Momentum. You see it at sporting events when one team seems to have everything going their way. I believe the Tilt-Up Concrete Association and the Tilt-Up industry as a whole have a lot of momentum.

Do you see it?

Do you feel it?

The field of Tilt-Up is evolving at a rapid rate, as showcased at the TCA Awards Banquet in Las Vegas at the World of Concrete. Award-winning projects of a decade ago (no offense to past winners) have been rapidly surpassed by newer, more exciting and challenging projects. Every year the quality of projects seems to improve due to YOUR excellence: owners who progressively understand the benefits of Tilt-Up; architects designing outstanding Tilt-Up applications; engineers who actually make them work; suppliers providing an ever-broadening array of materials to accomplish the vision of owners and designers; contractors who successfully execute evermore challenging and sophisticated projects.

In my years on the TCA Board of Directors, I have seen a lot of momentum, not just in the industry, but in the Association itself. I’ve been impressed with the dedication of both the professional staff (whose offices I just visited in Iowa) and all of the Board members, especially Dave Tomasula, and other past presidents. Their perspective and dedication has helped move the organization and industry forward. The recent development of Committees for Education, Technical issues, Awards, and the like is a critically important step in broadening participation in TCA, and should further accelerate the positive trend forward for our industry.

Momentum.

Last year, a strategic plan was created. One of the primary goals of which is to focus more on member services and the benefits WE derive from TCA. The deployment of a Buildings Database and On-Line Magazine this year will strengthen TCA’s position as the ultimate resource of “All Things Tilt-Up”, and further benefit all of us as members of the Association. The seismic task force and update of the Engineering Manual this year is keeping us abreast of, and disseminating information concerning, the changing technical requirements within our industry. Our first-ever student design competition this past year and new competition for 2008 is both reaching out to students and developing their interest in Tilt-Up. Meanwhile, veteran architects, such as Rob Quigley, FAIA, who was the keynote speaker at our 2007 Convention, are progressively utilizing Tilt-Up concrete to do highly creative design work.

Momentum. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve you as President of TCA in 2008, work with our excellent Staff, Board Members, Committee Members and others, and personally play a very small role in our bourgeoning Tilt-Up industry.

Alan Wilson, President

TCA Board of Directors