I Have Some Concerns to Share

By John Walsh, WSTDA Vice President

Since 1973, nearly thirty-three years, the Web Sling & Tie Down Association has provided yeoman service to all aspects of our industry. How has it done this? Committed individuals have done it! These individuals have felt strongly about the importance of our mission, our organization and the membership. Sadly, it appears at this time, we have too few of them.

As a volunteer organization, we rely on member representatives taking an active roll. I am not seeing enough of this! Still, too few are stepping forward to serve on committees. To few on committees are willing to take the lead and chair that committee. We have had committee chairs resigning due to unfair workload or other reasons, could one say frustration. Board members have been unable to continue participation for similar reasons.

WSTDA membership and activities are at a high point, due to the diligent work of an exceptional few. They deserve and receive our heartfelt thanks. Why is it with record membership we are experiencing what may correctly be termed burnout among the truly committed? It is simple, there are too few of them!

To those who stand in the wings I suggest you ask yourself, why? From personal experience, I know the benefits of getting involved. In depth development of personal contacts, a better understanding of the industry we serve, and the learning experience of talking to others on important topics. Showing you are a contributor to our industry makes you a more valuable person in the industry and I might suggest, to your employer.

I call upon the membership to play an active roll. Everyone must speak up; we need dialogue on this problem. Should membership require a contribution? Should each member company representative be required at least to participate on a committee? To serve for a reasonable term, not forever. That may sound draconian, however, we need strong action if the WSTDA is to continue to lead our industry and meet the challenges we all face.

I urge everyone to seriously think about this situation. Speak to your employer about the real need for you to contribute through participation, and step forward at our San Francisco meeting by volunteering for a position. You will be glad you did!

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Web Sling & Tie Down Association

2105 Laurel Bush Rd. • Suite 200 • Bel Air, MD 21015 • phone: 443-640-1070 • fax: 443-640-1031 • wstda@ksgroup.org • www.wstda.com