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First Word: A perfect time for planning

May 28, 2009 |

With the busy summer season winding down, now is a good time to recharge your batteries with a vacation, start on your business plan for next year or attend an industry meeting to get the scoop on the latest trends and techniques that can help you be a more successful contractor.

Two major contractor associations – the Associated General Contractors of America and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association – are holding meetings at the end of this month. If you are a member of either group, consider combining attendance at one of these forums with a much-deserved vacation.

At AGC’s midyear meeting, to be held September 29 through October 1 in San Francisco, you can learn about:

marketing techniques to attract new business;
how to make the most of the newest construction tax cut;
your responsibilities regarding storm water controls; and
economic trends affecting the construction industry.

AGC is also holding leadership workshops in San Jose, California (September 16-19), and Cincinnati (October 14-17), that might be beneficial to your mid-level managers. The workshops help participants discover their leadership styles and effectively use them in the field. If you are thinking of appointing one person in your firm to be in charge of your safety program, a three-day AGC course in Glen Allen, Virginia, September 20-22, will give that person the basic skills needed to manage such a program.

The focus of ARTBA’s annual meeting, to be held September 26-29 in San Diego, will be the next federal highway and transit investment bill. The schedule includes:

discussions about the growing transportation needs of America’s manufacturing and shipping industries led by representatives of those industries;
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