91ÊÓƵ

At the beginning of the year I used this space to talk about goals – specifically, the importance of making a list outlining the things that you want to accomplish personally, professionally, and for the benefit of the industry and your community over the course of the year.

With the end of 2014 quickly approaching, I find myself going back to my lists and seeing what our industry has accomplished this year. From workforce to professional development within the industry this year, there is a lot to be proud of.

More contractors are taking advantage of educational opportunities within our industry as they continue to rebound from the Great Recession. People are taking advantage of opportunities to strengthen their management skills and empower the people around them. And, possibly most significantly, enrollment in apprenticeship programs is on the rise as more men and women find their way to our industry.

As 2015 nears, I encourage you to think about the future of our industry. Ponder what you can continue to do to introduce opportunities in our industry to a new generation. Consider sharing some of the information available through ConstructionWantsYou.com with a young person in your life.

Better yet, support a scholarship program that benefits high school students interested in the industry. The Associated Builders and Contractors and a variety of other groups are leveraging the support of individuals and businesses across our industry to recognize bright young people who will one day lead our industry.

But, as I explained last month, there is still a lot more work that needs to be done. Even with the bright spots over the course of this year, contractors are struggling to keep up with demand for skilled workers.

As we all look toward 2015 I challenge you to think about the future of our industry. I also encourage you to go back and look at your list for the year. Did you meet the goals you set in January? What can you still accomplish this year? What needs to be carried forward into 2015?

It is never too early to start planning for the new year. If you didn’t accomplish what you hoped to this year, think about why and start building your list for 2015.

Laurie Kendall is president of the Associated Builders and Contractors’ Pacific Northwest chapter. Contact her at 503-726-5440 or at [email protected].