Kurt Henthorn, President

During difficult economic times business owners, managers and leaders in industry must make tough decisions to ensure the long term viability of their businesses.  At the beginning of the year I addressed some of the challenges that we would be facing as an association along with the actions we must take to ensure financial stability.  Whereas there are areas that we have experienced some success, there are other areas that we have not achieved our goals.  At a recent strategic planning meeting the leadership of the LCCA was faced with making decisions that were both difficult and necessary.  We recognized at the beginning of the year that we must grow membership by at least 40 members in order to meet our financial obligations to our local, state and national associations.  We have fallen short of that goal and as a result we must implement some aggressive cost cutting measures.  The decision has been to move the LCCA office to a location that has been donated by one of our board members.  Additionally, we can no longer support a paid staff position.  These changes are absolutely necessary since we have cut every other corner possible in order to balance our budget.

 

In spite of  these changes we are committed to offer the same level of service that our members have become accustomed to over the past several years.  I want to reiterate the benefits you receive by being a member of the Lower Columbia Contractors Association.  This membership provides you with the affiliation to the BIAW and the NAHB.  Your dues are what fund the efforts by these groups to fight for your rights as business owners and members of the business community.  Without the involvement of the BIAW on local and state issues there would undoubtedly be more government imposed taxes and regulations that would further erode your ability to run a profitable business.

 

The leadership team recognizes the need to better communicate and advocate for our industry at the local level.  We also recognize the need for member involvement in local issues.  A recent example of the influence our members yield involves the watershed meeting held recently.  LCCA members voiced their objections to the Department of Ecology and the proposed ban on new wells.  As a result, the decision was made to postpone any new regulations and public hearings have been rescheduled for a later date.

 

The fight must continue.  If we are apathetic towards government regulation, decisions will be made on our behalf that will have dire consequences on our businesses.  Another "hot button" topic is the proposed hookup fee increases.  We must have support form builder members as we fight these types of increases.  When we stand united as a group we can minimize government imposed increases.