As the incoming President for the year 2012 I would like, as my first official statement to say, that we all owe a debt of gratitude to our outgoing President, Allan Lloyd. It wasn’t enough for him to serve a one year term but Allan presided for three consecutive years. So, on behalf of the Group, Allan, we thank you for your dedication and hard work.

The Presidents Monthly Message

Each month you will now receive as part of each month’s issue of the “Shaft” the President’s Message. This will be preceded by a summary of the previous meeting which includes a treasurer’s report , new business, old business and of course a synopsis of our main speaker’s topic. My message to you all this month is an open invitation for anyone wishing to announce promotions, changes in personnel, change of address, a new or improved product or some significant information you wish to share with the group. Don’t keep your business a secret, this space is free Advertising , free Public Relations and in most cases an interest to everyone who pays their dues.

Now you pay your dues on time and the EIGSC  thanks you for that, then we don’t see you until the Golf Tournament or worse the Christmas Meeting and Dinner. Actually, we are glad to see you anytime, but this year we all need to be more pro-active and take a more concerted effort to attend more regularly and when we do bring a guest to show them what we are all about. At our last regular meeting Teresa Witham of the National Elevator Contractor’s Association reminded us why we belong and are active in EIGSC and the NECA in the first place. Not only is it a good place to network but we educate, we regulate, we learn and in so doing enhance the worth of our Industry and our own Business (and many of us have made good friends in the process).

Therefore, the theme for the EIGSC this year is “Survive and Thrive”. 2011 had its share of bad economic news with Government deficits, housing slump, weak dollar, high unemployment, and a general lack of business and consumer confidence.  But if we are going to “Survive and even Thrive” in 2012, regardless of the turndown, we must focus on the “Positive”. Getting new Customers, Business retention (keeping our customer base happy), dealing with competition, improving the quality of our service or products, learning new business techniques and in general improving our own business climate. Our monthly speakers will focus on those elements which will ultimately help us improve our Market Share.

I would like to hear from you all on what you would like to hear or what you would like to see happen at the EIGSC, especially from you Elevator Contractor’s. Supplier’s if you have someone who you think could speak to the group with this theme in mind please let me know.  Perhaps you would like to share some thoughts of your own that will promote our theme. Retired members should also get involved and share your experience and wisdom.

Finally, take care of yourself this year. Eat well, exercise, learn, keep medical conditions under control, keep socially engaged with a variety of interesting friends, have a spiritual and happy life.

Best to you all  and your families in 2012,

George “Buzz” Markert (Elevator Equipment Corp.)

EIGSC Board of Directors: Christine Lam (Elevator Products Co.) and Janice Claret (Lerch Bates)

Forty Seven members, and mostly invited guest were on hand for the good times and merriment had by all on Tuesday the 20^th.

Several of the responders to the evite fell ill just before the event, and were unable to attend, including our new President. We hope everyone is feeling better.

Being the Christmas party the formalities were kept to a minimum, an acknowledgment was made by the President, thanking the group for the opportunity to be of Service as President for these past three years and as Vice President for several years before that.

Thanks to Leslie Malloy Westcoast Pads, for all she did for this party the center pieces and the Champagne (Didn’t the room look great?!). And everything she has done in the past, I know it has not been as easy, as it should have been.

Also thank you, Jason Thibodeau, Jason picked up all the raffle prizes, that were from the group, and most were won by Mrs. Steve Grainer, sorry Steve she did not sign in. Doris? Looks like we may have had 48…

All attending received a bottle of very nice California Champagne, as well as many fine prizes that were bought in including Doris Brannon Trader Joes Popcorn, and SEES candy thanks for picking up the name tags, Stan Schultz, Candy, Steve Rosnack Canton SEES CandyX2, Steve Grainer MITSUBISHI, 2 $125 GIFT CERTIFICATES!!, Gordon Wege CED $50 Best Buy, Janice Clavet Lerch Bates Vino, Davis Turner Single Malt Scotch, Marilyn Look Look Stairchairs Wine, Abe EECO Wine, Ray Miller Draka Johnny Walker Black, Woody Wright Crown Royal big bottle,

The few, left over lunches we had we taken down to Skid Row and donated to the homeless as in years past, Thanks again Leslie.

