“Growth is never a result of mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.” - James Cash Penney

It's a little ironic starting this recap with a quote from James Cash Penney, the founder of the J.C. Penney brand, if for no other reason than this update is about progress and not about failure. But, nonetheless, let the quote serve as a reminder of how hard it is to stay on top and how quickly it seems to go downhill if you can’t meet the demands of today. You don’t have to look any further than J.C. Penney’s February 2017 announcement that it is closing 144 stores noting ‘turnaround’ failures.

The National Association of Tower Erectors, NATE Unite 2017, conference concluded in Fort Worth, TX last week and, without question, it was one of the organization’s best. Not just because it was well attended, but because those who attended were excited for the industry's future! 

One of the key announcements was NATE's support of the upcoming Broadcast Repack and its debut of the Broadcast Repack Safety Video as part of its Climber Connection video series.

If you're not familiar with the Broadcast Repack, here's a summary from Repack Ready:

• Most US TV stations will have to alter their usage of broadcast spectrum, resulting in channel changes, shared tech, and, in some cases, buyouts
• The Federal Communications Commission has enacted its Incentive Auction to give broadcasters an opportunity for telecom businesses to purchase their wireless spectrum
• The FCC's Public Reporting System gives you scheduling information and goal status updates on the Incentive Auction

Additionally, optimism surrounded the industry's future move to 5G. Who couldn't get excited about the following things recently noted by Inside Towers:

• Industry experts predict that the new technology will greatly impact the future of mobility.
• Tower owners may benefit from increased revenue from lease amendments to accommodate the new technology.
• The mobile landscape as we know it will drastically change as businesses harness the increased speeds and capacity promised by 5G.
• 5G is also expected to continue to connect information, social interaction, mobility, and cloud services, while supporting a high capacity of users. 

For Midwest Unlimited, and one of NATE's founding members, we couldn't be more excited with the industries direction - here's why!:

• We're celebrating our 70th Anniversary - Since 1947 we've been the premier supplier of fall protection and safety equipment for the tower industry.
• We launched our new state-of-the-art website that supports all mobile and tablet optimization and will provide our customers with a premier buying experience.
• We're partnered with the industry's best brands.
• If you missed it, here are our NATE UNITE 2017 Show Specials - you'll want to take advantage of these right away.
• We have a Price Match Guarantee that provides our customers with the confidence that to work with our product experts and receive the industry's best pricing!

So, without question, NATE UNITE 2017 proved to be world-class this year. But what really stood out to me was how much of a team effort it really takes to stay on top! Here are some pretty simple ways you can support our Industry as a teammate:

• Volunteer to support the National Wireless Safety Alliance.
• Join a NATE committee or group.
• Attend Midwest Unlimited Safety Class - Contact Us with your interest

Here's what we know at Midwest Unlimited - There's something special about being the premier supplier of fall protection and safety equipment in the industry for as long as we have been - you don't reach your 70th anniversary without recognizing the importance of teamwork. We're committed to starting each day working hard and we're proud to be part of NATE and to support our industry's organizations with our time and effort. We're proud to do this on behalf of the brands we represent and on behalf of all of our customers.

Midwest Unlimited: Unlimited Solutions. Immeasurable Reputation.