ASM fall events back on track - by Michael McDonagh

Every two years we at Associated Subcontractors of MA (ASM) hold the ever-popular “GC Showcase.” Since we were unable to have this in 2020, we are excited to bring it back this year. The event will be held on October 20, 4:00 to 7:00 pm, at Polar Park in Worcester. We are thrilled to be hosting the event at Polar Park since so many of our members helped to construct the ballpark.

The 2022 GC Showcase will feature approximately 30 of the area’s leading general contractors and construction managers and will provide an opportunity to meet and introduce their company to subcontractors from across the state. We expect a large attendance of subcontractors, representing the full spectrum of trades.

We are encouraging GCs to bring key members of their team (e.g., estimating, purchasing, project management, etc.) to provide a broad perspective on company operations, subcontractor procedures, upcoming projects and more.

Each GC exhibitor will have a display table, and our subcontractor attendees will circulate the room for information and conversations. Formal presentations will not be held. Refreshments and light appetizers will be provided to facilitate networking and relationship-building. The cost is $400 per general contractor.

In addition to our big showcase, we have also had a busy September of events. We recently held a legal seminar entitled, “From Prompt Pay to Retainage: Getting Paid in the Wake of Tocci v. IRIV” and a safety roundtable on confined space. The legal seminar focused on steps that can be taken to avoid non-payment and how to properly use tools available to subcontractors to obtain timely payment. Our three-attorney panel covered:

• Using the Prompt Pay Act after Tocci v IRIV - payment applications, statutory requirements, change orders, pay-if-paid, and suspension of work; and

• Retainage - understand the limits of retainage, the meaning of substantial completion, submission of punch lists, and obtaining retainage.

The safety roundtable focused on components of confined space that subcontractors need look at that they may not be familiar with and could cause issues for them out in the field or with owners. Safety is the number one priority for ASM members. Recent incidents in and around Boston have shown once again, that there can never be too much emphasis on jobsite safety.

After so many virtual events and so many ups and downs with the pandemic, it’s been nice to see such enthusiasm for our fall programming. We also have a session coming up on recession-proofing your business. “Recession Proofing Your Business and Playing the Long Game for the Future” will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Waltham on Thursday, September 22 at 10 am. This session is open to both ASM members and non-members. If you aren’t a member and are curious about who we are, consider joining us for this event.

We also plan to have a seminar on cybersecurity in November. Details to come on that program. We encourage you to visit our website at www.associatedsubs.com to learn more about ASM, the benefits we offer and more information on the programs we are hosting.

Michael McDonagh is the CEO of the Associated Subcontractors of Mass., Boston.