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 Last Call for CAM Magazine Special Issue 2014 Submissions
CAM Magazine is now conducting its Call for Entries for the upcoming Special Issue 2014. The final deadline to submit your project for consideration is Friday, March 7, 2014.
There is an entry fee of $50 per project. Entries must be in hard-copy format and either mailed or delivered to the CAM offices.
CAM Magazine's Special Issue is published each October. The 12 most outstanding construction projects of the previous year are determined by the votes of the CAM Magazine staff, after reviewing all projects submitted for entry by our readership.
The project entries for Special Issue 2014 must have been completed - or reached substantial completion - between June 2013 and June 2014. The final 12 winners will have their Owners, General Contractors and Architects invited to participate in an interview process as we write about each winning project.
As an added bonus to being featured in the magazine, the General Contractors/CM's and Architects of each winning project will be presented with a commemorative plaque at an award ceremony held at the CAM
Tradeshow in February of the following year. They will also be eligible to be voted as the CAM 2014 Project of the Year.
There are great advertising opportunities in Special Issue 2014. Ad reservations can be made by contacting Cathy Jones at (248) 972-1115. Advertising deadline is August 29, 2014.
For complete information and to access the Project Profile sheet, Tip Sheet, and Advertising Reservation form, please click here. Further questions? Contact Amanda Tackett (248) 972-1000. We look forward to receiving your submissions!
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CAM Connect: Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Event - March 31st
Join CAM for its 3rd Annual Detroit Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Event! This fun, day-long networking and social gathering will welcome the 2014 baseball season and the start of spring. And after the long, hard winter of 2013-14, who isn't looking forward to that??
Stop in at the exclusive CAM VIP Tent near Comerica Park for grilled hot dogs, beverages and live game coverage as the Tigers take on the Kansas City Royals. Tailgate location to be announced the day of the event.
This event is FREE to CAM Members, but you must RSVP to ensure adequate food and beverage supplies. Register online by clicking here, or contact Mary Carabott at CAM (248) 972-1000.
Let's play ball!
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Now Released: 2013-2014 Biennial Business Survey by CAM and Plante Moran Offers a Look at Michigan's Construction Industry
The Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) and Plante Moran have released the results of their 2013-2014 Biennial Business Survey. With more than a 20-year history of reporting on the industry, survey data obtained and compiled in 4th quarter 2013, aims to gauge the current state of the Michigan construction industry, and serve as a market forecast for the foreseeable future.
The 2013-2014 report, which can be reviewed here, offers interesting comparative insights into the recent history and near-term future of Michigan's recovering construction industry. 
Key findings from the survey, which queried general contractors; subcontractors; architectural and engineering firms, suppliers; business owners and others related to the commercial construction industry, follow:
- 34 percent of respondents said renovation is providing the greatest amount of work opportunities, compared with 29 percent in 2011
- There is a positive trend in larger construction projects, with respondents reporting more than 29 percent of current projects at $1 million or above, a 9 percent increase from 2011
- 31 percent of projects in the next 12-18 months are anticipated to be $1 million or more, an 11 percent increase from 2011
- At 16 percent, projects in health/welfare and buildings/hospitals top the list of anticipated work over the next 12-18 months, with 37 percent of respondents anticipating that work will be in new construction
- Reflecting the most positive results in many years, 89 percent of respondents anticipate the volume of work will increase or stay the same over the next 12-18 months
- 71 percent anticipate the percentage of work outside the state of Michigan increasing over the next 12-18 months
- In bidding competitive work, 54 percent said they were competing against less than five bidders; also, in the current survey, only 4 percent of projects had 10 or more bidders, compared with 33 percent in 2009
- While 50 percent of respondents expect labor availability to stay the same over the next 12-18 months, 34 percent indicated a decrease in labor availability over that same time period
- 86 percent of respondents indicated their equity position was sufficient to manage cash flow, compared to 68 percent in 2011
- 40 percent of respondents said the recent economic downturn put their retirement plans on hold or delayed them
- 70 percent of respondents regularly engage in green or sustainable building practices, compared with 52 percent in 2011
A notable bright spot is in the labor category, where 53 percent of respondents planned no change in workforce over the next 12-18 months but 42 percent anticipated adding employees. This is a sharp contrast to 2009, when 26 percent of respondents anticipated layoffs. On the controversial Michigan Right to Work issue, 68 percent of respondents believe it will be two to five years before the law has an impact on their business.
