Here we are at the end of my term and last article for the newsletter. Instances like this are bittersweet. It will be nice to gain a little bit of extra time and it will certainly be nice not to have a looming newsletter every month. On the other hand, I will certainly miss the depth of involvement with the CRA and everything that accompanies that involvement. It has truly been a pleasure and a valuable learning experience over which I hope the members of the CRA have felt well represented and satisfied with its direction.

I cannot say enough about the CRA members and especially the board members I had the opportunity to work with during the past two years. There never seemed to be a shortage of volunteers for any project that came up and never a question of commitment. Everyone pitched in when the task demanded it. Whether it was state registration, the training program, charity work, or any event the CRA may host, everyone has been generous with their contributions to any of the projects we have tried to accomplish.

While state registration is still a matter to be decided, the training program is on course and should be a reality in the next year. We are still determining if state registration is a viable option for the next year. The decision to proceed or not will be determined shortly after a meeting with members of the House of Representatives to get a pulse prior to reintroducing the bill again. Unfortunately, our last try was thwarted by a polarized political climate and a late introduction of our bill. The late introduction of the bill did not allow us to properly educate members of congress to make an informed decision. I think state registration would be a valuable asset to all CRA members and help give our industry the respect it deserves. Please give us your feedback if you feel this is something we should continue and your responses will be factored in as well. I cannot express enough gratitude to those who spent so much time and energy trying to make state registration happen especially Curt Boyd, Amy Hawkins, Rick Rosendahl and Debbie Hathorne.

Being president for the past two years has taught me a lot and given me a new appreciation for the CRA as an organization and everyone who is involved in it. If you are not active in the CRA give it a try. I can assure you, you will get more out of it than what you put in. Have a great Holiday Season and see you at the Awards Dinner. Peace out.

Kirk Tiley
Tiley Roofing, Inc.
CRA President