| IN1 www. retailenvironments .org A t the beginning of this year, we projected a fifth consecutive year of growth in the retail environments industry. We also anticipated continued moderate improvements in our members’ profits. According to A.R.E.’s annual Revenue Trends Survey, the trends are positive for the industry. Dr. Jeff Dietrich of the Institute for Trend Research has indicated he expects several years of growth in retail construction. He also is cau- tiously optimistic about 2015. Inter- est rates will remain low through 2015, so he recommends making wise investments to create wealth for your business. Now is a great time to review your busi- ness development initiatives and shape your strategy for success in 2015. Our association has been running full throttle this year under the leadership of our new executive director, Todd Dittman, and his staff. ey have done an outstand- ing job and need to be congratulated for a job well done. e following are a few key accomplish- ments over the past year: • Membership has grown by 7.6%. • Gross revenues have grown by more than 9%. • Management has met budget and exceeded in increasing valuable content to our members. • Digital ad revenues increased 50%. • Retail Environments magazine has exceeded expectations with an increase in revenue of 15% over the past two years. Major additions made to the association include: • A.R.E. Economic Advisor • WindowsWear partnership • LS:N Global trend partner • A.R.E. Connect • Website and Supplier|Connect redesign • Little Black Book for GlobalShop and Retail Design Collective • Finalization of three-year Strategic Plan Everyone’s hard work has resulted in positive momentum for our associ- ation, so let’s keep it up in 2015. My final hour My tenure as the president of A.R.E. is coming to a close, and this is my last column. I can only say that it has been a wonderful experience, and the Board of Directors and A.R.E. staff have been very supportive over the past two years. Together, we have accomplished many things, and it has been a real pleasure work- ing with everyone. Your new Board of Directors, under the leadership of TJ Hale’s Bob Rosean, will take over following the association’s annual meeting and election during this year’s Summit. I wish them and the staff continued success in 2015. | IN1 Good luck is the result of hard work by Alan Harvill “ Now is a great time to review your business development initiatives and shape your strategy for success in 2015. ” Alan D. Harvill is president of A.R.E. He is president and CEO of EMI Industries, based in Tampa, Fla. Contact him at aharvill @emiindustries.com. Photo: ©iStock.com/plrang I N S I D E R a special section for suppliers only 1 | Presidential Perspectives 4 | News 6 | Manufacturing Outlook IN THIS ISSUE: 10 | Lead Time 12 | OSHA Inspection 14 | Using Your Benefits 16 | A.R.E. Connect