Ownership as it relates to the level of participation required of
all members to make the vision and mission of PDCA a reality – not
just a poster on the wall. PDCA has an amazing staff. However, as
amazing as they are, they’re not pile drivers, engineers or associates
with a story to tell in the deep foundations industry. Our staff
desperately want to see our members be successful, and they are
prepared to do the heavy administrative lifting required to see our
association thrive. But, we, the members, the owners of the association,
must set the agenda and gather the team.
We must create the streams of productive activity that will
draw membership into the current of fruitful work for the benefit
of all members. PDCA has 10 standing committees. Some are more
active than others, and we owe a great deal of thanks to those who
have served as committee chairs for many years.
If you ever find yourself questioning the value of your membership,
call Dale Biggers (Technical Committee), Gerry McShane
(Education and Steel Sheet Pile Committees) or Pollyanna
Cunningham (previously Communications Committee) and ask
for a quick rundown of the activities of their respective committees
over the past five years. If you need their numbers, look at page
12 in this issue of PileDriver or call the PDCA office to inquire. We
quickly see that much is being done on behalf of so many – often
with too few people resources to take advantage of the opportunities
presented. There is more that can and should be done. What
could we accomplish with fully staffed committees all working
towards adding value to the organization and the industry? We
need your help.
Can I be honest with you? I don’t get to participate as much as
I’d like on PDCA’s committees. I’m looking forward to the day when
I can focus my efforts on being a productive member of a PDCA
committee. Don’t get me wrong – my time on the Board has been
fantastic, and I’ve gained as much as I’ve given. But the committees
and the chapters are at the heart of the action. These are the folks
who deserve our highest praise and support. Will you join me in
committing to serve on a PDCA committee? If you can’t serve due
to other association responsibilities, will you commit to assigning
someone on your staff to a PDCA committee? Our folks have a lot
to offer to the industry, but they often need to know that leadership
values and encourages participation in the association.
Building a better world
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the death of George
Floyd and the suffering of so many who are seeking to understand
and process the meaning of this tragic event and its worldwide
impact. We have a choice. We can react, or we can make a measured
response. As leaders in an industry that has long employed
people of every race and is making progress with respect to gender
diversity, it’s our responsibility to evaluate our own policies and
potential bias to ensure that people are treated equitably and provided
opportunity without regard for race, gender, faith, ethnicity
or socioeconomic status.
Regardless of the issue (membership participation, racial bias
or gaining market share), we understand that being a passive
observer isn’t sufficient. We must actively choose to be a part of
the solution. Actively choosing starts with taking a single step.
Reach out to your chapter or committee chair and find a place
to serve for the next two to three years. Consider your next step
with respect to acknowledging and working through bias in your
own organization.
Be safe. Be empathetic. Be driven. t
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
6 | ISSUE 3 2020 www.piledrivers.org
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