PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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Specializing in Design-Build
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Honestly, the check we cut to PDCA is
one of the easiest checks we cut each year
(dues increase included). It’s an easy win
for me and for the company that I lead.
Palmetto Pile Driving is better educated,
more connected to the industry and more
profitable due to our involvement at both
the local and national levels of PDCA. The
order of that statement is critical. We are
more profitable because we are better educated
and more connected.
But maybe it’s not been such an easy
decision for you. Grab a cup of coffee –
let’s talk.
PDCA is the only association in the
nation solely committed to the driven pile
market. As one member mentioned, PDCA
membership costs less than the price of
a set of rigging for our support rig. Yes,
rigging helps to produce a tangible product
that we can convert to revenue. If
you don’t also believe that the education
and relationships made possible by active
participation in PDCA can produce the
same revenue generating opportunities,
we have failed to communicate. Or, you
have failed to actively listen. I’ll concede
that either is possible. Can we continue
the conversation?
“Sure, Jason,” you might be saying. “Do
you have any suggestions for how we might
best reap the benefits of our membership?”
Absolutely, thanks for asking. If you
haven’t paid your dues, let’s start there. It’s
hard to facilitate the conversation without
the resources required to make the
connection.
Great, you’ve paid your dues. Now that
we’re funded and staffed, we’re ready to roll.
In my opinion, the local chapter provides
the greatest opportunity to recognize
immediate value in PDCA and begin to
catch a vision for what it means to be a part
of something bigger than yourself or your
company. Don’t be surprised if the chapter
has a list of ways in which you might get
involved quickly. Join or start a local chapter
immediately. PDCA staff stands ready to
help you get engaged locally.
When we’re all safe to gather once again,
attend a national PDCA event. The annual
conference and DICEP are fantastic places
to meet folks outside of your market who
may have fresh perspective and ideas for
best practices. I’ve yet to walk away from
a local or national PDCA education event
without information that didn’t serve to pay
for my attendance and membership dues
– often, many times over. Without a doubt,
you have something to give and to gain.
And you might need to give it a little
time. Ever walk into a crowded room looking
for a familiar face? Plan to attend a few
events before making a call. It can take time
to get past the awkward stage of a new relationship.
Stick with it. We’ll get there.
And if you really want to accelerate
your national investment, join and become
an active member of a PDCA committee.
Whatever your interests are, we have a
committee to suit you that would be excited
to have you as a participant.
Utilize the Pile Driving Contractors
Association, PileDriver magazine and
Lester Publications to get your name out
to the market. Reach out to Frank Peters
(PDCA) or Jill Harris (Lester) to discuss
available opportunities. You won’t find a
more helpful combination in the industry.
Membership and participation are an
investment in the future of your operation
and your industry. Are you taking advantage
of the opportunity? If you’re not satisfied,
ask John King with Pile Drivers, Inc.
to refund your dues (843-763-7736). I can’t
make any promises, but it’s worth a shot.
If nothing else, you’ll be glad you called. t
8 | ISSUE 2 2020 www.piledrivers.org
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