A final correspondence is a bittersweet event. My term as international president will officially end in November. Along with the gavel, I will be passing the presidential duties and responsibilities on to Gaylen Rogers. Gaylen will do a fine job of leading and representing the IAEI!
The year has gone by quickly. I will miss the great work performed by the IAEI leadership. The cooperation and support of the executive committee, the guidance of our management and administrative staff, and the hard work and dedication of our office staff is beyond compare. I can say without a doubt that we are fortunate to have such talented individuals!
This past year, while successful, probably can best be described as a year of progress. Advances have been made on several fronts and I am confident in saying that the association is on solid ground. IAEI is moving forward in its objectives and goals. I will not go into details here, but I can assure you that the IAEI executive committee is working diligently on several items of interest. Of noteworthy importance is the work of the long range planning committee and a special committee reviewing the definition of inspector member. Both of these items are of considerable importance to the membership, so look for additional information to be forthcoming.
I would be remiss if I did not share a few personal thoughts and insight about our association. Therefore, as a final act, here are a few things I would like to highlight:
Financially, IAEI is in good shape. Much of this can be attributed to our dues increase. Naturally, the dues increase was a hard pill to swallow, but it was essential for our future growth and survival. The increased revenue has provided stability and necessary resources for sustaining benefits and meeting the IAEI objectives. I look forward to continued growth in revenue and the opportunity to provide new and improved member services.
Our membership numbers are presently steady. Considering economic conditions and trends around the world, that is a reasonably good sign for any organization. As economic and global issues subside, I see our membership rolls increasing. In addition, as electrical industry members learn of the benefits of IAEI membership, we should see a natural growth in numbers.
IAEI education and training speaks for itself! Training materials, such as Analysis of the Changes 2005 NEC; Soares Book on Grounding, One- and Two-Family Dwelling Electrical Systems, Neon Lighting, Ferm’s Fast Finder, and various study guides are the best in the industry. The IAEI education department works diligently in providing these concise and noteworthy materials to the electrical industry. IAEI has great instructors on both national and local levels. Many are on the leading edge of education and are the most knowledgeable in the electrical field. As an association, we are fortunate to have such qualified individuals. In the not too distant future, look for new educational resources and learning opportunities from the education department.
What would any association be without its publication department? The lifeblood of IAEI is the IAEI News magazine. Over time, we have watched this periodical progress from a typical trade magazine to a first-rate journal. Every issue contains articles of interest with current and up-to-date information. Focus on the code questions, testing lab corner, and chapter and division meeting information are contained in each issue. The price of membership alone is worth receiving IAEI News. IAEI publication department is also responsible for the IAEI web page (www.iaei.org). Various products, information and services are available and posted on the site. IAEI has made great progress with the web page and it is another means of getting information and benefits to members. Visit the site often as eventually new products and services will be made available. I predict more good things coming from the publication department.
Naturally, there are other things to highlight and share, but for many of you it is like speaking to the choir. As a final note, individual member contributions are perhaps the greatest asset we have. Individual contributions truly make the IAEI stronger and better. If you are an active IAEI member, then congratulations! Because of your participation and voluntary support, the IAEI is what it is today—IAEI appreciates your efforts!
Thank you for the opportunity to serve and lead the IAEI as your 76th International President. It has been a great honor and pleasure—I will cherish it forever. I am proud to have had the opportunity to lead this association and grateful for all the support received. Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve, and now “It is time to pass the gavel!”
“What’s in it for me?”
A common question about belonging to IAEI is “What’s in it for me?” Many of us probably draw a blank when it comes to an answer. Sure, the IAEI offers books, publications and training materials, but is there more than that? We tend to see the obvious reasons for belonging to the IAEI but fail to see the not-so-obvious reasons, which are difficult to see, but are usually priceless and last forever. Here are a few examples of the not-so-obvious reasons:
Leadership. As members of the IAEI we are all volunteer leaders, making a difference in the electrical industry. Service at the chapter, section or division level as an officer, director, committee member, etc., provides the opportunity to hone your knowledge, experience and leadership skills.
Education. IAEI provides the best education and training material the electrical industry has to offer. Electrical code education and training is an ongoing process. IAEI members learn from each other by exchanging and debating ideas freely at chapter, section and division meetings. Many IAEI members are actively involved in educational sessions, professional and trade schools, industry trade shows and issues that affect the electrical industry.
Advocacy. IAEI’s reason for being is to support the interests of the electrical inspectors and others concerned with enforcement of electrical codes and standards. IAEI makes a concerted effort to disseminate electrical information, and to cooperate in the formulation and development of standards for the safe installation and use of products and equipment. IAEI is committed to supporting its members by improving the design, installation, use, and inspection of electrical systems.
Recognition. IAEI provides members with professional credibility. IAEI is highly regarded by other electrical industry groups and associations. IAEI members are requested to teach classes, work on task groups, participate in code development processes, and represent the electrical inspector in national and international issues in furthering the development of the electrical industry.
Networking. What better means of exchanging electrical industry information and knowledge than through relationships with IAEI members? Chapter, section and division meetings provide members with a great opportunity to meet with peers and participate in the formulation and understanding of electrical industry codes and standards. Meeting attendees have the opportunity to hear insight from experts in the field and to exchange thoughts and opinions with people of different backgrounds. Networking provides the opportunity to form personal relationships with industry peers and to spend time in sharing issues and viewpoints.
The next time someone asks the question of “What’s in it for me,” share the not-so-obvious reasons that last forever—the chance to LEARN! The not-so-obvious reasons are not that difficult to see after all.