The complete survey can be accessed via the CAM website. To obtain a hard-copy of the 2013-2014 Biennial Business Survey, please contact Amanda Tackett, CAM Director of Publishing (248) 972-1109.
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| Recap: The 63rd Men's Doubles Classic Produces Co-Champions!
Co-Champions for the first time!
In one of the closest tournaments in years, 360 bowlers participated in this year's annual Men's Doubles Classic, and it finished with a tie. Congratulations go out to Dustin Davidson and Joe Dickens, representing Detroit Elevator Co. of Ferndale, along with Brent Pretzer and Dave Drouillard of Excalibur Construction in Clinton Twp., for winning the tournament with a score of 1325. There was also a 3-way tie for third place at 1317, and 24 pins separated the winners and 10th place.
This annual event was held on February 22nd at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park. Bowlers began checking in for lane assignments at 10:30 a.m. Each team received a handicap of 100% of the difference from 400. The prize check ratio this year was 1-4, with low in the money at 1223. Each team was also given one deck of playing cards, compliments of the CAM Doubles Committee.
Congratulations also goes to Mike Hitchcock representing Clean Air Technology of Canton, who bowled a 300 game. Close behind Mike was Greg Gietek of C.A.S.S.- Custom Architectural Sheet Metal Specialists of Detroit with a 290 game. Greg also rolled the Tournament High Series of 740 on games of 290-235-215. Right behind Greg was Mike Koslowski, also with Clean Air Technology, with a 739 series and Mike's 731.
Tournament bowling began promptly at Noon and was followed by a buffet dinner in the Thunderbowl dining hall. Later, Tournament Director Ron Mitzel, of The Mitzel Agency, began the awards ceremony and the door prize drawings. Mitzel expressed his deep thanks to all of the companies that donated a total of 74 door prizes to the event. The donated prizes are always a highlight of this tournament, and because of the support of the members that donate each year, help makes the tournament a success. At the conclusion of the day's events all registered bowlers were invited to stay and join a variety of card games.
In addition to Tournament Director Ron Mitzel, the Doubles Classic Committee includes: Chairman, Greg Andrzejeski; Vice Chairman Roy Byczynski; Treasurer, Kevin Koehler; Secretary, Ron Riegel; and Larry Bowman; Andy Privette; Tom Templin; and Roger Troke.
Top 10 Final Results: CAM 63rd Annual Men's Doubles Bowling Classic
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Place
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Score
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Prize Winners
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Partners
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1
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1325
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Dustin Davidson
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Joe Dickens
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1325
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Brent Pretzer
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David Drouillard
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3
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1317
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Dan Dombrowski
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John Muller
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1317
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Brian Beaubien
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Joe McHugh
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1317
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Ron Mitzel
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Kevin Mitzel
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6
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1311
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Ray Halstead
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Joe Cabrera
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7
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1309
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Dave Makowiec
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Pat Testa
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8
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1308
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Darcy McVeigh
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Jason Hammond
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9
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1305
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Darren Davidson
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Jeffrey Golembiewski
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10
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1301
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Gary Laight
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Robert Laight
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Mark your calendars for next year's tournament! The 64th Annual CAM Men's Doubles Classic will again be held at Thunderbowl Lanes on February 28th, 2015.
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CAMTEC Classes for March 2014
CAMTEC - the Training and Educational Division of CAM - is offering the following classes for March 2014.
- ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/ MARCH 12 - Registration Deadline 3/4/14
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AIA CONTRACTS/ MARCH 18 - Registration Deadline: 3/11/14
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FIRST AID CPR & AED COMBINED/ MARCH 19 - Registration Deadline: 3/11/14
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PREVAILING WAGE COMPLIANCE/ MARCH 20 - Registration Deadline: 3/11/14
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ADVANCED BONDING/ MARCH 26 - Registration Deadline: 3/18/14
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QUICKBOOKS/ MARCH 27 - Registration Deadline: 3/18/14
The above classes are held at CAMTEC in the CAM Headquarters in Bloomfield Hills.
- AUTODESK REVIT - ARCHITECTURE FUNDAMENTALS/ MARCH 25,26,27 & 28 - Registration Deadline: 3/11/14
The "Autodesk Revit" class is held off-site at IMAGINiT, 1228 Kirts Blvd., Troy
Click here for registration and tuition information.
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CAM Construction Activity Index - Summary of 2013 4th Quarter
According to CAM's early January 2014 survey (Construction Activity Index) of 2013's fourth quarter's business situation among their membership, overall internal business conditions reported by respondents differed only slightly from the third quarter per the All Variables Index, which moved to a level of 58.6, from 58 in the third quarter. The 1 percent increase, however, does not mean more favorable business conditions just because the Index is well above 50. Instead, it signifies their internal situation is less favorable than in the third quarter. This is because the Materials Prices Index rose to 75 from 72.5, the Labor Rates Index increased to 71.4 from 65, and Projects Bid Index weakened to 35.7 from 45. These changes, based on respondent opinions, combined with the no change or reading of 50 for Workforce Size Index more than offset the improvement in Project Awards Index to 60.7 from 55. The upturn in the Project Awards Index in the fourth quarter is confirmed by the increase in the value the non-residential building awards authorized in the fourth quarter which were 0.6 percent higher than in the previous calendar period, and 25 percent above the year earlier period.
To read this synopsis in its entirety, along with two accompanying charts, please click here. The Construction Activity Index synopsis is provided quarterly by CAM Consulting Economist, Don Wilson. He is based in Hartland, Michigan.
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Construction Industry Pledges 100,000 Jobs for Veterans 
Secretary Perez welcomed First Lady Michelle Obama to department headquarters on February 10 to announce a broad coalition of construction employers and associations that have collectively pledged to hire 100,000 veterans over the next five years.
A National Symposium: Veterans' Employment in Construction was hosted by the department and Joining Forces. In an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, Michelle Obama praised the initiative, writing that these companies "made this commitment not just because it's the patriotic thing to do, and not just because they want to repay our veterans for their service to our country, but because they know that it's the smart thing to do for their business."
Perez and the first lady were joined by two veterans in the construction industry - Larry Melton of Bechtel and Katie Sanicky, a Cleveland, Ohio, ironworker apprentice - who spoke movingly about their experiences transitioning to civilian employment.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that construction is one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation, with job growth of more than 1.5 million jobs between now and 2022. "What we have here is a perfect fit - veterans who are ready to work and the construction industry that needs exactly what veterans have to offer," Perez said. "But we have to do more to make the right connections, build the right partnerships and take the best practices to scale."
To read the First Lady's blog post, please click here.
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NAWIC to Celebrate WIC Week March 2 - 8
A state proclamation has recognized National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Week from March 2 to March 8. 
During this week, Home Depot in Shelby Township will host a WIC Week event on Thursday, March 6 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This event will include hands-on power tool demonstrations, a tile clinic, paint demonstration, toilet repair, pizza, pop & raffles. NAWIC members and registered guests are free with an optional suggested donation of $10, benefitting NAWIC Detroit's Project: Accelerate! Please RSVP by clicking here.
NAWIC Detroit's President Rita Brown was quoted as saying, "NAWIC chapters across the U.S. and abroad set aside this week to share and expand the many ways that we can enhance and support the careers of women in the construction, engineering, design and related fields. The NAWIC Detroit Chapter has experienced blockbuster growth in just the first couple months of 2014, punctuating the relevance of our expanding network of influence as industry professionals and business owners."
Click here for directions to Home Depot in Shelby Township.
Click here to visit the NAWIC Detroit Chapter 183 website.
