Quick Links
ABA Offices:
1825 W. Adams Phoenix, AZ 85007 602.274.8222
Tucson, AZ 85712
520.881.793
|
Thank you to the 2014 ABA Convention Title Sponsors: 
Platinum Sponsors:   ___________________ Statewide Calendar of Events Join An ABA Committee
Lunch & Learn
Employee or Independent Contractor: Introducing the Employee Misclassification Compliance Assistance Program
September 4
(Phoenix)
WEBINAR
I-9 and E-Verify Update and Immigration Compliance Strategies
September 9
(Statewide)
10-Hour OSHA Course
September 11 & 12
(Tucson)
WEBINAR:
Hiring & Retaining the Right People
September 16
(Statewide)
Safety Management Training Program
September 22-26
(Phoenix)
Joint Mixer with American Institute of Architects (AIA) Hosted by Audio Video Resources
September 23
(Phoenix)
Earn your Certified Professional Constructor Credential Series of 4 Prep Classes & Exam
Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21
(Phoenix)
WEBINAR:
The New Pregnancy Guidelines: What you Need to Know to Avoid Discrimination Claims
October 2
(Phoenix)
ABA & AGC Joint Event:
Economic Forecast with AGC's Ken Simonson
October 15
(Phoenix)
ABA's Annual Convention
October 16-18
(Tubac, AZ)
If you have questions about anything above, please contact Erica Lange.
|
Working for you...
Mark Minter
Executive Director
Tom Dunn
Southern Arizona Director
Erica Lange
Assistant Executive Director
Jeff Hooper
Director of Apprenticeship & Training
Jennifer Swanson
Director of Management Education
Dana Jones
Apprenticeship Coordinator
Mary Navarrette
Chapter Bookkeeper
Nita Ornelas Office Administrator
Debbie Carlson
So. AZ Office Manager
Carol McMullen Consultant [email protected]
|
|
Happy September ABA Members,
 | Erica Lange
Assistant Executive Director |
The Summer proved to be quite a busy time for the Arizona Builders' Alliance. Between member mixers, seminars, and the backpack drive, a lot was accomplished over the summer. See photos at the bottom of this page to see all the wonderful things that ABA members participated in during the last two months. Photos are posted on Facebook, but can be viewed even if you're not a Facebook user. If you are a Facebook user and find a photo of yourself, please tag it, to help promote the ABA's many activities. And, please remember to LIKE the ABA's Facebook page.
I would love to see you all at our upcoming convention October 16 - 18. If you've never been before, give it a try. The educational opportunities will be tremendous and you'll get to meet and know other members better than you'd ever imagined. You can view a line-up of speakers who are confirmed for this year's convention here. This year's convention will be held in gorgeous Tubac, Arizona. To book your room for convention, contact Rebecca Lopez at Tubac: 800.848.7893 or [email protected]. The ABA's room block expires tonight, so if you're thinking about attending, book your room now, in order to ensure you have a place to stay. Rooms can always be cancelled. To learn more about the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, you can visit the website.
I hope to see you at any or all of our upcoming events. Wishing you a wonderful month!
Erica Lange
Assistant Executive Director
|
|
ABA's 2015 Legislative Goals
by Mark Minter, Executive Director
 |
Mark Minter
Executive Director
|
For the moment, the world of politics is focused on the upcoming general election in November. Looking beyond that date, ABA is considering possible action for the 2015 Legislation Session. That session will convene on the second Monday in January. While the election will bring inevitable changes, it is unlikely there will be a significant shift in policies or tone at the Legislature next year.
ABA's effort to address the possibility of Federal OSHA take-over of all construction inspections is moving forward. We helped to pass legislation laying the foundation for conditional repeal of the Residential Fall Protection law. The first step of that process called for OSHA to publish a notice in the Federal Register that they find Arizona's law "less effective". They have taken the first step in that process and are awaiting public comment at this time. The next step will be the final determination by Federal OSHA. When that is determined and published, the Arizona Industrial Commission will notify Legislative Council to repeal the statute. Read more.
