LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Smarts. Drive. Commitment. These shared qualities unite construction professionals throughout the industry, and they’re not going unnoticed. At GBCA’s 2022 Annual Meeting, Philadelphia’s Mayor Jim Kenney recognized just how much the commercial construction industry has supported the city throughout the pandemic by forging ahead with projects in the city while putting health and safety first. I, along with our members, take this gratitude to heart as we continue to drive the industry and our region forward. To do that, we must remain focused on building our workforce. The Carpenters’ Apprentice Ready Program (CARP) is opening the door to union carpentry careers for Philadelphians who have not previously had any connection to the industry. We were pleased to invite city and state elected officials to join us for our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service project, when CARP participants built 15 little free libraries for Philadelphia’s communities. We are working to provide the exposure to and training in the trades that can lead to new opportunities and careers.
We also must support construction professionals: project managers, safety professionals, and estimators. Our Tuition Reimbursement Program, featured in this issue, helps construction professionals pursue higher education. Complementing GBCA’s efforts to attract more people to enter the field of construction, this program enables professionals to get the education that will enable them to maximize their own growth and help lead our industry into the future. Workforce development remains one of GBCA’s most important priorities. With time and continued support from our members, the impact of our efforts will only continue to grow.
Benjamin J. Connors, Esq., CAE President & CEO General Building Contractors Association
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