Business View Magazine
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Assistant, and 21 volunteer board members with exem-
plary experience and qualifications. Underhill noted that
emphasis has never been on having an association with a
large staff. “That being said, we are looking for ways to ex-
pand. Once membership reaches 500 or more, of course
we will increase staff – and member benefits.”
With a rebounding economy and tightening job safety reg-
ulations, owners and contractors are looking to hire more
qualified companies to do their work. They are concerned
about safety and training, making sure that onsite person-
nel have the necessary knowledge. Underhill hopes that
new start-ups will contact SEAA for training materials, so
the Association can help educate themabout the industry.
Steve Burkholder, SEAA President elaborated, “A long-
term goal of SEAA is to overcome projected craft worker
shortages in our industry by creating programs for mem-
bers, so they can be prosperous and profitable long into
the future.”
The main priority for SEAA going forward is to grow and
improve the safety training and education component;
providing the type of programs previously offered only by
unions. Underhill clarified, “According to OSHA stats, 93
percent of steel erector work is done by open shop erec-
tors; only 7 percent by union. We’re not trying to compete
with national ironworking groups – in fact, they come to
our convention and advertise in our magazine.”
Bottom line: When it comes to safety, ignorance is not an
excuse. Underhill advises, “If you don’t know, SEAA can
help. We produce and sell the books, videos and certifica-
tion programs you need to run a safe, smart operation.
SEAA has an interest in serving the whole industry, and
we are willing to share with anyone at a minimal cost. We
aren’t looking for accolades. Our board members are all
volunteers. They are really helping the industry – and do-
ing it on their own dime. When guys come to my board
meetings, they pay their own way, because they love what
they’re doing. This is a great group. Together, we’re filling a
need and making a difference.”
