2022 is finally here. Will it mark the end of mask mandates or the beginning of new mandates? Will innovation carry the day, or will regulation get in the way? You’ll get some possible answers in this issue’s Washington Update column, which wraps up 2021 and offers some insights into the potential legislative and regulatory developments in the new year.
While gaining productivity through innovation, our great industry is driven by people—talented, dedicated workers. Since 2015, we have had a significant skilled workforce shortage, and the pandemic was not kind to the supply side of this dilemma. We explore some of the challenges and solutions to the talent shortage as experienced by members of our industry.
While the pandemic did create new obstacles, it also prompted our industry to run through the door of technology and innovation more quickly than ever before. As a response to this trend, we introduce The Upgrade, a new department featuring original content from member companies of the ABC Tech Alliance. Matt Abeles, ABC’s vice president of construction technology and innovation, boots things up with a look at the breakthrough thinking coming from the leading minds in construction industry tech and innovation.
And with each new year comes new leadership at ABC. We welcome Stephanie Schmidt, president of Poole Anderson, as chair of ABC for 2022. You can read all about her in our cover-story interview—and plan on meeting her at ABC Convention 2022 in San Antonio on March 15–17.Speaking of Convention, get a preview of the insightful program our team has put together—and learn more about the critical topic of total human health—with an interview with our closing keynote speaker, Ben Nemtin.
Our industry has thrived through the last two years, despite the strong headwinds of the pandemic, materials price increases and supply challenges. As with any new year, 2022 brings us opportunity, transformational choices and new challenges. Working together, we can turn these headwinds into tailwinds and enjoy a breath of fresh air.
