Associated Subcontractors of Mass. celebrates 75 years

This fall marked an important milestone for the Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts (ASM) as we celebrated 75 years of championing and elevating the subcontracting community. On October 23, our association gathered at Boston’s historic Omni Parker House to honor the leaders, advocates, and industry partners who have shaped ASM’s legacy since 1950. It was a moment not only to reflect on how far we have come, but also to recognize the people whose dedication built the strong foundation we stand on today.

Throughout ASM’s history, our mission has remained consistent: to protect, promote, and strengthen the subcontracting industry in Massachusetts. Over the decades, that mission has taken many forms – from advancing landmark legislation such as 5% Retainage, Prompt Pay, and the Construction Reform Act of 2004, to providing the advocacy, education, and networking opportunities that help subcontractors grow and thrive in an increasingly complex construction landscape. Our progress has always been driven by collaboration, persistence, and a shared commitment to fairness in the industry.

As part of our 75th anniversary celebration, we proudly honored ASM founders Joe and Sally Corwin, true pioneers whose work paved the way for subcontractors across Massachusetts to be treated with the respect and equity they deserve. This year, we were privileged to present the Joseph Corwin Pinnacle Award to Wayne Griffin of Wayne J. Griffin Electric, recognizing his leadership, partnership, and steadfast support of subcontractor rights.

We also marked another meaningful moment in ASM’s history by officially naming our legislative award the Monica Lawton Legislator of the Year Award, paying tribute to Monica’s tremendous legacy as CEO from 1996 to 2017 and her role in advancing many of our most significant legislative victories. Her work continues to shape the strength of the subcontracting community today.

In addition to celebrating our past, we are also committed to evolving to meet the needs of today’s industry. Beginning this year, ASM members will have access to new auto-renewal options to streamline the membership renewal process—improvements guided directly by member feedback and designed to make engagement with ASM as seamless as possible.

As we look toward 2026, our focus is on building on this momentum. We will continue expanding our educational programming, strengthening our advocacy efforts, and deepening our partnerships with industry stakeholders. The challenges facing subcontractors—from workforce development to economic pressures to regulatory change—require strong, unified representation, and ASM remains steadfast in our commitment to leading that work.

While much has changed in the construction industry over the past 75 years, one thing has not: subcontractors are at the heart of every project, every innovation, and every success story. ASM is proud to be the organization that supports and elevates their voice. I encourage anyone interested in our mission to connect with us and join in shaping the future of our industry.

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