Spring always brings a renewed sense of momentum to our industry, and this year is no exception. Across our chapters and across ASA, we are preparing for an active season of advocacy, education, and connection.
First off, I wanted to draw your attention to ASA’s urgent concern regarding the recent modifications to Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper, effective April 6. These changes impose duties of up to 25% on the full value of HVACR systems, including those produced with U.S.-origin metals, eliminating the exemption that supported domestic manufacturing. Read more about this, and our letters to Congress in the Contractor Community section of this issue.
The Subcontractors Legal Defense Fund’s win in Colorado is a major victory for fairness. By overturning the prior Court of Appeals decision on Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company v. Regional Rail Partners precedent, the Colorado Supreme Court protected subcontractors and suppliers from losing all recovery rights simply for asserting disputed or unliquidated claims in good faith. Details of this case are also in this issue.
One of the biggest highlights ahead is SUBExcel 2026, with registration now open for September 29 through October 1. This year’s event will bring subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners together in Bonita Springs, Florida, for valuable learning, fresh ideas, and the kind of networking that strengthens both our businesses and our association.
Before that, many of us are gearing up for this year’s Fly-In to Washington, D.C., where ASA members will once again take our message directly to legislators. The 2026 ASA Legislative Fly-In is scheduled for June 8–10 in Washington, and it is one of the most important opportunities we have to make sure the voice of subcontractors is heard on Capitol Hill. These conversations matter. They help lawmakers better understand the real challenges facing our companies and our workforce, and they remind all of us that engagement is one of the most powerful tools we have as an association.
Construction Safety Week is being observed May 4–8. Safety Week gives our industry a dedicated time to refocus, share best practices, and renew our commitment to sending every worker home safely at the end of the day. But as important as this week is, safety cannot be something we emphasize only once a year. It must remain part of every conversation, every plan, every jobsite, and every decision we make throughout the year. A strong safety culture is not built in five days. It is built day by day, through leadership, accountability, training, and care for the people who make this industry move forward.
As we head into the months ahead, I encourage each of you to stay involved, stay informed, and stay connected. Whether that means registering for SUBExcel, participating in our advocacy efforts in Washington, or recommitting your teams to safety every day, your involvement helps strengthen this association and the industry we all care about.
Thank you for all you do, and thank you for continuing to make this community strong.
Sincerely,
President,
ASA, 2025-26
