First full year for Merit Apprentice Program

As the end of 2012 draws near, the time is right to reflect on some of our chapter's accomplishments. This has been the first full year for the Merit Apprentice Program (MAP), which allows open shop firms to meet apprenticeship requirements associated with state-funded construction. MAP now includes more than 30 companies and eight labor pools with over 100 vetted, high-quality apprentices for use on both public and private work. ABC - Mass. Chapter's status on Beacon Hill also continued to grow, as we were again successful at advocating for positive legislation and derailing bills that would do the most harm to the open shop. The growing esteem in which we're held could also be seen in our inclusion in a task force convened by the Division of Capital Asset Maintenance and regular contact with the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Public Safety and the Division of Labor Standards, among others. Recently we were pleased to welcome a new membership team. Membership director Ken Ledwak has hit the ground running, with the help of membership assistant Dave Murphy. If you haven't met Ken and Dave yet, you will soon. This month, ABC also took advantage of the favorable real estate market and moved into spacious new digs at 100 Unicorn Park in Woburn. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the staff that makes our continuing success possible. I know they will provide incoming chairman Tom Descoteaux with the same support they've given me. ABC Mass. will be in good hands during the coming year under Tom's able leadership. I wish him the best of luck and also offer my sincere thanks to all of you for making this a great year. Dennis Maguire is the chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors - Mass. Chapter, Woburn, Mass.