Like many organizations did in 2020 and early 2021, ASM pivoted to virtual events for our member programming. However, we are now getting back to in-person member events this fall with COVID-19 precautions in place. Now that summer has unofficially come to an end with Labor Day weekend now behind us, our two September events will be coming up quickly and we look forward to welcoming our members to them. Of course, with new information this could change, and programs could be moved online.

First, on Wednesday, September 22^nd, we are hosting a Safety Roundtable entitled “New Technology in PPE and Safety Equipment” at Withum in Woburn. Supporting member safety is a key part of ASM. Our Safety Roundtable meets regularly to hear from experts in the field on new topics to protect workers. We know that the construction industry has high numbers of accidents reported each year, a lot of which could be minimized with the use of correct PPE. We all know construction workers create great things, sometimes while working around great hazards. These hazards can cause real harm–head and eye injuries, hearing and respiratory damage, falls from heights, dropped tools, and sometimes equipment failure. PPE is advancing and evolving. Ted Bertram from 3M/B&B Construction and Safety Group will be our speaker for this event and he will be speaking about the advances being made to PPE. Discussion will cover new davit arms that can reach up to 30, hearing protection, dust masks, fall protection for tools, lanyards, and grinder safely. Bertram will also be joined by 3M colleagues Dave Denny and Ed Ring who have more than 20 years of field experience. There will be plenty of equipment on hand to examine how things are advancing in PPE faster than they ever have. Withum, who has generously provided space to us for this event, is also our lunch sponsor, so attendees will be provided a box lunch at the conclusion of this event.

We also look forward to hosting a legal seminar the next day, Thursday, September 23^rd, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Waltham. This event, featuring attorneys from three major local law firms, will provide attendees with the steps they can take to avoid non-payment before the job even begins and remedies available when payment does not come. Our expert attorney panel will review must have payment terms in contracts and killer clauses to avoid. They will offer tips on how to protect your rights as the work proceeds, and cover everything you should know about demands for direct payment on public work, the use of mechanics liens on private work, and payment bond claims on both. They will also cover new trends on payment issues that have evolved over the past year because of COVID-19 pandemic. This event is open to non-members of ASM for $75 per person or $45 per person for members.

Finally, in October, we look forward to hosting our signature Biennial Gala & Elections. On October 13^th, ASM members will have the opportunity to reconnect at our Biennial Gala and Election Ceremony at the Granite Links Golf Course in Quincy. About 250 members and industry affiliates will get together to celebrate the industry where we will honor and recognize our members’ service and commitment to the Association and have an opportunity to reflect on this challenging past 18 months. We will also welcome ASM’s new president and board of directors. Mark your calendar- we are always looking to expand our participation and sponsorship of this for this signature event.

For all events, COVID precautions will be in place. Masks will be required regardless of vaccination status while indoors except while eating and drinking. All requirements are subject to change as federal, state, and/or local requirements may change before each scheduled event.

Michael McDonagh is the CEO of the Associated Subcontractors of Mass., Boston.