On behalf of the Massachusetts Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, I am pleased to congratulate the 58 companies that were recognized for their safety records at this year’s Safety & Education Night in May. The dinner is one of ABC and the Gould Construction Institute’s (GCI’s) signature events and celebrates the commitment of our organization and member companies to worksite safety.

Another important occurrence at Safety & Education Night was the granting of three more Building Our Future Scholarships. The scholarship invests in tomorrow’s construction industry talent by offering scholarships of up to $2,500 for deserving young people pursuing construction-related training after high school. 

In the modern construction industry, finding qualified workers is as big a challenge as keeping them safe. ABC’s pre-apprenticeship program, which began in April, is our latest effort to address this problem. The program, aimed at inner-city youth, is providing empowerment and leadership skills, OSHA certification, hoisting license prep, 75 hours of general construction education training and job placement with ABC member companies. 

No discussion of safety and training would be complete without mentioning the upcoming retirement of Gould Construction Institute president Barbara Lagergren. Barbara will retire at the end of this year after dedicating a total of 32 years to ABC’s Massachusetts Chapter, ABC National and, for the last 15 years, at the Gould. GCI has record enrollment and the most recognition it has ever enjoyed. We recognize her good work and even better spirit, which will be missed by the entire ABC family. 

John Anderson is chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc.-Mass. Chapter, Woburn, Mass. and president of Plumb House Inc., Milford, Mass.