Ray Hefner, Executive Director, The VOICE Newsletter, December 2023

The days on the 2023 calendar are beginning to dwindle down, and we are all focused on the holidays, friends and family but, don’t forget 2024 is around the corner. 2024 is a clean slate for everyone, and we can put the successes and failures of 2023 in the rearview mirror (don’t look back)! It is time to start thinking about 2024 and setting goals and objectives. Many of us begin the year with a New Year’s resolution which might be: “I am going to learn to play pickle ball; I am going to walk two miles a day; I am going to spend more time with my family; I am going to grow my business 8.5%, etc.” You get the drift, right? Let’s get busy and get them done!

With your personal and professional goals in mind, I want all ASCC members to start thinking about their ASCC (volunteer) goals they might like to achieve in 2024. The ASCC is a wonderful group of volunteers who are committed to their craft and the ASCC, which is what makes the ASCC a viable trade association and leaders in the concrete and construction industry. We need to keep up this legacy! Specially, I want each ASCC member to start thinking about making a New Year’s resolution to be part of the ASCC Mentor program. The ASCC needs mentors to work with the next generation of members, and this means YOU!

What is a mentor? According to Wikipedia, a mentor is “an experience and trusted advisor.” As all of you know the ASCC maintains a Mentor program, but the bench is thin. The ASCC needs a new stable of mentors to guide and teach the next generation of ASCC members. The ASCC and its members are leaders in the industry, and we need to ensure the next generation of ASCC leaders benefits from the ASCC members’ expertise. So, do you have what it takes to be a mentor?

• Relevant Expertise or Knowledge. It may seem obvious, but your mentor should have some kind of relevant background. ...
• Enthusiasm for Sharing That Expertise ...
• A Respectful Attitude ...
• Eagerness to Invest in Others ...
• The Ability to Give Honest and Direct Feedback ...
• Reflective Listening and Empathy ...
• Willingness and time to Be a Mentor ...

If you answered yes, to any of the above, then you should be an ASCC mentor! So, when you make your “volunteer” New Year’s resolution, please make one to be part of the ASCC Mentor team. We you’re your knowledge! Please contact me if you would like to get involved in the ASCC mentor program. I appreciated everyone’s consideration and support! Happy Holidays to everyone in the ASCC family!