The leaders and staff of ABC of Western Washington met for two days for the annual planning retreat to chart the course for the next year and reaffirm long-term goals. The participants included outgoing, returning and incoming board members, as well as a few members from the “Rising Stars” leadership program and the entire staff. “ABCof Western Washington is committed to attaining our long-term goals, but, obviously, with such a different economic situation than a year ago, we must chart a new course to get there. We liken it to having to change tactics in sailing when the winds change or you get becalmed,” observed Chapter Chair Les Sargeant (United Systems Mechanical, LLC). “We have the same destination; we are just getting there a different way.”
The four councils that are responsible for doing the work of
ABC of Western Washington set their goals at the retreat at Suncadia. They have until the August 11 board meeting to flesh out their annual action plans and report them to the full board of directors.
The Membership Council, headed by Vice Chair
Larry Newton (Lovsted-Worthington, LLC), is getting back to the basics of membership recruitment, involvement and retention, as well as developing new member services.
The Development & Education Council (formerly the Professional Development Council) mapped out a new goal to expand ABC’s business practice (office) offerings while maintaining the already full calendar of field operations (field and safety) courses. The council is led by Vice Chair-Development & Education Ryan Haggard (Haggard Electrical Contractors).
The Government & Labor Affairs Council remains focused on lobbying in Olympia, electing pro-free enterprise candidates and keeping the marketplace open for all contractors and workers. The vice chair-government and labor affairs is Jeremy Stendera (APEX).
The Governance Council, which oversees leadership and chapter development, Retro and marketing, is launching a new communications/marketing task force. Chair Les Sargeant also chairs this council. Expect a more detailed report in the September
ABC Newsline.