ABCSEMI Issue 1, 2021

Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 1 2021 7 These were the best of times—and these were the worst of times. Michigan construction companies saw projects across a few sectors, such as service, hospitality and entertainment slow down this year because of COVID-19 restrictions, but increases in transportation, industrial, and residential markets created a balance. “It was feast or famine for many of our contractors,” said Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan (ABC SEMI) President and CEO Keith Ledbetter. “With so many deemed ‘essential services’ many were able to continue working, but with CDC regulations and the state and local municipalities enforcing their own restrictions, most if not all of our companies experienced shortfalls in work or jobs that were shuttered due to discontinued inspections. It was a frustrating year, but one that our staff made sure our members navigated and adapted to ensure their businesses survived.” Ledbetter points to several similar associations which chose to shut down during the pandemic and lay their staff off. Fearing the worst, even a number of ABC Chapters across the nation opted to downsize to ride out the outbreak. But Ledbetter believed that when times are at their worst, associations like ABC need to be there for their members to advise them and help them navigate the process of operating legally and safely during this unprecedented global epidemic. “I applaud our staff for their efforts to inform and assist our members with their struggles adhering safely to the state and CDC guidelines of COVID-19,” said Ledbetter. “Prior to this “Prior to this year, we had never imagined a world where ‘Zoom meetings’ and mass-conference calls would be the norm, but we jumped in with both feet to better inform our members of the ever changing regulations and restrictions imposed by our government dealing with COVID-19 and more importantly what help was out there to see them through this desperate time.” KEITH LEDBETTER, ABC SEMI PRESIDENT AND CEO ABC SEMI Puts the Year in REARVIEW TOUGH YEAR YIELDS GAIN IN SPITE OF GLOBAL PANDEMIC continues on page 8 >>