Chairman’s message: New GCI facility advances ABC MA’s mission

As we enter 2025, we will still face challenges ahead in our world, but I believe our chapter is stronger and continues to be equipped to help members and their teams grow and prosper now more than ever with forward-looking initiatives and advancements. For starters, we have GCI’s new training facility in Billerica. This facility is just the beginning and continues to embody the commitment for training and safety to our members, our industry and future generations to come. It also strongly signifies the continued alignment between ABC MA and the Gould Construction Institute. As a former chair of the GCI board, I’m pleased to have been a part of this progress and witness to its evolution. It is with tremendous collaboration from the dedicated GCI and ABC leaders and support that this facility can exist. This new facility allows us added capabilities to do our part in showcasing the vast opportunities that await students and others looking for careers that contribute to helping make our world a better place.

In addition to the alignment between ABC MA and GCI, and the new facility, we also now have Building Mass Careers, a joint venture between ABC MA and GCI that promotes careers in construction through activities such as providing grant-funded pre-apprenticeship trainings and participation in career fairs, tradeshows and many other outreach events. Building Mass Careers received approval as a 501(c)3 charitable organization in 2024.

With these advancements, we can further showcase the incredible careers and opportunities the industry and trades have to offer, while continuing to expand diverse new workforce opportunities. They help with our advocacy on behalf of member companies amid a challenging state political environment, making it easier to deliver messages to elected officials such as Gov. Healey and others on issues such as the need to reform ratios, so they don’t continue to pose a barrier to employment amid a labor shortage. It was certainly a good sign that the governor sent a supportive video message to the November ribbon cutting for the training facility.

This year we will see a GCI fundraising campaign to help support the new training facility. We believe it’s a small investment in helping our member firms remain strong by providing them with the best-trained workforce possible. I urge you to consider supporting this effort. Please be on the lookout for details on several opportunities that will be available, and we thank you in advance for your contribution support.

Lastly, as we head into 2025, it is important to recognize our former ABC chairs, and particularly Joe Camilo. He has been involved in so many of the accomplishments that have positioned us so well for the future. For his efforts, endless support and ongoing contributions to ABC MA, GCI and the industry, we are forever grateful as he closes out his most recent of two terms as ABC MA chair. Thank you for putting your faith in me. It is my honor to serve as ABC MA chair for 2025, and I look forward to supporting our members and working with you to make it a fruitful year.

Luiza Mills is the 2025 ABC MA chair and senior vice president at Interstate Electrical Services Corp., North Billerica, Mass.