Strategic planning

Throughout the 60 years of SC&RA's existence, our association has owed much of its success to long-range planning. Having fulfilled objectives of the 2005 to 2008 strategic plan, the association embarked on a strategic planning journey in July to create a new strategic plan for 2009 to 2012.

On 22 October SC&RA announced that its Strategic Planning Committee had approved the Association's a new strategic plan. The committee developed the plan during a two-day session, 30 September to 1 October, in Tysons Corner, Virginia, USA. The plan was then submitted to the SC&RA Board of Directors for review and approval.

Of particular interest to readers of this magazine and SC&RA members in 42 countries outside the United States was a renewed commitment to the goal area of international expansion. Listed in order of priority, the goals and objectives of this key goal area included:

• Investigate establishing a closer working relationship with the European Association of Heavy Haulage, Transport and Mobile Cranes (ESTA) and other leading world crane and transportation associations
• Conduct exploratory meetings during the World Crane and Transport Summit concerning the creation of a World Crane & Transport Alliance
• Establish an SC&RA representative in international offices through the global Network of KHL, publisher of this magazine and SC&RA's other official magazine, American Cranes & Transport
• Explore how SC&RA can make its web site and other communication vehicles more multi-lingual, particularly in areas where the association establishes international offices
• Within three years, conduct an SC&RA meeting similar in nature to the recent International Business Forum in Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand, during which members exchanged ideas and information regarding the current global economy and other important topics
• Increase international membership by 15% by 2012 and conduct a needs assessment specifically to international members and products.

Other key goal areas also may apply directly to international members. For example, one of the objectives within the goal area of Legislative and Advocacy is "Go green with increased awareness and visibility for environmental issues." In many cases SC&RA's efforts to promote practices among members that protect our environment may simultaneously strengthen the bottom line of the companies.

Figuring out how to save money by using fuel more efficiently also curtails pollution. That holds true anywhere in the world where SC&RA members transport, lift and erect oversize and overweight objects. In addition, the creation of green energy sources such as wind farms and nuclear plants stands to be a major source of revenue for SC&RA members everywhere for years to come.

Likewise, SC&RA's continued commitment to safety also contributes to members' profitability for numerous reasons. Efforts to recruit workers to our industry depend largely on the assurance that SC&RA member companies will do everything possible to keep them from harm's way. Maintaining a good safety record also helps ensure the affordability of insurance and reduces the possibility of overzealous, counterproductive regulations. These concerns exist in every country where our members operate.

Although the SC&RA Strategic Plan for 2009 to 2012 will serve as a viable "Itinerary for Tomorrow," the association will adjust as necessary to meet any new challenges that arise. Regardless of the action taken, SC&RA will be guided by its core values of ethics and integrity, professionalism, customer-driven excellence and visionary leadership.

As the association continues to grow and explore better ways and new ideas to serve our members around the world, we remain most receptive to your ideas and feedback.