 |
|
|
|
|
04/01/2001
Message from the Chairman
I would like to start this month’s article by congratulating and thanking all the members of our association for what I believe to be the very best annual meeting and exhibition thus far in the history of NATE.
I cannot say enough concerning the success of NATE’s latest conference. Attendance was up dramatically from the previous year and our membership actually grew during the show. The educational sessions were so well attended, in some cases, there was standing room only in the conference rooms. This fact alone should make every member very proud, since it demonstrates that our association is 100% behind the goal to improve the industry that we work in every day.
The exhibit hall had a great deal of traffic each day, benefiting both our members and the exhibitors that take part in the trade show. Rohn Night, as usual, was a well-attended event that everyone enjoyed.
I feel everyone connected with NATE appreciates the effort and resources that all the sponsors dedicate to our annual meeting. These resources represent a great deal of sacrifice by the sponsors.
Overall, the 6th Annual Conference & Exposition was a great success!
As can be the case with most successful events, there are functions that do not turn out as well as planned or issues of concern may arise. This very successful meeting was not an exception. A number of NATE members brought to the attention of the Board that several staffing agencies were in attendance actively recruiting people at this conference. Many NATE members incur significant expenses to bring their staff and employees to the annual meeting for educational purposes and expressed concern that the annual meeting was utilized for personnel recruiting.
When NATE was formed there was a concern and debate about whether a group of tower contractors could form a cohesive group. NATE was formed and certainly has thrived. The reason our association has thrived has been due to a mutual respect for contractors in our industry. The mission statement set forth by NATE at its inception focuses on the betterment of safety in our industry and to act as a voice for tower contractors in front of regulatory bodies that affect our daily work lives. In other words, NATE is responsible for creating an environment that enables our members to compete on a level playing field with each other. Therefore, I believe the annual conference should be a neutral forum designed for exploration, discussion and networking by NATE members for the development of ways and means to improve the tower industry. If members are hesitant to attend the conference or bring their staff, this “networking” cannot take place. The Board of NATE believes that our annual conference is not the proper place for employee solicitation. The NATE Trade Show Committee and Board will be implementing policy to address this issue for future annual meetings.
The members of NATE have been fortunate to be involved in a dynamic growth industry, but we must always do our part to help improve that industry. Once again, thank you for a great annual show.
By: Kevin Hayden, NATE Chairman
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
