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.

On behalf of the board, we want to thank you for leaning in to support us this past year. We are here to listen, connect, create an environment that supports everyone, and serve you to the best of our ability.

We have been dealing with COVID for two years. This year, we will see new mandates, material escalation, and freight issues, making for yet another challenging year. It is amazing that we all continue to come together to support each other through these times of uncertainty. Let’s lean in, and with your support, we will make our industry stronger.

Reflecting on 2021 and Looking Ahead to 2022:

• We had “meet and greets” with several members, and in 2022, we look forward to more opportunities to connect with members through more meet and greets.
  
  
• This year we increased membership to 184. In 2022, we plan to retain our current members, reach our goal of 200 members, and increase networking opportunities, including a summer getaway like we had in the past.
  
  
• Thanks to our apprenticeship task force, we kicked off our ABC Maine Certified Apprenticeship Program for Building Construction Craft Laborer and Construction Craft Laborer Level One. In 2022, we want to increase enrollment to ensure the success of the program and potential expansion into other trades. This will continue to provide value to our members and improve our workforce.
  
  
• We raised over $20,000 for Construction & Technical Education (CTE). In 2022, we plan to raise awareness and $25,000 for CTE to produce our future workforce.
  
  
• This year we reached 25% in STEP Participation. In 2022, let’s increase STEP participation to 30%.
  
  
• We raised over $20,000 for the ABC Maine PAC. In 2022, our goal is to increase PAC donations for the upcoming 2022 midterm elections. We contributed $10,000 to Free Enterprise Alliance (FEA). In 2022, we will continue to support FEA.
  
  
• ABC Maine Cares raised $4,500 for the Boys and Girls Club of Maine at our first Corn Hole Tournament. In 2022, ABC Maine Cares charitable recipient will again be the Boys and Girls Club of Maine. This is a statewide organization supporting underserved children, providing them with safe places to learn, have fun, and develop skills and interests.
  
  
• We started our 2021-2022 Young Professionals Program for our future leaders.
  
  
• In 2022, we set a goal of 80% of membership downloading the ABC Action app.
  
  
• In 2022, we want additional volunteers to join our committees: Membership, Government Affairs, and Environment Health Safety & Workforce Development.

I am happy to report that our co-chair Dan Coffey of Cianbro will be our incoming chair for 2023 and 2024. Congratulations, Dan!

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts. As your chair, I look forward to leaning in with you and adding value to people first. Let’s make 2022 a great year!