Dear members,
It is with a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude that I begin this year as your president. It has been a privilege to work alongside members of NEFBA’s Executive Committee for three years in preparation for this year-long assignment, and I am grateful for their leadership and commitment to provide guidance throughout this year.
My first order of business is membership. We are only as strong as our members. Numbers are important, of course, but my focus is on retaining the members we have by demonstrating to them the value of membership. I’m convinced that the value of membership is directly related to the level of participation of the members.
I will be working with staff, council chairs and committee leaders in seeking ways to engage members so they see firsthand how their membership benefits their business. I want every member to know he or she is an integral part of our association’s ability to influence policy, protect the construction industry and grow the economy.
Member benefits are increased exponentially in relation to the level of participation. Members who pay their dues and then are “no-shows” at meetings, networking opportunities, seminars and workshops receive a passive benefit that comes with belonging to the state’s largest local HBA. Members who jump in and contribute have a voice in decision making, make more important contacts and develop long-term profitable relationships.
Your member benefits depend a lot on you. It’s my job to make sure you are reaping the maximum benefit possible by providing opportunities you want and need to make your business grow.
Keep in mind, too, that membership in NEFBA is a three-for-one deal. NEFBA members are also members of the Florida Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. Those three groups mean your influence is local, statewide and nationwide.
I look forward to working with you and getting to know what you need from the association. Working together, we can strengthen NEFBA, the industry, the community – and your business.
Sincerely,
Rick Morales
President
Morales Construction Group