REMEMBER WHY WE ARE IN THE MARSH
Everyone probably knows the old joke of being in the marsh with the alligators and trying to remember that draining the marsh was our objective. Enclosed is a flyer announcing the annual meeting of North America’s Union Masonry Contractors (UMC). (formally known as the International Council of Employers). Now, why would I be equating these two seemingly diverse events?
I attend quite a number of events each year as a proud member of TCAA and representing our great organization. The UMC is the national organization that represents masonry contractors from all across the country and works with our partners at the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. (IUBAC) This annual meeting easily has the most content rich programming of any of the meetings I attend.
Programming includes reports on the International Health Fund and the International Pension Fund. Collective bargaining data from across the country is shared with our management group. Information on national markets and analysis for the different regions of the country are also shared with the attendees. The International Masonry Institute (IMI) reports on their training, education and marketing programs throughout the country. The IUBAC reports on apprenticeships, manpower, and work opportunities, again on the national level.
Each year a subject theme is also delved into. This year the theme is AI and technology. Last year’s meeting started the conversation with what AI can do for our industry and our businesses. This year’s meeting will bring even more insights into the exciting and yet challenging world of AI.
On top of all this, while the UMC is having their meeting, the IUBAC is having their national meetings with local leadership officers. This provides an excellent opportunity to meet and talk with, not only the national leaders of the IUBAC, but with the individual local leaders who are there and who each of us work with on a day-to-day basis.
So, yes, our businesses do have the pressure of the day-to-day pitfalls, hiccups, and surprises. But, stopping long enough to remember that our objectives for both short-term and long-term success should always be a strong focus. And if they are, draining the marsh or whatever your objectives are will have a successful outcome. Attending this program is a great way to help your company with obtaining this success. I hope to see you there.
John Trendell, TCAA Labor Chair
