The Cossinghams and their staff couldn't have been nicer and more receptive to the idea of discussing NAMFS and sharing their views on the association. My objective is to meet with our largest members and create a dialogue that will lead to positive changes within the association for all members. Getting "user" input is the surest way to offer value added services to our membership and to take their feedback to use for association as well as industry projects.
NFR's site is only about three years old and houses most of their entire operation. Departmentalized by product, as most shops are, there was a quiet buzz as I noticed everone's noses to the grindstone. Our meeting lasted close to two hours at which we discussed the Certification Program (and possible testing requirements for new applicants), concerns over the low HUD pricing in ML 2010-18, especially for grass cuts, and issues processing EPA-required lead paint bids through P260.
All in all, the meeting was productive and I was given some good ideas to bring back to the home office and work on. Steve, Hank and the rest of the company have always been big supporters of NAMFS and I really appreciated the opportunity to see their operation and to get their thoughts and feelings about the association and industry as a whole. Thanks again to National Field Reps.