2017 was a Year Of Extreme Highs And Lows. The political arena has been keeping the press very busy and has been making it difficult to determine what the truth is these days. This country is still dealing with a serious craft-worker shortage, and there does not seem to be an ideal solution on the horizon. The hurricanes last year caused major devastation. Puerto Rico took over four months to get power restored at one of their schools. A video was released of the students’ and teachers’ celebratory reactions, overjoyed that they finally had electricity again. The hurricanes in the United States ravaged property and some even lost their lives. In Houston, the insurance companies solicited subcontractors’ labor forces to help with clean-up efforts after the flooding; that led to extra labor shortages for two to three months after the event. Some of these areas are almost whole again, whereas other communities will be scarred forever. We never know when the next disaster is going to hit, but we need to ask ourselves, “Do we have a plan, and when do we need to implement it?”

World of Concrete was a great way to begin 2018. Many of you made it to the TCA Winter Jubilee, and we had a lot of activity at the TCA booth. It was amazing to see many different groups coming up with technology to help make our work safer, better, and faster while using less labor.

When I look around our organization and the industry itself, I wonder: How do we collect that knowledge and experience before it walks out the door? How do we transmit information quickly about lessons learned? The TCA is focused on education, sharing with others, and working together as team members to construct more pleasing tilt-up buildings that are more economical and built faster than those of our competitors.

We should have two or three mini conventions this year around the U.S., and possibly in Canada, too. I think the tilt-up events have been a great avenue to bring the TCA to local communities with all the educational benefits, certification opportunities, and networking opportunities that go along with them. Also, the new TCA website should make navigation easier for members and nonmembers to get the information they need even faster than before. We are also very excited about the new online education program, Tilt-Up Academy. This will be a great tool for all members to use and benefit from.

Tim Manherz