Another month has gone by, and I am more into the swing of things as your president for this year. Steve Etkin, AWCI’s executive vice president/CEO, and I had the pleasure of attending the annual convention and trade show of our largest chapter, the Florida Wall and Ceiling Association, down at Marco Island, Fla. It was a beautiful location, great exhibitors and great contractors. Good job, you guys!
This month, I would like to address the industry regarding Lifetime Membership in AWCI.
One of the stalwarts of our industry, Bill Carroll, started the Lifetime Members Fund more than 20 years ago. The goal of the fund is to provide cash to the association in case of emergency. Back then we were operating on thin margins, and the Lifetime funds were used almost like we contractors use a letter of credit in our work. Fortunately, and thanks to prudent investments and strong leadership, we have not had a need for emergency funds in a very long time.
The Lifetime Member goal was ambitious—$1 million. To date, 64 members have contributed $574,000 to this fund. Once a member becomes a Lifetime Member, they no longer pay dues to the association. The investment gain from the one-time Lifetime member contribution is used to pay the dues for that company. Fortunately, the association has done well enough so that it has been able to leave the investment gain in the fund. The actual balance, including investment gains, is close to $900,000, depending on what day it is due to the stock market.
Meanwhile, I want to talk to all of you who are not Lifetime Members of AWCI.
I am looking to industry leaders who believe in continued growth in AWCI and their own business, and know both will be here in the future. As such, why not invest in that and have those yearly dues locked in forever with one payment now? This is a great way for you to help support AWCI and gain special recognition of your company among your peers.
As a special incentive, AWCI will offer anyone who signs up for Lifetime Membership status prior to March 2009, a complimentary convention registration for our Nashville convention and INTEX Expo—a value of $650!
Just to let you know how much I believe in this, my company’s Lexington, Ky., office is a full Lifetime member, and our Louisville office is branch Lifetime Member.
Again, it is all about being involved and believing in AWCI and your company.
I would love to hear from you if interested, or you can call Debra Crawford, AWCI’s membership director, at (703) 538.1615.
One more thing: Don’t forget to register for our fall Industry Executives’ Conference & Committee Week in Honolulu.
See you in Hawaii!!
