ABC-SEMI Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 2, 2021

2 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Greetings ABC Members, After a topsy-turvy 2020, this year is ushering in its own set of unique challenges to the construction industry. Skyrocketing building material prices makes accurate estimating and bidding a challenge. In some cases, price escalation is leading to cancelled projects for owners unwilling or unable to pay the current soaring prices. ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu believes that high material prices are temporary, and expects to see the main concern among construction companies to once again pivot back to the lack of a strong skilled labor force. He predicts that nonresidential construction spending is poised to stabilize during the summer and enter 2022 with substantial momentum, though some private construction segments will continue to lag. In Washington, Merit Shop contractors should be very concerned about the far left takeover of the federal government. President Joe Biden has embraced a wish-list of pro-union policies. Most recently, he approved a multi-billion dollar bailout for poorly-managed union pensions when most working Americans aren’t eligible for any pension at all. In addition, he is swinging the pendulum away from free market principals and towards forced unionization of unwilling workers. He is attempting to eliminate Michigan’s Right to Work laws. He is also trying to eliminate secret ballots in union organizing efforts, leaving workers who oppose unionization to be targets for retribution and harassment. Locally, your ABC Chapter has set key association goals for 2021. They include: » Promoting a better understanding of the full benefits of membership for association members. » Engaging more contractors in a robust schedule of association networking events. » Enhancing political communication to members and sharing information on developing issues impacting the Merit Shop. » Hiring a new safety director to replace the loss of our prior director due to COVID. We hope 2021 will be a strong and profitable year for you. As your association executive, I can say that you will notice a palpable push by ABC to play a greater role in your company’s success. Take advantage of these opportunities. Sincerely, Keith Ledbetter | President and CEO ABC Southeastern Michigan Chapter KEITH LEDBETTER ABC SEMI President President’s Letter