If you have any comments, questions, suggestions, regarding the ABA's legislative endeavors, please contact Mark Minter.
|
 | |
Tom Dunn
Director for Southern Arizona
|
by Tom Dunn
Get into politics or get out of business...Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC)
$43 million dollars was spent on Arizona's recent primaries. Those funds represent people advocating for their own interests. Many of our members and both of the national ABA affiliated PAC's participated. We must be fully engaged to inform both party's candidates about our industry and the concerns, issues, and challenges that we face.
Now is the opportune time to get their attention. ABA has been very effective throughout the years and we want to become even better. To get better, we need our advocacy to include strong membership participation (this means you!). Participation can vary depending on the circumstances and the timing of issues.
We need to become their experts in commercial construction. There are many ways to do this. If you have an interesting job site in a specific district, let's give our elected officials a tour. If you haven't personally visited your representative's office, let's go meet with them together.
Contact either Mark Minter or Tom Dunn.
|
 | |
Marty Hedlund
Newest ABA Board Member
|
The ABA is Proud to Announce our Newest Board Member
The ABA welcomes Martin R. (Marty) Hedlund, P.E., DBIA as a newly elected Board of Director. Marty has been long-time ABA member. He is a graduate of the ABA's Leadership Development Forum (LDF) and the Senior Executive Program (SEP).
Mr. Hedlund joined Sundt Construction, Inc. in 1984 and currently serves as the Profit Center Manager for the Southwest Districtresponsible for all Sundt's vertical construction in Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas and Colorado. Marty has served in the roles of field engineer, project engineer, project superintendent, project manager and project director for over 30 years constructing offices, corporate headquarters, data centers, schools and other commercial projects. A Registered Professional Civil Engineer in Arizona, Mr. Hedlund received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the Stanford University. Mr. Hedlund has widely presented on several topics including Alternative Project Delivery, Lean Construction and Building Information Modeling (BIM).
His industry involvement includes six (6) years on the Design Build Institute of America National Certification Board which is responsible for upholding the standards of the DBIA Certified Professional designation as well as the testing and application processes. In 2011, Mr. Hedlund served as Chair of that board. Marty has also been active in the Arizona Builder's Alliance (ABA) for many years serving on the Legislative Committee and being active in building industry education and public affairs.
Mr. Hedlund is an avid golfer, husband of 25 years to wife, Ellen, proud father of two teenagers, and happy to be giving back to an industry that has given so much to him.
|
 | |
Jeff Hooper
Director of Apprenticeship & Training
|
ABA Launches Federally Approved Online Electrical Program
by Jeff Hooper, Director of Apprenticeship & Training
The Arizona Builders' Alliance has launched an online electrical program. This program can be used in all 50 states for those contractors performing federal work. It is instructor-driven with written exams and hands-on activities to be completed at the job site. Please email Jeff Hooper fo r additional information.
Fall 2014 Classes Begin
The ABA's Electrical, Heavy Equipment Operator, and Heavy Equipment Mechanic classes began on August 18. There is a total of 300 apprentices/craft training students registered. There is still time to register! Please email Dana Jones for additional information.
|
|
Senior Executive Program (SEP) kicks off 2014 session!
 | |
Jennifer Swanson
Director of Management Education
|
August 24th kicked off the 2014 SEP program. Participants addressed topics of "Role of the Executive" with Eric Hedlund of Sundt and "Joint Ventures" with Kevin Burnett of Sundt.
The group will continue with three more sessions before graduation on Dec. 11 at the LDF Grad. Luncheon.
Participating companies in this year's class are:
- Barker Morrissey
- Caliente
- CEC Contractors
- Chasse Building Team
- Climatec BTG
- Commercial Comm. and Electric
- DPR
- Holder
- Jokake
- Kortman Electric
- Performance Contracting
- Schuff Steel
Thank you to these companies for their support of ongoing management education! This is a great group of folks!
