ASCC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2024

Executive Committee

More Than Luck: Putting Science Behind Landing Contracts and Hitting Revenue Targets
Aaron Gregory, Treasurer

In the dynamic world of construction, achieving annual revenue goals should not be simply an accident, but a strategic pursuit guided by science and metrics. In this article we will skim the surface of looking at the symbiotic relationship between overhead costs, bid-to-hit ratios, and weekly business opportunities all to hit your annual company revenue goal. By understanding these interconnected elements, construction firms can optimize bidding strategies to attain the desired dollar value return on the annual number of contracts, ultimately paving the way for profitable growth. Read More

Executive Director

What’s Happening at the ASCC?
Ray Hefner

Here are a few of the highlights of recent ASCC activities. Read More

Technical Director

ASCC Collaboration Increases to Maintain Concrete’s Role
Mike Hernandez

As we begin 2024, ASCC collaboration with other trade associations continues to expand. The challenges with concrete expectations and particularly with low carbon concrete can’t be solved by the concrete contractor alone. Concrete has traditionally competed to be the paving and building material of choice with asphalt, structural steel and masonry.  Now the wood industry has compared concrete unfavorably with heavy timber structures. In response, concrete construction needs increased collaboration within the allied groups of ready mixed producers, cement manufacturers, specifiers/design professionals, testing labs and owners. That cooperation can be in the form of working together on joint programs, within ACI Committees, at ASTM, on government grant proposals or general best practice.  Read More

Concrete Construction Specialist

Guidance for Concrete Contractors #26
Jim Klinger

• The Use of Laser Scanners
• The Lombardi Rule

Read More

Decorative Concrete & Polished Concrete Specialist

New Year, New DCC and CPC Benefits
Clark Branum

Read More

Decorative Concrete Council

11 Ways to Building Morning Motivation
Rich Cofoid, council director

As a successful contractor, you have proven to be self-motivated. However, all of us at some point go through fatigue, or lack energy, or just don’t feel like getting out of bed.
I ran across an article on Hubspot by Leslie Ye that listed some easy and sensible ways we can use to build and strengthen our motivation. Read More

Concrete Polishing Council

Better Together
Ryan Klacking, Council Director

January, no doubt, was a busy month as many of us were in Las Vegas for the 50th Anniversary of the World of Concrete. For me personally, this was not only my 18th year attending and my fourth year as an exhibitor, but also one of the best WOCs I have attended in all my years. The energy was palpable, the people were open to new and exciting equipment, processes, and endeavors, and the ASCC booth was also busy the entire week. Read More

Safety & Risk Management Council

Safety Talks and Meetings Are Important
Heather Baines, Past Council Director

Weekly safety meetings or safety talks are common practice in many workplaces, especially those with potentially hazardous environments such as construction sites, these meetings serve several important purposes. Read More

Industry News

PLC Panel at WOC Shares Keys to Success
Michelle Wilson, Portland Cement Association

The Portland Cement Association was proud to work with the American Society of Concrete Contractors in co-hosting our first industry session at World of Concrete, Best Practices in Pre-Construction for PLC (Type IL) Projects, in Las Vegas on January 24. The event proved successful in providing real-world examples and insight through panel-style discussions between material suppliers and contractors of three recent projects using portland-limestone cement from across the country – Florida, Indiana, and California. Read More

How Public Infrastructure Holds Up Construction Industry
Ed Sullivan, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Market Intelligence, Portland Cement Association

At World of Concrete in January, the Portland Cement Association, which represents America’s cement manufacturers, presented its updated economic outlook for 2024. While we anticipate a gradual weakening in the first half of 2024, followed by a slow recovery in the second half, the likelihood of a recession this year is low. Residential housing, real estate, and commercial building construction remain vulnerable due to rate hikes and an uncertain market, but the non-residential construction sector is poised to be supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act. Read More

Survey Suggests Labor Efficiencies Are Worsening
Phil Diekemper, ACI PRO

A Construction Dive headline from October 12, 2023, states: “Construction lost as much as $40B on poor productivity in 2022.” The article shares that the construction industry was surveyed, and half of all contractors see labor inefficiencies worsening. As an industry professional, how does that make us feel? If you are like me, somewhere between shocked, defensive, and frustrated. How can productivity decline for all the investments we make in advanced tools, equipment, project leadership, and training? Read More

CIM Raises $1.75 Million During Annual Auction at 2024 World of Concrete

The National Steering Committee (NSC) for the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program is thrilled to announce that we raised more than $1.75 million in gross revenue at our annual auction, held in conjunction with World of Concrete on January 24.
The outcomes of the auction highlight the significance of the CIM program to the concrete industry and the critical need for talent in leadership roles. Given the value of the items donated and the participation level, this year’s auction marked a tremendous success.” Ben Robuck, NSC Auction Committee Chair