Directors Message Jan-Feb 18
Posted on Monday, January 29, 2018
As I write, we are fully
entrenched in the holiday
season. This time of year
provides so many opportunities
to see the spirit of giving in
motion. But, frankly, all of 2017
was full of encouraging stories
of selflessness.
As a native Houstonian,
it was a heart-warming and
proud moment to watch our
own J.J. Watt, a defensive end
for the NFL’s Houston Texans,
announce plans for his Harvey
Relief Fund with a modest
expectation of $200,000 that
very quickly turned into
$37 million. Then, we were
greatly rejuvenated with the
very entertaining and first
World Series win by our own
Houston Astros! We were so
grateful for the sheer glee and
happiness brought back to
our discouraged city, giving us
something to celebrate.
The Astros placed a
“Houston Strong” patch on
their jerseys in the days after
the storm, and it remained
a tangible reminder of what
the city lost in the storm as
they defeated the Los Angeles
Dodgers to win the title. José
Altuve, the Astros’ second
baseman, said he thought about
that slogan and what it meant
each time they moved closer to
their goal of bringing the city
that elusive championship.
Sports Illustrated just named
its choices for the 2017
Sportsperson of the Year
honorees—J.J. Watt and José
Altuve—stating that, “they
lifted up the city of Houston
after immense devastation in
different and powerful ways.”
These guys have something
very important in common as
described by one Houstonian
in the Sports Illustrated report:
“They are incredible talents,
tempered by humility.” It is
reported that Watt was shocked
when so many contributions
flowed into his relief fund. Even
the Texans’ rivals, the Dallas
Cowboys, stepped in to offer
help.
Sometimes we really do
underestimate the influence we
have on others. Although I just
highlighted a couple of famous
sports personalities, there were
so many “faces with no names”
helping their neighbors or
traveling from other states to
help—even though they did not
know who they were helping—
in the aftermath of Hurricane
Harvey.
In this first issue of Powder
Coated Tough in 2018, we focus
on the many PCI member
companies in our industry who
understand the importance of
being an influence for good.
This is the first time that we’ve
released an issue with this
emphasis. Please take the time
to read it. We truly want our
industry to know about them
and the influence they have in
their communities.
Trena Benson, Executive Director
859-525-9988
trena@powdercoating.org