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10/01/2004
Chairman’s Message
In August we held our annual Summer Conference of the Board of Directors and Committees. This year we decided to meet in Las Vegas instead of our usual location at the Chicago Airport Hilton. I personally liked the change of venue and it is anticipated we will look to yet another new location in 2005. The meetings went very well. The Association has a lot on its plate right now and I would like to thank all those who took time out of their schedules to serve the membership of NATE at these important meetings.
At times I hear feedback from Internet chat groups and others that question what NATE does to provide value for its members. I believe NATE does a lot, but sometimes when you’re on the inside you can’t see the forest for the trees, so the Board tries to keep an open mind and ear to constructive criticism. NATE has hired a market research firm to help the Board learn from members and prospective members what the Association can do to better serve the tower industry. Once the research is complete, between now and NATE 2005 in Dallas, the Board will determine how best to implement recommended changes. We encourage your open communication if you are contacted by this firm. Your comments will help shape the future direction of the Association.
One of the hot-button issues among association members over the past few years is the high cost of business insurance. Although NATE has no control over the insurance premiums of members, the Insurance Committee meets regularly with AIG representatives to discuss the NATE Insurance Program. Recently the Committee requested of Arthur J. Gallagher and AIG that a premium discount be given members of the successful NATE/OSHA Partnership. During the Summer Conference AIG announced that they will offer up to a 15% discount on accounts of NATE members who are also members of the NATE/OSHA Partner-ship. This applies to both workers compensation and general liability lines of insurance effective with renewals or new business beginning October 1, 2004. Members should check with representatives at Arthur J. Gallagher to see how this might apply to your account since the discount cannot be offered in all states and is subject to underwriting guidelines.
NATE has been very busy with behind the scenes efforts to ensure an acceptable outcome on the proposed tower standard that has been working its way through the system in the state of North Carolina. NATE representatives were present at two critical hearings in August, where significant changes to the draft standard were proposed by NATE. North Carolina OSHA officials have expressed a willingness to work with NATE on our proposed changes. This is significant since it is believed that the North Carolina tower standard could be used as the basis for a future national standard. If things continue as expected, we anticipate the North Carolina standard to be codified late this year or early next.
These are just a few of the matters discussed at the NATE Summer Conference. Many other matters are pending before the Board and committees such as NATE’s draft tower climber training standard, our efforts to combat opposition to the construction of new towers due to avian mortality and the ACSSH tower erection standard work group.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and committees, I would like to extend my thanks to Patrick Howey and the NATE staff for your diligence in making the Summer Conference go as smoothly as it did for the volunteer members of the committees and board. Your efforts are helping make the Association and our entire industry a better place to work.
Until next month, work hard and be safe!
By: Craig M. Snyder, NATE Chairman
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