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12/01/2007
From the NATE Office
I said goodbye to an old friend earlier today. At 82 years old, he was more than 30 years my senior, but I had known him for decades, dating back to when I was a little kid. He was one of those adults who didn't talk down to kids, but rather genuinely listened to what they had to say. That's probably why I would stop by his office to see him when I was 6 years old, and still visited when I was 13, and kept dropping in when I was 17. All I know is the time I spent with him was too short, but all the same, remarkably valuable.
I notice now the impact he had on my life. I count the passing of the years differently as I am getting older. For example, I can think back on the last 14 years and wonder what I have done with that time until I see my teenage daughter. Then I remember that I have been engaged in the very worthwhile activity of parenthood. Similarly, this is my 100th monthly Tower Times article. That indicates time in a more tangible way than saying I've been at NATE for 8-years-plus-four-months.
Of course, finding meaning in the time spent at NATE is never too hard. Being part of the NATE office has been one of my greatest pleasures, and working with the NATE Board of Directors, Committee Chairmen and members has been an incredible experience. Through those activities, I know how NATE has changed the way the industry works. Safety materials, training sessions, educational sessions, conferences, and regulatory revisions all contribute to the industry's ability to successfully address vital issues on its own through NATE.
Being a NATE member makes an individual company part of something greater. Suddenly, you are adding to the culmination of the experience of hundreds of individuals who have spent decades of time working on towers; NATE is the industry leader in tower safety for that simple reason. But it is not only the overwhelming experience of the people who know the most about towers and tower safety in the industry, it is also the passionate desire of people who want to give something back to an industry to which they have dedicated their lives.
As we watch 2007 fade and the New Year start to rise on the horizon, I could not be more excited about another year at NATE. I anticipate 2008 will be the most active year NATE has had to date in addressing safety, standards and education; and that is saying something. I hope you will be involved in the next year's achievements.
You can start now by making sure you are registered for the upcoming NATE Annual Conference & Exposition in Orlando, Florida. Don't wait any longer to register. It is going to be one more incredible show. I hope to see you there taking part in the continued success of your association.
From all of us at NATE, have a happy - and safe - holiday season!
Patrick Howey is the NATE Executive Director. He can be reached at 888-882-5865 or patrick@natehome.com
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