Alabama Construction News is the states only bimonthly magazine dedicated to the commercial construction industry.
Issue link: http://acn.epubxp.com/i/795144
47 JAN-MAR 2017 AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS A B C O F A L A BA M A is the voice for the construction industry when it comes to advocacy, initiatives and legislative priorities that affect you and your business. Here's the latest update on what the association is doing for you. V O L U M E 2 I S S U E 1 JOUR NAL DEAR MEMBERS OF ABC ALABAMA: Well, 2017 is off and running and ABC of Alabama is poised to make a difference for you, your companies and the construction industry. However, as with so many endeavors, what we achieve will be a direct result of the level of effort we put forth. Please make plans NOW to find a way to increase your participation THIS YEAR in ABC activities. To help you do so, here's a brief outline of the areas on which we've placed our focus. 1. MEMBERSHIP: In late 2015, our Chapter devoted substantial time, effort and expense to developing our current five year Strategic Plan. Many great ideas resulted from that effort. However, one key component to our future success in so many respects was tied to one thing: membership growth. We recognized that we needed to recover from losses due to the Recession; and, we wanted to expand our membership into corners of the state in which we had not traditionally had as strong a presence. We began last year with membership as our key goal and what a year we had! We got 73 new members and, with a 90% renewal rate, saw our Chapter grow. After last year's success, our goal is to have an even better 2017. With your help, we can do so. 2. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: In 2016, our Chapter also experienced a tremendous success with the opening of the Academy of Craft Training. In a true "public/private" partnership with the State Board of Education, ABC of Alabama created a comprehensive training program for Birmingham area high school juniors and seniors. Using the NCCER Curriculum, students are able to earn school credit while at the same time learning marketable skills preparing them for a career in construction. There are presently five training modules: Building Construction; Masonry; Electrical; HVAC and Welding. This program would not exist but for the incredible generosity of several of our ABC members each of whom recognized that we simply could not wait any longer to address the critical worker shortage that the industry is facing. 3. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS: ABC of Alabama is now a recognized leader in government affairs. Ever vigilant for legislative trends which may harm the industry, ABC Alabama has become equally adept at drafting and promoting legislation which benefits our industry. We plan not only to continue our government affairs efforts locally and in Montgomery, but also to increase our activity in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with efforts already underway by ABC National. 4. MEMBER ENGAGEMENT: Lastly, but by no means least, we hope dramatically to increase member engagement. ABC is unique in that membership is open to all participants in the construction industry: general contractors, subcontractors, designers, suppliers and associates. We plan intentionally to pursue ways to get each category of member more heavily involved in the Chapter so that they may enjoy the benefits of membership. We want to fully engage both field workers and management. We want to engage members at every stage of their career: from young professionals to our Past Chairs. If you are already an ABC member, consider yourself invited to get more involved. If you are not, then please do not wait any longer to join! Here's wishing us all the very best throughout the coming year. We do need your help to achieve our goals and waiting only diminishes our chances of success. Remember, we are stronger together! David Pugh 2017 Chairman of the Board