By Dennis Ginder, NEFBA president
Here we are in the second month of the New Year already! Before another month passes, I urge you to consider how you can receive the most value from your NEFBA membership. While I think membership dues are the best investment you can make, you won’t receive the maximum benefit without some effort on your part.
NEFBA’s councils were created and are designed to help you become more involved and reap the rich benefits of participation. All the councils provide an opportunity to develop relationships that will be invaluable to you throughout your career. I know that first hand. Continued, long-term commitment and involvement are the keys to reaping this huge benefit.
Three councils focus on issues at the county level. Participation in the Clay, Nassau and St. Johns Builders Councils is your best bet for keeping up with local regulatory issues affecting our industry. It was in the St. Johns Builders Council that I learned this important lesson. It was critical in keeping a handle on changes in the market place, preparing for new regulations and maintaining a current reading on the construction-related issues in the area where most of my business was conducted.
Six other councils address issues of interest to commercial builders, remodelers, sales and marketing professionals, wood products industry, green building and young professionals looking for leadership opportunities.
For some of you, it’s self-evident which council best suits you interests. Some of you may think you don’t have anything in common with any of these councils. This is an opportunity, then, to expand your base of knowledge by joining a council that may not be directly related to your business — you just might find a new customer base, a new angle for marketing, a new product or service your existing customers would love.
The councils are added value for you and will enhance your overall membership experience. And, the councils benefit from your participation and your support. They need you – your unique experiences, your expertise and your willingness to pitch in and work together to help the association grow.
Let’s make the most of 2013. Look over the list of councils. Talk to other members. Visit a few meetings. Choose one and at the end of the year, let me know how it worked out for you. I promise I won’t say, “I told you so.”
Dennis Ginder, the 2013 president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, is an award-winning builder and the co-founder, president and managing member of Landon Homes.