Dear Readers –

Here we are with a week or so left in 2023, with Christmas and New Years Celebration speeding at us like a freight train, as I get older time really seems to fly. As we reflect on the year we had with its highs and lows, which hopefully the highs far exceeded the lows, let us be thankful for the year we’ve had, and improve ourselves both on a personal and professional level. Being in the service side of construction, weather plays a big part in how we finish and start a year. I look forward to meeting next year’s challenges and hopefully improve on past performances.

I’d like to blow the horn, bring out the streamers, and toast the Subcontractors’ Legal Defense Fund. On November 30th, the Illinois Supreme Court issued its opinion in Acuity v. M/I Homes of Chicago, LLC. The case involved commercial general liability (“CGL”) coverage for construction defects resulting in water damage to a townhome project. The appellate court’s request to clarify as to the existence of property damage or occurrence in Illinois was supported by the SLDF in collaboration with the Associated General Contractors of America, National Association of Home Builders, and local chapters in Illinois. The Supreme Court answered the call and embarked on a clarification that was extremely favorable to the construction industry and its broad coalition of support.

Reminder – There’s just a little over a week to submit your nominations for ASA awards to be presented at SUBExcel in March. I know everyone’s super busy these days, but if you really want to give a shout-out to colleagues you know deserve some love, take some time to show your appreciation. Here’s your chance to give them some industry recognition.

We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this year:

• Relaunch of FASA (see last month’s “Always Something Awesome” article.
• Return to Capitol Hill for our annual “fly in” for the first time since 2019.
• Adding more benefits to your ASA membership, such as healthcare coverage, and HomeDepot Pro discounts
• Publication of a detailed Natural Disaster Guide – what to do before, during and after.
• Our newest chapter in Iowa

This issue focuses on how best to prepare for the new year. What have we learned? What do we need to gear up for? It’s an election year that again, promises to be topsy-turvy. Will we be ready to ride the waves of change? How prepared are you?

I hope you have happy and joy-filled holiday celebrations with loved ones, and let’s remember with fondness and love those who were with us last December, but not this one.

Until next year…

Brad Miller

President, ASA – 2023-2024