In a few short months, the people of Connecticut will choose their next governor. The viewpoint and policies of the victorious gubernatorial candidate, of which there are currently seven, will have a great impact on the state’s welfare, as well as the amount and type of construction work to occur in the state for years to come. 

Founded in 1952, the Connecticut Building Congress (CBC) annually holds a series of brainstorming sessions with leaders from a diverse group of Connecticut design and construction firms to identify trends in our industry. With reduced public spending in-state, we are seeing many Connecticut AEC firms expanding their private sector portfolios and pursuing work in neighboring states. Advocates for the state’s return to glory, Connecticut firms remain well-tooled and at the ready to expand efforts in Connecticut once again. To learn more information about these and other trends, check out the CBC Program Calendar (www.cbc-ct.org/CBC_Event_Calendar).

CBC continues to offer a network for all professionals in the Connecticut AEC community to come together to discuss challenges and identify opportunities. We are in a multi-year campaign to continue to add diverse voices and perspectives to our programs, committees and board. For us, diversity takes multiple forms – profession, age, gender, race, geographic location, and discipline. We believe that by creating a forum for the best ideas, we can create a better industry. It is our job, as an industry leader, to eliminate the barriers to developing best industry practices. 

Last April, we had a number of the current gubernatorial candidates speak with our group. In November, one of them will likely be elected. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is consistent, finding the best ideas to survive and thrive any changes will always be the best way forward, and the Connecticut Building Congress will continue to create a forum for these ideas. 

We look forward to seeing our members and new faces at our programs this year!

Amar Shamas, PE, LEED AP, senior project executive, Gilbane Building Company, and president of the Connecticut Building Congress, Rocky Hill, Conn.