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Did You Know?
The oldest bricks found date from before 7500 BC. These bricks are 5000 years older than The Great Pyramid at Giza!
The Statue of Liberty's index finger is 8' long, and it displays a fingernail measuring 13"x10".
In size, materials, and human labor, the Great Wall of China is the largest construction project ever undertaken by man. Enough stone was used in the 1,700-year project to build an 8 ft. wall girdling the globe at the equator. The Great Wall snakes its way over more than 1/20th of the earth's circumference.
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Quick Links
ABA Offices:
1825 W. Adams Phoenix, AZ 85007 602.274.8222
Tucson, AZ 85712
520.881.793
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ABA's Staff
Working for you...
Mark Minter
Executive Director
Tom Dunn
Southern Arizona Director
Carol McMullen
Assistant Executive Director
Erica Lange
Assistant Executive Director
in Training
Debbie Carlson
So. AZ Office Manager
Gary Townsley
Director of Apprenticeship
Jenn Swanson
Director of Management Education
Larry Copenhaver
So. AZ Craft Training Coordinator
Dana Jones
Apprenticeship Coordinator
Nita Ornelas
Office Administrator
Mary Navarrette
Chapter Accountant
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Dear ABA Member,
Because you're a valued member of ABA, I want to ensure you are kept abreast of what ABA offers, is working on, and how you can most benefit from your membership.
This e-newsletter will include:
- Information on legislation
- Member Achievements
- Educational Opportunities
- Upcoming Events
- Ways to make the most of your membership
I'm interested in hearing your feedback, so contact me at Erica Lange. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the ABA!
Erica Lange Assistant Executive Director in Training |
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 How You'll be Affected by the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) by Mark Minter
After a long and bitter session the Legislature wrapped up their business earlier in June and adjourned until January, 2014. The session included a contentious debate over the expansion of the State's ACCHS system. That debate lead to the Chairman of the State Republican Party comparing Governor Brewer to Judas and a "palace coup" that attempted to remove the President of the Senate in the middle of the session. The Legislature passed a major change in the state sales tax law that proved to be nearly as difficult as the budget and ACCHS issues.
ABA was involved in discussions aimed at modernizing the entire Transaction Privilege Tax since summer of 2012...
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Announcing the Speaker Line-Up for Southern Arizona Membership Dinners!
by Tom Dunn
Arizona Builders' Alliance continues the tradition of outstanding speakers this season. The lineup contains preeminent statewide business and political leaders. Strong attendance and participation from our membership is encouraged. These leaders will learn about the ABA and our membership, assisting our efforts to effect positive change for our industry. When we stand together, we are stronger.
- September 17th - Doug Ducey, Arizona Treasurer (exploring gubernatorial race)
- October 15th - Andy Tobin, Arizona Speaker of the House
- November 19th - Marisa Walker, Senior V.P., Strategic Planning/Infrastructure, Arizona Commerce Authority
- January 21st -Bruce Wright, Associate Vice President for University Research Parks, University of Arizona
Be sure to watch for details and contact Tom Dunn or Debbie Carslon if interested in Sponsorships.
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Congratulations Kitchell!
One of ABA's long-standing members, Kitchell has been named Contractor of the Year by ENR Southwest Magazine. Kitchell was awarded this prestigious honor after Engineering News Records' Editors from across the Country chose Kitchell from the Top General Contractors in a 3-state region (Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico).
Congratulations SUNTEC Concrete!
One of ABA's newest members, SUNTEC Concrete has been named Subcontractor of the Year by ENR Southwest Magazine. The Subcontractor of the Year is determined by a team of Engineering News Record Editors from across the Country, who chose SUNTEC as the Sub of the Year in a 3-state region (Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico). This is an extremely prestigious honor.
Congratulations to Kitchell and SUNTEC on your contributions and accomplishments in the industry!
Share your companies successes with me for possible inclusion in the next e-newsletter. Contact Erica Lange.
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 Apprenticeship Program up 35%!
On behalf of the ABA-AGC Education Fund, thank you to our electrical contractors for sending over 100 new apprentices to our fall classes. Our current numbers are up 35% from last year's. Also, our heavy equipment operators/mechanics program is up 15%.
We have our online and correspondence apprenticeship programs available in:
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Sheet Metal
- Pipefitting
- Electrical (Online)
Can your company serve as a partner? We have at least 12 high school construction trades programs in the valley that would like to set up partnerships with some of our contractors. This is a great way to recruit your future workforce for your company upon their graduation.
If you're interested in the Apprenticeship Program or can help with the High School Trades Program,
contact Gary Townsley.
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 Are You Taking Advantage of ABC's Free Webinars?
As an ABA Member, you can participate in any of the Associated Builders and Contractors' upcoming free webinars. September topics include:
- Davis Bacon Ins and Outs: Prevailing Wage Compliance Overview
- Optimizing Your Construction Business for Profitable Growth
- Quick and Easy Tips on Construction Reporting, Job Costing, and Payroll
- What Does the Employer Mandate Delay Mean for My Company?
To learn more about upcoming ABC Webinars, to see the complete list, or to register, click here.
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Help Needed to Educate High Schoolers about Construction!
ASU's Del E. Webb School of Construction Management asked us to help them promote their programs at High School Career Fairs throughout the state. We have offered to assist in staffing the booths at as many High Schools across the state as possible and need your help to do this! There are 102 booths to staff and we currently have 16 of the slots filled. See list here, and contact Erica Lange if you'd like to commit for two-hours or more at one of the Career Day Booths.
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 74% of Construction Firms Report Having Trouble Finding Qualified Workers Amid Growing Labor Shortages
Nationwide Survey Finds Most Firms Worry There Are Not Enough Craft Workers Available to Meet Growing Demand for Construction as Officials Call for Immigration and Education Reform to Help
Nearly three-fourths of construction firms across the country report they are having trouble finding qualified craft workers to fill key spots amid concerns that labor shortages will only get worse, according to the results of an industry-wide survey released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called for immigration and education reform measures to help avoid worker shortages.
Read full article here
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 Education Committee Members Needed in Phoenix
ABA is reinstating it's Education Committee. The goals of the committee are:
- Maintain working relationship with DEWSC AGC Student Chapter
- Work with task forces on craft recruiting/retention issues
- Monitor Leadership Development Forum (LDF)
- Monitor Supervisory Training Program (STP)
- Monitor Senior Executive Program (SEP)
- Develop new topics/seminars
- Set up Webinars to be hosted by the ABA
The committee will meet at least once quarterly and possibly more frequently, as is necessary.
Contact Erica Lange to be added to the committee's e-mail list.
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September Joint Mixer - Can you join us?
Please join us September 19th from 4 - 6 p.m. for a joint member mixer with Valley Partnership hosted by Ryan Companies.
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Join us in Tucson for the September Membership Dinner!
Please join us in Tucson September 17th from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. for our Membership Dinner at the Savoy Opera House.
Arizona State Treasurer Doug Ducey will be the featured speaker. Ducey has filed an exploratory campaign for Arizona Governor, Jan Brewer. A special thank you to our dinner sponsors Achilles Air Conditioning Systems,  General Air Control, and DPR Construction.
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