McGuire told his audience that development of this Strategic Plan began shortly after last year's Annual Member Meeting held last June in Washington. This input was then evaluated and incorporated by AHAM's Strategic Planning Committee and the AHAM board of directors. Baker is also vice president, strategic marketing, Maytag Appliance, Newton, Iowa. That AHAM board decision resulted in the eventual replacement of an entire staff that opted not to make the move, including long-time AHAM veteran, former President Robert L. Holding, whom McGuire replaced. Our financial picture is strong.
Reserves are healthy.
McGuire said that general perceptions of AHAM have improved over the past two years. Our main priority continues to be to communicate the value of AHAM to our membership and prospective members. It's vitally important that our credibility as the leading voice of the industry, and as a standards-development organization is maintained and strengthened. This relates directly to our cost of doing business. Portables are up 5.5 percent and majors are up 10 percent, and we all hope the strong economy continues.