NADRA held its 3rd Annual Meeting on February 28, 2007 during DeckExpo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Its hard to believe
that just a few short years ago we were electing our first board of directors. The meeting highlighted several benefit
programs (insurance providers and marketing programs) newly available to NADRA members. Members can login to
the Members Only section of www.nadra.org for more information. If you can't find your login and password, please
call 888.NADRA.4U or email info@nadra.org and we'll help you out.
An alliance agreement was signed between NADRA and the Composite Lumber Manufacturer's Association (CLMA)
wherein both associations agreed to work together on code issues where there is common ground. CLMA took that
opportunity to present NADRA with a check in the amount of $1,000 as a show of support for NADRA.
This year marks the first year for the Terry Award, which has been established in honor of Terry and Diann Dempsey
for their tireless efforts in bringing the deck and railing industry together through DeckExpo and Professional Deck
Builder Magazine. NADRA would not be here if it were not for their foundational work and devotion. There was not a
dry eye in the house, when Terry and Diann got the surprise of their life when the award was announced, and then
stepped forward to receive the plaque establishing this new award. The audience gave them a standing ovation,
not once, not twice, but three times during the presentation. The first actual Terry Award was then rightfully presented
to George Drummond of Casa Decks for his contribution to the decking industry, specifically his participation as a
founding member of NADRA and the initiation of Deck Safety Month. There were some moist eyes over George as well.
A new program was announced - the NADRA Merit Award, a public service project. This year's beneficiary is a member
of the U.S. armed forces returning from a tour of duty, who happened to put through an inquiry on www.nadra.org for an
estimate for a deck to be built when she returns. Rick Vaughan of Sawdust Ltd. took that lead and found donations from
various manufacturers to build a deck at no cost (Rick is donating his labor). The Deck for a Soldier, Merit Award Project
was so well received by our membership. Having Rick there to talk about it was great. Having members offer to supply
more materials on the spot is exactly what we were hoping for. This is something that will continue to bring our membership
and industry together. The Merit Award will be sponsored each year by NADRA members and bestowed on a person or group
based on criteria determined by committee. We will keep you posted on developments in the coming months.
