By now, it's obvious to everyone that the weakness in the economy has affected every area of business. Home building in particular has taken a major hit in this downturn. Since we represent a small niche within that marketplace it’s unavoidable that fewer Timber Frame homes are being built as well. With existing home sales suppressed our potential buyers are not able to capitalize their current real estate to provide funds toward their dream of a Timber Frame home. Along with a significant loss of business we are also experiencing the loss of our timberframers who have closed shops, laid off workers and/or pulled back on their expenses in any way they can. Included in those actions is the non-renewal of their membership in the TFG. We have lost an unprecedented 25% of our membership since 2005. We believe the active membership has an opportunity to show its support in a tangible and giving way to colleagues and friends who have been forced to cut expenses in this draconian way. The TFG would like to establish a "WE WANT YOU BACK" Membership Renewal Support Fund accessible to all those who allowed their membership to lapse within the past 24 months. Those members will be invited to rejoin at a discount of 50% for the first year. The balance would be drawn from the fund and deposited in the TFG membership dues account. In that vein we are asking that active members contribute to a fund which will be set aside for that purpose. Any active member can contribute any amount from $20.00 up. A tax receipt will be issued and your name will be published (unless you indicate that you wish to remain anonymous) in Scantlings. As a tightly knit community of timberframers, colleagues and friends, we will survive this difficult time. We appreciate your assistance with this campaign to encourage friends, co-workers and colleagues to hang in there by hanging together in our support of all those we have known and enjoyed for so many years. We are the bridge our former members can cross to rejoin the TFG and strengthen us all. |
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