"Passing the Gavel" The President's Message, March 2000 by Randall D. Holler, Manufactured Structures Corporation

I would like to use my first opportunity as President of the MBI to offer some congratulations and observations.

Congratulations Mike Morton!

First, congratulations definitely goes out to Mike Morton. It is nice to see that one who works so hard to excel is recognized for outstanding achievement. For years we have all enjoyed the excellent Awards of Distinction entries from Modular Technology. While I am no authority on Mike's full line of achievements, I do know that his dedication to our industry goes far beyond his own company. Mike was President of the MBI when I first joined the Board. Even today, Doug Hensley of Modular Technology sits on our Board. I would also like to note that Mike's wife Laurie has been involved in many activities of the Board, as well as their company, I am sure. They have offered just recently to help us in any way they can.

Congratulations Laurie Robert!

What a convention! I only heard great compliments during and after the convention. The activities were great and well organized. Traditionally East Coast conventions draw fewer participants than those on the West Coast. However, this was not the case this year. A record convention audience participated and attendance at all speakers' functions was excellent.

Patti, our son Michael, and I enjoyed the entire time (with the exception of a few frustrating moments on the golf course.) Of course there was that frog incident that Frank Maguire mentioned. Patti made me let the frog go.


Thanks to Linc Moss!

Linc did a great job as MBI president and he certainly deserves our thanks. His dedication to the industry is tremendous and his impact on the MBI as president will be felt for years to come.

What a Board!

I can honestly say that every MBI Board roster I have been part of has been composed of energetic hard-working individuals who have taken their roles very seriously. This year's Board is no exception. I have informally used the term "activists" to describe their complexion. Helping guide the new Board, we not only have our most recent past president, two former presidents are also now sitting on the Board. Among them are not just one, but two recipients of the Outstanding Achievement Award.

MBI Labels are Coming.

Our industry has gone through consolidation and expansion simultaneously. Dealers have bought dealers and manufacturers have bought manufacturers, while new participants have opened. In many cases when a purchase occurs, the MBI's revenues decline because two dues paying members become one. The simplest method of offsetting this problem is the label method (also called seals). The "experts" in trade association operation all recommend implementing revenue-generating programs other than dues. I am confident that during this next year the labels program will begin.

Where was Barry Gossett?
The initial recipient of the outstanding achievement award and 1985 MBI president was missing at this year's convention. I also noticed that several others, including Mike Saltier were absent.

These gentlemen and others laid the groundwork for our successful organization. They continue to give time and resources to make sure we remain viable. It is unfortunate that they were unable to attend. I sincerely hope that they will make it to next year's convention in Las Vegas.

I had the opportunity to thank many people when I addressed the convention at the Annual Awards Banquet. I want also for these men to know that we appreciate their efforts and missed their comradely.

Copyright © Modular Building Institute, March, 2000.