NEF President's Message

Happy October! I survived the first month of my term! Things have been busy with getting a letter ready for Fall Conferences, writing newsletter articles, holding conference calls with different committees and making plans for NEF’s mid-year meeting. Patti will be sending information to the Liaisons and Fundraisers for Fall Conferences. We encourage you to be creative when it comes to NEF donations and don’t forget about the fundraising competition for the regions and also your Ladder Club contributions.

I am happy to announce that the Education Committee will be working on a new adult education program. A few years back, an outline was put together for a Contract Administrator program. We have dusted it off and will be working on it throughout the year. I have asked the committee to have an update ready for our mid-year meeting. Stay tuned for more information.

Also, we have added a Frequently Asked Questions section to the Design Drafting page on the website. This way everyone will have access to the questions that are asked. Please let your instructors know to check this page often.

We will again be having the arm’s length raffles at Annual Conference in Houston, so start working on donations for this as well. We are also putting the final touches on another fundraising competition for the regions. Information will be announced sometime in the coming weeks.

Finally, if you haven’t heard, all programs are now available in electronic format and testing can now be done online – no more testing centers!! I encourage you work toward a certification. It never hurts to have all of those credentials behind your name!

Sincerely,

Wendy Jarred, CBT, CCA, CDS, CIT, EIT, LEED AP BD+C
NEF President 2019 – 2020

NEF Spotlight

Why I love NEF……..

When I was NAWIC’s Region 11 Director in 1996, I decided that education was one of the most important things in my life besides my family. NAWIC was part of my life and has been since 1969. I have served in all the Chapter offices and many on the National level. But something was missing; I did not have the one thing I desired. NEF was the hidden talent, the one I wanted to be involved with; I wanted to serve as NEF President. This goal took time as I had to move up through the various office positions but I succeeded! My dream was accomplished.

I graduated from College in 1984, married with three children and a full time job. I knew I was working in a man’s world. When I would attend a NAWIC convention or annual meeting, NEF would have paper-back books for sale. Some books were business, some were for personal growth. I would buy as many as I could carry in my suitcase back to Region 11 where I would have available at our Forum or Fall Conference meetings. Some books I would sell, some I would give as gifts.

As I said earlier, education is my passion. It satisfies the empty feeling when you aren’t sure of what to do when asked to perform a task at work. I learned about insurance, contracts and estimating, bookkeeping and personal growth. At work my boss would say “why don’t you ask one of your NAWIC friends” if I needed a question answered.

All donations made to NEF may be deducted on your income taxes. When I first became involved with NEF, there were programs that needed to be updated and made available to anyone who desired more education for their jobs. I am very happy to say through NAWIC members’ donations all of NEF’s programs were updated and continue to be available to anyone who desires to advance their education goals. And now you are able to complete a course exam online! NEF has reached hundreds of individuals over the years looking to further their construction industry education through its programs.

I cannot forget for one minute that in 1996 Region 11 made a commitment that we could raise at least $10,000.00 each year for NEF. Since then, Region 11 has raised over $230,000.00 for NEF to update, obtain new programs and make education available to anyone. Region 11 or South Atlantic Region is my “IDOL”. We like to grow, to win and to proudly show our ribbons of success. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the wonderful organizations NAWIC and NEF.

Frances Jackson, CBT, CIT
2019-2020 NEF Executive Committee
2019-2020 NEF Fundraising Chair

NEF News

NEF’s Executive Committee and Board of Trustees would like to thank all who supported its fundraising efforts at NAWIC’s 64th Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA.  The totals from your generous donations are listed here:

  • Arm’s Length: $ 7,295.00
  • Ladder Club:   $ 2,345.00
  • Merchandise:  $    302.00

NEF is solely funded by donations and sponsorships so your contributions will continue to assist in the efforts to provide quality construction education.

Ask your NEF Liaison and Fundraiser at your upcoming Fall Conference for details on all things NEF!!!

Did you join NEF’s Ladder Club of Success yet? Get started today. Contact NEF’s office for details.

Join Ladder Club