LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

The future is already here—it's just not very evenly distributed.

—William Gibson

This quote resonates now more than ever in our industry. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept; it's a present reality transforming how contractors build and manage projects. Today, some contractors are integrating AI into their daily operations, leveraging its capabilities to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity. Meanwhile, others view this technology as irrelevant or something to consider in the far-off future.

At the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA), we're investing in AI today so that we may be ready to help narrow the gap between contractors embracing this technology and those yet to explore its potential. Contractors are currently using AI for various applications such as predictive analytics to forecast project timelines, AI-powered project management software to optimize workflows, and safety monitoring systems that use computer vision to detect hazards in real-time.

A compelling study from Boston Consulting Group, Harvard Business School and Wharton demonstrated the significant impact of AI on productivity. Consultants with access to AI tools completed 12% more tasks and did so 25% faster than their counterparts without AI. Moreover, the quality of their work was rated 40% higher by their supervisors. This underscores that early adoption of AI can provide a substantial competitive edge, one that may be hard to make up later.

Your GBCA is in the early stages of its AI journey. Since the public release of ChatGPT in November 2022, members of the GBCA team have been experimenting with AI technologies. Now, we're preparing to be one of the first Associated General Contractors (AGC) chapters in the country to participate in an AI training pilot program.

We believe that by embracing this technology, we'll not only enhance our services but also empower our members to leverage AI effectively in their businesses.

AI does not come without risks. Concerns such as data privacy, cybersecurity threats, and the potential for algorithmic bias are valid and must be addressed. However, we believe that by following some simple guidelines laid out in the works of Wharton professor Ethan Mollick, many of these risks can be mitigated.

• Start with an open and curious mind: Be willing to explore and learn about AI technologies.

• Use AI as a tool, not a replacement: Leverage AI to augment human capabilities, not replace them.

• Ensure data security and privacy: Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information.

• Promote transparency and ethics: Be clear about how AI is used and ensure it aligns with ethical standards.

• Invest in training and development: Equip your team with the necessary skills to work alongside AI technologies.

Our role as your association is to help ensure that the future is more evenly distributed among all our members. We are committed to providing the resources, support, and guidance you need to navigate this technological evolution.

And yes, I must confess, AI was a partner on this letter.

Together, let's lay the foundation for an AI-powered future in construction.

Benjamin J. Connors, Esq., CAE

President & CEO General Building Contractors Association