Dear Readers –

March is women’s history month. None of us would be where we are without them. And they’re becoming even more integral to the success of the construction industry. About time. Thank one (or more) today for their sacrifices and contributions. 

Hot Darn!! (or something like that) I can’t remember how many times I thought – or said – that during SUBExcel a few weeks ago. Eleven months of the year we get so focused on the micro end of things, we sometimes forget that there are many others around the country going through similar situations. What a font of knowledge out there. 

We’re so lucky to have this group of people – who know other people – who know other people – who are willing to share their knowledge, insight and talents with us, thereby creating an atmosphere of sharing, oneness, and family. Case in point – all the people that stepped up to help us when the person who organized this whole shindig had to leave early.

While every SUBExcel is unique – and believe me, I’ve been to a bunch of ‘em – Fort Worth is for the record books. The Texas chapters pulled out all the stops. 

Some of my favorite moments of the week were:

• The jam packed Welcome Reception on Wednesday, which set the stage for a busy week. Great to see so many of you in Fort Worth!
• Angie Weidel from ASA Baton Rouge performed an amazing rendition of the national anthem on Thursday prior to Tom Thibodeau’s inspiring keynote.
• Keynote speaker Capt. Chris Cassidy’s impressive stories about finding his way in life from a high school student to the Naval Academy to the Navy SEALs and ultimately to Commander of the International Space Station.
• The Pub Crawl at the Stockyards along with the cattle drive. Such a great place to visit!
• Seeing the engagement between the audience and the panels in the education sessions.
• Maybe the best part was seeing so many of my colleagues getting awards on Friday afternoon. ASA is truly blessed to have you as members.

This SUBExcel was truly one of the best and I’m looking forward to next year and the bright future for ASA.

We’ve got a couple new sponsors: StructShare and Hotel Engine. I hope you visited and talked with them at SUBExcel to get the scoop. If not, check them out (more info on them in the Contractor Community section). 

Thanks for reading, and look forward to hearing your thoughts,

Rusty Plowman

ASA President – 22-23