President's message: Educ. & legislation top of our agenda

At this time of year, Beacon Hill goes into high gear, taking up a number of issues of interest to the business community. For ASM, it's our busiest time, too, as we step up our efforts to get action on issues of importance to subcontractors. This year, we are making a concerted effort to win support for several very important bills that will assure fair payment practices in the construction industry, and stop the destructive practice of risk shifting that forces any party to pay for injuries and damages on the job site that were caused by someone else. Visit ASM's website to get more information, and to participate in our grassroots campaign on these bills. Next to legislative advocacy, education remains our most important activity, as we strive to be the premier provider of professional development opportunities for subcontractors. With that in mind, we have already offered a healthy variety of programs this year - covering the economy; the new AIA and ConsensusDOCs contract documents; and strategies for managing different generations in the workplace. In the coming weeks, we will be addressing a wide gamut of business issues, all from the subcontractor's perspective. Find out about some of our offerings below, and visit our website for the rest. And by all means, please join us! Scott Packard is the president of the Associated Subcontractors of Mass., Boston. Vice President, Chapman Waterproofing Company