James Baty
 jbaty@cfaconcretepros.org 

Convention is over and autumn is here. On the pages of this magazine, you get to feel some of the energy that is still flowing from the great even that CFACON23 in San Antonio generated. There was so much energy generated that some of you have reached out to us multiple times about when the next chance to gather and network might be. In the first week of October, the Board of Directors gathers in Oklahoma City, and it will be more of a return to the “old days,” with more than just the Board present.  After that, we will have our Foundation Contractor’s Night (you can find more information about it in this issue), as part of our commitment to making a way for CFA members to gather at least once per quarter.

Coming out of San Antonio, the Board has put a lot of energy into the future of this Association. These leaders are as passionate as I’ve ever seen. Saying that immediately recalls the passion in other individuals I am thankful to have worked with over more than 20 years of being a director of this Association. Year after year, Board election after Board election, true leaders step out and step up. I find myself asking the question, “What is so different?” Then, something like San Antonio or Oklahoma City happens and the answer is rather clear. The answer is that, in any organization, about 27% find their way to being actively and aggressively engaged. This is where the future of this Association lies, in leaders who have the wherewithal to step forward when the invitation comes. Within that group is a subset, the difference makers. They are the ones who recognize that the best way to make a difference at home is to dig in and compare yourself, challenge yourself, inspire yourself through the relationships you find outside of the line.

Consider your business within the framework of the varied community businesses around you, the competitors around you, the partners around you. Here these businesses are, all lined up, marching to the beat of the local economy, and conforming to the pattern of the daily grind. You can see the back of the head in front of you and with some quick glances you can get a sense of the head behind you. Yet, you don’t have the chance to step up and alongside to figure out together where you are going. The value, the REAL value equation of this organization to the 27% who have come to realize its true benefits, is that each time they force themselves out of that line and into spaces where they meet others, they grow, change, evolve.

This autumn will naturally focus your attention on the changing climate, economy, and political scene.  But will it be the fall you need to get out of, or the monotony of the line you are in, so that you can work on the future you need?