SUCCESS IN CONSTRUCTION
It is not enough to have a dream unless you’re willing to pursue it. It is not enough to know what’s right unless you’re strong enough to do it. It’s not enough to learn the truth unless you also learn to live it. It’s not enough to reach for love unless you care enough to give it. Men who are resolved to find a way for themselves will always find opportunities enough, and if they do not find them they will make them.”
--Samuel Smiles
Welcome and congratulations to all of our new members and strategic partners this month. Please remember to engage with our committees nationally and locally. A special announcement and acknowledgment to our NABWIC Member of the Year, Dominique McNeil who was selected by the national membership. She was also a member of the month.
I am a strong believer in the power of collective ideas to overcome the collective struggles, challenges, trials, and tribulations in the construction industry, because it is not enough to have a dream, unless we as a national organization are willing to pursue it, as shared by Samuel Smiles in his book, Self Help, published in 1859.
Pursuing the dream is where the journey in this industry begins, which is helping our members to build stronger character as we learn to build stronger businesses and more strategic relationships to help and support the growth of the construction industry.
Building more strategic relationships is one of the tools we are using in our toolbox.
For example, in October we participated in the following:
- Public-Private Partnership in Facilities Conference
- Public Private Partnerships Nabwic Billion Dollar Luncheon Opportunities
- The National Chicago Build Expo
- Bonding Workshops
- MEDWEEK Activities
- USDOT DBE Rules Making Outreach Events
These are only some of the many national events we have participated in to develop leaders among our members and continue to build strategic partnerships. John Maxwell shares, “Leadership is influence.” As an organization, we are continually building influence as leaders in the industry of transportation, water, infrastructure, healthcare, energy, transit, facilities, ports, aviation, public-private partnerships, and many others. For example, USDOT Secretary, Pete Buttigieg publicly shares his private meeting on The Breakfast Club this is a great example of influence for the association, as he empowers our members. This is a major accomplishment.
Is this considered success in the construction industry? I agree with the words of Orison Sweet Martin, 1897, publisher of Success Magazine when he said, “Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition, you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.