Wanderings

by Bob McBride

Well, here we are, it’s summer. What some of us wait for all year. Hot lazy days, vacations, family gatherings and, for me, some sailing. Life is good. This summer is especially busy for me, having my daughter and three grandkids visiting. The McBride household has changed its situation considerably.
Accustomed as I am to a more mundane, quiet existence, the addition of a twelve-, ten- and two-year old has become something of an adventure in changed lifestyle for me. The morning quiet time no longer exists. My daughter fusses over me, making sure my diet is in accordance with her definition of meal preparation and other matters best left unmentioned.
Change is a part of life. Change is also a part of business. In order to survive these changes, we must adapt to meet that which change presents.
There are times when these necessary changes become challenges. Sometimes, it is simply a matter of convenience. Other times, the issues are of greater impact We are all aware, or at least we should be, of the various changes we have been dealing with in the pursuit of a continuance
of the business in which we are engaged. As time goes on we seem to be confronted with the never-ending barrage of challenges in maintaining the necessary volume of business, profitability, environmental regulations, employment issues and on and on.
We of your association are constantly working for you and the other factors that are the daily obligations of doing our job.
Through DLI and PDCA, our staffs are constantly in touch with those issues that affect the industry, both the good and bad.
As new methods are developed for the best and most efficient handling of garments, we constantly keep in touch with the manufacturers of clothing and equipment to keep you informed of what is
new.
Through our seminars and shows, we bring the newest and latest of that which is available for
you.
Through our ongoing contact with the regulatory agencies of federal, state and even local government, we are able to advise of changes and future developments.
We also are constantly in touch with the various service industries that supply us with energy to operate at peak efficiency.
Other services that we investigate and negotiate with are the various types that we require, such as business insurance, supply chains and more.
Working hard is time consuming and costly for us all. In these lean times, it takes a certain amount of entrepreneurial imagination to further our goals successfully, not only for you but for us, as
well. Having the backup of experience is also important. That is why the associations exist. To help our members not only succeed, but also to stay on top of the pack. Without such assistance it would be exceedingly difficult.
In order for your association to succeed, the support of the members is needed so we can all be the best informed within our sphere of influence. When viewed in this light, it becomes clear that we are all in the same boat. (I’m thinking of sailing again.)
We support you. You support us. Isn’t that nice and easy? Not always, we know, but it is certainly better to hang together rather than hang separately. I believe that Benjamin Franklin used that phrase during the nation’s struggle for independence.
So, let us hang together. At least we’ll be in good company!
Don’t forget that our very popular EXPO is coming up in September. What a great chance to get together again to enjoy our independence, renew and make new acquaintances, see what is the latest in equipment and technology and have the opportunity to have some fun. More details will be found in the PDCA Press.

See you there.