Brent’s 2¢

Happy New Year and welcome to 2015. It was five years ago that I first held the post of President of this wonderful organization. We face a different business climate this time around. In 2010, the economic downturn had a firm grasp on our industry as downsizing was occurring in almost every corner of Southwest Missouri. 2015 offers a little more promise for the Springfield Contractors Association and its members thanks to a busier bid calendar and a leaner industry. I follow a string of strong leaders, and would like to thank Jerry Hackleman for his excellent leadership in 2014. I will attempt to follow his example moving forward.

The SCA will continue to have strong programs during the general meetings throughout the year, and will continue to offer the variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner meeting times. Last year, the Generation Next crew did an outstanding job of bringing their ideas to the table with some events of their own, as well as tweaking some of the existing SCA functions. They successfully hosted a visiting group of architecture students during the AIA Central States Confluence and it is my opinion that the Springfield Contractors Association was very well represented by this group. I will encourage continued support of Generation Next. Of course, we will also see the fun events that have become mainstays of the SCA: Golf outings, Skeet shooting, Pig Roasts and Chicken BBQs will be on this year’s calendar. The various SCA committees endure and remain the backbone of this organization as they promote the very mission of this association. Remember, you are always welcome and much encouraged to be involved in your membership by being active in these committees.

The board of directors has an active role in your Association, and the staff will be encouraged to evolve with our industry. Of course, we do appreciate your input and would encourage you to provide ideas and feedback. I am excited, and I hope 2015 is a prosperous year for us all. – Brent