WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR CFA?
When commenting on any CFA Summer Meeting, I feel that it is almost obligatory for me to tell everyone what a huge success it was and that anyone who could not attend really missed out on a great experience. However, in the case of this year’s meeting that was held in Stowe, Vermont, those comments […]
Planning Our Future
Planning for the future is an important part of running a business. Successful companies, whether they have 10 employees or 10,000; whether they are trade associations or residential foundation companies; and regardless of economic conditions all have one thing in common: They convene periodically to assess their companies, the industry, and the future. The world […]
What is TECHNOLOGY? In this
Technology (tek nol’ e je) n. 1. The branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, the environment, and POURED WALL CONTRACTORS, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, etc. In this age of constant technological innovation, it is obvious that new products and processes can have a […]
The Importance of Exhibitors
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 […]
Why We Focus on Education
We have all heard the old adage; “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” Unfortunately most of us have not only heard that expression but we have experienced it first hand far too often. With the theme of this issue of Concrete Facts being education, it only seemed appropriate to share with you a few […]
Contractor Certification
A year ago in this article I discussed the merits, advantages, and shortfalls of a CFA-sponsored contractor certification program. The bottom line is that certification is coming whether we like it or not. Several government and code organizations require that contractors, or individuals within the company, are certified to perform their specialty. More will do […]
Foundation Contractor Certification
Can you believe that the World of Concrete has come and gone again? What an outstanding event this year’s proved to be. Attendance was higher than expected (labeled a record actually) and the quality of exhibitors certainly did not disappoint me. The same held true for the CFA as we hosted our Annual Meeting at the […]
Events, Events, and More Events
Another World of Concrete is history – and what an event it was! There was record attendance (over 90,000), a record number of exhibitors (over 1,700), and a record amount of exhibit space (over 900,000 square feet). In spite of a slow housing market, people flocked to Las Vegas. CFA members also supported the event. […]
2007… Stay Focused!
While preparing to write this issue’s message from the president, I took a few moments to reflect on the year that was 2006. As usual the CFA provided a host of opportunities for members to participate and find benefit in the dollars they contribute. I also had the opportunity to expand the companies that I […]
When Times Are Tough
The housing industry is in another slump. This is nothing new to those of you who have been around for a few years (since the last slump). The housing industry is cyclical. If it is up, down times are ahead. Fortunately, the opposite also holds true. Believe it or not the causes of these events […]