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Melinda Dailey attended the University of Oregon and Portland State University before working from home while raising her children. She first worked for a company that brokered banking and computer equipment and eventually started her own business, which connected sellers with buyers nationwide.

She joined NWUCA in 2002 and said she appreciates her membership鈥檚 willingness to serve on committees, sponsor events and support the industry through the organization.

鈥淲e have grown considerably, but have never lost the 鈥榝amily feel鈥� of our association,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ith the involvement of our many volunteer members, we have created valuable partnerships with various public agencies in Oregon and Southwest Washington, as well as with other trade associations that share our common goals.鈥�

Dailey noted that NWUCA started as a local chapter of a national organization. In 2013, its board decided to become an independent association because it felt NWUCA could better serve members by using dues to pay for free safety training and additional support of the NW College of Construction, of which NWUCA is a founding member.

鈥淥ur board of directors saw the need for a well-trained workforce and were willing to devote the dollars to make sure the college became a reality,鈥� she said.

Dailey, who called it a privilege to represent NWUCA on Portland鈥檚 Fair Contracting Forum, said she appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with the organization鈥檚 members to support the community as well as the industry. During its annual auction, members gave $10,000 through a paddle raise to help people in the trades. Its associate/affiliate committee also put together a team to work on home improvement projects for members in need.

鈥淚 am in the enviable position of having the most generous members who volunteer their time and sponsorship dollars on a consistent basis. My events fill very quickly, and I end up with a lengthy waiting list. It鈥檚 a wonderful problem to have,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very gratifying to have so many of our members offer to help when needed.鈥�

NWUCA also hosts an annual Dozer Days event and spearheads drives to donate food and clothing to children in need.