It is with a great sense of excitement that I address my fellow members for the first time as the chairman of the board of directors for the Mass. Chapter of ABC. Let me begin by telling you a little bit about myself. I currently own and operate A & M Construction Co., Inc., a general contracting company that has been in business nearly 20 years and an ABC member since 2000.
One of my primary goals as chairman will be to help members realize and benefit from all that ABC has to offer. I did not truly become active in the association until around 2003 - three years after A&M joined. It took me a while to understand how to truly benefit from membership and it became more personally and professionally rewarding when I began to put in more time and effort on my end.
As chairman, one of my goals is to assure that ABC is providing what members desire and to help you and your companies identify the path towards contributing to and maximizing the benefits of your ABC membership. We began working on this goal at last October's Annual Planning Conference, which focused on membership and improving our communications, marketing, and event planning to benefit our entire membership.
One of the new items we will try to incorporate this year is more "cooperative" events with other associations that represent architects and engineers. Much like last fall's event at AutoDesk in Woburn, we believe that bridging the gap amongst professionals and expanding networking capabilities in the larger industry will bring members new and enhanced benefits.
Lastly, we will also work to ensure that these enhanced benefits extend to our large contingent of suppliers and associate members. Some of our most active ABC members come from the business support professionals in our organization. The expertise and experience these companies bring to our associations is immeasurable.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as chairman. On behalf of the ABC board of directors, I wish you, your families, and your company a Happy New Year!

Mark Roberts, LEED AP is the 2011 chairman of the ABC-Mass. Chapter, Burlington and is president of A&M Construction Co., Inc., Wakefield, Mass.