Licensing Solves Some Things, Believe It or Not

[James H. Bushart]

What is a problem that licensing solves? It eventually destroys the association that pushes it on us, as is graphically described in this email sent to ASHI members in North Carolina.

The dwindling membership since licensing came into effect (Who in the heck wants or needs to pay ASHI AND the state for 'credentials'?) has forced them to eliminate a valued paid position - their Executive Director.

Subject: Letter From NC-ASHI President

Date: Sun, 1 Jul 2007

Letter to the NC-ASHI Membership


Subject: Executive Director


The Board of Directors has voted to dissolve the position of Executive Director.


The position of Executive Director was created approximately 3 ½ years ago during our second year as the newly reformed NC-ASHI chapter. The need for a part-time employee for the chapter was there and the position was certainly fundable with ongoing participation at the educational conferences and renewed memberships. Every chapter leader has enjoyed the lessened burden of their office duties adopted by Nicole. Nicole's eagerness to take on the daily burden of "the NC-ASHI office" allowed each of us the opportunity to spend more time on our individual businesses. Unfortunately, budgets have changed.


Over the next month, Nicole will be transferring her duties, chapter's records and equipment to the individual board members. Most of your member needs regarding membership or CE credits will be answered by either Larry Conway as Treasurer or Marion Peeples as Secretary.


This action was taken due to budget shortfalls that resulted from a lack of adequate attendance at the 2006 Fall Educational Conference at Shell Island Resort and due to our shrinking membership numbers.


Our efforts to defray the unwanted actions of the real estate industry at the legislature have come at a cost as well. Without help from any other sector or professional home inspector association we have spent over $6000 in lobbyist fees this year. This action has protected all the licensees in this state. As I've stated before, not belonging to NC-ASHI, especially if you are an ASHI member, is an irresponsible act in view of the fact that this chapter is always at the head of any activity affecting home inspector legislation. No other professional home inspector association can claim the same. As a member of NC-ASHI you deserve the thanks from every licensee in this state. Please don't forget that.


Nicole has served our chapter well during her tenure. In addition to all the duties she accepted she made every effort to attend meetings of the NCHILB to keep the board members informed and was always present for every educational conference and project where her help was needed. Spending days, sometimes weekends, on chapter business was far and beyond her expected duties. I know the chapter will miss her help; however, I will be more than glad to have her spend more time in our home inspection office.

You will soon see a new email contact address on the chapter's web site and a new mailing address. The chapter's phone will be moved to Larry Conway's home in the next few weeks as well.


This chapter depends a great deal on you, the member, for its future. If having a regional chapter of ASHI in North Carolina is important to you as a vigilant guardian at the NCHILB and against attacks by the real estate industry you must support this chapter.

If you are just a "what's in it for me" individual, as many are today, you don't belong in the same company with the many who have invested their time and money to raise the level of professionalism in this industry. The choice is yours. I challenge you to continue your support, invest your time and money as many of us have done and get involved.


Tom Edwards

NC-ASHI

President

It's sad, yet comical, to read how the same people who pushed for a law now are demanding money from their membership to protect them from it.

We encourage the rank and file ASHI members to abandon the agendas of their leaders seeking favor (and jobs) with ITA and help us to fight the licensing efforts designed to "equalize" all home inspectors and help the real estate salespeople find the $175 home inspector for his client.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Have you got a mouse in your pocket James?

[John McKenna]

Are we going to take up another ASHI donation?

[ntoll]

Originally Posted by jmckenna1

Are we going to take up another ASHI donation?

I will triple the amount of my last donation.