This month
honestly just flew by and as I look back on noted items in my calendar it
doesn’t seem like I have that much to report. However, the truth of the matter
is I was so busy watching and worrying about the bills being filed
affecting our industry that I have not had the “ in office” time to log some of
my activities. To recap I spent just about every day in March at the capitol
representing the brand of AHBA if not for this session preparing the foundation
for future sessions. Now, to somehow convey how that may occur let me just
state in one confined paragraph a summation of March
introductions.
The business
relationship between Kenny Hall, Randy Zook at state chamber has been awesome
for the AHBA. Met with Lt. Gov Tim Griffin and his Executive assistant Kelsi
Bodine to exchange updated contact information since my employment with
Entergy. I will get on his calendar later this year. Same with Senator Jason
Rapert and will soon visit him at his office in Conway. We were in Rotary
together for many years and Mrs Kim Tyler will help me make sure this happens.
Met Senator Clark in Hot Springs who owns a building supply house and he is the
one that has me communicating with the lumber association now. Representative
Henderson and Senator Standridge in Russellville will hopefully help me with the
initial meeting of what I would like to call someday the River Valley HBA.
Other notable introductions have occurred in March are J. D. Harper with
Arkansas Manufacturing Housing Association. Talked with Sentor Jane English
several times about Workforce Development and technical education for our
state. Others to mention are Representative Eddie Armstrong and a new
acquaintance Representative Love.
March
activities:
Attending Greater Little Rock HBA meet and great at “The Design Center” on the 12th.
Attending Greater Little Rock HBA meet and great at “The Design Center” on the 12th.
I was invited to
speak at the Saline County HBA meeting held at Crye Leike Realtors on the
17th.
Conference call
with Jeff Pinwar Printcomm/marketing impact group that handles monthly magazines
for many State HBAs on 20th.
Lunch meeting
with First Security executives Brent Brantmeier, John Davis, and Dan Rankin on
the 20th.
Attended
Arkansas Economic Development Luncheon Wally Allen Ballroom held
26th.
April Planned
Activities:
Attended the
State Chamber Legislative send off PARTA held at State Chamber..
Attended State
Chamber invited Coffee meeting with Congressmen Steve
Womack
Was able to make
my first trip to NEAHBA in Jonesboro to speak at their monthly meeting. (Holy
Cow that place has grown) lots of membership potential
there.
Attended State
Chamber sponsored lobbyist panel discussion on how this last session went and
how to prepare ourselves for the future.
Meeting with
Mark Rennar with Cranford Company
EO meeting
scheduled for the 16th
2nd
quarter Board meeting scheduled for 17th at
AECC
21st
meeting with ASAE meeting
22nd
meeting with Amanda Story lobbyist group
23rd
scheduled to speak at the Southeast Arkansas HBA monthly
meeting
26th-29th
I fly to DC to attend the training for Executive Officers new in their roles
(That will be interesting)
29th
I have meet and greet meetings planned with our local Congressmen or their
staff.