At AWCI’s Industry Leaders Conference in October, a couple of sessions were about the economy. While generally many of us see the economy as positive, there are a number of signs that the times could be headed in the wrong direction. The commercial sector started the year strong, but it is weakening. One of the indicators is that architectural firms are billing less, which will translate to a slowdown in construction spending in 2024. By knowing this, we can start thinking about how to protect our own companies and help industry members.
The conference had an especially good crop of speakers and sessions. A roundtable on safety raised important topics such as new regulations and new equipment that in some cases can change the way we work, not just for speed and efficiency but also to improve safety on the job. That roundtable also focused on mental health and suicide prevention. It seems that while some companies have the resources and training in place to address these growing problems, there is a collective concern that our industry is struggling to get a grip on how to handle these issues, as is the case with all sectors of the construction industry. It’s something we have to work on, and I know our association has the resources to help members and continues to develop more.
An attorney at the conference presented a session providing practical advice on how to get paid for completed contracts and avoid litigation. Understanding every detail of the contract is seminal, but enhancing the lines of communication with the general contractor and the owner is equally paramount to prevent having to retain legal counsel.
I am confident that AWCI members will do the best they can to address issues like delayed payments, safety and a host of other day-to-day woes. Smaller member companies might not have the resources in-house to cover all the bases, and is one of the reasons I value conferences like this one—they provide all kinds of information, tips and feedback that can help any size member to be more successful. It also can collectively improve our industry to have as many members as possible attend events like these because it provides us with diversified viewpoints that can help us to improve our world.
Until next month, be safe.
In addition to being 2023–2024 president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, Travis Winsor is president and CEO of The Raymond Group, which has offices in California and Nevada.
