Assured Partners Joins Arthur J. Gallagher
AssuredPartners, an ASA Platinum Sponsor, has joined Arthur J. Gallagher (Rolling Meadows, Illinois), the world’s third-largest insurance broker.
AssuredPartners began its relationship with ASA in January 2021 and, over the past five years, has provided insurance and risk management services to ASA members across many ASA local and regional chapters nationwide. AssuredPartners has also contributed articles to The Contractor’s Compass and presented webinars on a range of insurance and risk management topics.
The Gallagher relationship will expand support for ASA chapters through more than 100 construction-focused offices and a nationwide team of over 1,000 construction professionals.
We’re excited about our new relationship with Gallagher and will be able to provide even more resources and capabilities to ASA members.”
ASA Voter Voice- Take Action Now: Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform
The construction industry is facing a critical workforce shortage that requires immediate action. ASA members alone will need 723,000 workers annually to meet current demand, driven by natural disaster recovery efforts and increased data center construction. This shortage is already affecting labor costs, with average hourly earnings increasing by 4.4% over the past year.
OUR IMMIGRATION REFORM PRIORITIES
As we advocate for solutions to this workforce crisis, ASA urges the 119th Congress, more specifically the members of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, to prioritize the following immigration reforms:
- Expand the H-2B Visa Program specifically for construction companies by:
- Exempting returning workers who have followed the law from counting against the statutory cap
- Making the program more compatible with construction industry needs
- Increase Employment-Based Visa Quotas to allow more qualified workers to enter the industry legally
- Create a Market-Driven Visa Program for foreign workers that:
- Provides visas valid long enough to protect employer training investments
- Makes visas renewable
- Allows employers to sponsor employees for permanent residency
- Sets flexible caps based on marketplace needs without arbitrary restrictions on construction
- Ensures guestworkers receive equal labor and employment law protections
- Protect DACA and TPS Recipients currently working in the construction industry
- Improve E-Verify with appropriate employer safeguards to create a reliable employment verification system
ESSENTIAL REFORM PRINCIPLES
Any effective immigration reform must:
- Strengthen national security through proper screening and border measures
- Establish federal preemption over state and local laws to create uniform standards
- Maintain “knowing” as the liability standard for employing unauthorized workers
- Avoid vicarious liability for subcontractor hiring actions
- Set penalties that are reasonable and proportionate to violations
- Provide an earned path to legal status for law-abiding undocumented workers already contributing to our economy
Do you agree? Let your voice be heard. Send a message to Senate Committee on the Judiciary Members (US Senate) and/or House Committee on the Judiciary Members (US House)
Your 2025 Year‑in‑Review: UPS Savings & Impact for ASA Members
For ASA members, the UPS® Savings Program continues to deliver meaningful value year after year. Through this member-exclusive program, you unlock significant discounts, reliable delivery options, and additional package protection—each designed to help you ship smarter, faster, and more affordably.
The numbers tell the story. In 2025, ASA members collectively saved $241,226.53* on shipping through the UPS® Savings Program.
Whether you’re a small business managing frequent shipments or someone who ships only a few packages a month, these savings add up—helping members stretch their budgets while maintaining high-quality delivery services.
A Year of Strong Savings and Smart Shipping
- 15,212 Number of Shipments*
- $404,916.43 Spent on Shipping
- $241,226.53 Savings through the UPS Program**
Member-Exclusive Savings Include:
- 65%* off Domestic Next Day / Deferred
- 42%* off Ground Commercial / Residential
- Up to 65%* off International Imports / Exports
- Savings starting at 75%* on LTL Freight shipping services
Learn How You Can Save Today!
If you’re not enrolled yet, now’s the time to start saving. Sign up for a new account or re-enroll to apply your member discounts.
Start Saving: www.savewithups.com/asamembers
Protect Your Shipments with InsureShield® Shipping Protection
Damaged or lost shipments can be frustrating—and costly. With InsureShield® Shipping Protection, you can easily protect your packages by entering the value of your goods in the declared value** field of your UPS® approved shipping system.
Enjoy the Convenience of UPS Smart Pickup® – Free!
Need flexibility in your shipping routine? UPS Smart Pickup® combines the convenience of a recurring pickup with the flexibility of an on-demand service—so UPS comes to your business only when you have a package to ship. Start optimizing your shipping strategy today!
Your Membership Comes with Even More
The UPS Savings Program is just one part of your ASA benefits. As a member, you have access to a full range of exclusive tools, savings, and resources designed to support you year-round. Explore your full benefits today by visiting your personalized benefits portal!
Visit Portal: www.1800members.com/asa
Terms and Conditions: Must be included with any mention of UPS (other than social media).
*Includes UPS Small Pack, UPS Freight, UPS GFP, and UPS SCS shipments for the full 2025 year. Savings calculation is based on discount amounts for service levels when compared to UPS 2025 daily rates.
