Dear Readers:
As I start this letter, the containers are now coming off the ship that collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, and the largest crane on the East coast is bringing up bridge sections from underwater. A couple of paths have been cleared so boats can travel again and they expect the port to be fully open by the end of May. But it will be years before the bridge can be rebuilt, and even longer before the families of the construction workers who lost their lives that night can start to rebuild their sense of normalcy. Like we hopefully do from our own mistakes – let’s learn from this tragedy so it doesn’t happen again.
The New York Times found that at 309 major bridges on navigable waterways in the United States, inspections in recent years have found protection systems around bridge foundations that were deteriorating, potentially outdated or nonexistent, leaving the structures perilously exposed to ship strikes. That’s called opportunity – among other things.
Our ASA’s Baltimore chapter is in the middle of the news on this, and we hope they have some insights to share in the future.
On a much more positive note, my personal congratulations – and don’t be shy to give your own congratulations – to ASA’s San Antonio chapter, which just passed a 200 member milestone! A few years ago, this chapter was struggling, but thanks to Jenn Swinney and her boundless energy, optimism, and passion for ASA, this chapter is now the largest in the U.S. Any challengers? 😉
ASA’s annual Legislative Fly-In is coming to Washington, D.C. this year on June 11 and 12. Registration deadline is May 10 in order to get all the planning done for the capitol visit. Book your hotel now, register now, and be with us when we discuss our priorities with our representatives. If you’ve got a concern Congress can help with, come to DC and let them know the impacts and importance of change.
I’m looking forward to May 1 for our next President’s Call with the Executive Directors and Chapter President, which, unfortunately will be my last as National President. We will have Mike Oscar on that phone call and he will be discussing our fly-in and will give us a little more of what to expect. It will also be just a good time to check in with everyone and find out what’s top of mind for you.
That’s all I got for the time being. Closer to home, I’m enjoying the spring weather and all the challenges associated with it: rain, wind, hail, and tornados! Being in this industry, the weather always provides opportunities for my business.
Hope some of you were able to enjoy the eclipse and all of its spectacular, awe-inspiring effects.
Until next month,
Brad Miller
ASA President – 2023/24
