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The Latest News from CAM - The Construction Association of Michigan
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 Recap: CAM Members Address Legislative Leaders
On Friday, September 23rd, a room full of CAM members attended the Legislative Breakfast at the Troy MSU Management Center. Moderated by Jason Wadaga of Kindsvatter Dalling & Associates, the panel consisted of Senate Majority Leader Mike Kowal (R - White Lake); Senator Curtis Hertel, Jr. (D - East Lansing); Representative Jason Sheppard (R - Temperance); and Representative Andy Schor (D - Lansing).
The Q&A session opened with CAM Members expressing concern over the standard industry payment process, commonly known as "pay when paid." Members urged the legislature to consider passing legislation that requires general contractors to pay subcontractors for their contract upon substantial completion. Senator Kowal wholeheartedly agreed and offered support for taking up the issue if CAM pursues a proposal. He likened it to prompt pay concerns in the healthcare industry and acknowledged that the pay when paid contract clause is putting contractors out of business. Representative Schor stated that he encountered the same difficulty while working in his family business as a developer of subdivisions and golf courses.
Another CAM Member questioned the panel on the current minimum wage in Michigan. Senator Kowal stated that he is unwilling to support a $15/hour minimum wage. Senator Hertel didn't name an exact number, but agreed that our minimum wage hasn't kept up with inflation and needs to be increased. He also feels strongly that the general inequality in wages between the top paid and the lowest wage earner in a company is unsustainable. Representative Schor reminded the group of the recently passed increase that is happening gradually, so as not to overburden business owners. In addition, minimum wage isn't only "burger flipping teenagers" and should be viewed from a broader perspective.
Representative Sheppard expressed concern about increased cost of goods that may be a result of an increase. "We have created this generational issue where kids believe that you go to school, get your degree, and somehow there will be a $100,000 office career waiting for you and it just isn't going to happen. How do we get kids excited about technical training degrees like construction? You can be in skilled labor with a technical degree. As we move our economy forward, we have to create an environment for business to thrive and somehow promote skilled trades." These comments were met with applause and opened up a broader discussion about the lack of available people to fill skilled trades positions.
Representative Schor commented on the bills passed in the legislature that support a skilled trades path beginning in high school. "We are making some changes in the K-12 area to allow students to move into that area." Kevin Koehler, president of CAM, stated that CAM has worked hard to promote skilled trades, including testifying before the Senate and launching the recent 3D program where twenty 11th grade Detroit students were enrolled in a 5-day boot camp followed by a 7-week internship in and around the City of Detroit. Seventeen finished the program and 75 percent of those have indicated an interest in pursuing a career in the construction industry.
The comments concerning the path to a skilled trades career were rounded out by a representative from Operating Engineers Local 324 who agreed that we have an issue attracting young people to the industry, but stated that skilled tradesmen have been driven out of the State of Michigan in search of better unemployment plans - a critical support tool for the short building season - and have moved to states with a more favorable tax on pension plans.
The audience was so actively engaged that the time passed quickly. Plans are already underway for a follow-up meeting.
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Pregler Named Chairman of CFCU Board
CFCU is located at 30400 Telegraph Rd, Suite 122, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. The Construction Federal Credit Union was founded in September 1974 to serve the members of the Construction Association of Michigan.
Pregler, also a past 2002 Chairman of the Board for the Construction Association of Michigan (CAM), has served on the CFCU Board since July 2007. He brings to this position over 29 years of financial, transactional and litigation experience. Pregler looks forward to building and cultivating new members so as to continue the growth of the Construction Federal Credit Union.
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Contractors Needed for Marine Memorial
On September 11, 2014 a group of Marines and contractors broke ground on Phase I of a memorial in Chesterfield Township to honor the fallen of the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines.
Progress has been made, but help has since run out, and the project is not being completed as planned.
Any CAM Member company willing to donate volunteer workers or materials to help complete this worthy project will be greatly appreciated!
The immediate need is for stone masons, but as the project progresses, they will need excavators, landscapers, equipment operators, etc., plus monetary donations.
Anyone willing to help, please click here for more information. Thank you!
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CAMTEC's Upcoming October Classes
Thank you for supporting continuing education in the construction industry! Please see the links below for upcoming class information, cost, and registration. If you need further assistance, contact
Diane Sawinski at CAM (248) 972-1133.
Construction Liens: Private Projects
October 4 - 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
This is a fast-paced nuts and bolts workshop on how to establish a construction lien for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers on commercial, industrial, office, and residential projects. Learn how to prevent liens if you are an owner or a general contractor. Learn the critical time periods and how to fill out the notice of furnishing, claim of lien, sworn statement, lien waiver, and other necessary forms. In these challenging times, when getting paid is so important, this workshop is a must for owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Click here for more information and to register.
Other Classes in October:
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CAM Member Benefit - CAM Buyers Guide
The 2017 Construction Buyers Guide is in production! Now is the time to update your contract and leverage this powerful member benefit.
