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February 1st, 2016 #09199 Page #10
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Don’t Forget! You Saw it in the
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Fighting the Good Fight In January, I had the privilege of once again attending SBCA Chapter meetings. Having participated Director of Communications and Marketing in meetings for many years as WTCA/SBCA staff, it was Component Manufacturing Advertiser. funny to think I was now calling in as an SBCA member. In the past, I spent 13 years working to support members, and now I was a member too! Attending the meetings took me right back to conversations I had over the years and problems we addressed together. Anna L. Stamm
Finding the Right People The conversation that struck the deepest chord with me happened at the Alabama Chapter meeting. The members began discussing how difficult it is to recruit workers into our industry. Everyone agreed, you can give presentations at high schools, tech schools, and community colleges, but more times than not you feel like there is no reward. You try to entice these students with facts about good jobs in a terrific industry, and you wonder how you can get through to them. But sometimes, there is a connection. Sometimes, you do reach your audience, if only for a while.
1997 ASI B500 Component Saw 1997 ASI B500, 5-blade component saw, features semi-automatic user interface with backup mechanical indicators, grouped functions such as automatic blade alignment for chords or webs, automatic centerline adjustment of nominal board size, safety fencing, shaker pan scrap system, digital read outs and push-button adjustment controls. 480 volt, 3 phase. $19,890 FOB ON Wood Truss Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtrusssystems.com
Making the Connections The conversation reminded me of Bob Becht. As we were all sad to learn, Bob passed away in November. In his heyday though, he was a force to be reckoned with in South Florida. I remember that, for a time, he had made a good connection with the Indian River Community College. He had made that link that everyone wants – a connection with an instructor that leads to a room full of students who are actually paying attention during a conversation about truss design. The catch, however, is what happens to everything in life – it’s only temporary. The whole process is cyclical – whatever grows in popularity will eventually fade in popularity. What’s important though is trying. Whether or not it’s a success at any given moment is not the point. You have to keep trying to make the connection, because the value is well worth it when you succeed.
1997 Timbermill 620 Pro SSD Timbermill 620 Pro single-sided digital, model 6-20 Pro SSD. Six heads cuts lumber from 2x3 through 2x12, 4x2 lengths from 13” to 20’ including four-angle floor truss webs from 19". "Pro" model features faster angulation movements and faster carriage speeds with soft-start technology and powered movements with single-side setup and digital readouts. Includes set of spare blades, drag-chain waste conveyor with incline, and all available spare parts. 480V 3ph. $25,990 FOB IA Wood Truss Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtrusssystems.com
Coming Together in the Chapter The wonderful thing about chapters is that they can bring together competitors and unite them for a common goal. A room full of people struggling to stay in business can still discuss the day’s issues and offer solutions toward their mutual progress. The solutions may or may not work, but at least they’re trying. At least sometimes they hit the winning combination, connect with the right instructor, educate the right inspectors, agree to the optimal plan of attack. In chapters, you may not get along with everyone on every issue. You may not be the kind of friends who would ever socialize in another setting. That reminds me of Bob Becht too. Through all of his years in the business, Bob worked with folks who really liked him as well as folks who really did not. But that happens to all of us – some people connect with us and others learn to tolerate us. No one can deny, however, that Bob was a powerful figure as a business leader, as a Chapter President, as Membership Committee Chair, as WTCA President. Bob knew a lot about fighting the good fight, and South Florida won’t be the same without him. Rest in peace, Bob. PHONE: 800-289-5627
2006 Alpine Speed Cut Express Single blade centerline Speed Cut saw with automation and digital setup. Minimum angle is 5 degrees and the maximum angle is 135 degrees. Maximum scarf cut is 22 inches. Angulation and length measure are powered. 20 foot infeed and 10 foot outfeed conveyors are included along with spare blade. Lightly used and currently supported by Alpine Equipment Division. 208 volt, 3 phase electrical. $27,990 FOB MT. Wood Truss Systems 765-751-9990 www.woodtrusssystems.com
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