The most valuable part of joining an organization is diving in and finding the networking, interaction, support, and resources beneficial to your company’s goals. In honor of the value of jumping in, the CFA Board of Directors developed a new award in 2015 that honors the intentional exploration of the professional network found in the Concrete Foundations Association. This award goes to a member within the first three years of their participation.

With just a year and a half of membership experience, Curtis Cowgill of Nies Foundations has made a strong commitment to the pursuit of learning the industry and leveraging relationships. Cowgill, who took up company ownership from an older CFA member, has consistently attended the monthly Best Practice Group sessions, has made regular use of the CFA Hotline, and has had consistent communication with CFA staff for a variety of technical solutions and networking interests. Despite CFACON23 in San Antonio being his first CFA conference, he showed his committed to professional development and credentialing by achieving ACI/CFA Certified Residential Foundation Technician status and the Wall Foreman Qualification certificate during World of Concrete. The numerous strategic relationships he has already made with experienced members have helped him see the potential this membership network has to advance his company.

In recognition of Cowgill’s activity as a member, Baty said, “I’ve had a great privilege of supporting [him] over the last couple of years. The best way that I can say to describe him is that he hungers [for] knowledge. He’s here because he thirsts to know what you know. He has a deep desire for his company to grow and to be as successful as each of yours, to continue to drive to tomorrow and to build legacy.”