Dear Readers –

As I write this, there are just a couple more weeks until SUBExcel. The excitement is building, and I’m really looking forward to enjoying the sights and sounds of New Orleans for a few days…not to mention seeing many of you. If we haven’t met, please come up, introduce yourself, and let me – or any of us ASA folks – know how we can make your association better. Even better – get involved in your local chapter, join in one of our Think Tank meetings. Start making waves.

Here are some things I want to highlight. We’ve been busy –

• At the beginning of February Andrew Christ, our current secretary, based in Kansas City, testified at the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee hearing. He offered his thoughts on small business contracting reform within the federal government relating to the requirements for past performance and qualifications, the use of payment and performance bonds, the impact of continuing resolutions (CRs) on small businesses, and the bundling of contracts. He represented ASA, you, and let Congress know we’re relying on them to hear us.
• Four companies are new sponsors of ASA. Dell Technologies, CommercePayments, MerchantBank, and Solidus. All are offering benefits and/or discounts to ASA members. Make sure you check them out, learn what they offer, and take advantage of them. They want you to!
• We just launched the Foundation of American Subcontractors Association (FASA) website at fasacares.org. It’s the focal area for all things FASA – free learning sessions, all past and future issues of The Contractor’s Compass, disaster preparedness information, etc.
• SUBExcel – Join the hundreds of subcontractors – like you – to learn, celebrate, and discuss the issues and topics that matter to you. Find out what others are doing, solutions they’ve found. Fingers crossed for warm, sunny weather.
• SLDF Fundraiser at the WWII Museum. It’s not too late. If you haven’t been, go!
• Some awesome articles in this month’s issue. You’ll want to learn about Employee Stock Ownership Plans – the good, the bad, the ugly, and the taxes. Everything you wanted to know about “nuclear verdicts.” And that’s just the beginning of all the good information in this month’s issue.

March is starting in a couple days. Can’t believe Spring is on the horizon. But I’m ready for it. See you in New Orleans!

Brad Miller
ASA President – 2023-24