I am honored to be the new Executive Director of CATT. Already in my first month as ED I have met with several of you and heard your concerns about the direction of the economy and increased government regulations. CATT was founded in 1998 to protect your rights as a business owner and educate influencers and policy makers on the issues that are unique to those in the building industry. While we enjoy each other’s company at mixers and events, let’s not forget the camaraderie we share is forged in the sharing of a common interest, a common purpose, a common trade and a common way of life, WE will defend that.
Already I have met with the Local Government Affairs Committee (LGAC) and our Political Action Committee (CATTPAC) and not two weeks into the job we are in negotiations with local entities over impact fees. Government fees seem like they are ever increasing and our industry seems to be the easy target time and again…Not Anymore. While nobody disagrees that services cost money, we need to make sure that just like you, our members, government entities are being thoughtful and responsible with their budgets.
Because regulations, fee increases, taxes and other items always come up from the many regulatory agencies, your membership is important, above all else your volunteerism is just as important…YOU are the experts in your business and how it is affected by the government. If you only have an hour a month, that expert hour is precious to us and your fellow members…call the office, ask the staff, we are never short on committees and things to do. Involve yourselves, your families, your employees in CATT. If public policy isn't for you, there is CATT Community Project (CATTCP) our 501c3 non-profit that makes an incredible impact in our community. CATT is an incredibly powerful and influential force in the community and you are CATT…there is strength in numbers for our collective endeavors.
I look forward to meeting all of you, my door is always open and my phone is always available to you, 12313 Soaring Way, IA, Truckee, CA and 530-555-9999. Come by, the coffee is good here and let's get to know each other. If you can’t get away…I'll come to you with coffee in hand…and I don't care if it's at the job site…all the better!
I’ll emphasize, there is strength in numbers…recruit, recruit, recruit!!! be our evangelists, you are helping your company, yourselves and your community by doing so. Stay warm, stay dry and be safe out there.
With Best Regards,
Edward C. Vento
Executive Director