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Copies of the 2014 CAM Buyers Guide are Now Available 
The 2014 Buyers Guides are hot off the presses! Copies were mailed to the CAM membership in late January 2014, and over 1,500 copies were distributed at the CAM Michigan Construction & Design Tradeshow on February 5th. We still have books available!
If you or your company need extra copies, you can pick up your copies for free, or we can send them. There is a fee involved for shipping. Please contact Mary Carabott in the CAM office for details, or to have your copies reserved (248) 972-1000.
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CAM Project Bidding - Start Your Bidding Season Now & Save! 
The construction industry is coming back. Start your comeback with CAM Online News and Planroom: the #1 resource for construction bidding projects!
Get statewide coverage with CAM Online News and Planroom. This includes the project details plus the ability to view plans and specs. You get:
- Construction Bidding Projects
- View Bidders, General Contractors & Subcontractors
- Track Projects
- 24-7 Job Bidding & Viewing
CAM is currently offering specials... Save $150 First Quarter and pay only $300; or Save $300 Annual Price and pay only $1,500. This offer is valid not through April 30, 2014.
Contact Karen Hill or Ron Riegel in the CAM Membership department today, for more information and to take advantage of these special spring bidding offers! (248) 972-1000.
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D2D Capacity Building Program - March 18th and 25th 
Are you a Detroit-based construction firm looking to grow your business? The D2D Supplier Capacity Building Series Construction Cohort is here to help!
The D2D Capacity Building Program is a series of interactive trainings that will expose participants to concepts and necessary skills to meet increased procurement demands and win contracts, as well as integrate working forums and buyers' panels to expand key relationships with local anchors.
The Construction Capacity Building Series seeks to:
- Provide high-level technical assistance in the areas of Access to Capital, Financial Analysis and Bonding
- Increase the capacity of Detroit--based construction firms for the purpose of responding to near term contracting and increased growth opportunities within the D2DBuyer Network
- Increase the levels of spend between the Buyers and local Detroit vendors
- Encourage a business culture wherein businesses are able to coalesce to benefit the local City of Detroit economy
This March event is specifically for construction companies. This is a two-part series held at The Garden Theater in Detroit; interested parties must be able to attend both full-day training sessions. Registration is required and space is limited.
For further details, directions and registration, please click here.
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CAM 2014 Social Outings - Networking, Socializing, Fun!
Be Sure and Mark These Dates on Your Calendar:
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March 7 - European Pheasant Hunt
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March 31 - CAM Connect: Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Party
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May 20 - CAM Spring Sporting Clays
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June 17 - CAM Golf Outing - Bay Pointe
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July 15 - CAM Golf Outing - Links of Novi
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July - CAM Connect: Tigers Baseball Game (Date TBD)
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August 12 - CAM Golf Outing - Fieldstone
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August 16 -CAM Cruise In at the Woodward Dream Cruise
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September 29 - CAM Golf Outing - Indianwood Country Club
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September 18 - Boy Scouts Building Connections
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September 23 - CAM Fall Sporting Clays
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COMING UP IN
CAM MAGAZINE
www.cammagazineonline.com
MAY 2014
- Roofing
- Renovation / Restoration
Advertising Deadline Mar. 28
JUNE 2014
- Glass / Glazing
- Carpentry
Advertising Deadline Apr. 25
JULY 2014
- Mechanical / Electrical
- Woodward Corridor Revitalization
Advertising Deadline May 30
AUGUST 2014
- Construction Law
- Interiors / Finishes
Advertising Deadline June 27
SEPTEMBER 2014
- Insurance / Bonding
- Flooring
Advertising Deadline July 25
OCTOBER 2014
"Special Issue - Construction 2014"
Advertising Deadline Aug. 29
NOVEMBER 2014
- Metals / Steel
- Education: Campus Master Plans
Advertising Deadline Sept. 26
DECEMBER 2014
- Site Work
- CAM Company Milestone Anniversaies
- Michigan Construction Outlook 2015
Advertising Deadline Oct. 24
For advertising sales
and information contact Cathy Jones at 248-972-1115 or e-mail:
[email protected]
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