Masonry Magazine December 2000 Page. 36
For decades, association boards governed their organizations through a review and ratify process. Boards oversaw committee functions and approved what was already achieved, spending very little time on the future and planning for that future. Today, more and more boards are turning toward a forward-thinking system of strategic governance to guide their associations. Many associations now spend the majority of their time strategically thinking about the future and the impact their association should have in shaping that future.
Boards today are looking well into the future, looking at the total realm of possible variables that could exist and then charting an aggressive path for the organization to follow. To be influential in their industry, boards must create a set of informed assumptions about what the future will hold. With these educated guesses about the future in place, the board then begins to move the organization in the direction that will best serve the long term interests of the organization and its members. Participants make decisions knowing full well that their intended goal may be affected by the unknown variables, and may require adjustments in their actions. While working under this process, the board understands that as more clear information is presented to effect the assumptions made, the direction may need to shift.
The Mason Contractors Association of America, the only association to serve the interests of all the industry contractors, is moving towards strategic governance. On July 24 and 25, Executive Committee members met to begin thinking strategically about the future of the masonry industry, where the industry will be in thirty years and how the association will play a vital role in advancing the interests of its members.
(left to right) MCAA members Roy Swindal of Masonry Arts, Larry Mongole of Dur-O-Wal and Mackie Bounds of Brazos Masonry debate association mega issues that will guide the association.
Thi
At a long-range strategic planning retreat, MCAA Executive Committee members met for two days to map out the future of the association and the role it will play in shaping construction.
Members and staff brainstorm to compile a list of options to debate over the future of the industr
36 MASONRY-NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, 2000