As I write this article, I am three months into my term as NAIIA President. In these three months I have attended a slew of committee meetings and spoken with many members. I am thrilled to see all the great efforts being made on behalf of the association and amazed by the spirited volunteerism.
Also, as I write, Hurricane Ian has made landfall and I pray that everyone we know is safe. If a member firm needs assistance either personally or professionally and hasn’t yet reached out, please do so.
Your education committee is finalizing a great lineup of speakers for the annual conference in Cape Coral next May. The committee is also overseeing implementation of the roofing class in 2023.
Your membership recruitment committee is strategizing and implementing new methods to increase membership.
Your sponsor and exhibitor committee is hard at work on redesigning the experience for sponsors and exhibitors at our events and on deciding which events the NAIIA will exhibit at. The NAIIA is already booked to be at NASP in November and PLRB in March.
Your marketing committee is always working to advertise the association and increase branding and exposure. In these past months the committee has also designed displays and a tablecloth for future shows.
Your bylaws committee has assisted in reviewing the criteria for nomination of officers; it’s not too soon to think about tossing your hat in the ring. That committee also contributed an article in this newsletter addressing our code of ethics and how we thoughtfully handle interaction between member firms and their employees.
Your legislative committee is watching developments nationwide and looking for opportunities to educate and assist our membership and the industry. The article they contributed this newsletter has some significant news on the employment relationship.
Your next generation committee (formerly named young members committee) is planning an event in Cape Coral and perhaps a virtual event sometime soon.
Finally, your strategic planning committee is regularly meeting to look at issues paramount to the success of the NAIIA now and in the future.
We also conducted a member survey in the SW Region, which will be utilized in other regions. If you haven’t yet responded, please do so.
My theme for this year of “You Get Out of It What You Put into It” ties into the spotlight on these committees. Each of these committees has space for a volunteer who can bring fresh ideas and energy. If you want to be involved just reach out to me or Sheri Csom.
Speaking of Sheri Csom, as we all know, she is the glue and the star of our association, working tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly.
I asked Sheri for a list of things that would make her job easier, and she gave me the following:
- Member firms promoting the value of the NAIIA.
- Member firms updating changes in their listing when they occur to ensure the website is always up to date.
- Member firms paying their invoice after all changes have been made to ensure they are paying the correct amount.
- Member firms responding to surveys so we can continue to improve the NAIIA.
- Member firms attending the regional or national meetings.
If you can make Sheri’s job easier, please make that effort. As to #5, if you attend a regional or annual meeting for the first time in 2023, I am confident you will see value in the association that is found from spending time with your fellow members and the educational and marketing opportunities at the meeting. If I am at the meeting and we haven’t met, I’ll buy you a drink.
Let me end on a somber note. The passing of Michael Hale in July was a tremendous loss to our industry and association. I was proud to represent the membership at his funeral service and to see many NAIIA members in attendance.
I am always available for any questions or comments or if you just want to say hello.
Peter Schifrin
2022-2023 NAIIA President
