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July 14, 2020 Leadership In A Time of Crisis

Associated Builders, Inc.

"May you live in interesting times.” While the origins of this phrase are unclear, it is widely viewed as a curse and is usually applied with a dose of irony. With the emergence of the Covid-19 global pandemic combined with the recent social and political turmoil, this year surely qualifies as “interesting.” But these current events have laid bare some fundamental truths and opportunities for reflection and growth. Our social contract has been tested, we have been asked to work together towards the common goal of containing the virus, and we are succeeding. Our idea of what “essential” means has been radically changed. And, for business, these uncertain times have shown that even the best-laid plans often require adjustments and reimagining. Flexible thinking and the ability to pivot in a crisis have proven vital to long term success.

For Associated Builders, our top priority during the Covid-19 crisis has been to provide a safe workplace environment for our employees and contractors, both in the office and in the field. From the beginning, we have been committed to following the CDC and Massachusetts state guidelines for worker safety and we continue to implement and enforce these guidelines at all times. We have enabled our office staff to work from home and have stressed open communication about personal safety with our vendors, contractors, and suppliers. While challenging on our jobsites, we continue to emphasize the importance of social distancing even though we know it means tasks will take a little longer. We at Associated Builders remain committed to keeping current with the ever-changing requirements for the safe operation of our business and we will continue to live by the motto of “Safety First,” we know no other way.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those that have helped to keep our business, and society, working during these trying times: First and foremost, the front-line health care workers who have so courageously handled the Covid-19 pandemic. The essential workers who also put themselves at risk to continue to keep our supply chains open. The banks that have worked tirelessly to help process and distribute the Payroll Protection Plan loans, without which many businesses, including our own, would have struggled to keep their doors open. Our vendors who have helped to source and supply PPE and essential jobsite equipment to keep our employees safe, as well as laptops and support to keep our office staff working from home. And finally, our employees themselves, for their flexibility and dedication to making it all work. I sincerely thank you and believe that there are brighter days ahead.

Finally, as we move into the phased reopening of business in our state, it is imperative that we remain diligent in our safety practices and social distancing protocols even as the fatigue becomes overwhelming. Only through a continued and concerted effort to contain this virus may we eventually go back to living in uninteresting times.

Sincerely,
Michael J. Ciolek, Jr.
President

Associated Builders, Inc.

abuilders.com

413-536-0021