The leadership of the Florida Carpenters Regional Council took a significant step in promoting efficient Council and Training operations in the face of the COVID pandemic recently. Executive Secretary-Treasurer James Banks hosted the first full, in-person staff meeting since the pandemic started in early 2020. Council representatives and leaders of the Florida Carpenters Training Trust Fund teamed to tackle a full agenda during the 8-hour meeting. Key topics included:

Member Recruitment and Retention: EST Banks led discussions to address strategies about how best to spark recruitment and retain members. A key recruitment and retention tool for staff was introduced and outlined – a newly created New Member Orientation packet.

Insurance and Pension Funds: EST Banks gave a report and hosted a question/answer session about the solid, positive status of the insurance and retirement funds. The pensions fund is currently 98.7% funded and the health and welfare fund has a 25-month reserve balance.

Training: Florida State Training Director Jimmie Jordan presented and discussed a detailed report about all training programs (Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa), including apprenticeship statistics and skill-enhancement opportunities for journeymen.

Council Goals: South Florida Area Manager Frank D’Angelo led a presentation and discussion about the 2021-2022 Council goals. Goals are focused on growing membership through better recruitment of members and signatory contractors.

“I’ve said all along – and it’s even more imperative now – that our staff works toward the daily goal of establishing the best possible conditions for our members to secure work and create a great quality of life for themselves and their families,” EST Banks said. “Our members and staff are both doing an outstanding job in remaining productive for our industry partners despite the challenges that this ongoing COVID pandemic brings. This in-person meeting further supports this mission. There is no substitute for the productivity associated with in-person conversations.”