.
A Contributor Appreciation Reception and Awards Presentation will commence and all of our donors will be properly recognized. It is difficult to describe the pride and feeling of accomplishment that the new facility creates on paper, so if you missed the Open House, feel free to stop by and see for yourself. I’m sure you’ll feel the same way. I know we have made a lot to do about our new building and it may seem that we are overlooking the many successful projects and sponsors in 2007 that kept our association running strong but trust me, your leadership is fully aware and deeply appreciative of the daily work that all of project committees perform and the steadfast financial support our sponsors provide. To all of you, we say Thank You!
Finally, a list of thanks would not be complete without mentioning the tireless work and commitment of Troy, Cheryl, and our outgoing President, Mike Pilkington. The three of you have set me up to lead yet another productive year for TABA and all of its members, and I can’t thank you enough for your efforts and professionalism.
In 2008 we are going to take full advantage of our new facility with a focus on education. I am often asked about the tangible benefits of TABA membership, and based on the size of the potential fines and penalties for regulatory infractions; this could be one of the most important to your business.
I am a strong proponent of education and what it can provide for our industry as a whole, and more importantly, what it can do for your individual success. Whether it is contracts, building codes, environmental regulations, continuing education requirements, energy conservation, or just new products; education is the key to understanding them and making proper use of them in your business.
I would hope that by the end of 2008 we could proudly say that all of our builder members are registered and in good standing with the Texas Residential Construction Commission, know when and how to implement a legal SWPPP, and fully understand the continuing education requirements of NAHB designations and TRCC membership.
I know it is a lofty goal and some might say unachievable, but I say let’s set our sights high. When the classes and seminars are announced, please make every effort to attend and take advantage of an opportunity to educate yourself about the changes that are taking place every day in our industry. The building business is changing and TABA wants to be your “go to” source for keeping up with those changes.
By the way, if you are a builder or subcontractor that is not all ready registered with the TRCC, please log on to their website, http://www.trcc.state.tx.us and complete your registration today. If you are reading this newsletter and are in the building business, registration is likely required.
