ASA Chicago’s Meet the GC Night Provides Subcontractors Unique Networking Opportunity

Sept. 7, 2010 - PRLog -- Chicago-area subcontractors looking to make new business connections are provided a unique opportunity this fall at the ASA Chicago Meet the GCs Night being held on October 5, 2010.  Meet the GCs Night brings together decision makers in the construction industry to network and build relationships, ultimately with the goal of gaining more business.  

Now in its sixth year, Meet the GCs has become one of the Association’s largest events.  Last year’s record attendance of over 800 guests included subcontractors, estimators, project managers, general contractors and executives.  The Association is expecting over 30 of its General Contractors Council firms to attend which includes some of the largest contracting companies in Chicago such as  Pepper Construction, Walsh Construction, F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen, James McHugh Construction and Power Construction.  This year, the Association also expects to add architects and engineers to its growing list of attendees since new members Perkins Eastman, De Stefano Partners, and Eckenhoff Saunders architects have joined.

Mike Hancock of Divane Bros. Electric and ASA Chicago President says, “Meet the GC Night is a great opportunity to make lots of contacts in a single evening. The benefits of being a member in an active organization like ASA Chicago are shown by the record attendance.”  Association members say that while the most apparent draw of the evening is networking they also enjoy the face-to-face meeting with estimators and project managers they may not get to meet otherwise.  The diverse group of companies in one location is what makes the event even more popular.  

Plus, as more subcontractors struggle to make their business successful in tough economic conditions, the affordability of the evening makes it even more worthwhile.  Says ASA Chicago Board Member Peggy Hrindak of Phoenix Business Solutions, “For the cost of just $65 I can meet with numerous general contractors and I get to network with other subcontractors, all in one location, instead of just one sales call where I can only meet with one at a time.”

ASA Chicago Membership Manager, Ginny McFarland agrees that the Association’s subcontractor members wait all year for this one night.  It has often been the stepping stone for companies to begin a new business relationship or continue to develop existing relationships with key individuals in the construction industry.  “Many of our subcontractor members are also small business owners so the opportunity for an ASA Chicago member to introduce their company to such a large crowd of general contractors is a vital benefit.”

McFarland continues that being able to attend Meet the GCs at a discounted rate is also a well-received member benefit and in the end it is membership in ASA Chicago that will pay off and open doors for new business opportunities.

The event is setup in the format of a trade-show environment where each General Contractor has a table in which to promote completed and upcoming projects, meet one-on-one with attendees, and even distribute giveaways and brochures to guests.

The 2010 Meet the GC Night will be held at Venuti’s Ristorante & Banquets in Addison on Tuesday, October 5 beginning with cocktails at 4:30 pm and buffet dinner at 5:30 pm.  Registration is open to both ASA Chicago members and non-members who will have the opportunity to meet with estimators, project managers, architects and engineers. The event is $65 per ASA Chicago member which includes open bar and dinner.   The non-member rate is $130.  For more information, visit the asachicago.org website or call 847-827-8336.

The Association of Subcontractors & Affiliates (ASA Chicago) was founded in Chicago in 1967 and is an independent, nonprofit trade association representing the subcontracting industry and its affiliates.  Servicing over 400 union and non-union subcontractor members, trade suppliers and servicers, the group is one of the largest trade associations in the Chicagoland area addressing the business initiatives of the subcontractor.   ASA Chicago is devoted to providing its members not only education, networking, social and business opportunities, but also government advocacy affecting all subcontractors at the state and local levels, and is also a member of the National Subcontractor Alliance and a Green Sponsor of the USGBC Chicago Chapter. The association publishes three member publications, most notably its quarterly magazine, Construction Connection.  For more information about ASA Chicago, its membership, events and more, visit the website at asachicago.org or at 847-827-8336.

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The Association of Subcontractors & Affiliates (ASA Chicago) was founded in Chicago in 1967 and is an independent, nonprofit trade association representing the subcontracting industry and its affiliates.