| The BUZZ "Deciding To Be Awesome!" |
Greetings!
I walked (or rather flew) away from the International Builders Show with a renewed sense of desire and hope. I told several people that I really couldn't put my finger on what it was other than the fact that the other people at the show weren't buying into the gloom and doom. Well, today I was checking my twitter (I know...I'm still not really sure what it is either but trying) and found this article that I wish I would have written first. This lays it out very well and is right on. I know not everyone was able to attend so I thought I would share these wonderful words...yes I fully believe we are already on our way to recovery and with the new life of spring our business will be set to grow as well...will you be ready? (see story below)
Shawn Miller
NADRA President
1.888.NADRA.4U
Deciding to Be Awesome
By Lauren Hunter
A (Trade) Show of Strength
How I Met Your Mother is, quite possibly, the funniest show on television - I never miss it. And while I find the whole cast of this new-generation version of "Friends" to be wildly entertaining, Neil Patrick Harris's character Barney Stinson steals the show every week. Beyond being compelled to "Suit up!" and high-five everyone, Barney is a glass-half-full kind of guy who makes the most of every situation. If an escapade doesn't turn out to be "legendary," it's never less than "awesome."
I was thinking about Barney during my trip to the International Builder's Show in Las Vegas. Leading up to the show, most attendees' and exhibitors' attitudes were gloomy, what with the housing crisis and all. Many people wondered how low attendance numbers might go, and several big-name manufacturers were conspicuously missing from the trade show floor.
But after a day at the show with many exhibitors independently telling me that attendance was better than expected and that they were getting highly qualified leads, a episode of HIMYM popped into my head, in which Barney (who never gets sick) comes down with a terrible cold. Does he let it get him down? No way! He suits up, heads to the bar, hits on every pretty girl within earshot. Supremely congested, and with red, watery eyes, Barney tells friend Lily "Whenever I start feeling sick, I just stop being sick and be AWESOME instead. True story!"
Deciding to Be Awesome.
That's the attitude I saw at IBS last week. Rather than perpetuating the idea that we all have to feel lousy and talk in whispered tones because the economy is down, attendees decided to seek opportunities, find ways to fine-tune their businesses, and make a decision to not just weather the storm, but plow through it. (Read on) |
Atlanta Chapter Education
& Dinner Event
February 18th, 2009
Please Join Us For The NADRA "Deck Framing Connection Class" Taught by Jim Mailey of Simpson Strong-Tie
This program has new code developments for 2009 that effect YOU! This class will help you see untapped potential in unseen markets.
To: NADRA & ASHI Members & Friends
Where: Georgia Institute of Real Estate
When: February 18th, 2009
What: Deck Framing Connection Seminar & Dinner
Cost: $40.00 / Member $50.00 / Non-Members
If you would like to sponsor a vendor table please see vendor forms here or contact 1.888.623.7248 (All forms can also be found on the homepage of www.NADRA.org)
*The First 15 NADRA Builder Owner Members that sign up for The "DECK FRAMING CONNECTION CLASS" will receive a FREE PROCCS QuikDrive Collated Deck Tool Combo Kit (limited 1 per company $300.00 Value)
Agenda:
12:00 - 12:30 Registration
12:30 - 1:00 Trex Presentation
1:00 - 5:15 Deck Framing Connection Class (15 Minute Break w/ Snacks)
5:15 Vendor Tables - Cocktails Start - 5:45 Buffet Dinner Served
Event Sponsors To-Date:
Simpson Strong-Tie
FastenMaster
TREX
Do you want to be an event sponsor? Learn more Here or call 1.888.623.7248
Of all the many benefits with NADRA none is more powerful than the exchange of ideas with NADRA members and fellow industry professional. This is NADRA's first ever Regional Chapter Event. Clear your schedule, bring a guest and join us for the evening.
Please contact NADRA HQ if you have any questions: 1.888.623.7248 | |
 Hello.
I'm writing today to offer my support for more programs like the December, 2008 Deck Framing Connection workshop, and to thank NADRA and its officers for offering such beneficial courses. The workshop, presented by Jim Mailey, of Simpson Strong Tie, was the second such event that I've attended under the auspices of NADRA. And I was impressed with the amount of new information that had been added since the last workshop, which I attended less than one year earlier.
The program reinforced the need for builders to adhere to uniform standards of deck connections, while illustrating, through photos and court cases, what can happen when decks are built using improper fasteners and/or substandard methods. The information offered was technically detailed, yet Mr. Mailey's presentation made it easy to understand.
Beyond the value that this program offered in technical expertise, it also offered a benefit to me as business owner in the marketing and publicity possibilities that it offered.
As a member of NADRA, I was able to prove my knowledge of the information presented through a follow-up test on the organization's website, and download & print an official certificate that is now a central part of my presentation portfolio.
Once I received the national certification, I sent a press release , announcing my attendance and subsequent certification, to every news organization within fifty miles of my business. I'm pleased to say that most of them printed the information in a timely fashion.
In addition, the networking opportunities that the program allowed were invaluable. All the top deck builders, as well as representatives from many major deck-component manufacturers in the tri-state area were there. And the information exchange, both on a business and personal level, was an opportunity to be seized.
