It has been an honor serving as your chairman of the ABC Maine Board of Directors for the past year and a half. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside such engaged board and committee members. ABC Maine has been working hard every day for this great industry and for the merit shop philosophy in Maine and beyond.

We had eight people travel down to the ABC National Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., back in June. What an amazing trip! We learned that we are ranked #2 in member retention and #4 in growth out of 67 ABC chapters! I’m incredibly proud of Penney and the entire membership committee for helping us compare so favorably amongst our peers. If you’ve never attended the Legislative Conference, I encourage you to consider attending next year; it’s scheduled for the second week of June 2027. (Spoiler alert: I heard there are some special tours already in the works that you won’t want to miss!)

Another notable moment in D.C. was the surprise announcement of the partnership between ABC National and Meta to create America’s Workforce Academy. This program will provide a unique opportunity for individuals interested in launching a career in the construction industry by obtaining a data center construction technician credential. This is the single biggest private investment in the trades ever made, and during the nation’s 250th anniversary, no less! I’m proud to know that Meta chose ABC over every other trade association to partner with for this massive endeavor.

Along with our Board of Directors and many committee members, I’d like to thank our hard-working staff for always getting it done! Hope, Penney and Shari work very hard to ensure that all our events go smoothly, that our current and future workforce receive the training they need and that the industry is well represented in Augusta and Washington. Thank you, ladies — I appreciate you! I’d also like to welcome our newest staff member, Madison Philbrick, as our new Chapter Services Coordinator. Madison started with us in June, and we’re glad to welcome her to the team!

Thank you all again for the opportunity to serve as your board chairman. I do not take this appointment lightly, as I’m a firm believer in the merit shop philosophy — the belief that construction projects should be awarded to the most qualified and responsible bidders. It is a belief in open competition and free enterprise, not carve-outs and special provisions. At the national and local levels, ABC fights to protect these principles and beliefs. I’ve seen ABC Maine do it firsthand in Augusta, and I’ve seen ABC National do it in Washington, D.C.

As we look to 2027 and beyond, I look forward to continuing the legacy and efforts of previous leaders of this great association. Thank you for being a member and supporting this worthwhile organization. I look forward to seeing all of you at an event sometime soon, and I hope the remainder of the year finds you and your company safe, healthy and prosperous.

Thanks for all you do, with your time and effort, for the merit shop in the great state of Maine!