Please contact Jennifer Swanson if you're an executive or senior leader interested in the 2015 SEP program.
News on the 2014 Leadership Development Forum (LDF)
The 2014 LDF class, with the help of ABA members and other local businesses, has raised $13,800 and has commitments for additional donations and services for Valley Life, the selected beneficiary of the 2014 LDF class volunteer project. A roofing contractor has also offered to provide labor and material for needed roofing repairs. We are grateful for all donations and for the LDF student's commitment to the community service project. Way to go, class!
Mark your calendar for the LDF/SEP Graduation Luncheon on December 11th.
Leadership Development Forum (LDF) application is available in September. Email Jennifer Swanson if your company is interested in a spot of this award-winning class. Waiting lists are common, so get your application in ASAP. Requirements include a minimum of eight years construction experience.
|
|
How Your Donations Impacted Children in Arizona
The ABA's Community Service Board coordinated the 4th annual backpack drive. This year's drive combined both the Tucson and Phoenix ABA branches. School supplies and backpacks were donated to the Children's First Academies in Tempe and Phoenix. 100 percent of the students and their families are at the poverty line and 68 percent of the students are homeless. There are approximately 350 students, grades K-9, being educated at the Phoenix Campus and a little over 200 students, grades K-9, being educated at the Tempe Campus. The schools provide stability and hope for kids amid a chaotic world of homelessness and hopelessness; many of the children live in motels, shelters and many live doubled up . Children First Academy works to provide the necessities, care and attention that so many homeless and low socioeconomic children lack.
In addition, the Tucson Branch gave donations to Youth on Their Own, which is a drop out prevention program that supports the high school graduation of homeless unaccompanied youth in the Greater Tucson region who are in 6th - 12th grade (up to age 21). Students are enrolled in public schools-including charter and alternative schools-and are motivated to obtain their high school diplomas despite personal and financial hardship. YOTO provides students with financial assistance, basic needs and guidance as they work to obtain their high school diplomas. With community contributions and support, YOTO has assisted over 10,500 students in achieving their educational and personal goals to graduate high school and become self-sufficient, productive adults within their communities. Donations were also given to children at Faith Lutheran Church who were in need of supplies.
In Phoenix, your donations provided over 220 backpacks and supplies at the Tempe campus and over 350 backpacks and supplies at the Phoenix campus to homeless children.
More than 80 member companies donated much-needed backpacks and supplies. Monetary donations from member companies were in excess of $18,000, triple the amount received in 2013. In addition, many member companies provided actual supplies that were added to the distribution tables.
Because of your generosity, we had more than enough supplies for all three charities. Additional dollars were used to purchase athletic equipment for Children First Academy and clothing for Youth on Their Own.
A special thank you to the Community Service Board who made all of this generosity possible, through all their time and effort. Please see photos below of the distribution days in Phoenix.
If you'd like to participate in the ABA's Backpack Drive next year, please contact Erica Lange at (602) 274-8222 ext. 231. |
|
ABC's Leadership Conference
When you joined the Arizona Builders' Alliance, you had to choose a national affiliation with either the ABC or the AGC*. If you chose ABC, please consider attending this year's Leadership Conference Nov. 11-13 in Miami Beach, Florida.
ABC's Leadership Conference is one of three annual ABC conferences focused on developing effective leaders. Attendees will share lessons learned, discover new ways to encourage business growth, and build relationships with industry peers.
Features Include:
- ABC Institute
- Peer Group Conference
- Career Fair
- Construction Management Competition (CMC)
- Attorney's Conference
To register for this year's conference, click here.
*If you're not sure which national affiliation you chose, please contact Nita Ornelas or call the office at (602) 274-8222. If you'd like to add the ABC Affiliation to your membership, we can do so at any time.
|
AGC of America Launches New Private Insurance Exchange
 When you joined the Arizona Builders' Alliance, you had to choose a national affiliation with either the ABC or the AGC.* If you chose AGC, you can take advantage of the new private insurance exchange for your company that has just been launched in 14 states, including Arizona.
