It's really hard to believe that Christmas is here already and 2018 is right around the corner. Seems like only a few weeks ago we were in Ponte Vedra. I've said it before, but I believe that 2017 will be looked back on as a pivotal year for the Florida Prestressed Concrete Association.

I heard very recently that Christmas is viewed now by the majority of our society as primarily a cultural event, and mostly secular with less and less religious significance. That's a shame and a tragedy. The concept of grace is unfamiliar to many, but not to me, and from what I've seen it's quite familiar to many of you. I'd like to submit that it's because of that collective conviction, I think, that we individually and as a group have been able to rally around each other following a really tough recession, in the face of fierce market forces, personal and health setbacks, differences of opinion, and near organizational financial ruin to reconstitute FPCA, strengthen old friendships, and make new ones.

That may seem overstated to some, but I know that were it not for many of you extending yourselves on our behalf, stating a case to your employers for support, soliciting relief, and volunteering time and effort with absolutely no thought of personal recognition we may very well not be here. Those sound like graceful acts to me.

Prove that survey wrong and remember who Christmas really celebrates. I wish you all and to all of your extended families my best wishes for 2018 and sincere hopes for a very Merry Christmas.