No matter how technology advances, relationships will always be key in our business. People do business with people with whom they feel comfortable. ASA provides an excellent opportunity for me and my employees to network with existing clients and also with high caliber prospective clients. The meetings and seminars provide information that is invaluable to us, helping us keep in touch with the latest legislative and economic conditions, as well as trends in the industry. ASA also gives us an opportunity to support worthwhile charitable causes, while advancing the image of the construction industry. - Pauline Lesch (PCL Contract Bonding, Lewisville)

My initial reason for joining ASA was to network with fellow subcontractors and suppliers that were held in high regard with our industry. ASA members are usually the leaders in their respective specialty. As a member, I am able to stay abreast with the all important "survival" issues of doing business in the Construction Industry. These include contract terms, payment practices, and legislative issues that are critical to my company. - Gene Morgan (Mdm Scaffolding, Grapevine)

The most valuable benefits to me, our company, are the political information and involvement, meeting and networking with my peers, the benefits of the BPI (Business Practice Interchange), informative seminars and meetings, and an opportunity to help the construction industry community grow and remain strong. - Dale Payne (Mills Electrical Contractors)

Of all the associations that I belong to, the American Subcontractors Association is the most beneficial to me.This is the only association strictly for the subcontractor and supplier. This association helps you stay informed about problems the subcontractors face every day and how to avoid them. In this day and time, with all the new rules and laws affecting the construction business, you need to belong to ASA in order to be a more knowledgeable subcontractor or supplier. When you belong to ASA it pays great dividends. - Larry Roepke ( ASA-Austin, Floyd's Glass Co.)

We joined ASA soon after the North Texas Chapter created the Supplier Category in their membership. ASA provided a forum for addressing common needs of subcontractors and suppliers. Further, ASA meetings provide an excellent opportunity for networking with a specific industry group, as opposed to large diversified groups common in the overall construction industry. ASA is valuable to us because of the educational opportunities they address that are more specific to our needs. - Bob Prange (Bowie-Sims-Prange Inc., Dallas)

I have worked with ASA on state and national legislative issues that concern the construction industry. ASA was the driving force behind reforming the Miller Act on a national level. On the state level, ASA of Texas successfully had prompt pay laws on private and public work enacted in Texas. ASA brought in other trade associations to form TCA in order to become a stronger voice in Austin to improve the construction industry and represent the subs and suppliers.

ASA has taught me how to protect money owed to me. The legal seminars and "legal minutes" have more than paid the dues by educating me on the complex Texas lien laws. Combine this information with common experiences of other subcontractors and suppliers and you have a blueprint for a successful business. - Mike Chambers (Triangle Plastering, Dallas)

I joined ASA because one of my good customers asked me to, but after I got into the organization I found it to be beneficial in many ways. I was able to network with both customers and industry professionals which have proven to be extremely helpful. No matter what problem you are facing, there is nearly always someone in ASA who has seen it before. I have received training in construction law and business practices, and I have been able to learn about the credit worthiness of some of my customers. I have been able to join with like-minded people to work for legislation which would benefit subcontractors. Although sometimes frustrating, this has been a rewarding experience. And lastly, I hope I have been able to give something back to an industry which has been very good to me for a long time. - Stan Perry (Texas AirSystems, Irving)

ASA gives me the opportunity to network with other construction professionals and provides professional situations in which I can learn how to get new business, retain the business I have, and grow my business. The organization looks out for political issues and ensures that I know when there is legislation that will hinder my ability to do business. It provides me opportunities to discuss issues that concern all subcontractors -- the transfer of risk, payment issues, labor issues and job supervision. In all, it is a local peer group that helps me stay ahead of the game.- Darlene Aitken (VP, Holes Inc. and ASA Houston Chapter)

I joined ASA, so that I could network with people who have the same daily problems that I have. People that I could learn from, and hopefully could learn some lessons from me. ASA to me means a way to have numbers when I'm trying to get legislation passed to help our industry. One man can make a difference, but a lot of men and women fighting the same cause together is a lot more effective. ASA is the answer for any subcontractor who wants to know all there is to know about the construction business, from some of the best people in the Industry. - Todd Aune (CTO Inc., ASA-Rio Grande Valley)

ASA is the only organization I know of which truly represents the interests of all the construction subcontracting community. I joined ASA in 1989. At that time our company had been in business about three years. The only trade organization which we belonged to then was the Builders Exchange of Texas, and that was primarily because they had a plan room which we used regularly.

One day I received an information packet in the mail explaining what ASA stood for. After reading that packet of information, I knew immediately that our company should be a part of this organization. They had the same philosophy and beliefs that I did, relating to how business should be conducted in our industry. I attended a meeting and was startled to find a room full of like minded subcontractors whose only goal was to improve the environment in which we do business as subcontractors. I joined that night!

I am proud to be a part of this organization, and proud of what ASA has accomplished on local, state, and national levels in the years I have been a member. I feel that every construction subcontractor in America should be a member of the American Subcontractors Association. Union, non-union, large or small - ASA works continually for the rights of subcontractors.- Keith Colvin (C&C Erection, ASA-San Antonio Chapter)

Strengthening the subcontractor's right to be paid is a big part of ASA's mission and the Texas Construction Association is pleased and honored to have ASA of Texas as a member. ASA representatives provide outstanding leadership and insight on subcontractor issues to TCA. ASA had representatives on the TCA/AGC taskforce that worked for eight months to come up with a compromise contingent payment bill that could be presented to the Texas Legislature this session. ASA has led the way in fundraising, in participating in TCA's "grassroots efforts" sponsoring receptions for legislators, and sending members to Austin to speak to Legislators and to testify during hearings. - Raymond Risk (President Texas Construction Association, Austin)