By: G. David Sload, President-CEO, ABC Keystone

As we entered 2021, we at ABC Keystone had no idea what to expect. Would we be able to have in-person education and training? Would we be able to host in-person events so our members could network and share information? Would our members be able to run their businesses as they saw fit? 2021 had to be the most uncertain year we would encounter.

Let’s fast-forward to now as we come down the home stretch of 2021. We can’t say we have not faced challenges, but we can say it has been one of the most productive years at ABC Keystone. Because of our members’ determination and dedication, we reached new heights. The year 2021 will have one of the highest retention rates since 1987 at 92.8%. We will have obtained over 5% growth. Apprenticeship has expanded its number of full-time instructors as well as added a new PA-registered trade program. Attendance at almost all our events has been either sold out or at new highs.

Those are just a few of the Chapter’s accomplishments. This was made possible by the membership, our staff, the Board of Directors and your Executive team led by Chair Cleo Weaver. All of you truly showed how to drive an association during a time when many associations just sat on the sidelines. For this, I am grateful and thankful.

As we prepare for 2022, we can’t rest on past successes. We need to be prepared for whatever the government or this lingering pandemic might throw at us. Your leadership team has embarked on a new three-year plan that will propel us to new heights in Advocacy, Education and Training, and Workforce Development. Many of these initiatives will be unveiled in the early months of 2022.

Currently, the government wants to get deeper into your business with orders and mandates, and a number of these are slated to go into effect on January 10, 2022. Please know that your National Executive committee with the support of the National Construction Legal Rights Foundation filed suit against both the OSHA ETS and the Biden administration’s mandate of vaccines related to Federal contracts. When those suits were stayed by the court in Ohio on December 17, ABC and several states filed an appeal to the Supreme Court. The Court has agreed to hear oral arguments on January 7, 2022. ABC is not disputing that COVID-19 exists or a vaccine may be effective protection. ABC is challenging the ability of an administration or a government agency to mandate its use. We will keep you posted on this as it moves through the courts.

As we close out the year, I want to thank you, the members, for all you do to promote the construction industry. Thank you for your input that helps drive the association and thank you for being a member of ABC Keystone. God Bless you all and Happy New Year!

Posted December 27, 2021