Greetings! I am honored to serve as chairman of the Mass. chapter of ABC for 2008. Our immediate past president, Doug Hunter, did a tremendous job leading our chapter last year, and I look forward to building on the great work he did.
My background and experience provide a unique, well rounded perspective on what ABC means and offers to its broad range of members. I grew up working in a fourth generation family contracting business (W.T. Kenney Co., Inc.), which has been an ABC member for decades. From that experience, I saw first hand the challenges and opportunities of running a merit shop construction business.
Today, my father, brother, and nephew continue the commitment to excellence in construction my grandfather started in 1939. Throughout this time, ABC has been there to help us when needed.
I now serve as legal counsel to my family's business through my law firm, Kenney & Sams, P.C. Our firm is an active associate member of ABC. I previously served as chair of the safety committee, and have been on the board of directors for several years. My partner, Mike Sams, was the 2007 chairman of the Gould Construction Institute. We focus our firm's practice on construction law and business litigation, and we're proud to work with many ABC members.
Our chapter is populated with leaders in the construction industry, whose businesses are enhanced by the outstanding work of ABC's associates and suppliers. Together we make a great team.
At our chapter's recent planning conference, we agreed upon four central initiatives for 2008:
1. Taking a leadership role in green/sustainable construction;
2. Developing strategic alliances in the industry, and enhancing business development opportunities among ABC members;
3. Becoming an active voice in government affairs and political developments in the construction industry; and
4. Promoting diverse and young leaders in our chapter.
These initiatives serve as the blueprint for our work this year. We have formed task forces for each initiative. Each task force is made up of contractors, associate members/suppliers, and staff members. The task forces meet on a regular basis and report their progress to the board of directors during monthly conference calls.
I will focus future chairman's messages on each of these initiatives. Please call or e-mail me to get involved and help us to continue our chapter's progress from "good to great." ABC is a member-focused association, and my own experience shows the value of getting involved. I urge you to as well.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2008.

Chris Kenney is the 2008 chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors-Mass. Chapter, Burlington, Mass.