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Published in: September 2009
Category: Every day we hear of jurisdictions downsizing inspection departments and even, in some cases, doing away with the very services that were created to protect us and our neighbors. Will Rogers is reported once to have said, “All I know is just what I read in the newspaper.” I just read in the Dallas Morning News that the city of Dallas, Texas, when debating which services and programs to cut funding from to balance the budget, indicated that they would not consider cutting funds or people from the code enforcement departments. Building inspectors—electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building—and fire inspectors were specifically singled out as those that would NOT be cut. Way to go, Dallas! Somebody at city hall gets the Blue Sky message. It appears that other jurisdictions are only considering how to save money without acknowledging the future ramifications of not maintaining a knowledgeable code enforcement force. It seems to me that there are many opportunities for a jurisdiction to keep the inspectors busy by doing all those inspections and services that they were once too busy to do. Isn’t more time now available for education and training so that the inspector will be even more efficient when building comes back? Doesn’t it make sense that a knowledgeable and experienced staff, whose mission is to protect all citizens, should be funded by all citizens and not depend on just permit and inspection fees? Enough on that rant!
Some exciting things are happening at IAEI. In an effort to meet financial needs of the association and to offer programs that many members have asked for in the membership surveys, IAEI is looking at various membership programs and opportunities (benefits). Non-dues revenue is a popular catch phrase these days. This includes revenue sources other than membership dues. These programs and opportunities pay IAEI when a member takes advantage of a particular program. Programs such as the IAEI credit card or the new limited health insurance offering are just two that are being offered presently. Look for other discount programs for goods and services—hotel rooms, car rental, RX discounts, and entertainment programs, just to name a few that will be offered. By being a member of IAEI you would get goods and services at a special discounted rate, and IAEI would receive commissions when the member uses the service. You probably use some of these services now, why not save money through your membership in IAEI? You may be able to save enough to pay for your dues.
Other non-dues revenue generating programs IAEI has instituted recently is the IAEI Weekly Update that you receive each Wednesday by email. IAEI shares in the advertising revenue. IAEI has begun selling its books on Amazon and that is becoming a growing revenue source.
IAEI continues the goal of writing and producing its many outstanding training books and materials. Books and seminars are still a major source of revenue. IAEI also provides opportunities for distance learning by partnering with two other organizations to provide on-line training.
Of course all the benefits offered, all the training materials produced and offered, all the seminars scheduled, all the committee work done to increase the value of IAEI membership is for naught if you don’t take advantage of your membership. Membership comes with responsibilities also. Sharing with others your knowledge and expertise by serving on committees, attending division, chapter and section meetings, and teaching not only strengthens you personally but also serves as an example to others who may be just starting in their career. If you are a new member get involved in your local division or chapter. Be mentored and become a mentor. Will it keep your job? Maybe, maybe not; but being a member of IAEI will certainly put you in touch with others and will give you the opportunity to excel.
I think back on my career in the electrical industry and remember starting out as an apprentice electrician. I became a local electrical inspector and was asked—no, told—to become a member of IAEI. I attended our chapter meetings, networking with my contemporaries throughout the state. I attended the section meetings, getting to know the many wonderful people throughout the section. I got involved on chapter committees, served as president, served as secretary/treasurer, and planned, conducted, and taught seminars. I got involved in code work through IAEI, served on code-making panels as an IAEI-sponsored member in the enforcer classification, served as a panel chair, and became the chair of the NFPA NEC Technical Correlating Committee, and became a member of the NFPA Standards Council. I even became your CEO/Executive Director—all because of IAEI membership. That membership brought to me an obligation to be involved.
Now, as I approach retirement, again, I remember fondly all the work, good friends, and fun that became part of my life. Thank you all!
Yesterday was different, today is different again, and tomorrow will be different as well, but IAEI will continue.
Be proud to wear the IAEI brand!
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