President's Message

I have just concluded one year of my two-year term as president of the Carolinas Irrigation Association and it has been a fast year. It seems only yesterday that we were at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville attending the annual membership meeting. Just a few weeks ago, we held the annual meeting at the Marriott in Myrtle Beach. Wow! Where did the year go? I’ve heard it said, “the older you get the faster time passes.” Well, let me tell you I’m too young to be old. I blame it on all the technological gadgets most folks have now, PDAs and Blackberries, just to name two. We take our office and our home with us wherever we go. We’re reachable constantly. The internet and cell phones were to save time, I thought. Yes, they save time, but I find myself cramming more and more into less and less time. The gadgets create a time-eating monster. Tell the truth, how much time do you spend checking email and answering email? I used to be able to keep up with email, answering them as they are received. That was when email was confined to my PC. Now, I find myself marking some of them “unread” to go back to when I have a precious few minutes—two days later! The more I answer, the more I receive! It’s out of control! Well, this is a fact of life. We’re going at breakneck speed through the internet and there is no turning back! I think I need a 21st century seminar on time management!
    After spending time with my neighboring state irrigation contractors, I feel very fortunate to be a South Carolina contractor. The industry is particularly threatened in North Carolina and Georgia with the ongoing drought conditions. Task forces have been formed to discuss ways to cope with the lack of water. Businesses are at risk for many small contractors. Already many have downsized putting folks in the unemployment lines. The Green Industry Council under the leadership of its new president, Doug Berlin (New Garden Landscape and Nursery, Greensboro) is actively engaged in addressing the issues created by the drought conditions. Doug spoke at the annual meeting held February 8-9 in Myrtle Beach and while his message was one of seriousness, it was encouraging that the green industry is becoming a tighter knit group of people with common goals.
    CIA is doing its share to conserve water. Finally, there is a draft bill to create the irrigation contractor license and with committed support from the Green Industry Council and The Irrigation Association, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel and CIA is gaining momentum. Larry Bewley, lobbyist for the GIC has been directed by the GIC Board of Directors to dedicate sufficient time to lobby for the successful passage of this legislation. He cannot do this alone. Every CIA member in North Carolina should write their senator and representatives to seek support for this legislation. Members will soon be asked to support this effort from the pocketbook also. The legislation has a very good chance of passing because it reflects a strong commitment to water conservation. Now is the time to use those technological gadgets and contact your legislative delegation. Email is good. Many legislators now prefer email. Calls are good. And, since you have that cell phone or that Blackberry with you at all times, surely you can find a few minutes to make a few very important calls or emails.
    I pledged to the membership in Myrtle Beach to increase the South Carolina CIA membership. And, I will do my best with the help of a few other SC members. What some contractors do not realize is SC could be in the same situation as NC at any time. It may be time to seek legislation in SC to create a license. With the experience gained in NC, the Association can quickly bring support to efforts in SC. Who can say when a drought may come to SC. It all depends on where the rain falls, as I heard someone say at the annual meeting.
    The annual meeting was a truly enjoyable event. Not only did we have an excellent round table discussion on Friday, February 8, but we had a great time on the golf course and time to network and build relationships at the dinner event on Saturday. Special guests included Andy Smith (The Irrigation Association), Ed Klaas (President of the Georgia Irrigation Association), and Bill Sparrow, Sr. and his wife, Daphne. An annual meeting is just not an annual meeting without people like the Sparrows who have been involved in the Association since its beginning.
    I’m looking forward to the coming year. Together we can make a difference. I solicit your help to increase membership and to unite to pass the irrigation contractor license legislation. I am depending on you!
    Spring is almost here. I pray that the spring rains will be sufficient to bring relief to NC’s drought and revive businesses that are suffering because of water restrictions as a result of it.

Tripp Merritt, President

About Carolinas Irrigation Association

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