For many U.S. industries, China is the new frontier. GAMA, for instance, set up a satellite office in Beijing this year, as more and more members are either looking to get into the Asian market or need assistance in the Asian market.
Contractor groups did not sit still in 2004. Contractors Services took a new name, as did Contractors 2000. Contractors Services, parent of Plumbers' Success International and AirTime 500, is now Success Group International (SGI). The new name for Contractors 2000 is Nexstar.
The Department of Labor (DOL) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued some important rulings in 2004, and they could have an immediate effect on the bottom line for contractors.
First came Charley. Then Frances. Ivan followed. Jeanne provided the grand finale. These four powerful hurricanes slammed into Florida and points beyond in the United States, starting with Charley in August.