Dear ASA Members, 

I write to you this month ready to embrace a time of growth and discovery. The seasons will be changing soon, and with that comes a new crispness in the air, new colors in the trees, and anticipation for what is on the horizon. Some of you may be excited for the return of flannel shirts and bonfires, while others are looking forward to the opportunity for new community events that always spring up this time of year. All of those joys may look different this year in the current climate, but that shouldn’t stop us from embracing the exciting new period that we are entering into. 

Before we fully turn the page on Summer, however, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible work that ASA members have been doing during these warm months. ASA continues to work hard for the needs of the subcontracting community, and those efforts have never shut down. Our chapters continue to work within their communities supporting our members, and I have never been prouder to hear about all of the accomplishments happening around the country. Our organization is strong today and will be stronger tomorrow. 

I am thrilled to share that in August Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) toured Claborn Manufacturing’s new state-of-the-art facility in Tanner, AL. The tour was led by former ASA President, Kerrick Whisenant, President of Limestone Building Group, constructor of South Limestone Industrial Park where the plant is located. Claborn Manufacturing’s sister company and ASA member, Cornerstone Detention Products, installs products in prisons and jails, including doors, frames, windows, and furniture, which are now being made at this new Claborn facility utilizing high-end, technologically driven, robotic manufacturing processes. Rep. Brooks has supported ASA with his voting to include the Small Business Payment Performance Act as an amendment to the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Bill, as well as being a member of the House Armed Services Committee that deals with many priorities important to ASA members.   

These opportunities for our nation’s leadership to see the incredible work that our industry does day after day will help shine a brighter light on what we all know to be a thriving, growing, vital part of our country’s landscape. Celebrate these moments and share the good news with your communities and chapters about the incredible work that all of us are doing as ASA members. Together we will always be stronger. 

My best to you all, 

Brian Cooper 
ASA President 2020-2021