Successful construction projects depend on people working together, with one member of the team building on work done by another. As I take over as chair of ABC, I have the benefit of building on the good work done by Tom Descoteaux. Tom has returned our association to fiscal stability, thanks in part to an increase in membership; presided over a successful drive to improve member communication; overseen development of the Merit Apprentice Program (MAP) and increased our clout on Beacon Hill.
Those very productive two years will make my job easier. More importantly, they will make our member companies more prosperous by enhancing the opportunities available to high-quality merit shop companies in Massachusetts.
The confluence of more members; a financially strong association with enhanced clout on Beacon Hill; and MAP, which allows members to compete on an even playing field for public jobs; translates into more opportunity more high-quality merit shop companies.
It also yields results like Charlie Baker's election as governor. After eight years of being shut out, ABC's voice will again be heard in the corner office. We look forward to working with the new governor and his administration.
We will also have an open door at the attorney general's office, which is nearly as important to our members as the governor's office. Incoming attorney general Maura Healey addressed ABC's board of directors during her campaign and will preside over the installation of new officers of ABC and the Gould Construction Institute on January 27 at the Burlington Marriott at 8:00 am.
Given Tom Descoteaux's successes, the focus at our November planning conference was Building Community-Keeping Continuity. This year we will work of strengthening our sense of community with ABC membership through events and on the board with the mentor program for new board members. At the conference we also worked on a vision to design an industry conference to be held during the first half of next year.
Work also continues on ongoing initiatives such as MAP, improving association programing and interacting with owners.
I'm honored to serve as your chairman and thrilled to do so at a time when the outlook for ABC and our industry is bright. I hope you will help us reach our full potential by being active members. Happy New Year!

Brian Jurgens is chairman of the Associated Builders & Contractors - Mass. Chapter, Woburn and is a senior vice president at W.T. Kenney Co. Inc., Arlington.