The AGC Alternative, AGC's private insurance exchange, has begun offering AGC member firms quotes for coverage. The private exchange, developed in collaboration with Willis North America, a unit of Willis Group Holdings, the global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker, features comprehensive insurance coverage from Aetna, MetLife and Group Vision Service as part of its introductory suite of benefits. MetLife will offer dental, life, disability and legal service coverage while Group Vision Service will offer vision coverage. Willis of Maryland, Inc., a licensed insurance producer, will act as the broker of record for all insurance products offered on the new AGC private exchange.
For more information about the AGC Alternative or to get a quote, watch this video, visit the website, or call Willis at 1-800-210-5290.
*If you're not sure which national affiliation you chose, please contact Nita Ornelas or call the office at (602) 274-8222. If you'd like to add the AGC Affiliation to your membership, we can do so at any time.
|
News from the Tucson Branch
Listed are events taking place in September. As the great Yogi Berra once said: "If you don't know where you're going, you might end up someplace else." Well, we want you here!
Advisory Board
Our August Advisory Board meeting had the largest attendance to date (40). Southern Arizona Chairman Brad Lloyd, Lloyd Construction, led the hour-long meeting that included reports from industry leading affiliates highlighting market trends: legal, accounting, health care, safety, legislative, etc. ABA continues to ask our affiliate members to provide market/industry updates that may help inform the entire membership. This meeting is open to all ABA members and if you would like to provide an industry market report, please contact Tom Dunn.
The next Advisory Board meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 10 at 7:30 am at the ABA Tucson office - 1661 N Swan, Ste 144, Tucson, AZ 85712
Southern AZ ABA Membership Dinners
The Southern AZ Member Dinners take place on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The membership dinner schedule is as follows:
- September 16
- October 21
- November 18
- January 20
- February 24 - Lloyd/CAPLA dinner
- March 10 Cornerstone Building Awards
- April 17 Installation Dinner
Tentatively scheduled speakers are: Arizona Gubernatorial Candidate Doug Ducey, Employment Attorney Chuck Keller, ABC Political Director Andy Conlin, and "20 years of Chairmen." Strong attendance at these dinners matters and assists us in building a strong government relations foundation. We've invited political leaders to this season's speaker series so they can learn more about the composition of the ABA.
University of Arizona Football / ABA / Sunstate Equipment tailgating!
Sunstate Equipment's Jody Kopydlowski has graciously offered to co-host tailgaters at UA football home games (all games except the ASU-UA game - Thanksgiving weekend). The BBQ will begin 2.5 hours before kickoff. Great food, fellowship and championship level football! Great chance to network, talk football, talk business, and catch up with friends. Contact Tom Dunn at his cell number is 520-481-7919 to locate the tailgate if you're attending the game.
Volunteer Day 2014 Committee
Volunteer Day committee next meets on Wednesday, September 10 at 9 am (following the Advisory Board) This year's recipient is Faith Lutheran School. Faith Lutheran School is a local K-6 school that is open to the public and many of our members have actually attended throughout the years. The co-chairs of the committee, Jamie Olding, Building Excellence and Susan Mulholland, MADCI are creating a plan of scope to present to the Volunteer Day committee. This year's efforts should be very rewarding and helpful to a community partner that has been a staple in the local community for years.
Explorer Post 811
Committee Chairman Todd Scholer, Sun Mechanical, is leading this year's efforts planning the upcoming tours. Tom Dunn is working to schedule the first tour in October with tentative plans to tour Hensel Phelps project ENR 2. The Explorers toured the project last spring and this tour will be a great opportunity for them to see it progress. If you have a project site that would be a great tour, contact Tom Dunn.
|
|
____________________________________________________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
