Happy New Year! It’s that time again when budgets are prepared, projects are planned and we look forward to the year ahead. It is a period for new resolutions, a time we might think about doing things a little differently—perhaps changes to our best practices—to improve our worlds, not just for the company’s sake but also for the betterment of our employees.
There are a lot of events on national and international fronts that we can’t control but could impact our worlds, so we need to be aware of them. I am thankful that we have a progressive association in AWCI, which provides us with up-to-date data and information to help us put our best foot forward in 2024.
I am always amazed at how our trade partners and our field workers manage all the stressors of day-to-day activities. Some of our crews have to travel a couple of hours to job sites, and that added time can equal long work days that can tax our employees’ lives when away from the job. The pressures of the work are not just in my company’s world; I am sure many of you can attest to facing similar stressors.
I think the building industry is trying to do a better job of addressing these issues. I know of a number of AWCI member companies that have been taking a lead on internal social programs to help to ensure the health and welfare of their people—the greatest asset they have.
I must remind everyone that AWCI’s annual convention and expo, Build 24, is scheduled to be held at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin in Florida, March 23–27. There will be plenty of networking opportunities with suppliers and other trade contractors, and the convention is never short of educational sessions that can help us maneuver through some unpredictable times. While I understand it is difficult for many of us to take the time off, think about it as a resource that can improve your business in ways you might never have imagined.
In the meantime, keep up the good work and stay safe.
