Dear Readers – 

I’m ecstatic to say…ASA’s annual conference, SUBExcel, was all it was cracked up to be…and then some. The energy level was amazing. If you DIDN’T join us in Florida a couple weeks ago, please call someone and get their impression. We’ll be getting the photos and videos together and will send you all links. And make sure to mark your calendar for next year – March 8-11, 2023 in Ft. Worth, TX! 

The leadership presentations by the Afterburners were first class. To have combat fighter pilots share lessons learned in their training and combat deployments was both interesting and provided real world tools to make us better subcontractors. Second – as always – the peer-to-peer networking was amazing. I left SUBExcel with a pocket full of contacts to follow up with in the next few weeks. Finally, it was great to be back in person to celebrate at the awards night the finest in our industry.

As I’m sure you know, March is our annual focus on women in construction. In this issue we have two articles that clarify where we are. In specific areas of the country, in certain companies, women are making their mark and are creating a positive impact. But nationally, we still have a long way to go. This month’s Contractor’s Compass also focuses on technology and data. Protect yourselves from hackers, and use technology to create your advantage. 

And of course, don’t pass up our Always Something Awesome feature this month, which details a win in Virginia for the Pay if Paid contract clause, and the hard work and power of teamwork to succeed.

While winter is still causing havoc throughout much of the U.S., we are joyed and buoyed by the camaraderie at SUBExcel and daffodils, tulips and other signs of spring poking their green tips through the brown of winter.

As always, it has been my pleasure to serve as the ASA 2021/2022 Nation President.  We build America!!

Sincerely,

Brian K. Carroll
ASA President 2021-2022