February 2008 - Layton Outlines Plans for Second Presidential Term
By Mandi Harding, FCA Executive Director
 

Greg Layton, FCA president for the second consecutive year, hosted the January 23 Membership Networking Luncheon, moderating through the pre-determined agenda and the open discussion to raise framing industry concerns and identify appropriate resolutions.

Layton noted that as a trade-specific association, FCA are small by nature. This new networking format was designed to add to the association’s already existing educational component received through speaker’s luncheons.

 “I guess you could say the speaker’s luncheons offer the external component to keeping pace with the industry, including updates to building codes, immigration, fall protection and much more,” Layton explained. “In other words they offer framers the necessary information to remain successful, competitive and safe. Yet, the networking component was introduced to offer an internal component for members. In the past, I think a disconnect often existed between the board and the general membership. There may not have been as much communication and decision-making moving up regarding the course of the association. The networking luncheons provide the general forum needed for this communication and decision-making and the feedback confirms this.”

Layton kicked off the networking event by introducing the 2008 Board of Directors: Debbie Mello, A.C. Houston Lumber Company; Tim Twelker, D.A. Whitacre Construction; Rick Haynes, Duke Framing; Ryan Stewart, Framecon Incorporated; Larry Gilmore, Jr., Gilmore Construction; Mike Tamiazzo, Las Vegas Framing; Mike Ward, Maverick Construction; Jerry Nelson, Nelson Framing; Scott Rackley, Simpson Strong-Tie; Leon Mead, II., Snell & Wilmer; Glenn McClendon, Sun State Components; Tony Barras, T. Barras Framing and Trey Harris, TRC Framing.

Layton educated attendees about the association’s humble beginnings and offered a brief history and mission statement to enlighten and remind – Team Building 101.

As part of that history, Layton described the connection with the Associated General Contractors, Las Vegas Chapter through the affiliate association partnership ratified in 1999.

The board collaborated on its strategic plan and toyed with the idea of approaching a larger association that was stable, already offered numerous benefits and services to avoid duplication and had an established and respected government affair’s voice with which the FCA could establish a symbiotic relationship. Based on the criteria the AGC, Las Vegas Chapter was identified as the best fit. AGC was approached and also saw the value in partnering with a smaller trade organization that wanted to remain autonomous financially and continue its focus on trade specific concerns but enjoy dual membership in both organizations and add numbers to AGC’s already strong political voice.

“It is essential that FCA members get active on the well-established AGC committees. If not for the didactic aspect then to ensure adequate representation for the FCA,” prompted Layton.

Layton discussed two additional committee involvement opportunities: The Events and Legislative Action committees.

Layton said the former is in the process of recruiting members to plan and execute the FCA’s inaugural Generals vs. Subs Charity Golf Tournament planned for October 4 at Palm Valley Golf Course. The proceeds will go to a charity as designated by the committee.

Layton said the latter is integral to the joie de vivre of the association as a whole. As subcontractors – specifically framers – possess a few core issues needing the attention of lawmakers to overhaul certain laws. Layton noted that any FCA member was welcome to participate and shape the association’s legislative agenda in 2009. Layton also noted the first meeting date scheduled for February 21 at 8:30 a.m. held at the FCA office. Layton concluded the legislative topic by disseminating a legislative agenda survey with results ideally offering guidance to the committee’s work horses.

In sync, Layton discussed the association’s upcoming annual golf tournament on Saturday, March 22 with tournament proceeds enabling the association’s legislative agenda in the forthcoming legislative session. Layton encouraged all members to undertake sponsorships and enter a team for optimum tournament success.

A last minute housekeeping issue with regard to procuring nominations for the association’s Associate Member of the Year award found its way second to last on Layton’s agenda. Layton offered nomination forms, criteria for the award and announced its unveiling to the recipient would occur at the May luncheon.

The networking luncheon concluded with a healthy discussion on industry concerns and trends, offering enough morsels to steer the agenda at the first Legislative Committee meeting.

To sign up for FCA events or to learn more about FCA sponsorship opportunities contact Arron Pfeifer at 796-9986 or arron@agclv.org.