ABC chairman’s message: Building a strong community in uncertain times

As we begin the new year, we are ready to start a new chapter. But at the same time, we need to remain informed and maintain focus on ongoing challenges.

Among the most recent are that President Biden’s project labor agreement (PLA) mandate is still in place at the federal level and Gov. Healey has issued an executive order directing state agencies to consider PLAs, rigid state construction ratios impede hiring, and signs point to a slowing economy. In uncertain times like these, it’s more important than ever to be part of a strong community that understands and is unified in supporting you. 

That’s what makes accomplishments like our chapter’s recent membership drive that brought in an impressive 25 new members even more important than usual. Growing our membership expands the community we can tap into as a resource. It also continues to grow and support our future and strong partnerships.

ABC MA provides members with strong representation on Beacon Hill that has largely maintained our access to projects despite being outspent and often misrepresented. As ABC MA lobbyist John Bartley so often says, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

We also provide professional public relations support that has led to the Boston Globe and other major Massachusetts media outlets supporting our positions on important issues like PLAs.

We don’t need to tell you that workforce development remains a top priority in our industry. The Gould Construction Institute’s new training facility has dramatically enhanced our ability to attract, inform and educate young talent, as has Building Mass Careers, our workforce development-focused non-profit. BMC operates an apprenticeship program that provides members with access to public projects and has attracted significant grant funding that it uses to recruit people to the construction industry and provide them with training.

In times like these, ABC MA’s voice remains strong and our members united. As we face myriad challenges in the new year, we remain committed to you and look forward to ongoing support. 

Luiza Mills is the chairman of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc.-Mass. Chapter and is a senior vice president at Interstate Electrical Services Corp., North Billerica, Mass.