A Tale of Two Chapters

The SBCA chapter presidents recently discussed the state of SBCA chapters. We have many strong, active chapters with a great deal of participation. We also have chapters that lack consistent participation, which makes chapter leadership a challenge.

For those with robust organizations, I commend you. I know everyone involved in SBCA appreciates the commitment it takes. Clearly you’ve developed a cohesive culture that is valuable to your members.

For those who aren’t part of one of those vibrant chapters, there are alternatives! There are many opportunities to engage with your peers, to learn from each other and build valuable relationships. SBCA is always looking for component manufacturers (CMs) willing to collaborate for the betterment of the industry. Participation on the national stage isn’t limited to SBCA board members. In fact, some of the most engaged and respected individuals I’ve encountered during my time working with SBCA haven’t been board members at all. That didn’t stop them from engaging in committee work, recruiting new members to our association or expressing their concerns regarding SBCA policies or initiatives. 

I encourage everyone—yes, everyone!—to become active in our industry association. Travel to BCMC or an Open Quarterly Meeting (OQM) to learn about the issues SBCA is working on. Don’t want to travel? Participate in one of the many committees that meet strictly online. Talk to other members and staff about the issues you face in your market, and you may find yourself becoming the source of a new perspective in the next issue of SBC Magazine. SBCA needs your point of view as we further develop tools to support each of our businesses, like the Framing the American Dream marketing materials or the new Best Practices project. If we CMs are not active stewards of our industry, our future will be determined for us by our customers, suppliers or regulators. 

Just before sitting down to work on this article, I was reminded this was my last opportunity to write this column, which means my time as president is coming to an end. It’s been a fantastic, yet humbling experience. This industry is full of great people and it has been an honor to work with and for them.

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank a few people: first and foremost, my wife Elizabeth, who’s been tremendous throughout her pregnancy and these first few months with our son Judge.

I would also like to thank the staff of Bear Paw Lumber and Rocky Mountain Truss who’ve seen a little less of me these past few months as I’ve spent more time than normal hidden away in my office on conference calls and traveling to various meetings.

I would also like to thank the SBCA staff. They are world-class and make association work fun and engaging. I am in awe of each individual’s commitment and the energy they put toward our industry.

Thanks to the executive committee: Jack, Jim, Rick, Barry, Joe and Scott. You guys have been tremendous to work with, and I appreciate all of the time you commit to SBCA and your willingness to discuss issues at length to find the best solution to each and every problem we’ve faced. Your steadfast support has been invaluable.

I’m probably most proud of the SBCA board of directors as a whole. We have a great group of people serving as directors, and I’m impressed with the individuals who continue to remain involved year-in and year-out. I am excited by the board members we’ve added in the last couple years. Our association is in great hands and will continue to thrive with these bright and talented individuals at the helm! 

In closing, I want to focus on the fact we have much more that unites us than divides us. It’s evident in our vigorous debates and in the valuable discourse we share that we’re just a bunch of people who are committed to the positive change we make in the world by building trusses and other components. In all the things it does, SBCA acts to help us do more of what we love.