from John Crosby, President and CEO
Welcome to 2025! This promises to be a transformative year for WDMA as we build on the successes of 2024 and create new value for your membership investment. Together, we have an incredible opportunity to shape the future of our industry and strengthen our collective impact.
Living in "Interesting Times"
The phrase "May you live in interesting times" has long been considered proverbial in nature and relating to a bad omen. Author Terry Pratchett has suggested the statement is the lowest in a trio of Chinese curses that included: “May you come to the attention of those in authority," and “May the gods give you everything you ask for." Perhaps I am too optimistic, but I see more opportunities than threats in these statements.
More germane to this column, they collectively represent where we stand today in our advocacy efforts on behalf of your company and this industry.
As we move into this pivotal year, market forces, shifting policies, and intensified competition present us with an ideal environment for leadership. WDMA is ready to harness these conditions to drive meaningful change and elevate our industry.
Embracing an Offensive Strategy
WDMA has excelled at responding to inbound policy challenges and protecting our industry’s interests. This reactive approach has been vital in fending off threats on the periphery of national and state policymaking. Today, we need more than a defensive posture. It’s time to complement these efforts with a proactive, offensive strategy that positions us as thought leaders and collaborators in public policy.
A forward-looking approach requires clear goals, robust tactics, and strong relationships with legislators and regulators. Advocacy is most effective when built on collaboration, communication, and compromise—and when our "asks" align with shared values.
Our industry’s contributions are significant: from driving economic growth in our communities to supporting builders and architects in delivering better buildings, and ultimately, enhancing the human experience in the built environment. Policymakers need to understand how we can help them achieve their objectives while ensuring that policies do not hinder competitiveness or innovation.
The Power of Collaboration
Our industry’s natural congeniality and collaborative spirit set the stage for tackling shared challenges together. By uniting as a community, we can amplify our collective voice and create solutions that benefit all stakeholders. Collaboration at an unprecedented scale will be crucial in shaping policies and fostering innovation.
Call to Action
We need your voice in this effort. Advocacy is not just for a select few; it’s a collective endeavor that requires the active participation of our members. Over the coming weeks and months, we will work to lower barriers to involvement, build confidence, and empower you to engage in meaningful ways.
Here are a few ways to get started:
- If your company has not already participated, join our Legislative Committee or our Regulatory Committee.
- Attend the upcoming WDMA Legislative Conference in April, as well as the training we will be arranging prior to the event, to build your confidence in engaging with policymakers.
- Share your insights and ideas with WDMA leadership to give life and meaning to our National Policy Agenda (which will be released soon).
Looking Ahead
2025 is a year of opportunity, and WDMA is committed to leading the charge. Together, we can turn challenges into achievements and ensure our industry continues to thrive. Let’s make this year a time of remarkable progress—for our members, our industry, and the communities we serve.
Your engagement will be the foundation of our success. Join us in this journey to advance our shared goals and create a lasting impact.