Dear Readers –
As November arrives, we find ourselves approaching the close of another busy and eventful year in the construction industry. It’s a time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, recognize the challenges we’ve overcome, and begin setting our sights on the opportunities that 2027 may bring. For those of us in the subcontracting community, it’s also an opportunity to appreciate the relationships, hard work, and determination that keep our industry moving forward.
One of the highlights of this year was our SUBExcel convention in Bonita Springs, Florida, in September. What a tremendous opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and strengthen the relationships that make ASA such a valuable organization! The energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to share experiences reminded us why gathering as an industry is so important. Beyond the educational sessions and networking opportunities, SUBExcel reinforced something we all know: we are stronger when we work together. SUBExcel reinforced something we all know: we are stronger when we work together. I had the opportunity to sit and meet with so many of my fellow attendees where we talked about things that we all deal with, regardless of which markets we’re in every single day. It is one of the many endearing benefits of SUBExcel for me – not only do we meet together to work through common causes that we face nationally, but we are also presented with great opportunities to just be together and talk about individual challenges that crop up for us in our local markets and tease out the best way to handle them. My sincere thanks go to everyone who attended, contributed, sponsored, or helped make the convention a success. And mark your calendars for next September 13 – 17, when we’ll be meeting up in San Antonio.
As we enter the final months of 2026, many of us are already looking closely at our plans for 2027. While the construction industry continues to face challenges, including workforce shortages, rising costs, evolving technologies, and uncertainty in the economy, there are also opportunities for companies willing to adapt and innovate.
Now is the time to evaluate what worked this year and what could be improved. Are we investing enough in workforce development? Are we taking advantage of technologies that can improve efficiency and productivity? Are we pursuing the right projects and customers? Are we protecting our companies through sound contracts, careful financial planning, and effective risk management?
To further explore these questions and sort through how ASA can best support local contractors in answering them, the ASA National Board will be engaging in a three day strategic planning session in February 2027 in Atlanta, GA. We will be asking these questions of ourselves, and the answers will help determine how successfully we navigate the years to come as an organization. Planning isn’t simply about setting revenue goals or filling the project pipeline. It’s about building stronger organizations that can withstand uncertainty, embrace change, and create opportunities for employees and future generations. It is our hope that the results of our strategic planning session will only allow our organization to embolden trade contractors to attack these issues confidently.
November also brings Thanksgiving, a welcome reminder to recognize the people who make our success possible. I am particularly grateful for our dedicated employees, industry partners, ASA volunteers, chapter leaders, and fellow members. Your commitment to quality, safety, professionalism, and collaboration is what makes our industry strong.
As we finish out 2026, I encourage you to celebrate your successes, learn from your setbacks, and approach 2027 with optimism and a solid plan. Challenges will undoubtedly arise, but so will new possibilities.
Thank you for your continued support of ASA and for everything you contribute to our industry. Here’s to finishing the year strong and building an even better 2027—together!
Warm regards,
Tony Vermaas
ASA President, 2026-27
