Dear Readers –

I’m just trying to catch my breath after a fabulous, exciting, and especially invigorating SUBExcel Conference. While we certainly know how to “laissez les bons temps rouler” – we also know how to get business done.

While the board sees each other fairly often – and talks even MORE often, it’s great to see those folks who I only get to see at SUBExcel – plus so many new faces this year, too. I loved it. Hundreds of you. I hope you met some future friends and colleagues, and had some discussions that made you think.

A few of the highlights for me:

• A fun, high energy awards gala on Friday night where we introduced some new awards focusing on chapters to recognize the outstanding work they’re doing, including: mentoring, recruiting, young leaders, media coverage, events, and more.
• A parade of thanks to Kelly Riggs and Chris Kuehl for making our keynote sessions so rewarding, and all of the presenters who kept the audience informed and entertained.
• The opening night Welcome Reception and all of the tremendous exhibitors and sponsors who make SUBExcel successful.
• The Swamp tour that featured crawfish for lunch was an amazing adventure; glad to see so many go on the trip.
• Our amazing Women in Construction who lead and represent ASA with passion and energy!

And to that last point, this month we put the spotlight on women in construction. They’re growing and thriving, and they’re a force in construction. And that’s what we want. We keep touting that construction trades are a good career choice – and not just for men. It’s great that women are speaking out, raising their voices, and talking about the positives and helping to change the negatives they’re seeing and experiencing. That can only make our industry better for everyone.

I couldn’t NOT write about SUBExcel – heck, we’ve been talking about it for about a year. And I want to repeat, that we hope to see even more folks in Oklahoma City for our next SUBExcel, September 24 -27, 2025. Yes, we’re switching from Spring to Fall for next year. Mark your calendars, and start planning.

Welcome Spring, breathe some fresh air, and I hope you came away from New Orleans as invigorated as I did for all the great energy, insights, and ideas our members are generating. Now let’s act!

Stay safe as we spend more time outdoors.

Brad Miller
ASA President – 2023-24