As we step into the New Year, it’s a moment to reflect on the achievements of 2024 while also focusing on what the future holds. AWCI remains committed to investing in education, building on last year’s launch of the completely updated, self-paced and online EIFS Doing It Right® course, available in both English and Spanish. Now, we are excited to announce the development of a Stucco Doing It Right course, which will also be available online with refreshed content. Scheduled for release later this spring in English and Spanish, this course will be followed later this year by a revised version of the Steel Doing It Right course, featuring updated content and standards references.
In addition, you may have already noticed the arrival of our new weekly newsletter, The Finish Line, in your inbox. This newsletter offers more frequent, curated content than ever before and replaces both the AWCI SmartBrief and E:Dimensions newsletters.
What you are reading marks the debut of Construction Dimensions magazine in its refreshed format, which now boasts a bi-monthly schedule, new writers, exciting features and richer content. As we celebrate its 50th anniversary this year, we look forward to many more successful years ahead.
As we move forward, we are working to make AWCI’s communications more interconnected. The magazine, newsletters, social media and our website, www.AWCI.org, will all work together to provide you with the industry content, information and resources you need.
Looking ahead, we are excited to deliver two key events: BUILD25: AWCI’s Convention + Expo, in Charlotte, North Carolina, from March 31 to April 3, and AWCI’s Industry Leaders Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, from November 11 to 14. These events are always designed to be relevant and impactful, and with your input and support, we aim to make them even better each year.
This year, we are welcoming the third class of AWCI’s Emerging Leaders program. These new leaders are already demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment, and for the first time, we will have ambassadors to help ensure they get the most out of BUILD25.
AWCI will continue to be a strong advocate on codes and standards issues, as well as on safety and health matters. Ceilings and specialty products will continue to be a focus. We will work even closer with industry partners to promote shared interests.
The Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting industry-specific research. Last fall, the Foundation released the Wall and Ceiling Industry Trends Report, which is available on our website (www.awci.org/reports-and-trends). In the year ahead, the Foundation will continue its research efforts while also focusing on its philanthropic initiatives through AWCI CARES.
With its release in January, even our annual report has evolved, shifting from a traditional print publication to an interactive multimedia report, complete with integrated links and videos.
With the guidance of the AWCI and Foundation Boards of Directors, along with the dedication of our volunteers and staff, 2025 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for both your association and your industry.
Mike Stark, CAE, is the chief executive officer of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry.
