ForConstructionPros.com

The intent of this column is "to enhance the capabilities of those who build with concrete," which is also the mission of the American Society of Concrete Contractors.

While reading the "Guest Column" by Steve VandeWater in the March 2005 issue of Concrete Concepts, I was very disappointed to think small contractors are missing the boat on the benefits of belonging to the ASCC and the Decorative Concrete Council, a specialty council of ASCC.

Mr. VandeWater states that most decorative concrete contractors are small outfits, with one or possibly two crews, working out of their homes and trucks; doing the work and performing the office duties, estimating and bidding. This is one of the toughest positions to be in - one person wearing a lot of hats. This person needs the ASCC/DCC more than you can imagine. With handling all of the responsibilities - field and management - this person needs business sense even more than a large contractor.

He also writes that the cost of joining the DCC, vs. the benefit reaped, is not feasible for most of the people in this industry. The cost for a contractor of the size you refer to is $450 per year. I can tell you that just one 20 minute conversation with a successful contractor/businessman could save this small contractor his or her membership dues for the next 10 years.

The $450 ASCC membership dues for contractors with gross sales under $1.5 million is a drop in the bucket compared to the thousands of dollars one accident or OSHA violation could cost. Every ASCC member receives a 15-minute safety orientation video. I agree that more training aids of this type, as Mr. VandeWater recommends, would be a good idea. Some, such as a skin safety video, are available through the ASCC bookstore, at a discounted price to members.