“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”
– Cicero
Welcome to November, a bridge month from the beauty of fall into the holiday season, and an opportunity to give thanks.
Enjoy our Technical stories this month—a recap and preview of what is happening at CTEF Nashville and New Jersey, penned by Brad Denny; and expert answers from our Technical Trainers for member questions about project challenges.
In our Business story, Philip J. Siegel, Esq., of Hendrick, Phillips, Salzman & Siegel, P.C., gives valuable advice on preparing for an ICE visit and what compliance is required if this agency shows up at your workplace.
NTCA Deputy Director Jeremy Sax has two articles in this issue. In the One-to-One story with Five-Star Meeting presenter Angela DiGianfelice, the Nashville South Health Compliance Supervisor for Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA), Sax delves deeper into key points she raised in her talk, “Navigating the New Silica Safety Landscape,” focusing on recommendations to keep workers safe. His Member article recaps the Five-Star Meeting, its essential presentations, and the value attendees found in the summit.
Our Artisan story focuses on tool safety—a key part of tile contracting across the board—with some particular recommendations for those who are crafting intricate mosaics, or scribing.
NTCA President Rod Owen continues his Business Acumen series with a look at Risk Management—how ubiquitous it is, why it is important to master, and what steps to take to strengthen your business in the face of it.
Our Cover Feature is brought to you by ARDEX. The Fire House Show Pool in Terrell, Texas, showcases Fire House Pools’ craftsmanship with glass tile, natural stone, and a dramatic infinity edge. ARDEX products helped the team overcome out-of-square conditions and extreme heat, to deliver a flawless, warrantied installation.
In addition to our News Ticker recap and Product Focus section on safety, we have a Special Feature this month, honoring NTCA’s Michelle Chapman on the occasion of her 25th year with the association. Michelle is currently the team member with the most years on the NTCA payroll. Check out the story and learn about the many skills and contributions she’s graced NTCA—and all her colleagues—with over the years.
A note about this month, which is a portal to the holiday season that starts out with a celebration of Thanksgiving: maybe now more than ever, the practice and occasion of giving thanks can be transformative for us individually and collectively. I hope you find some time this month to savor all levels of connection in your life—your friendships, family members, clients and colleagues, pets, community, your country—and allow yourself the space to appreciate all they bring to your life, and the amazing things we can accomplish when we work together. From the TileLetter Team, know we are grateful for YOU!
Blessed Thanksgiving,
Lesley
Lesley Goddin has been writing and journaling since her first diary at age 11. Her journey has taken her through a career in publishing and publicity, landing her the editor position of TileLetter and its special publications in 2006. Her goal is to educate, inspire, recognize and encourage those in the tile industry -- especially the tile and stone contractor.
