Lessons from History

By John Walsh, WSTDA President

The year was 1775. Author Charles Dickens in his classic novel A Tale of Two Cities opened chapter one entitled The Period, with these words, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” This year is 2009 and a dark cloud of economic despair has descended upon us. In this time of instant information, we are inundated with depressing prognostications. Bad news follows bad news until one wonders where to look, where to turn, what road to take, what strategy to apply to our business and personal futures.

As we stare into the uncertain economic and political abyss, those timeless words written over two hundred and thirty years ago seem to apply today as they did then. Yes, it is in a way “the worst of times.” Yes, there is a dark cloud hovering over us, but is there a silver lining? I truly believe that there is! There will be “a best of times” again.

Since the time of Charles Dickens, the world has suffered many disasters, both natural and man-made. Disease, famine and wars have all torn great chunks out of mankind’s progress. Yet, today who would go back to a time that created “A Tale of Two Cities?” Having read the book, certainly not me!

Think of what we have, not what we do not have. Health and health care, personal and intellectual freedom, liberty and freedom from fear, a commendable standard of living, the possibility of improving ourselves and caring for our families are all still ours. Do not forget the good things, keep a positive outlook, there are bright sunlit happy days ahead for us to enjoy, and we will.

While all this goes on, the work of the WSTDA continues and we look forward to what I think of as our “Late Spring Meeting” in Asheville North Carolina June first to fifth. This meeting features the new meeting schedule approved at General Session during our Fall 2008 Meeting in St. Louis. Please be sure to take note. As this is our Annual Meeting, much business will be conducted. Included is the election of a new Board of Directors. In accordance with our By-Laws, a Nominating Committee will be struck to bring forth candidates to be placed before you and for you to vote on at General Session. I urge anyone who is interested in Board Service to contact me and I will be sure your interest is passed to the Nominating Committee.

Member involvement is the backbone of our Association. In the last few years, we have seen an uptake in interest and involvement. There is room for more! You have knowledge and experience to share. Consider your interests and volunteer to be part of a committee that addresses this area. You will receive more than you bring, however, we need what you bring.

Over the past two years, our industry and our Association have seen turbulent times. The horrendous crane accident in New York on March 14, 2008 triggered a rush of comment from those who were knowledgeable, those who were not and those who just wanted to get into print and did not care about truth or facts. For this publication, our WSTDA Legal Counsel Gerard Panaro has provided an excellent summary of the now known facts and the investigative and legal steps taken to date in this tragic incident. I recommend it for your reading.

As an Association we have, as discussed before, tried to reach out to other like-minded Associations where we feel there are synergies. This resulted in AWRF Technical Committee Chair Don Pellow attending our Spring 2008 Meeting and my attending an AWRF Technical Committee Meeting in August 2008, representing the WSTDA. I am pleased to advise that Jeff Gilbert, AWRF Executive Director is planning to attend our Asheville meeting. I urge all to welcome and get to know Jeff.

I had the pleasure of election to the WSTDA Board of Directors in the spring of 2001. Since then, serving the WSTDA in this manner, with an exceptional group of men and women has been the highlight of my business career. This eclipsed only by the opportunity to serve for the last three years as your President. I have received superb support from many wonderful Board Members, Association Members and of course from our Association Managers the King Stringfellow Group.

To every season, there is a time and it is time for me to move aside and let new blood with new ideas and new enthusiasm take the helm. Therefore, I will not seek reelection to the Board at our forthcoming Annual Meeting. There are capable people available and I am sure the Board will choose my successor wisely. I will however be pleased to continue service as proscribed in our By Laws.

Asheville awaits us. We will again assemble to continue the essential work of the WSTDA. Once more, in these trying times, the relevance and programs of our Association are truly vindicated. Now, more than ever, we must be up to the task. Come, enjoy, participate, learn and in turn teach. I wish you safe times and safe travels.

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