At the end of 2023, Kim Davids was appointed the president of the Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) after serving as the organization’s interim president, and on the ABA Board of Directors before that.
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AZRE magazine sat down with Davids to learn more about the Arizona Builders Alliance, its initiatives and what she’s hearing about the construction industry from members. The following responses have been edited for length and clarity.
AZRE: The ABA is unique in that it is a partnership between two national associations — the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) and the Associated General Contractors of America – Building Chapter (AGC). What are the benefits of this structure?
Kim Davids: There’s actually only one other of what we call “hybrid organizations” in the country, and they’re in Texas. When you join the ABA, you do have to pick an affiliation, either with AGC or ABC. But once you’re a member, you get the benefits of each organization. Each of them have their own perks, but ABA members get to capitalize on their resources from government affairs, tech alliances, safety and education programs. It’s the best of both worlds.
AZRE: The ABA currently has three major pillars for serving the organization, including legislative advocacy, education and membership. Let’s talk about each of these. What does the organization do on the legislative front?
KD: I’m not sure people understand what we’ve done and how we’ve participated in legislative affairs to benefit the industry. For 30 years, the ABA has been the leading voice advocating for commercial construction at the state capitol and with local governments. We educate lawmakers on the issues that impact our industry and work with them to enact legislation and ordinances that will benefit our businesses, workforce and community.
Some of the issues we focus on include simplification and fairness of the tax code, prompt payment, workforce development, fair regulation and increased infrastrucure funding.
Currently, we are engaged in litigation to ensure that statutorily prohibited prevailing wage ordinances at the municipal level do not take effect. Through our Board of Director and Government Affairs Committee, our members are on the frontlines engaging with lawmakers at every level of government. If there are ill-advised pieces of legislation out there, we’re trying to make sure that lawmakers know where we stand as an industry.
AZRE: What about the education opportunities available through the ABA?
KD: Education is at the forefront of everything that we do. We have several flagship programs, from our Emerging Leaders Forum to our Senior Executive Program (SEP). We have a number of courses that span throughout the year, but we also have different webinars and lunch-and-learn events. We also focus on the more technical aspects of the industry, like blueprint reading, and we have an electrical apprenticeship program. We are currently creating core competency courses, as well.
Continual communication with our member companies is essential to ensure we are educating their workforces to keep up with the daily demands of our ever changing industry.
AZRE: You mentioned that there is a program for more senior executives. Can you talk about the value of continued education for those who’ve already been in the industry for a few decades?
KD: Sure. SEP was created with the C-Suite executive in mind. It expands beyond the fundamentals of executing on the job; it’s really about finding the passion and purpose in your life and career. The different cohorts focus on how you show up every day, both at work and at home, so you can be the best version of yourself. When I was running a large general contracting company, and SEP was launched, I found myself conflicted. I asked myself, “If I put myself in a program before other in my company, what kind of message is that sending?” Knowing what I know now, I encourage all top leaders to enroll.
AZRE: Networking is the third pillar of the ABA — what sort of opportunities does the ABA provide for getting to know others in the industry?
KD: The ABA offers several opportunities for members to engage with their peers, trade partners and potential clients. From enrolling in one or more of our extensive education curriculums, to serving on an advisory board, or getting out of your comfort zone and teaching a class — there is no shortage of professional development offered. We have several committees that are geared towards giving back to the community. And finally, whether you like to golf, skeet shoot, play kickball, paintball or just get out and hike — we have something for everyone.
AZRE: What are some of the top priorities that the Arizona Builders Alliance is looking at right now?
KD: We’re still in a period of change as I’ve transitioned to being the president of ABA. I think the board is more empowered and focused than ever. We’re a humble bunch. At a recent strategic planning meeting, one board member said, “We don’t brag enough about what we do.” I don’t think people understand all the different education programs, events and resources that we offer.
We’re constantly asking ourselves, “What direction do we want to go?” Our education programs are great, but they could use a little tweaking because the industry is changing more rapidly than ever.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the latest buzzword, and we need to figure out how to incorporate it into our daily interactions and operations. It’s our responsibility to educate our members and customers on these topics, so we — and they — don’t get left behind.
AZRE: In your conversations with members, how has the recent boom in the Valley affected them?
KD: In years past, a project like TSMC was a unicorn. Now, there are several large scale projects throughout the Valley, sparking a lot of competition. It amplifies the need for quality workforce from the employer perspective, and leaves some employees wondering if the grass is greener — and more lucrative — somewhere else.
Phoenix is the fifth-largest city, but we’re still a small town in a lot of ways with a high focus on trade partner relationships. Ultimately, I think the industry is busier than we’ve ever been, and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
AZRE: Is there anything else you’d like to leave readers with?
KD: I’ve had a lot of people ask me over the last year about how things are going in my new role as president. Coming to the office every day and working with a board who were once my peers and now getting to create change within the industry is an unparalleled experience. It’s very different than running a large company, but the impact that we have on people lives is extremely rewarding.
