For those of you that were not able to attend our recent convention, you missed a great event. Not only was the event incredibly valuable as I picked up information that is sure to improve my business, it was inspiring and I had a great time. I would like to highlight a few things that our Tilt-up Concrete Association is doing right. On the first day of the convention we participated in the dedication of the Missouri Korean War Memorial. Staff member Mitch Bloomquist designed the monument and served as the project manager to get it constructed in time for the convention. The TCA and it’s members, including Summit Concrete, Needham and Associates, Meadow Burke, Innovative Brick, White Cap, and Tincher’s Welding donated well over $100,000 in professional services, labor, products and materials. The memorial dedication ceremony put into perspective the work that they did and it’s impact on the local community. Many of the veterans and their families were in tears as they explored the monument and reminisced about the sacrifices they had made. One veteran told me he had waited over 60 years for this day. The monument really is a work of art with several details I had never seen on Tilt-Up before.

After the monument dedication, I attended my first outdoor demonstration. The event was the perfect follow up to the memorial dedication and showcased the latest technology from some of our global associate members. Attendees enjoyed real Kansas City Barbeque as we watched and learned about several new Tilt-Up materials and systems. It was great to see the advancing technology in action. It truly was a good day for TCA.

Recently, I visited Mount Vernon, Iowa for the President’s transition meeting.  For those of you who have not had the pleasure of visiting Mount Vernon I recommend you visit Ed, Jim, Mitch and Janette. You may want to wait for spring to enjoy the golf, but the wine and great food is always close by. In addition to reviewing the Association’s previous year’s activities, we discussed the upcoming Latin America Convention in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in early June. This is one of the Associations first major events outside of the U.S. We will also be holding our Board Meeting in Punta Cana. I encourage you to join us as we share our Tilt-Up story.

In these trying times I think it is important for all of us to share ideas with each other to grow our businesses by being more efficient and embracing new ideas. One of the largest benefits of belonging to the Tilt-up Concrete Association is the years of experience that our members have.  We need to reach out to other members and explain what ideas have worked and also warn which ideas were not successful. I was intrigued by a conversation I had with a fellow member at a break at the Kansas City convention.  He pointed out that he belonged to several trade organizations but enjoyed attending the TCA activities because of the friendly and helpful TCA members.  The more I have reflected on his comments, I agree with him. The Tilt-up Concrete Association includes sincerely good people that want to assist fellow members and promote Tilt-Up. Once again, I challenge you to get involved. Join a committee, attend the events and share your ideas and abilities.

I trust everyone is getting ready for the holidays and spending time with families. On behalf of the TCA I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!