Page 31 - DCA - Construction Excellence Awards 2019

Bryon Short
As a former legislator in the Delaware General Assembly, I was well aware of
the positive reputation of the Delaware Contractors Association. I knew it was regarded as a unique and influential organization based upon its diversity and quality of membership. As the leading voice of the construction industry in Delaware, it is the expert that public policymakers turn to when tackling thorny issues or seeking to expand opportunity to the construction industry. To a business sector responsible for 3.8% ($2.8 billion) of Delaware’s GDP.
As I’ve celebrated my first anniversary as executive vice president of DCA, I have had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with our dedicated and loyal membership to strengthen the role of DCA in Delaware. Last January, our Board of Directors met to develop their shared vision of DCA and return to our roots through simplification of our mission statement:
Delaware Contractors Association, the leading voice of the construction industry in the State of Delaware, is an organization of qualified General Contractors, Construction Managers, Trade Contractors, and Industry related firms dedicated to the principles of skill, integrity and reliability.
We have had a year of success with each core component of our mission. The dedicated DCA staff works tirelessly to ensure your association is providing you a
DCA IN 2020: REMEMBERING OUR ROOTS, EXPANDING OUR ROLE
real return on your investment in DCA. DCA has held multiple networking events this past year. Events have ranged from our night out at the Blue Coats to popular outings like golf and clay shoots. DCA will continue working to identify how our association can best help you grow your business through fun and varied networking opportunities.
We listen and act on the issues you make clear are your priorities. DCA knows having a skilled and safe workforce is at the top of that list. When members asked for supervisory training, DCA called upon our national organization, Associated General Contractors of America, for proven educational courses that we provided to our members. Whether it’s flatwork or forklift training, OSHA 30 hour or active shooter, we are here as your No. 1 resource for developing a skilled and safe workforce.
A critical component of DCA’s mission is advocacy for the construction economy. Our advocacy work takes place at all levels of government and throughout the public policy discussion. DCA spoke up on its members behalf at numerous hearings and through the legislative process at the state, county and municipal levels. We communicated the complexity and importance of issues facing our members as businesses while recognizing and respecting the diversity of our own stakeholders.
DCA has had success in shaping legislation this past session and continues to influence the regulatory process that is critical to implementation. With the second half of the 150th session of General Assembly starting in January, DCA will continue to challenge initiatives that can impede your business’ growth and actively advocate for those that will allow your business to prosper.
One of the top priorities I gave myself when I came on board last fall was getting the word out to a broader audience of the value our industry and our association provide to our state. We have increased our media presence through our partnership with Delaware Business Times, articles in The News Journal and interviews on WDEL. The Carney Administration and General Assembly leadership have appointed me, as EVP for DCA, to lead several initiatives
of importance to the state. These efforts range from economic development work at Fort DuPont to workforce training for persons exiting the correction system to solving longstanding coordination issues on public works projects. Each of these efforts ensures that DCA is at the forefront of critical public policy decisions.
We have had a great year and a busy year, but there is so much more to do. I am excited for the year to come and the opportunity to help build DCA’s future.
Bryon Short
Executive Vice President
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