Finally, as a result of NADRA and its Deck Framing Connection course, I am better prepared to offer my clients a deck that the handyman or specialist-in-everything-company can't compete with. And I've found that safety is a selling tool that nobody ever argues.
Thanks again.
Gary J Daley
NADRA Member
America's DeckBuilder
DeckBuilder Custom Decks & Railings
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Opportunity For NADRA Members:
Commercial Photographer looking for high-end decks and wood structures for Spring/Summer 09' photography.
Features to consider: Multi-level, outdoor kitchens, curved and shaped design, pergolas and arbors, trellis, fire pit and any other exceptional built-ins.
The decks can be wood or composite. Decks must be in excellent condition and have a visually pleasing view of the surroundings. This is a time sensitive project. Please respond with photos that show multiple views. Forward all inquiries to: bill@billmathews.com ; 913-649-4934 Thank you, Bill Mathews
Photographer
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 This video has been around before, and some of you deck builders may have seen it. But with winter here, and the deck industry possibly a little bit in the doldrums, we can all stand a good laugh. It's good for the disposition and the soul. And after you laugh off a little bit of tension and possible frustration, sit back and pledge to yourself that even if things in our country, and in the deck industry, might be rocky, there is still a whole lot of business going on. Push a pencil and figure out how to work maybe just a little harder and a little smarter to get at least your fair share. Tucked right in with all the doom and gloom is opportunity. It's always there. But if folks hang their heads, and moan and whine, and stumble around, then they won't see that opportunity as it flashes right past them. OK, this is a rah-rah pep talk, but a ton of business IS going to be done in 2009. And if you get your program and yourself in gear, then you can be a profitable part of it. Most likely you're not going to be able to do all the same old things you've done in the past. Use your mind and your experience and get outside your comfort zone a little bit. And you know why this will most likely work for you? Because so many other people will pull back, hunker down, and look for the bad side of things. So have a good chuckle and get with the program. Choose to succeed. Watch video Here
Best wishes for a great deck season ahead,
Terry Dempsey
Founder of DeckExpo
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The North American Deck & Railing Association Wants to Hear From You!
Do you have input or suggestions for The BUZZ? Did you know you can submit advertorials and even sponsor The BUZZ? You can reach top industry professionals by working with NADRA. We want to hear from you. Do you have a funny story, concern, tip or article you would like to submit? Please contact me today to learn more.
NADRA Rocks!
Heather Beaudry
888.623.7248 | |
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New & Renewing NADRA Members:
New Builder Members:
Mastrand Construction
New Distributor Members:
DeckDirect .com
New Manufacturer Members:
Fehr Bros. Industries
PPG Industries
Renewing Builder Members:
Decks By JRW
Deckscapes - NC
Deck-Master Staten Island, NY
Renewing Distributors:
Atlantic Building Products
DeckTools |
NADRA's MEDIA KIT will introduce you to the many sponsorship opportunities available to you as a NADRA member. Please take a moment to review the following valuable information HERE NADRA's Media Kit can also be found on the homepage of www.NADRA.org |
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NADRA Committees:
Executive
Consists of NADRA Officers: Each Officer has duties specific to NADRA day to day operations.
Chairman - Shawn Miller, NADRA President
Bylaws
Mission: Reviews bylaws and advises board of directors of any necessary changes.
Chairman - Shawn Miller, NADRA President
Budget & Finance
Mission: Prepares annual budget, approves major fiscal expenditures.
Chairman - Mark DeMarco, NADRA Treasurer
Membership
Mission: To identify and recruit potential members who share the NADRA philosophy.
Chairman - Dave Lombardo, NADRA Board Member
Nominating
Mission: To develop a list of candidates for each office or vacancy.
Chairman - John Mortimer, NADRA Immediate Past President
Website
Mission: To nurture and monitor the NADRA website so that it provides for the needs of its membership, and informs the public about NADRA missions and goals.
Chairman - Kirk Hammond, NADRA Board Member
Strategic Planning
Mission: To create a roadmap for the future of NADRA based on the needs of its members.
Chairman - Tim Gillis, NADRA Board Member
ADDITIONAL COMMITTEES and WORK GROUPS:
Chapters
Mission: To encourage the development of local NADRA Chapters.
Chairman - Dave Lombardo, NADRA Board Member
Codes and Standards
Mission: To identify industry standards for the deck and railing industry; investigate potential solutions for industry issues; to advance and protect NADRA's interests in the code and legislative arena.
Chairman - Diana Hanson, NADRA Secretary
Industry Statistics
Mission: To procure reliable and quantifiable data and information on all aspects of the deck, dock and railing industry, and to disseminate such information to both the industry and consumers. Information shall be collected from a variety of sources including, but not limited to surveys, studies, and market data.
Chairman - Bob Lett, NADRA Board Member
Management Education
Mission: To provide a comprehensive, membership guided curriculum of educational programs targeted to deck builders and their employees.
Chairman - Mark DeMarco, NADRA Vice President
Mastermind Marketing Group
Mission: To act as a focus group for NADRA benefit programs; examine marketing efforts by members, and report findings to the NADRA board.
Chairman - Kim Katjwik, NADRA Board Member
For more information, or to get involved with a committee or work group please send an email to Info@NADRA.org with the committee/group name in the subject line. | |
