News Detail

What's in it for us?

5/1/2004

Each year, members donate countless hours of time to ACI. Why do we do it-and why should others join us? Part of my training as incoming ACI President was a seminar on nonprofit organizations sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives. The seminar provided insight into the importance of understanding and meeting the needs of our members. Successful societies create (in management consultant speak) "a unique and sustainable reputation for value among stakeholders." I like to think of it as providing such outstanding benefits that a potential or current member will have no trouble answering the question "What's in it for me?" when he or she decides to join ACI or renew membership.

Each of us will have different answers to the question. For some it is the networking, for others it is our technical publications, or committee work, or education programs, or certification, or simply protecting a vested interest. Irrespective of the answer, to be successful, ACI must demonstrate unique value to entice members to join and stay involved. Part of our strategic planning process is to identify issues and benefits that create value.

I reviewed some past President's Memos, starting almost from their inception in 1961. What struck me was the number of topics that were frequently repeated, such as membership development; contractor, international, and student participation; chapters; education and certification programs; practical publications and code simplification; and electronic publishing. This repetition does not reflect a lack of action or execution, but rather the continually changing environment in which we operate. These issues are as relevant today as they have ever been. They will continue to be relevant for the next 100 years because they have everything to do with creating and sustaining value for our members.

Over the next year, I plan to maintain continuity of existing programs that evolved from our strategic plan, with the following key areas of emphasis:

• We should work to expand ACI's Student Fellowship Program, championed by Past President Dan Baker. Students are our future and we must attract the best and brightest.



• We should continue efforts to establish ACI as a truly international society. My vision of "international" is that ACI activities will be completely open and transparent to any member-no matter where they live or what their native tongue. International participation has long been a goal, and we have made significant progress. With today's electronic communication tools to complement personal contacts, we can move even further along. The challenge will be to deliver ACI's products and programs globally and cost- effectively relative to local economies.



• Over the past 100 years, ACI's volunteer members have established the highest standards for our technical publications and our education, certification, and convention programs. We need to continue this excellence, and also take advantage of new technologies that permit us to integrate and enhance our programs. We are already seeing stronger communication and coordination of efforts between our standing committees.



• We should take advantage of our chapter network, contractor participation, sustaining members, and our Strategic Development Council to help us understand the needs of the concrete industry marketplace. This will allow us to improve development and delivery of relevant concrete knowledge.



• We need to address the changing legal landscape in which ACI operates. Our codes and copyrights are being challenged, and we must respond to protect our interests.

As we look forward to our next 100 years, we have unlimited opportunities. I believe our members and staff have the knowledge, resourcefulness, and dedication to take advantage of these opportunities. It is an exciting time for the Institute.

Before closing, I would like to thank our dedicated ACI staff. While most rarely meet the members, with professionalism and enthusiasm, they make ACI work. So you can get to know them better, we will provide staff introductions in upcoming issues.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as your President. When I look back at the history of ACI and the exceptional individuals who have served in this position before me, I am humbled and truly thankful. I will certainly do my best to uphold the standards set by my predecessors, serve the membership, contribute to the future of our Institute, and hopefully add value.

Anthony E. Fiorato, President
American Concrete Institute
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