We Must Have Had a Great Convention                                                                                [April 2010]

 

By the time you read this, it will be long after the RCI Annual Convention and Trade Show, although to meet publishing deadlines, I have had to prepare this message near the end of March. With that in mind, I will be a little presumptuous and suggest that we had a great convention. I have always enjoyed the camaraderie at our conventions. Meeting new people, as well as visiting with old friends (that I only get to see once a year), is so heartwarming. Once again, I will be reminded of why this association is so great. It’s the membership and staff of RCI, Inc. who instill a sense of belonging in me and keep me wanting to remain a part of RCI. That is not to say that the educational offerings and registration programs are less important. These are what set our association above most others. RCI registered consultants and observers not only enjoy having doors opened for them by way of their credentials, but they also have been equipped with the necessary education and training to successfully compete in their disciplines.

With the appointment of our new Director of Educational Services Rebecca Cunningham, working in conjunction with the Education Committee, we can expect new learning opportunities for roofing, waterproofing, and exterior wall consultants and observers in face-to-face formats as well as electronic offerings. Computer course delivery will help our members attain the CEHs necessary to maintain their credentials while providing an economic venue for those members who would normally have to travel to distant venues.

It is important to note that the Education Committee members are only a few of the literally dozens of RCI members who have previously donated and continue to donate their knowledge and valuable time. These members serve on various boards, committees, subcommittees, and task forces and contribute interesting and educational items for publication in RCI’s Interface magazine. There are also several members who act as industry liaisons on behalf of RCI, Inc., so that our association stays abreast of industry-related issues and has a conduit to current information, aiding the decision-making process for items that affect our membership.

I was not aware of the number of volunteers and the extent of their efforts until I myself volunteered a number of years ago. Once on the board of directors, I was astonished to witness the collective efforts of so many talented and hardworking people. If you have a chance to donate some of your time and knowledge, I can assure you that the experience will be gratifying.

As this is my first “President’s Message,” I want to convey that I have absorbed a lot of wisdom and diligence from current and previous board members with whom I have had the honor of working. (I can only hope that I am half as successful as David Hawn.)

I also learned a great deal about professionalism and protocol from our executive vice president and CEO and past RCI Executive Committee members.

I have had the pleasure of witnessing the hard-working, dedicated, and remarkable people that we call the “staff” of RCI, Inc. as well.

Thank you for your faith in me.

Sincerely,
Robert J. Elsdon, RRO