Bulletin Board Magazine 2019 Volume 3

XXXXX President’s Message

PRESIDENT'S Message By Michael J. Kokes - SBACNJ

Bulletin Board | 1 | www.shorebuilders.org doesn’t. The pressure of keeping people happy, while also moving the association forward is It is that time of year when we begin to close our pools, get into “school mode,” and try and enjoy every last summer weather day, the local summer as we call it. So, as we begin to get into the fall/winter grind, and eek out every last good construction day, I begin to think about planning for 2020. For the past 6 years I have been ascending the ladder at Shore Builders Association of Central New Jersey, taking an ever-increasing role and responsibility at the association, but 2020 will be different. In January, I will become the immediate past President, a nobody… (sorry Tom). Of course, I am joking. As the immediate past President isn’t a complete nobody, but partakes in a crucial element of association transition, and advisor to the incoming President. While I will say to everyone that I am ready to be done with the obligation, I can’t help but feel a little sad. The association, and being an officer, has become part of my identity. As my business has grown, so to have I with the association. Every year, making that logical step up. While it may appear that I have put in a lot to the association, I have equally benefited from being a part of it, growing both personally and professionally. The truth of it, though, is that it really is great to have new leadership. Our association will be celebrating its 75-year anniversary in 2020, and we have been able to stay alive and relevant due to the continual change in leadership. With new people come new ideas, and the constant challenge of finding what works and what

a fun task, and I know I personally enjoy all the ups and downs associated with it. The constant toeing the line between preservation of tradition and trying new things. The phrase, “you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs” has never been more meaningful than it is now. For me, while writing this message, it has been an absolute joy reflecting on what I have seen this association and its members do. Forming new committees, revamping old ones, watching programs grow, and killing off the lagers. I am proud to say that in the past 6 years, financially, the association has never been in a better place, which is a true testament to all the hard work and dedication from everyone involved. It truly is astonishing when I think that the vast majority of work is completed by volunteerism. Seeing all the philanthropic activity the association does really is the icing on the cake of it all. So, I look forward to having some more time to focus on my business and projects, as well as watching Chris Amato become the President, and the direction he will take the association. It will be an adjustment, but one that I am up for! I appreciate all the support people have provided me along the way, as well as all the construction criticism. I am happy to have been a part of this associations history and look forward to continuing to support it for years to come!

Michael J. Kokes President - SBACNJ