Top Ten Reasons to Be an ASA-SAN ANTONIO Member
1. Government Advocacy
Ø Construction generates billions of dollars in revenues every year…and federal and state governments generate countless regulations that complicate the business of construction. ASA is your voice in Washington and Texas. Legislators and decision makers hear ASA on issues that affect business conditions for all subcontractors and suppliers.
Ø Sample Activities:
§ Represents subcontractors to the federal government as the largest owner of construction (DoD, GSA, DoT, USPS, HUD, etc.).
§ Represents subcontractors to the federal government as regulator (e.g., OSHA, EPA, etc.).
§ Supports federal and state candidates who support subcontractors using the ASA Political Action Committee.
§ Publishes the annual ASA Report: The Policy Environment in the States.
§ Develops model state legislation and support materials.
§ Educates subcontractors on how to lobby their own elected officials.
§ Monitors and reports on state government activities.
2. Subcontractors Legal Defense Fund
Ø ASA’s Subcontractors Legal Defense Fund (SLDF) identifies and intervenes in precedent-setting court cases on behalf of construction subcontractors. Its many successes range from preserving the concept of liens in Rhode Island to eliminating pay-if-paid clauses in California and New York; from preserving Oregon’s unique anti-indemnity law to protecting payment rights in Texas.
3. Industry Advocacy
Ø ASA’s powerful voice in the construction industry for more than 40 years has improved business conditions for subcontractors and suppliers. ASA fights the big battles for you on issues such as pay-if-paid, prompt payment, retainage, indemnity, insurance and more.
Ø Sample activities:
§ Helped establish and remains a leader in ConsensusDOCS, a coalition of more than 20 trade associations established for the purpose developing and publishing standard documents that allocate risk equitably (www.ConsensusDOCS.org).
§ Review and provides the subcontractor perspective to other associations during their development of standard documents (e.g., AIA, CMAA, etc.).
§ Collaborates on with others in the industry on common issues through both formal and informal forums.
§ Educates other industry stakeholders, including owners, design professionals, construction managers, and general contractors, about subcontractor issues.
Ø For more information on our legislative issues, link to www.txcon.org.
4. Model Contract Documents
Ø ASA has used its more than 40 years of experience and the input of literally hundreds of members to develop five key model documents for subcontractors:
§ Subcontractor Bid Proposal (2008)
§ Subcontract Offer Terms for Project Using Wrap-up Insurance (2008)
§ Subcontractor Addendum (2008)
§ Short Form Subcontract Addendum (2008)
§ Subcontract Addendum – Pertaining to Project-Specific Insurance (2008)
All five model documents are licensed to ASA members for adaptation for their own use.
5. Knowledge
Ø ASA identifies, collects and condenses information on emerging trends in the construction industry, business, the nation and the world – and then shares that knowledge with its members. Through ASA’s work, its members are kept in tune with the latest ideas, tools and hottest tips and news from Washington and the construction industry. ASA members always have an advantage over their competitors who don’t have ASA working for them!
Ø Sample activities:
§ ASA Today, a weekly e-mail newsletter with periodic special printed editions.
§ The Contractor’s Compass, a quarterly education journal.
§ White papers and other special documents on key issues.
§ Commissioned research on subcontractor issues from accredited construction universities (e.g., retainage, reverse auctions, subcontractor default insurance).
§ Legislative Alerts informing you of pressing issues that require your immediate attention.
6. Education
Ø ASA is the source for educational products on contract management, human resources and more. ASA’s distance learning programs on contracts are unique in the construction industry, allowing you and your staff to learn and interact with others in the industry while sitting at your desk or driving in your car.
Ø Sample activities:
§ Webinars
§ Podcasts
§ National and regional “in person” workshops
§ Local Seminars on topics such as Lien and Bond Claims, Contract Clauses, OSHA 10 Hour Certification, etc…
§ “Business tips” in every written publication
§ The ASA Web site, including the Contractors’ Knowledge Bank, a searchable database with free access to hundreds of documents that cover virtually all construction-related topics
§ Review and endorsement of other associations’ certification and certificate programs for referral to subcontractors
§ Represent subcontractors on various education-related boards, including the American Council for Construction Education
7. Intellectual Capital of Subcontractors
Ø ASA’s national and local network of subcontractors provides a continuous stream of information that allows the Association to spot trends, identify emerging practices and recognize new ideas. By accessing the combined experience of ASA members, you don’t have to learn everything “the hard way.”
Ø Sample activities:
§ On-line discussion groups
§ National and regional meetings
§ Business Practices Interchange
8. Increased Visibility
Ø All members receive complimentary listings in Sublocate.com, ASA’s on-line membership directory. This networking and advertising tool will give your company extra exposure and visibility to the construction industry.
9. Discounts on Products and Services
Ø The ASAdvantage is a premier services package designed specifically for the unique needs of the construction specialty contractor. Before making your next purchasing decision, review the discounts on products and services available to ASA members.
Ø ASA-San Antonio has also developed a business partnership with Virtual Builders Exchange so that members of ASA can subscribe to the Virtual Plans Room without being a member of the BX.
Ø Through the Texas Construction Association- ASA members can get discounted rates on Worker’s Comp. through Texas Mutual.
10. A Staff that Works for You
Ø ASA staff members are knowledgeable professionals experienced in the construction industry. They understand the needs of subcontractors and suppliers. Highly accessible and driven to serve ASA members, they’ll help you find the answers you need to successfully run your business.
If you still have questions on the Benefits of becoming a member of ASA-San Antonio, please feel free to call Elaine Garcia at the chapter office- 210.349.2105. You can also request to be added to the email list and get the latest information on what’s happening at ASA. Simply email your request to contact@asasanantonio.org
Here are some upcoming events that might be of interest:
June 24-25 Port Aransas Fishing Tournament
August- Sporting Clay Shoot
September
- Monthly Lunch Seminars Resume- New Lower Seminar Rates!
- Monthly Dinner Meetings Resume
October
- Golf Tournament
- Monthly Lunch Seminar
- Killer Contract Clause Seminar- TBD
Upcoming Lunch Box Seminar Topics Include:
- Indemnity Clauses
- Retirement Plan Design
- Incorporation by Reference Clauses
- Dispute Resolution