Election day is finally behind us. Some voters are ecstatic, others devastated. Some will be ambivalent and others numb. We at the Rhode Island Builders Association will charge on!
As our new RIBA administration finalizes our agenda for the year, you as a member can look forward to many exciting new programs and activities. And as we nail down our 2013 legislative agenda, we urge all members to become actively involved. Ultimately, working for RIBA's agenda by testifying at hearings and talking with your local lawmakers will help you, your business and your family.
If any member has a legislative or regulatory issue that you feel needs to be addressed, contact executive director John Marcantonio at
[email protected]. Once again, helping us work to pass beneficial legislative and to prevent harmful legislation is good for the economy, the industry and your businesses.
New opportunities
Our association's new educational lineup will include classes for new contractors as well as for the seasoned professionals. Look for more complete information in the January Rhode Island Builder Report. This educational program will be a constant "work in progress," so please let the RIBA staff know of new class topics that are of special interest to you.
As you might be aware, the Rhode Island Contractors' registration and licensing board has mandated continuing education for all contractors, though the actual course requirements are just being planned. A major benefit for RIBA members will be a reduced charge for these classes. If you have any subcontractors or other colleagues who are non-members, pass the word on this. The reduction in tuition could offset the cost of their membership, not to mention allowing them to benefit from RIBA's myriad other programs and services.
RIBA is working to grow the membership! As the new year begins, watch for the association's 2013 Membership Benefit Guide, with new and updated information on money-saving discounts and rebates, seminars and classes, information and outreach programs such as RIBAlist.com, complete information on insurance programs available to members and much more. This handy booklet, which includes a membership application, will be available to members and potential members both at the RIBA office and online.
Speaking of information you can get online, don't forget to periodically check www.RIBUILDERS.org and the RIBA Facebook page for helpful information that arrived too late for that month's magazine. Look for the "This just in...." lead-in.
Finally, congratulations to RIBA members Frank Lombardo III, just re-elected to the state Senate, and past president Ed Ladouceur, co-chairman of our legislative committee, just elected to the Warwick City Council.
All members are encouraged to run for office or to serve on appointed state and town boards. The more expertise from our industry that is present in the state and local zoning and planning processes, the more the decisions made there will be well informed.
For any information or assistance you need about your membership or in your business, be sure to contact RIBA. That's why we're here!

Felix Carlone is the president of the Rhode Island Builders Assn.