Building a Legacy
A company cannot survive very long without employees; the investment to ensure a viable workforce cannot be avoided. One must pay more for fewer employees and demand more productivity (which is a downward spiral), while one invests in the generational evolution of its workforce. A business owner (or business management) cannot do just one or the other and expect to retire after a long and illustrious existence.
To support the long- term viability of our small business, the workforce is provided with the tools for addressing the constantly changing environment of association management. That doesn’t only mean proper desks, computers and software; it also means making formal education available and part of every team member’s evaluation, goals and objectives. Crystal Maguire received financial support for her law school endeavor because of that policy. Paid internships further supplement the workforce; our two newest members (Josh Pudnos and Matt McKinney) joined the team just that way. Even if the individuals did not join our organization, the experience helped another company’s success.
To continue that philosophy, the association provides a scholarship for aviation maintenance students instead of mailing holiday cards (and instead of “saving” the money by emailing holiday greetings). ARSA supports the AMT Society’s endeavors. For example, we are working with U.S. Senators on a resolution to commemorate May 24th (Taylor’s birthday) as Aviation Maintenance Technician Day. We are also ensuring more involvement from both domestic and foreign repair stations with the AMT Society’s annual technician competition. ARSA members have equally beneficial programs for enhancing the supply of capable technicians. The law firm, the association and its members are merely following the philosophy necessary for long-term financial viability and, hence, personal and professional success.
These efforts, of course, are not enough to guarantee a constant supply of technically competent employees. Even longer-term efforts must be supported, such as the Aviation Workforce Development think tank. Although the association will not have a representative at the first gathering of this effort, the repair station community will have champions attending.
Equally important to industry efforts is ensuring support of governmental and public educational opportunities. Congressional representatives must be reminded of the importance of supporting educational institutes including the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) and Business and Industry STEM Education Coalition (BISEC).
If your company is not involved in similar efforts, its long-term viability is problematic; while it (and/or you) may make short-term profits, it will not be a legacy.
