Building Industry Magazine - April 2011 - (Page 40)

Inside the ABC: BY JUDITH SHINSATO AlIve & KICKInG Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Hawaii Chapter In a time when many businesses are fighting to survive, the Hawaii chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) has managed not only to stay afloat but actually prosper. Let’s go straight to the source to learn how the association has grown and how it will continue its momentum now that the economy is beginning to recover. ABC Hawaii acquired a home of its own last year, prominently located at the corner of Dillingham Boulevard and Waiakamilo Road. Growth Spurt Established in 1989, the Hawaii chapter recently received a Mullan Award from ABC national for achieving largest overall growth nationwide, according to Jonathan Young, president of ABC Hawaii, who explains that this is a special dues reporting program. “We ended 2009 with 102 members, 2010 with 109 and we’re currently (as of late February 2011) at 122.” Young adds, “We’re also at 90 percent retention of existing members.” Young says ABC Hawaii was only one of 21 chapters nationwide that saw growth. Average overall growth was 6 percent. The Hawaii chapter posted 23 percent growth. “We’ve never before been asked to provide information to ABC national as to how to grow a business in a down economy, ever. We’ve always been the followers.” Beyond the numbers, adds Joseph Ferrara, recently installed 2011 ABC Hawaii chairman (see sidebar), “We’ve also grown in diversity. We have suppliers and associate/ allied members who have joined ABC so that they can do their networking. Contractors enjoy better networking with all the different trades, contractors and businesses that are present. There’s been a lot of interaction between the finishing trades and the different general contractors.” Young attributes the growth primarily to the association’s healthier financial picture and strong board of directors. “The board makes the decisions. I am just a manager,” says Young. With the support of the board, ABC Hawaii acquired its own building in 2010 and finally has its own home with space enough for administrative offices, classrooms and hands-on training areas. And the momentum already A traditional Hawaiian blessing of ABC Hawaii’s new headquarters was held on July 29. 40 | buILDINg INDustRY | APRIL 2011 http://www.abc.org/

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Industry Magazine - April 2011

Building Industry - April 2011
Content
Datebook
City’s ‘Most Ambitious Project’ Breaks Ground
Kauai’s Koloa Landing Opens
BIA Show Generates Record Crowd
Kauai Solar Farm Complete
Zoo Gets New Entry
HIUSA Takes Greener Path
Contracts Awarded
Developers
Spotlight on Success: Keaukaha Military Reservation
Low Bids
Saddle Road Receives FHWA Award
ACECH Celebrates Engineering Excellence
Lumber & Wood
Inside the ABC
Concept to Completion: Kukuiula Plantation Core
Odd Hours, on Schedule
Best Practices: How “Cost Triggers” Protect Profit

Building Industry Magazine - April 2011