b'Presidents MessageDeveloping Your CompanyLarry Marshall, MRCA PresidentI t is early spring in the Midwest.It is a time for reflecting on the past and planning for the future.I recently enjoyed reading the best selling book Undaunted Courage by Steven Ambrose.Ambrose took me on a journey of Discovery.His book is about the Lewis and Clark Expedition 1803-1806.It really is about the execution of President Thomas Jeffersons plan to witness the expansion of the United States from the Appalachian Mountains to the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada.Thomas Jefferson, like many roofing contractors, thought big!Your MRCA Board of Directors is presently in the middle of developing a long term strategic plan for the Association.Like Jefferson, we are thinking big.We are on a journey to discover how our Association can better serve the needs of our members.As leaders of our organizations we have the obligation to be Servant Leaders of our company.Many of us wear the hats of President, Chief Financial Officer, Marketing Director, Sales VP, Chief Operating Officer and Estimating VP on any given day.The decisions we make effect the daily life of our employees, customers and vendors in many ways.We, as entrepreneurs, are privileged to have the opportunity to make a difference on a daily basis.The risk we accept is worth the reward.This March/April issue of MR Magazine will be Part I of a three part Entrepreneurs Series.Articles on developing your company policies and procedures, accounting, financial management and stress management are featured to help you better plan for the future.MRCAs goal is to assist its members in planning and development of all areas of their operation. From sales to technology, safety equipment to employee relations, our publications, webinars, and events represent a diverse array of benefits all specifically developed to meet the unique challenges of a roofing contractor.Please consider the various articles as you make bold plans for the future of your company.Rest assured it remains the plan of MRCA to continue to serve you as The Contractors Advocate.We pledge to help you work on your business and to witness your success.Enjoy the journey ahead with undaunted courage!Larry Marshall, L. Marshall Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., Glenview, ILlpmarshall@lmarshallroofing.com4 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'