1991 Construction & Architectural Suppliers Show - Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico Business Journal, March, 1991 by Al Reynolds

1991 Construction & Architectural Suppliers Show

When does a regular event become a tradition? Maybe after nine years! The CASS which began modestly in 1983 has grown steadily in both attendance and in numbers of exhibitors.

And now it is the biggest building and construction products trade show in New Mexico, Arizona and West Texas.

The Cass has become the marketing and sales event for the New Mexico building and construction trades and the industries supplying them.

On the marketing/sales side, the CASS invites contractors, subcontractors, developers, architects, designers, home builders, designers, etc., to view the over 150 exhibits of new ideas and methods, products, materials, equipment and services. It's an easy and convenient way to see all the interesting exhibits and the new "things" industry suppliers have to offer.

There's another side to the CASS that's growing in popularity. It has become an annual industry social event, a gathering of the clan, a time to catch up on what old friends in the business are up to "over a 50-cent Bud."

We'd like to salute the associations that function so meaningfully on behalf of various segments of the industry. You will find many of them exhibiting at the CASS. Elsewhere in this section is a partial roster of these groups. It is interesting to note these same groups find themselves working more frequently together on many problems or issues that impact on their respective memberships. The best example of this is the industry's effort to bring about changes in Workman's Compensation legislation.

Each year, CASS presents more special events sponsored by these associations. These meetings or seminars are designed to provide those attending the show with greater service and more information. The special events schedule appears elsewhere in this section. You are invited to call the sponsoring organization for details about their respective meetings.

A final word...

As we contemplate our collective and individual futures in the midst of this soft economic period for the New Mexico construction and building business, there's one group for whom we should be cheering loudly and whom we should be strongly supporting. That's the Albuquerque Metroplex marketing program of Albuquerque Economic Development Inc.

Albuquerque is experiencing some natural expansion and growth among companies

already located here, but this growth has been and will be gradual at best. We need more General Mills and the ancillary companies they bring with them. This new company brings dramatic growth and its impact will be felt throughout our entire community. And don't forget that the building/construction industry is one of the first business segments of our total community to experience this impact.

Desirable and expanding companies just don't come seeking out Albuquerque. They have to be found, educated and sold just like selling any product. And the marketplace is very competitive! There are many, many well-heeled and well-oiled marketing efforts underway selling other markets and states.

So everyone of us in and around the New Mexico building and construction industry should be contributing financial support to this Metroplex marketing program. This program needs money to be competitive, to sustain an already impressive start. The "sales" the program is pursuing take a long time to develop.

To put our money where our mouth is, ASR & Associates, producers of the Construction & Architectural Suppliers Show, will contribute a portion of each booth fee to the Metroplex.

In addition, ASR & Associates has invited Albuquerque Metroplex and the National Association of Industry & Office Parks to exhibit at the 1991 CASS. This will enable them to tell you about their goals and their progress. This also coincides with the kickoff of their community-wide fund raising effort. Stop by their booth and hear their story. Let's all play an active role in our future.

We look forward to having you attend the 9th annual CASS. Come and learn something, see your friends in the business, and have a good time!

Al Reynolds, President ARS & Associates Inc., Producers of Albuquerque Construction & Architectural Suppliers Show