Next month’s meeting is on  the 17thand we will have a presentation from our members from Murchison & Cumming, LLP , looking forward to seeing everyone in 2012, All the best.

31 Members and guests were on hand for the November lunch, we began with the usual introductions, and then right down to business, I had spoken with George Markert the President for 2012 and he was not able to be with us but is looking forward to the challenge. The other officers were named, Darla Abel is Vice President. Janice Claret Treasure and Christine Lam is our Secretary. Lucky George with all the lovely ladies.

After all the offices were noted the group. The group Enjoyed a fine lunch either roasted chicken or almond encrusted trout.

The presentations began with a couple of videos from Hyundai Elevator. The first showing the product offering from Hyundai including, Elevators Escalators and Moving walks. Parking Systems, in addition to very sophisticated Material Handling systems, and Platform Screen doors.

A second video showing highlighting the Hyundai Test tower with the World’s fastest elevator at 1080 meters a minute. I googled it, that is 3,543.30709 feet per minute.

All agreed the presentation was impressive.

Teresa Witham, Executive Director of the National Association of Elevator Contractors, spoke on the benefits of an NAEC membership and how it affects those in the industry. Some of these benefits include NAEC’s Education and Certification programs; special member pricing for NAEC hosted events, Annual Membership Directory and Elevator World’s monthly magazine; access to the members only area of the website, which allows admission to technical documents, online member directory, industry calendar and more. NAEC also shared a complimentary Educational Conference and Convention/Exposition package with two lucky winners!

Thank you very much Teresa for presenting, and the generosity from the NAEC with the two fabulous prizes packages.

In December we have our Christmas Party on December 21^st. This is always well attended and is a great time to see old friends during the holiday season. Please respond to the evite with your menu choice of either Turkey of Ham.

In January we have a presentation form our members from Murchison & Cumming, LLP. Their rescheduled presentation from September, this will be on Spoilage of Evidence, which should be good information for all.

In addition to the great trips provided from the NAEC to Atlantic City, and Porta

Rico on by Carlyon Chavez and, stolen by Ray Miller.

 We had door Prizes from Doris Brannon Wine, Mary Ann King, (Hostess of Romper Room) Bottle of Vino and a Magic Mirror, Stan Schultz A Book, Leslie Malloy West Coast Pads Vodka, Dick Vinciquerra, AFD Industries, Best Buy Gift Card, Gordon Wege CED $25 Visa Gift Card, Steve Grainer Mitsubishi Elevator, 2 bottles of California’s finest, Andrew Ryan Innovation Industries Jack Daniels, Eric Weiss Murchison Cunnings Wine, Allan Lloyd Hyundai Elevator Baileys, Carlyon Chavez EECO, Marker’s Mark (which she likely won)  Sam Farooqi Par Paint Co. Big bottle of J&B, Drew Furman KONE Spares, $20 Starbucks, and Ray Miller, Draka bottle of Ripple.

A special thanks to all that normally don’t make it but did this month, Dick Vunciquerra AFD, Heinz Stickler of Bucher, Teresa of course form the NAEC, and or friends from Mitsubishi it has been too long.

Thanks again to all, and see you all in a couple weeks.

Usual place Taix French Restaurant 1911 Sunset Blvd. Echo Park California.

Starting at 11:30 am, we have a lot to cover, the meeting will be called to order at 12 noon, and introductions will be made. We will go over any new business any old business, brief financial report then right into the election for next year’s officers.

We have two presentations this month, one from Hyundai Elevator, and one from Teresa Witham, the Executive Director of the National Association of Elevator Contractors, all the way from Georgia, she wants to speak with Yall for a spell. The NAEC has gift package for an upcoming educational seminar they will be giving away.

We will wrap things up with the usual door prize raffle, including a $75 cash prize (in the form of a check), from the group, and a by 1:30 it will be in the history books.

Lastly, next week is Elevator Safety Week.

See Yall, Tuesday