Dear ASA Members:
Some leaves have twinges of yellow, brown and red; the kids are back to school; yet it’s still hot as Hades. Guess it must be September.
Just a few things to note:
- September is suicide prevention month, which is especially important in the construction industry. A person working in construction is 3.5 times as likely of committing suicide than the national average. Not something to brag about, but something to recognize and address. In addition, the construction industry was ranked the 7th worst mental health score among 22 industries. Underlying risk factors such as crippling stress, anxiety, and undiagnosed mental illness like depression, play huge roles as comorbidities with suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts – call 988, text “HELLO” to 741741. Check out some of the information in this month’s Contractor’s Compass.
- We just had our think tank meeting last week. We have these once a year to really delve into how we can make this association better for you. Luckily you’re not a shy crowd, and you’ve got lots to say. Still…if you’ve got an idea that could benefit the whole, we’ll gladly take it under consideration and bounce it around a bit. So keep that feedback coming. This year we had a round-table discussion on the economic outlook around the country, including price escalations and supply chain issues. We also had a lengthy discussion about hiring/labor immigration, and ways to reach out to younger people to encourage learning skilled technologies. You’ll be seeing more about these topics in the coming months.
- A shout-out to the Subcontractor’s Legal Defense Fund (SLDF), helping ALL subcontractors in the nation. The American Subcontractors Association is moving forward with a friend-of-the-court brief in Texas, seeking an appeal on a decision that held that an entity could not be sued for prompt payment violations because it had not waived sovereign immunity. More information is in the Contractor Community [insert link] section. Plus…SLDF’s annual fundraiser is coming up in New Orleans on October 29. Hope you can join us!
- eSUB returns as a sponsor. They provide construction project management software built specifically for trade contractors. There are a lot of good companies trying to improve the construction industry and make our lives a little bit easier. Honest. I have to keep telling myself that, since sometimes I’m certain that’s why I’m prematurely gray. Luckily there are people smarter than me that take to technology like fish to water, and prove to me how valuable and time-saving these applications are. Would I go back to a manual typewriter? Nope. Technology works.
This month we’re taking a look at workforce development. How do you motivate, inspire and get the best out of the talented folks you have at your workplace? We’ve got “how-to” articles from those who have done it, from employees that tell what works for them, and the struggles that are still ongoing.
Thanks for reading this letter. ASA is striving to make your lives a little easier, your businesses more successful, and our entire industry stronger. If you have ideas that could benefit us, get involved in your chapter or contact us directly. Thank you!
Rusty Plowman
ASA President – 2022-23
