| Industry Image Is
Morphing
The editorial "Industry
Image Initiative May Be Dying" (ENR 5/10 p. 48) accurately
describes the meeting of the National Construction Industry
Image steering committee as a watershed event. The purpose
of the meeting was to reflect on achievements and to refine
the vision of Chairman Pete Wert, who led the start-up effort.
We are indebted to Pete for tilling
the rocky soil of cynicism and industry self-deprecation.
Under his leadership the committee launched the National Hard
Hat Heroes award program and developed an industry recruiting
DVD that speaks to the interests of future generations to
make a difference in the world, repair the unintended damage
done by our built environment and enhance our collective quality
of life. The committee also established a network of change
agents who proactively exchange best practices and innovative
solutions for local application. In his final act as chairman,
Pete challenged the group to redefine the future of the industry.
The editorial provides a cautionary
warning in citing the failure of past efforts to change the
industry image. The decision to abandon the classic committee
structure reflects careful study of the issue. The adopted
"champions" structure is a solution for a new era.
It is unfortunate that the editorial
failed to grasp that what was happening in Dallas was a metamorphosis.
Rumors of our death were greatly exaggerated!
Welcome Vets with Jobs
I was so impressed
with the initiative of the cover story "Helmet to Hardhats"
(ENR 6/14 p. 28) that I read it twice. It is very important
that we, the people of a free, democratic country, welcome
back our military servicepersons and give them the opportunity
to earn the living they sacrificed while in the military.
This has not been the case in the recent past.
My brother served in the Army during
the Vietnam war. He was drafted out of a Ph.D. program in
laser physics to serve for three years. Upon his discharge
in 1972, jobs were few and there was little to no help from
the Army. One hundred rejection letters were devastating to
his self esteem, resulting in his characteristically accepting
a low-paying job.
Bill Gaul is to be applauded for
seeing the void in the system and starting The Destiny Group.
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