14
Texas Association of Builders
May/June 2015
On Council
T
en years ago or so I
started traveling around
to our stores across the
State. I was encouraged by a
fellow lumber dealer to invite the local legislator to the store when I was
headed that way, give them a tour of our store, talk with them about the
issues important to our business, and introduce myself and McCoy’s.
It was intimidating. But 10 years ago I met with State Representative
(now Senator) Lois Kohlkorst in the back corner, under-the-stairs
office of our Brenham McCoy’s, and amidst yard tickets and caliche
dust, we talked about economics, taxes, and policy.
I learned at least two things from that trip: these meetings are equally
important to both me and them, and it’s important to be prepared.
From those early visits, I started making short policy briefs and bill
briefs for myself and other dealers and vendors to use as they held
similar meetings, and as we had more meetings, we had more impact.
This Rally Day, two McCoy’s team members came to the Capitol for
the very first time. The building is inspiring, no doubt. Sometimes,
though, the work done here can feel a little less inspired. And that
is why we must keep showing up, and that is why we must be well-
prepared and well-informed on behalf of not only our business but
also the businesses and industries that make us successful.
The Texas Association of Builders briefs, like those in our hands
during Rally Day, and those prepared by TAB throughout the year,
help all of us be prepared for our meetings with these leaders to make
the biggest impact with our consistent message.
Rally Day is an important day, but it is only one day.
Our work continues. All of us deeply benefit from the hard work of
our TAB team and members, and our work is maximized when we’re
working together. When TAB staff sits across a desk from a decision
maker and calls to mind your face, your business, your handshake…
we’ve given them and us the best opportunity for impact.
Meagan McCoy Jones is the volunteer chair of the Associates Committee
of TAB. She is a fourth-generation lumber dealer and Vice President of
Field Support for McCoy’s Building Supply. McCoy’s is one of the nation’s
largest privately held building material suppliers and has served its Born
to Build customers since 1927. McCoy’s is headquartered in San Marcos,
TX and employs 2,000 people and operates 84 stores and two millwork
facilities in five states. They can be found online at
.
Handshakes
and
Preparation
By Meagan McCoy Jones
