The 2008 Summer Convention has come and gone and with all the concern building up to this event for the industry, the economy and the ability to make such a business decision weighing; ask anyone in attendance and they’ll say the CFA hit a home run.

We don’t need to convince you of the scenery or the quality of the hotel that was chosen as the host venue. That information was quite clear throughout the published brochure and promotional flyers that were sent during the months leading up to the event.

Perhaps you missed those or perhaps you didn’t take the time to really read them though…and you wouldn’t be alone. One member arrived in New Mexico exclaiming: “Man, if I had only taken the time to read what you guys put together before I made my trip reservations, I would have stayed the whole weekend. I thought I was heading to the desert but look at all this natural beauty.” – Phil Marone, Marone Contractors

Success isn’t defined though in whether or not we caught your eye or whether or not you had the time to give us your attention in reviewing the opportunity. We know many of you were convinced that this was the weakest point in the economy and that the business you were doing took so much effort that time away just could not have been a more difficult decision. This challenged everyone and turned most to the decision of remaining at home… exhibitors included.

“Great job on the meetings! I came away feeling that this was the most effective summer meeting that we have had in years if not ever. I heard nothing but compliments from everyone. Every aspect of the event went smoothly and professionally. I had a lot of feedback from the Associates that they were satisfied with everything. Because of the reduced attendance and budget concerns I had last minutes thoughts of scaling back with our people. I am very glad that we didn’t do that, they all had a great experience and it has been a welcomed shot in the arm for our company.” – Brad Scrhock, Custom Concrete

Success isn’t defined by the density of people in the room or the number of spaces and signs that adorned the space for exhibits. We’re certain that most of you were not fully aware of the subject matter that was offered, the fact that two distinct certification opportunities were provided or that the meetings concluded with hot topic networking that would surpass all previous efforts.

“I found this year’s Convention a most interesting meeting. Everyone that was there really made an effort to be in conversations related to business and to find out what others were doing about the economy or what product concepts could begin making a difference. This was definitely a worthwhile event for us.” – Keith Reifke, CertainTeed Form-ADrain

Success isn’t defined by an educational program that is packed with content from dawn till dusk saturating the minds of those in attendance.

Bummer Convention 2008 will be thought of for many years as not the meeting that could have, or should have or even would have…we know for sure, at least for those companies that made the commitment to make it to the Hyatt Tamaya, that it will remain near the top of their CFA Summer experiences. Here’s some of the reasons why:

• This year’s meeting focused in part on strategies for sluggish and troubling economic conditions. What were other companies doing to continue growing or at least preventing decline in the face of residential numbers so far recessed?

This question was answered throughout the presentations and echoed by many in attendance.

Jim Bartley (Bartley Corporation) spoke on the “Challenges of Commercial Work” but what was delivered could best be described as a realization that without a commercial component to your business, you are at stake for remaining out of balance with the volatile economic conditions. In fact, Bartley Corporation demonstrated how their residential and commercial divisions are actually challenging each other to become or remain the dominant percentage of their company’s portfolio.

Doug Staebler (Custom Concrete) continued his meaningful and sensible presentation series by bringing the topic of cash fl ow management and business decision making to the fl oor. This challenging topic ventured into territories that were quite subjective and risky but that were sound in their advice for ways that companies can insulate failure from within.

• Perhaps the most entertaining presentation came from what some would think the most unlikely of sources.

Attorney David Whitlock (Littler Mendelson, PC) delivered a witty and sarcastic look at the landscape of today’s immigration law and what it holds for companies like the many in the CFA. The realities, the risks and the opportunities were covered in what many in attendance described as the most informational session in years that could affect their company the most.

• A host of CFA members brought forth their company stories on products, processes and divisions that have become the backbone of their business in light of the economy or that promise future stability and growth.

Greg Peacock’s (BEP Forming) powerful challenge to the industry to think of poured concrete walls as a major above-grade commercial market construction method certainly shed light on where the direction of the craftsmanship is headed.

Tim and Charlie Parrish (Cornerstone Foundations) demonstrated how effective it could be to combine the site craftsmanship of poured walls with available yard space for precast landscaping systems to carve a niche in the infrastructure market.

Jason Ells (Custom Concrete) demonstrated how effective and imperative it is to market your company rather than focusing on selling a product in these troubling times.

Finally, Kirby Justeson (Formco Foundations) provided yet another example of the natural curiosity and migration interest that exists with the craftsman in the CFA to learn new concrete systems and applications such as concrete overlays and decorative concrete elements.

• These professionals defined an educational program that stimulated many discussions throughout the afternoon and evening sessions.

The concepts were carried forward on the final day to hot topic discussions that also included positioning the CFA for a full out blitz on prime real estate existing below grade. Each company representative spent between six and eight hours focused solely on business growth and business networking to shore up, expand or insulate their business for the future as well as the present.

• Let’s not overlook the significance of Certification.

In addition to the significant success generated by the inaugural CFA Company Certification Program, Composite Technologies Corporation once again offered their Thermomass Certification program to attending contractors.

This two-for-one opportunity is evidence that the growing focus on certification as not just a technical validation but a business advantage is real and that CFA companies understand this value.

The National Associates applauded this focus during their Annual Meeting and encourage other companies to consider their certification programs that exist now or may come in the future. The CFA Summer Convention should be the primary opportunity for the contractor to achieve all their certification needs.

• Finally, let’s not overlook the good times.

The Summer Convention is billed as the major networking and education event in this industry each year and at the heart of this is the social interaction that occurs when contractors from coast to coast have the opportunity to make connections with old and new life-long friends. Generations of involvement are on display each time this meeting takes place.

“When I joined the CFA in time for the Niagara Falls meeting in 2001, I was amazed at the number of kids fl oating through the halls of the meeting. Many of those kids are now grown and involved in the business like Charlie Parrish. This year, a new wave and generation of kids was present. The future of the CFA could be seen in their eyes as they begin their opportunity to absorb, feel and ultimately learn to love the industry that their parents and grandparents helped shape.” – Jim Baty, CFA Staff

Ultimately, success comes down to what you take away from the Summer Convention. Although the business side of this event both for the CFA and perhaps even for the suppliers that demonstrated such loyal support may not define success; the real purpose, an opportunity for the members, Summer Convention 2008 was true to the label as the CFA’s annual pinnacle event.

If you missed Summer 2008, you really should re-evaluate that decision now and get your calendar circled for Summer 2009 – Amelia Island, Florida taking place July 29 – August 1, 2009. Information on this meeting and its continued significance to your business will be coming to you each month.