Demolition Convention: Large Gathering No Mirage

More than 1,400 people gathered at the National Demolition Association’s 35^th Annual Convention, held in late February at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

The group of demolition contractors and their suppliers had access to the largest Exhibit Hall in the association’s history, with about 100 exhibitors brining in enough equipment to fill The Mirage’s entire Events Center floor space.

About 100 attendees took part in the association’s annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 23.

The group’s keynote breakfast events included remarks from NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and several updates of National Demolition Association initiatives.

Ray Passeno, the National Demolition Association’s vice president, outlined elements of the association’s new strategic plan, an effort to improve the organization and help it achieve its goals over the next three to five years.

Passeno said the plan will improve on what the association already does well and help it be an even stronger voice for the demolition industry. “I think we have a good association, but I think we all want to be a great association,” he said.

One element of the plan is a renewed focus on environmental stewardship. Passeno said the demolition industry has always recycled, and the National Demolition Association wants to emphasize these efforts even more in the coming years.

The association has been encouraged by the enthusiastic response to a call to serve on the board of directors, and Passeno says the association will continue to work to attract new members to the board. “We need to attract the best and brightest the industry has to offer,” he said.

As part of increased efforts to improve communication, the National Demolition Association will also enhance its Web site to make it a better resource for its members. Passeno said the new site will include a database to help contractors find recycling companies and resources as well as a place to communicate with association leaders. The new site “is a key element to getting our message out,” Passeno said.

Association executive director Michael Taylor also helped insurance companies Apollo General and Fireman’s Fund present a $36,000 check to Rod Peterson, fire chief of the small North Dakota town of Northwood.

The funds will be used to replace search and rescue equipment that was destroyed by a Class 4 tornado that hit Northwood in August of 2007.