As a CAM Member in good standing, your company automatically receives a free listing in the yellow, alphabetical section of the 2017 Buyers Guide. Distributed to more than 6,000 people in the industry and available
online
, it's a great way for people to find you when they know who they are looking for... but without a classified listing, how will NEW customers find you?
For less than $35, you can add your company name and contact information in a classified section of the 2017 Buyers Guide. It's a great affordable way to advertise your company! Simply write your preferred heading, i.e. "Electrical" or "Landscape Materials" etc. on the contract you receive in the mail, return it to us by October 14th, and we will bill you in January 2017.
The second mailing of contracts has been sent! Please complete and return your contract no later than Friday, October 14th to the CAM Buyers Guide Office, Attn: Mary Carabott.
For more information or questions about the 2017 CAM Buyers Guide, contact us at (248) 972-1000.
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Join the Fun! CAM Connect - Downtown Detroit Tour
Recently, Detroit has been gaining more and more attention from the media, business leaders, and community organizations - both nationally and around the world. We are extending an invite for you to witness downtown Detroit's renaissance for yourself and to learn more about the effort to revitalize the Central Business District into a vibrant, urban core. Textbooks will be written on the "Detroit Story," and you will be AMAZED with what you'll see!
Join CAM Connect at One Campus Martius (Compuware) Atrium at 1pm on Tuesday, November 22nd for a 2-hour walking tour. Highlights include:
- One Campus Martius (former Compuware Building) - Headquarters to Quicken Loans, Bedrock, and Meridian Health, and a phenomenal overview of the vision.
- First National Building - Showcasing the renovation of old, historic buildings complete with "destination-type" retail.
- Chase Tower (The Qube) - The heartbeat of the Quicken Loans' operations, upbeat and full of energy.
- Chrysler House - Home of dPOP!, the creative team that makes fun and collaborative space.
- Woodward Developments - Highlighting the plan to fill the streets with fun and unique retail that cannot be found in the suburbs.
- M@dison Building - The tech incubator featuring Detroit Venture Partners, whose mission is to foster tech startups to become successful.
Click here to RSVP for this free networking event.
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CAM Members - Let Us Know About Your Company Milestone Anniversaries!
The upcoming December 2016 issue of CAM Magazine will feature Company Milestone Anniversaries being celebrated in 2016 and 2017. If your company is celebrating a milestone in either year, please let us know!
It must be a year in increments of "5" - any company having a 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, etc. anniversary in 2016 or 2017 will be acknowledged. Companies celebrating 50 years or more will receive a 250-word blurb and one photo or logo.
Please send your anniversary and the year you are celebrating (2016 or 2017) to Amanda Tackett no later than October 21st. Remember, if you are celebrating 50 years or more, also send your 250-word blurb and photo or logo.
Advertising opportunities are available for this Anniversary Milestone issue. Please contact
Roy Jones for ad information (248) 972-1115. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Association Executive Exchange - November 6-9
All senior level executives who work for associations are invited to attend the Association Executive Exchange, to be held at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans from November 6-9, 2016.
The Association Executive Exchange is an appointment-based event that gives participants an efficient, cost effective way to learn about products and services available specifically for associations. Meet one-on-one with the service providers of your choice, and tailor your appointments to what is most relevant to your association. Consolidate months of product vetting into two-and-a-half days at the Exchange.
For more information, contact Justin Stanforth, event manager (352) 333-6049 or by email.
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COMING UP IN
CAM MAGAZINE
December 2016
- Concrete
- Company Milestone Anniversaries (2016-17)
- Michigan Construction Outlook 2017
Advertising deadline Oct. 21
January 2017
- CAM Tradeshow Issue
- Tools
Advertising deadline Nov. 18
February 2017
-
Construction Safety
- Lifting Equipment / Cranes
Advertising deadline Dec. 16
March 2017
- "Green Issue"
- Landscaping
- Environmental
Advertising deadline Jan. 27
April 2017
- Masonry
- Building Integration
- CAM Annual Report
Advertising deadline Feb. 24
May 2017
- Renovation / Restoration
- Site Work
Advertising deadline Mar. 24
June 2017
- Glass / Glazing
- Roofing
Advertising deadline Apr. 28
July 2017
- Mechanical
- Industrial Construction
Advertising deadline May 26
August 2017
- Construction Law
- Concrete
Advertising deadline June 23
September 2017
-
Insurance / Bonding
- Demolition
Advertising deadline July 28
October 2017
- "Special Issue" - Construction 2017
Advertising deadline Aug. 25
November 2017
- Metals / Steel
- Electrical
Advertising deadline Sept. 22
December 2017
- The Rise of District Detroit
- Interiors / Finishes
- Michigan Construction Outlook 2018
Advertising deadline Oct. 20
For advertising sales
and information contact Roy Jones at (248) 972-1115 or e-mail:
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