NADC name change approved.

The board of directors of the National Association of Demolition Contractors (NADC) has voted 14-3 to change the name of the group to the National Demolition Association.

The vote, which took place during the March 28 board meeting as part of NADC's 31st Annual Convention in Las Vegas, reflects the results of a survey asking the general membership about changing the association's name.

According to Michael R. Taylor, NaDC's executive director, about 64 percent of respondents wanted to see the name changed to more accurately reflect the association's mission and to more fully represent all segments of the demolition industry. No timetable was announced for the association's name change to take effect.

The board is still examining whether to change the association's logo from the wrecking ball symbol. The board voted to authorize an expenditure to examine the issue for one year. A question about changing the logo was part of the survey, and about 55 percent of the respondents were against it.

In other actions, the NADC board heard from several groups that wanted to partner more closely with the group, including the Brownfields Association, Used Building Materials Association and Purdue University, where the Construction Management Department wants to establish a demolition discipline, complete with funded chair.

In addition, the board had a long discussion about working more closely with the chiefs and other first responders to disasters caused by terrorists and others. The idea is to back up those responders searching for victims and survivors with the equipment and expertise NADC members have in handling building debris.

Taylor says the NADC's Convention, held at The Mirage Resort and Casino was a success, featuring a sold-out exhibit hall and the second highest attendance in NADC history. "The mood of the demolition contractors, suppliers and others in the construction industry who attended and exhibited was very upbeat," says Taylor. "It reflected the improving state of both the national economy and our industry specifically."

The keynote speaker at the event was Terry Savage, author of The Savage Truth on Money and regular television commentator on CNN, CNBC, PBS and NBC. "Her message was very well received," says Taylor, adding that motivational speaker Dick Grote also drew an enthusiastic crowd for his presentation.

Other speakers at the NADC convention addressed topics that included safety issues, insurance for the demolition industry and the demolition industry's role following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The NADC is a non-profit trade organization representing more than 900 demolition contractors in the U.S., Canada and throughout the world. The organization also represents more than 200 associate companies that supply products and services to the demolition industry.