We live in a very complex world where business and personal lives do not mix as much as they once did. Yet, all aspects of our lives are stretched to the very limits of their respective capacities, resulting in challenging decisions to be made every step of the way. I hear a lot of this, both within the Association and outside. Look at the weekend of a typical family these days with one or more youth over the age of six. Chances are a good percentage of your time is being absorbed in activities… opportunities.

Opportunity is the word we want to use. It highlights, after all, the element of decision-making involved in both business opportunities and personal gain or exploration. Opportunities are the things associations thrive on as well. In fact, over the last three Board meetings, I can summarize the minutes for you in that very word: opportunity. CFA president, Jason Ells, gives a compelling message in this Concrete Facts issue about the things you might be missing out on. He notes that these are resources that have been diligently developed to create opportunities for members to engage and those that aren’t members to have an even deeper reason to invest in their business here.

Opportunity is what 2023 is about for the CFA as well. Coming off one of our highest-rated Conventions in recent years (#CFACon22—Boston) and one of our largest winter socials ever (the newly dubbed Foundation Contractor’s Night @WOC2023), we look to only build momentum. The Board has decided to eliminate one of their quarterly meetings, the one that typically takes place in the spring, to give more time for interaction with members. A former board member and past president, Phil Marone, has crafted a first-come, first-registered exclusive Executive Retreat in Philadelphia this April (see email invitation sent to all CFA members and respond promptly). And finally, #CFACon23—San Antonio, set for the dates of July 27–29, will bring a new mix of interactive discussions and networking for contracting company business owners with very focused keynote speakers set to outline the growth we are expecting to experience.

So, what does the Board say? The board members represent you. They are contracting business owners from companies that have a handful of workers and those that own multiple divisions with 200 or more workers. Their voices right now are echoing what you are asking. They are asking where the industry is going, what should they be doing, and what more do you (they) need? Right now, the board members are listening more than they are speaking. They are listening… listening for your voice, your input, your needs. What will you say?