**Insurance coverage is offered through UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc., a licensed insurance producer. If you elect protection for your shipment, it will be insured under a policy of insurance (the “Policy”), but you are not an insured under the Policy. In the event of a loss covered under such Policy, any resulting claim payment will be directed to you as a loss payee. All insurance-related information is provided by UPS Capital and does not in any way alter or amend the terms, conditions, or exclusions of the Policy. Insurance coverage is not available in all jurisdictions or on all shipments. For a detailed explanation of program coverage Click here
© 2025 United Parcel Service, UPS, UPS Capital, InsureShield, the UPS brandmark, and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved. 1/25
Free Download – Recyclability of Architectural Glass Products
The interest in recycling architectural glass products is growing; however, information on companies offering recycling services is fragmented and difficult to find. A recent survey conducted by NGA showed that the architectural glass industry is interested in more recyclability of post fabrication products. Respondents indicated that roadblocks such as labor, cost, space and the lack of local resources prevent them from recycling glass waste. Download the report.
AWCI Launches Online, Bilingual Stucco Training to Meet Evolving Industry Demands
The Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry (AWCI) has announced the launch of its renowned Stucco—Doing It Right® educational program in a new, fully online and self-paced format, now available in both English and Spanish. This significant expansion dramatically increases accessibility for construction professionals seeking to master stucco best practices amid increasingly complex codes, materials and performance expectations.
Addressing a Critical Industry Need
The Stucco—Doing It Right program idea originated in 2007 in response to widespread construction defects related to stucco installation, often stemming from poor detailing, inconsistent training, and a lack of understanding regarding drainage and code compliance. AWCI convened an oversight group of leading technical consultants, contractors, manufacturers and code experts to develop a structured curriculum based on industry best practices and relevant codes. Since its initial launch in 2008, hundreds of professionals have benefited from the program, crediting it with enhancing jobsite quality, minimizing callbacks, and improving confidence in navigating code compliance and legal responsibilities.
Comprehensive Content for Modern Construction
The program’s content is built upon the frameworks of ASTM C926 (Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster) and ASTM C1063 (Installation of Lathing and Furring to Receive Interior and Exterior Portland Cement-Based Plaster). It covers installation over both metal lath and solid bases, incorporating critical design and building science elements related to moisture management, thermal performance, and continuous insulation (CI) systems. Participants learn to evaluate system design from both a technical and constructability standpoint, addressing real-world challenges such as transitions, terminations, and maintaining continuity in water-resistive barriers (WRBs).
Enhanced Accessibility and Risk Management
The move to an online, on-demand format removes travel barriers and seamlessly integrates into busy schedules, allowing companies to train entire teams and standardize practices across crews and project sites. The course also serves as a valuable risk management tool, teaching participants how to document their work, understand assembly evaluations in the field, and implement quality control measures to prevent disputes and claims.
Key Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Stucco—Doing It Right course, participants will be able to:
- Identify key components of different stucco assemblies, including traditional three-coat systems, one-coat systems, and detailing with drainage planes.
- Understand how ASTM standards and building codes apply to various substrates and environmental conditions.
- Demonstrate proper lath installation, embedment, thickness requirements, curing practices, and finish options in accordance with code.
- Apply principles of moisture management, including WRBs, drainage planes, flashing, and weep screeds.
- Reduce risk by applying consistent quality control practices and understanding common causes of litigation in stucco-related claims.
Learn more at www.awci.org/education/doing-it-right/stucco-doing-it-right.
New Prevent Blindness campaign introduces “Iris and Cornelius” to demonstrate best practices, address perceptions related to maintaining healthy vision across all age groups
The campaign is introduced as a recent Prevent Blindness consumer survey revealed that nearly 75 percent of respondents believe they would have symptoms if something was wrong with their vision or eye health. In fact, many serious eye diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy often have no symptoms in their early stages.
The initial phase of the campaign focuses on three key areas critical to preventing blindness and preserving sight: the role of nutrition in eye health, the need for proper eye protection in sports, home and work, and the important role of healthy vision for a child’s success in the classroom. Campaign content will be distributed across multi-media platforms, including streaming services and digital channels.
New data from the 2026 Workplace Vision Health Report, just released by VSP® Vision Care, showed a disconnect between workers and employers with only a quarter of survey respondents believing that their company cares a great deal about their eye health. While employees who work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, metalworking, agriculture, and occupations requiring chemical-handling are traditionally at higher risk for eye injuries, those who work in an office setting using digital screens may also be at a higher risk for digital eye strain that may include symptoms from blurred vision to headaches.
To help educate the public about the importance of prioritizing eye health and safety, the Prevent Blindness Best Eyes for Life program encourages everyone to visit PreventBlindness.org/BestEyes.
Report Findings: Women in Construction Still Face Bias
Stack Construction Technologies released its State of Women in Construction 2026 Report, highlighting stereotypes that hinder women’s advancement in the industry despite eagerness to grow.
Key findings
While women’s visibility in the field reached a two-decade high last year, Stack found 35% of C-suites in the sector think construction will never be a job ideal for women to participate in. 73% of women in construction surveyed also cited experiencing various forms of bias in the industry.
Key findings from women in the field:
- 45% of Gen Z women and 27% of Millennial women have had a task they’re qualified for “mansplained” to them
- 1 in 5 (20%) female respondents cited feeling most unsafe when not reporting harassment and/or safety concerns, out of fear of losing their jobs
- 32% of Gen Z women and 28% of Millennial women have been forced to wear equipment that doesn’t properly fit them
- 72% of Gen Z and 65% of Millennial women in construction reported struggling to advance in their careers
- 41% of women in the C-suite and 30% of women in Senior Management said they were perceived as “bossy” or “aggressive” by coworkers based on their gender
