In these tough economic times it is easy to forget that things could be worse, much worse. My children have been putting together fundraising efforts such as dodge ball tournaments, bake sales, bowling tournaments and dances to raise money for the earthquake victims of Haiti. It was just a short time ago this impoverished country was rocked by one of the worst earthquakes in modern history and the outpouring of help has been nothing short of inspiring. Along with my kids,  I did the right thing and sent some money to the Red Cross, but it made me think about our industry and how we might be able to help.

Read more: The Greater Good

I was fortunate to be able to attend the 4th Asphalt Shingle Recycling Forum held in Chicago on November 5 and 6, 2009. After talking with the CMRA’s Executive Director William Turley a few weeks before the Forum, it became apparent that this show was receiving a tremendous amount of interest. Let’s just say that’s an understatement!

Read more: Raze the Roof

For those of you that attended our CMRA mid-year meeting in Cape Cod, Mass., I would like to thank you for your support. Each year before our annual meeting the board of directors gets together to discuss what issues are facing C&D recyclers around the country and we put together the final plans for our next annual meeting. Most years the meeting is held somewhere in the middle of the country, but because I was born and raised in New England I thought it might be interesting for some Westerners to get a taste of Old Cape Cod.

Read more: What can the CMRA do for you?