Ebbe Adolfsson, Naturvårdsverket

Webster Ready to LeadABC of Iowa in 2008Mike Webster, vice president of operationsat Webster Electric in Waukee, is the newboard chairman for the Associated Buildersand Contractors of Iowa. He was installed ina ceremony held in January at ABC of Iowaheadquarters in Waukee.Mike is responsible for three of WebsterElectric’s five divisions and is also the primarybuyer of electrical materials. He is a State ofIowa Class A Master Electrician, InternationalAssociation of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) certifiedelectrical inspector, and National Center forConstruction Education and Research (NCCER)certified craft instructor.At age 35, Mike brings a mix of experience andenergy that promises to strengthen the missionof the ABC in the coming year. This is his eighthyear on the ABC board. He served as first vicechairman last year, second vice chairman in 2006,and board treasurer in 2005. He also served aschair of the budget and finance committee andchair nominating committee in 2005. Mike waschair of the education committee from 1998-2001.He continues to serve on the government affairscommittee and is currently in the second year ofa three-year term as one of 14 ABC National PACBoard of Trustees. Mike has been a member ofthe ABC National Board since 2006.Q & A WITH MIKE WEBSTERWhat are some of the mostimportant issues facingcontractors in 2008?WEBSTER: The clouds on theeconomic horizon, statewideelectrical and mechanical licensing,possible changes to Iowa’s Rightto Work status, and an impositionof prevailing wage.What role should ABC of Iowatake in addressing these issues?WEBSTER: Seeing to it that thevery best educational and safetyprograms are available statewideso companies can have an edge ontheir competitors and comply withlicensing legislation; having a fulltimelobbyist (we have a darn goodone) at the capitol to monitor anylegislation that will affect our meritshop/free enterprise philosophy;and also offering additional training,safety, and membership benefitsto enhance the marketability of ourmembers to their clients.What are your expectations andgoals for the association in 2008?WEBSTER: Our board has setspecific goals: We will meet our2008 budget, become morestrategic in our thinking, engagethe membership, promote ourimage, support the committees toachieve our goals, and strengthenour relationship with the Universityof Northern Iowa constructionmanagement education program.I would expect us to retain a highpercentage of current members andattract new members at record pacewith the role the board will take andthe goals we have set.Why do you have such a passionfor ABC of Iowa?WEBSTER: I want to make sure itcontinues on stronger for the nextgeneration to fight the good fight.The founding fathers had my bestinterest in mind and I feel it is myduty to do the same.How can other contractors getinvolved with ABC of Iowa?WEBSTER: Call Greg or Reidat 515-987-3790. Tell themMike Webster sent you!Compiled by John StrawnSPRING 2008 ABC OF IOWA 13