It has been a great start to my tenure as CEO/executive director at Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts. I appreciate the warm welcome I have received and the opportunity to meet many of our members at ASM programming events over the past month. 

As a member of the Legislature for nearly 20 years, I was always impressed with the professional and effective way ASM approached important issues for their members. Growing up in a family that was supported by the construction industry, I understand the importance of companies that provide opportunities to people to help them support their families. I look forward to the opportunity to continue the effective leadership that ASM has had for so many years.

Founded in 1950, the Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts (ASM) today represents over 350 subcontractor companies, thousands of employees, suppliers, and affiliated organizations in Massachusetts and surrounding states. ASM is the only organization in the Commonwealth dedicated exclusively to the business issues affecting subcontractors, who perform more than 80% of the work on all major building construction in the state.

ASM is a strong association with a rich history of supporting and advocating for subcontractors for more than 70 years. Our members work in every specialty trade, from steel erection to painting, and in every related service industry, from insurance to accounting. ASM represents both union and open shops, and our member companies range in size from the smallest start-up firms to the largest specialty contractors in the region. You will find ASM members on virtually every major building project in the Commonwealth, in both the public and private sectors.

As spring approaches and the legislative session gets into full swing, ASM will be busy advocating for subcontractors on essential issues for our member companies. We will continue our programming events, such as safety roundtables and legal workshops. In July, we will host our annual golf tournament that benefits the association and our scholarship efforts. Please consider joining our association and participating in any or all of the events in some way.

I will also be busy visiting member companies over the next few months to learn more about their work and hear about the issues affecting their businesses. If you are interested in learning more about ASM, please get in touch with us.

My door is always open, and I value members’ input to help set ASM priorities. We have a great team at ASM dedicated to providing our members with the best possible services and representation. I look forward to the future for ASM and the great work we will do to ensure that Massachusetts subcontractors remain an important voice in the conversation affecting the construction industry.

Jim Welch is the CEO/executive director of the Associated Subcontractors of Mass., Boston.