Letter from the Chair

MERIT SHOP MESSAGE Winter 2020-2021

1 Letter from the Chair 3 Governmental Relations Guest Column 4 Food Drive 5 Toy Drive 6 NCCER Leadership Visit 8 From the President 9 2020 Trends in Construction Conference 14 Legal Update 16 Cover Story 25 Louisiana State Fire Marshal Update 27 LWCC Safety Update 30 BRTC Update 31 SWTC Update 33 Membership Update 35 2020 Year in Review 36 Meet the 2021 Executive Committee and Board of Directors 37 New Members 39 Chapter Staff Directory

REFLECT ON 2020 & A LOOK INTO 2021 BY: SHAWN WORHSAM, WORLEY

As 2020 ends and 2021 begins, I’m sure we have all reflected on the profound impact the year 2020 has had on our lives. I cannot remember a year that so many wanted to see come to an end. I believe it’s fair to say, the challenges we’ve faced personally, within our families and communities, as an association, as a state, as a country and as citizens of the world are well understood. While at times these challenges have undoubtedly been difficult and perhaps even overwhelming, I am lifted by what we have achieved and have been able to overcome.

Not since the tragedy of 9/11 has an event impacted the United States and the world in such a profound manner as COVID-19. As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11 later this year, I remind myself that recent college graduates have no appreciable memory of this event. About a year ago as I was boarding a plane one of my young colleagues commented on how nice it was to use TSA precheck. It was the first time that he had used it and was the first time he was not required to remove his shoes and simply walk through a metal detector. I smiled at him and simply said that this was the way everyone boarded planes prior to 9/11. I could tell that he had never realized the impact that certain pivotal events have on our everyday lives. It makes me wonder about what impacts the pivotal event of COVID-19 will have on our lives.

With every new year we are refreshed with the optimism of what the future holds. Many speak of the “new normal” and how business and life will be different as we move forward. While there are certain to be changes, I and others believe that some things will not change. The strength found in the bonds of family, friends and communities will remain. The desire to be dealt with fairly in life and in professional pursuits will remain a cornerstone for many and for this association. Trust, honesty, integrity and a sense of fair play are not antiquated beliefs. They are the bedrock of well-regulated communities, associations and business pursuits. Not everything old is obsolete and not everything new is better. They say that change is the only constant. As such we must evolve with the times or be left behind, but we should never lose sight of our fundamental beliefs and core values.

Over a decade ago, a young lady was complaining about the United States being referred to as “exceptional” given the many shortcomings that she saw when comparing our country to others. Rather than being drawn into a political discussion, I challenge her to put a different emphasis on the syllables of the word and view the U.S. as an “exception”.

We were not the first democracy or republic, but we were the first to say that people as individuals had certain basic rights granted by their creator. These rights were not granted by a King, a government, or even a religious organization but instead were ours for simply existing. This is what makes the United States an exception and therefore exceptional.

As I reflected on this story it occurred to me how much our association mirrors our country. We believe in dealing with individuals and companies based on their merits. Any person can succeed with the right approach, attitude and perseverance. While personal connections may give you an advantage in getting an initial opportunity, you cannot succeed long term unless you deliver on your promises. If a person has a better idea or develops a better way to execute a service, they will have every opportunity to succeed. Ford did not invent the assembly line or automobile, Apple did not invent the computer, and Amazon did not invent online shopping or at home delivery. These visionaries had an idea and the intelligence to implement these ideas. They were rewarded accordingly. This opportunity to succeed in a fair marketplace is one of the exceptional qualities of the U.S. and why many still come to our shores. Helping to maintain fair opportunities for our industry and member companies as well as arming our students with the knowledge and skills to better their lives are hallmarks of our association and key reasons that drew me to service.

As we reflect and look to the future, I wanted to repeat some key efforts shared in the last ABC Pelican newsletter. With your help, I have no doubt that our best days are ahead, but we must continue working side by side with our members to: - Ensure this industry continues its essential work during the national health crisis. - Advance the cause of open and fair competition. - Create invaluable and innovative opportunities for our members to connect and sustain strong business relationships. - Develop and educate the next generation of craft professionals. - Prioritize the safety and health of the most valuable asset of our member companies: its workforce.

I am honored to face the challenges this year brings to our industry and association as your 2021 Chairman of the ABC Pelican Chapter.

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