In its biggest installment in several years, SBC Magazine’s September/October issue hits on a variety of interesting topics. The standout article for me takes a look back on the Southern Pine design value issue with Scott Ward, Joe Hikel and Sean Shields. Having dominated SBCA discussions over the last few years, this issue gripped our industry while it was in a depression, and association revenues were lower than they had been in many years.
The issue has been raised by a few with regard to the costs involved with taking action to protect component manufacturers’ (CM) interests in Southern Pine design values. A sizeable sum of money was spent on this issue, much of which is still unfunded and remains as an expense for the SBCA. While it is fair to inquire to the various amounts accumulated during this time, I would caution anyone who second-guesses or makes off-handed and uneducated comments about the expenses incurred. This was a tumultuous time full of very serious ramifications that could have put many CMs out of business and jeopardized component market share throughout the country. Sure, everyone involved wishes it would have only cost half as much as it did, but would the results have been worth the effort if it would have cost twice as much? As the article points out, the answer is, “Most certainly.”
The way this issue was handled showed the true value of the SBCA and the Structural Building Components Research Institute (SBCRI). Rather than look at the down side of this issue, I believe we should look at it as a victory for our industry and our association. It shows that when an issue arises, the staff and leadership of SBCA will fight to defend the ability of CMs to conduct business in a fair and just manner. If an issue arises that has the potential to damage our market place or jeopardize the way we do business, we will have our association stepping up and representing our best interests. That’s the type of organization I want to be a part of!
Speaking of being part of something, BCMC is just over a month away! If you haven’t attended in a few years or haven’t found time to take part in other SBCA activities, I strongly urge you to attend this year’s show in Charlotte. If you are attending, get ready for an action-packed few days. Here are just a few of the highlights I’m looking forward to:
This year’s show is the largest in years for both exhibit space and attendees. Be sure to check out the preview in SBC Magazine this month and get ready to Gear Up For Growth!