Business View Magazine | February 2021

78 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021 You’ve got a lot of turmoil because of COVID but also because of recessions in Europe and internationally. Our major concerns are the increase in the cost of goods and the fluctuations around that. And the increased cost of labor and finding qualified labor is a big challenge. We’re hoping that 2021 and beyond will still be good for construction. So we’re hopeful from an economic standpoint but we still don’t know where the global uncertainty with COVID will impact us in the short to mid term.” Oscar: “There is great anticipation for another COVID-19 stimulus package and the impact it will have on our members. We’re also preparing for an infrastructure spending package that will have a trickledown effect on our members. Finally, to Richard’s point, locating a reliable workforce is critical and we continue to review all apprenticeship-style programs to encourage men and women to get involved in the specialty trade construction industry.” GoToMeeting calls – we’re just like everybody else, using the virtual format. “ASA made a decision not to do a totally virtual convention. We’ll do a webinar series and continue with education but we’ve never seen virtual trade shows do as well as they can in person. So we haven’t gone that route. However, a lot of our chapters are having meetings, practicing physical distancing, wearing masks, and depending on the climate they’re outside in some cases. But it all depends on the state restrictions.” BVM: Looking ahead, what changes do you foresee in the industry and how will ASA continue to be a viable voice for your members? Bright: “We’re well positioned financially, we’re secure, we’re solid, we’ve got great leadership and our strategic plan is all about growth. So we’re excited. And we’re confident that the environment for collaboration is improving. The unknown is really just the marketplace.