March 3, 2022

“ABC Cares” 2021 Initiative supported the Boys and Girls Club of Maine. This local organization provides voluntary after school programs for young people. Our hope with supporting this cause is to deepen our efforts of bringing awareness of the trades to our youth in Maine.

2021 ABC Maine Construction Champions of Safety

Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Program

If you are having difficulties hiring, you aren’t alone. The pandemic shutdown that started in March 2020 has only exacerbated this issue. Job shortages have gotten increasingly worse since then. Many people predicted that labor shortages would end along with pandemic unemployment benefits in September 2021. That didn’t happen. A CNBC Global CFO Council survey for Q3 2021 found that 84% of CFOs globally are struggling to hire employees. At 95%, the U.S. percentage was even higher.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the U.S. in many ways. Among them is national recognition that everyone struggles with their mental health at least some of the time, especially when dealing with serious problems. That reality caused many companies to consider providing better workplace support for mental health issues, not just physical ones.

2022 Annual Sponsors

For those whom I have not yet met, I am Shari Johnston, the new Workforce Development Coordinator. I have been with the Chapter since August 2021, focusing on acclimating myself and our members to the new apprenticeship program.

As ABC Maine looks forward to 2022, we are setting our sights on more in-person events, meetings and trainings while making sure we continue to assure a safe environment for all. The pandemic has changed the way business operates but, in every challenge, there is opportunity.

Hello ABC Maine members,
Reflecting on my first year as chair of ABC Maine, I have to say I am impressed with the great support we have with Hope, Tami, and Shari, as well as with members that truly care, are genuine, and like-minded when it comes to the merit philosophy of ABC. We collaborate well and get the work done. I’m looking forward to another year of leaning in and doing the work together that needs to be done.

As I trek into my 16th year at ABC Maine, I am amazed by leading and serving such a wonderful group of people in this lovely state we call home.
Even during these most unusual times, the Maine Chapter continues to thrive. Exceeding membership goals, developing the Chapter’s first apprenticeship program, and defeating unreasonable legislation, to name a few issues.