In case you haven’t noticed, the 2007 CFA Summer Convention, scheduled for August 8th through the 11th, is fast approaching. If you haven’t made your room reservations yet, it is time to do so. We have reserved the entire resort at Stoweflake but they have a limited number of rooms. For those of you bringing the entire family, there are some nice condos surrounding the resort you can reserve interlaced by a small executive par 3 golf course. This is one of the few times where we are actually able to “take over the resort”, literally. This is a beautiful area of the country in which to spend some extra time if you can get away.

We have some great events planned. One new event this year will be a first: The equipment rodeo. The competition is still being designed but it will focus this year on concrete pumps and layout stations. A competition where individuals will be able to test their skills at operating a range of boom lengths is in the works along with a speed test to complete a basic footprint layout for footings. The contest will be viewed from the safety, and comfort, of the hotel’s poolside patio.

As long as we are on the topic of exhibitors, I want to take this opportunity to stress how important it is for each of you to not only attend the trade show reception planned for Friday night, but to give some time to each one of the exhibitors. They are a critical part of this Association and our events. Without their participation, your membership dues would be higher and your cost of attending our events, both at the World of Concrete and our Summer Convention, would be more. Exhibitors spend a tremendous amount of money, time, effort, and manpower attending, exhibiting, and displaying equipment at our events. They rely on your feedback and support to improve the tools and products you use in your business. This is a great time for both you, and the exhibitors, to spend some quality time together. Venues such as the World of Concrete allow you to see a lot of equipment but there is so much to see and so little time you often do little more than stop by and say hello. This is your opportunity to get to know the Associates’ staff and really learn something about what they have to offer and what they can do for you.

This event is also good for the exhibitors because, unlike the big trades shows where a small percentage of booth visitors are qualified buyers, everyone who stops by their booth is a potential customer. We have restructured the event this year to give you more opportunities to visit with the Associates including two different evening venues. If improving your business through quality products and equipment isn’t enough…or finding the next partner to step up your game isn’t attractive enough…we’re offering you a chance to accomplish all of this AND win one of three great door prizes. CFA Staff will draw for these door prizes during the luncheon on Saturday from those who visit all the booths. Who knows, you might learn something you didn’t know about their products and you will have made their effort worthwhile.