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"It's Report Card Time"
The President's Message, November 1999
by Linc Moss, Ramtech Building Systems, Inc. |
This is the first time since writing the President's Message that there has not
been an immediate need to cover an issue or utilize the platform to talk about
something I've wanted to convey to the membership. Instead, in this article I
would like to discuss the Association itself. As developed by the Long Range
Planning Committee, the Board of Directors for MBI is charged with
implementation of the following goals. In this article, we will address each
goal and give a "report card grade" on its implementation, then a brief
explanation of its status.
Maintain a Financially Sound and Operationally Viable Association--Grade B+
The Association is in the black with reserve operating funds intact at amounts
established by the Board of Directors in 1995. However, there are several
programs (such as the seals program) that can and should be implemented to
increase operating funds for the action and standing committee's work.
Increase Public Awareness and Acceptance of the Industry's Products and
Services--Grade B
The MBI has made tremendous strides over the past two years in promoting the
industry. This magazine, Factory Built Structures (notice I didn't call it a
newsletter) has become the center piece of our promotion campaign. Published
bimonthly, Factory Built Structures is becoming "world-class" in the quantity
and quality that it provides. There is no other publication in the world that
provides as much information specifically catered to this industry as does this
magazine. All of the articles can be applied to our everyday business; from
industry news, to product advertisement, to in-depth research articles. The
information is about us, for us, and for our customers.
Accompanying Factory Built Structures is the MBI website. If you have not
visited the site recently, I encourage each and everyone to do so. We've
recently completed a comprehensive "face lift." The new site is not only more
attractive, it is much easier to navigate. Here again many articles have been
archived and are available for review and download. One of the most intriguing
aspects of the site is the Member Links Section. At last count, over 75 member
companies have gained a tremendous amount of free exposure by linking to MBI's
site. In October, the website enjoyed over 42,000 hits. The daily hits over the
last 11 months have averaged 1145.
Along with Factory Built Structures and the MBI website, the Association has
participated in annual trade shows promoting commercial modular construction
over the past several years. However, this is not enough. There are many
avenues yet to be tapped in the marketing of the industry. Financial resources
have hindered implementation of additional print and electronic media
campaigns.
Provide Membership Information Programs--Grade C+
This is an area that has shown improvement through research articles and
seminars conducted in conjunction with regional meetings. We need to continue
these programs through the upcoming years.
Hire an Industry Spokesperson to Promote the Industry--Grade D
This is viewed as an important step in the long-term promotion of the industry.
It is common for trade associations to have an industry spokesperson. Many
associations have turned to former athletes or others with name recognition as
spokespersons. While it isn't necessary for our Association to be represented
by someone of notoriety, it is important that this individual be familiar with
the products we offer and possess good communication and presentation skills.
An industry spokesperson would provide identification that would transcend from
President to President in representing the industry. This spokesperson would
represent the Association at all trade shows and at presentations to potential
users of our product. Financial resources however, have postponed the
implementation of this program.
Provide Educational and Idea Sharing Opportunities--Grade A+
This is an area in which the MBI has shined from its inception. Through the
website, Factory Built Structures, and regional and annual meetings, MBI has
presented a forum for idea sharing and networking that previously did not
exist.
Provide Membership Services and Benefits--Grade B
The MBI provides a number of services to its members: a membership directory,
code and regulatory information, MBI Resource Manual, sales leads, and the
annual Industry Statistical Survey are some examples of services and benefits.
Monitor and Influence Regulatory Processes Affecting our Industry--Grade C-
Here again due to financial constraints, MBI's regulatory efforts have been
primarily monitoring.
Promote and Implement the MBI Seals Program--Grade C, With the Promise of
Improvement
It is widely accepted that associations that rely upon dues as the sole source
of income will not survive. The seals program was initiated in 1996 as a
voluntary means to raise additional revenue for the Association. Five
manufacturer members are charter participants in the seals program. They
include Manufactured Structures, Modular Technology, Office Master of Texas,
Technical Structures, and Triple A Modular. Other companies participating in
the program include Ameri-Tech Building Systems, American Modular Structures,
Coastal Modular Buildings, Innovative Modular Structures, Mobile/Modular
Express, and Porta-Kamp Construction. While our sincere appreciation goes out
to these members for their support, it alone is not enough.
The current MBI Board of Directors has resolved to make participation in the
seals program mandatory for next year. At the time of this writing, a letter to
the membership explaining the new program and its benefits in greater detail is
being developed. The primary goal of the seals program is to generate the
revenue necessary to substantially upgrade member benefits. The initial focus
will be on increasing public awareness of commercial factory built structures
and lobbying on pertinent legislative and regulatory issues. We will continue
to upgrade Factory Built Structures and the circulation will be increased to
include those outside the industry. It is our intent to distribute Factory
Built Structures to facility planners throughout the U.S. and Canada.
The MBI dues structure for 2000 will remain the same as 1999 for manufacturers,
integrated, and associate members. Beginning in 2001, dues for MBI dealers will
be reduced to a maximum of 0.00. The goal is to get every dealer in the U.S.
and Canada to join the Association. Nominal dues are thought to be an effective
mechanism to accomplish this goal. To a large extent, the dealers bear the
brunt of the seals expense as it will be passed through by the manufacturers.
Access to all (more) dealers is thought to be an increased benefit to the
manufacturer.
Recognize Outstanding Contributions by Industry Members--Grade A
The current Awards of Distinction Program and Outstanding Achievement Award have
become benchmarks for the industry. Both prestigious awards exemplify
excellence in our field.
Promote Regional Chapters--Grade D
This idea generated from California and moved eastward in 1996. As a trail, MBI
members in Texas and the Gulf Coast states were contacted in that year to see
if there was interest in meeting to discuss the possibility of a regional
chapter. Unfortunately, the meeting never took place and subsequent discussions
were dropped.
Develop a Policies and Procedures Manual for the Day-to-Day Operations--Grade A
In 1998, Judy Smith and her staff developed a policies and procedures manual
covering the daily operations of the Association. The manual was accepted and
ratified by the Board of Directors this year. This document removes the
encumbrances previously placed upon the Association's bylaws defining
operational policies and daily decisions.
Review MBI Headquarters Space Requirements and Investigate Use of a Modular
Building--Grade B
The current Executive Board has toured MBI headquarters and found the space to
be adequate for both short and long term needs. True, the building is not of
modular construction, but it meets our needs, projects a positive image, and is
within our operating budget. As a long-term goal, we should visit this issue
periodically to review space requirements, how that affects operational
efficiency, and the positives of housing in a building that exemplifies our
industry.
As you can see these goals are widespread in the areas that they cover. With the
diversity of member organizations that the MBI represents, this is to be
expected. Each of the goals and its implementation fall under the care and
custody of action and standing committees made up of Board members and our
Headquarters staff. The workload is great and will become greater as we
continue to grow and expand service as resources allow. With this anticipated
workload, growth of the Board is the only solution.
The Nominating Committee has recommended to the Board expanding each council to
five seats bringing on three additional Board members in 2000. I encourage any
member that has been nominated to give serious consideration to industry
service. I have served in various capacities on the Board for over ten years
and can truly say that the experience has been nothing but rewarding. It's no
doubt that it will take dedicated, enthusiastic, hard working members serving
in the future to get our report card up to straight A's.
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