ABC Executive Committee member Michael J. Uremovich, founder, CEO and chairman of the board of STARCON International, Manhattan, Ill., and Kirk Pickerel, ABC president and CEO, August 12 met with President George W. Bush at the White House to discuss the impact high energy prices are having on the commercial and industrial construction industry. During the hour-long session, Uremovich voiced his concerns about rising fuel prices and changes in company policies as a result of higher energy costs.
“The energy crisis has driven up costs in all aspects of our business,” said Uremovich. “Not only have we made changes to company travel policies and felt the impact on our fleet of more than 100 vehicles, but for the first time since STARCON International was founded 25 years ago, we had to lay off employees. Additionally, our clients have cancelled or postponed nearly $2 billion of projects which translates to fewer jobs.”
ABC, as a member of the Coalition for Affordable American Energy, joined eight other national trade associations in the discussion. Each organization outlined its policy position on energy to President Bush. Uremovich told President Bush that ABC believes a sensible, comprehensive energy policy must be put in place to help ease the financial burden on businesses, families and employees.
Uremovich said President Bush firmly stated that the U.S. Congress needs to have an up-or-down vote on offshore oil drilling, without any other issue that would “muddy the waters.” He added that President Bush said “it’s what the American people want.”