ASA Establishes Excellence in Ethics Certificate for
Exemplary Subcontractors

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – In an effort to recognize construction subcontractors that strive to uphold the highest ethical standards in the conduct of business, the American Subcontractors Association (ASA) released criteria and requirements for a new ASA Excellence in Ethics Certificate on its Web site, http://www.asaonline.com.

“Strong and effective ethics policies and procedures should be the standard in the construction industry,” said ASA Task Force on Ethics in the Construction Industry Chair Elaine Erickson, Viracon Inc., Owatonna, Minn. “The Excellence in Ethics Certificate will distinguish subcontractors that take ethics seriously and do their part to improve the business environment and the community.”

This program recognizes companies that strive to promote ASA’s values every day in their businesses. Applicants will be judged on criteria in three categories: corporate ethics policy and procedure, construction industry practices, and general business practices. In addition to demonstrating their implementation of ethics policies, such as a code of conduct, whistleblower policy, and plans to prevent and address conflicts of interest, applicants must show evidence of their implementation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, equal employment opportunity policy, and staff training on safety and ethics policies. Judging also takes into account community service, respect for the environment, and a commitment to open, truthful communications.

Full program details, including judging criteria, submission requirements, and the official entry form, are available on the ASA Web site at www.asaonline.com/Web/ethics.aspx.

Supplemental program materials include sample requests for recommendation letters and models of the policy documents required for the certificate.

Certificates will be presented to qualifying applicants for the first time at the ASA Business Forum and Convention 2009, being held March 5-7, 2009, at the Sheraton Downtown Nashville in Nashville, Tenn. Applications for the Excellence in Ethics Certificate are due to ASA no later than Dec. 12, 2008, and will be reviewed by a committee of volunteers and ASA staff.

ASA’s Task Force on Ethics in the Construction Industry developed the Excellence in Ethics Certificate program.

Founded in 1966, ASA amplifies the voice of, and leads, trade contractors to improve the business environment for the construction industry and to serve as a steward for the community. ASA’s vision is to be the united voice dedicated to improving the business environment in the construction industry. The ideals and beliefs of ASA are ethical and equitable business practices, quality construction, a safe and healthy work environment, and integrity and membership diversity.

American Subcontractors Association, Inc.
1004 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA 22314

Contact: Emily Yunker
(703) 684-3450, Ext. 1333