THE VOICE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
See what delivers results and keep up to date with important news topics within our industry.
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Workforce issues, supply squeeze cracker construction costs
Total construction costs for a U.S. Northeast cracker project are estimated to be about $193 million higher than for U.S. Gulf Coast projects, and construction costs are up in both regions as a result of reduced supplies and skill shortages, according to Petrochemical Update’s most recent Indicative Costs of US Ethylene Projects report.
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Sen. Clements: Senate To Begin Highway Bill Journey
West Virginia Sen. Charles Clements admits that bills pertaining to roads and highways have been detoured this legislative session as members have debated education matters.
But measures aimed at getting
“the highway department out of neutral and in control of its problems”
will get attention, according to Clements, R-Wetzel, who serves as chairman of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
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SMS and GenZ: How to Recruit in 2019
Tons of hours are spent by recruiters searching for the right candidates for construction jobs, and even more time reaching out to talk to those potential candidates. It’s no surprise that recruiters can become frustrated when they’re constantly being ignored via email or LinkedIn InMail messages. While these communication methods can work for some candidates, they definitely aren’t the way of the future or the best way to reach GenZ—the next wave of new hires for construction companies across the country.
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Robots on the Construction Jobsite
The construction industry is booming. There’s currently significant growth in many sectors and regions. Despite this growth, the industry is also facing a lack of experienced workers and an aging workforce. Seventy percent of construction firms are struggling to find skilled worker
s.
Additionally, the average age of construction workers rose from 37.9 years in 2000, to 42 years in 2015.
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Contractor indicted for bribing Cleveland building official
A North Royalton contractor was indicted Wednesday, Feb. 6, by a federal grand jury for paying cash bribes to a Cleveland building official. Martin Fano, who owned and operated ABC Construction LLC, was indicted on seven counts of honest services mail and wire fraud.
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The Importance of Improving Operations Management for Subcontractors
The global construction industry, including residential, non-residential and infrastructure, is expected to reach an estimated $10.5 trillion by 2023, and it is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4.2 percent from now through 2023, according to a recent report.
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Executive Order Strengthens ‘Buy American’ Preferences
In a follow-up to a 2017 executive order, President Trump is expanding the administration’s preferences for American products in federal procurement and federal financial assistance awards on critical infrastructure projects.
The order directs the head of each executive department and agency administering a covered program to encourage “to the greatest extent practicable,” the use of iron and aluminum, as well as steel, cement and other manufactured products produced in the United States” for every contract, subcontract or purchase order tied to federal financial assistance awards.
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WEST VIRGINIA
Similar to last year, education issues have taken high priority with this year’s Legislature. The introduction and Senate passing (18-16) of SB 451 has again ignited controversy and teacher condemnation. Besides awarding a 5% pay raise for next fiscal year, the bill Included many provisions that are anathema to educators. They include : the creation of charter schools; allowing for increased class sizes; Education Savings Accounts (ESA) to be used for charter and private schools; any future work stoppage would shut down all extra curricular activities; and, a non-severability clause which would make all the bill’s provisions moot should a court strike down any part of the new law.
The House of Delegates, facing the threat of possible teacher walk outs and possessing more public education supporters, carved most of the egregious provisions out of the bill before sending the bill back to the Senate for its consideration. It is expected that the Senate will reject the House’s changes to SB 451. The rejection will set up a conference committee between the two houses where three members from each house will look for a compromise solution that can pass both legislative bodies.
The other issue generating most of lawmakers time is SB 4, municipal home rule. The bill, if passed, would allow certain class cities to attain permanent home rule status. The current municipal provision entitles home rule status, but it is tied to a five year legislative reauthorization term. The bill has passed the Senate and has been sent to the House Government Organization Committee for further review and markup. The one controversial provision yet resolved is language prohibiting any municipal jurisdiction from imposing or requiring any law, regulation or ordinance that is more stringent than federal or state law. This is important language as it is applies to RFPs and municipal contracts. Proponents of the restrictions want to thwart any attempts by cities to award contracts to union shop operations or to contractors who may not have been the lowest bidder.
In other legislative action, HJR 17, the resolution that would call for a constitutional amendment to lower the business and inventory tax is pending in House Judiciary Committee. With little excess revenues and expressed opposition by county governments and school boards, the referendum looks to be in political jeopardy. HB 2001, however, looks to be a strong possibility for passage. The bill would exempt social security benefits from state personal income tax. The bill has passed the House and is awaiting Senate Finance Committee consideration.
SB 1, the bill which would guarantee tuition for any technical school coats not covered by grants and scholarships, has passed the Senate and has been sent to the House Education and Finance Committees for consideration. It is expected that the Associated Construction Trades (ACT) will offer amendments to include successful trade apprenticeship programs to be included in the technical school tuition guarantee program.
Other bills of interest to OVCEC members:
HB 2203 - create a new Contractors Licensing Board and removes it from Division of Labor oversight. In House Judiciary.
SB 258 - establishes a common law “veil piercing” protection act that eliminates claims used to impose personal liability on corporate executives. Passed the Senate and sits in House Judiciary.
HB 2646 - would establish a safe harbor for employers to correct underpayments or nonpayments of wages and benefits if certain conditions are met. Pending in House Judiciary.
HB 2365 - clarifies the definition of an employee for purposes of unemployment and workers compensation. Passed the House and has been referred to Senate Judiciary.
SB 266 - creates an Intermediate Court Of Appeals and WV Appellate Review Organization Act. The bill will be voted on by full Senate early this week. It is expected to pass and be sent to the House for further review.
The Legislature is entering the last three weeks of the 2019 session. Legislative activity will elevate to a hectic pace and, unless extended by Governor Justice, will culminate in adjournment on Saturday, March 9.
OVCEC Political Consultant Pat McCune
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OHIO
Governor Mike DeWine has recently completed his cabinet selections as well as naming his top administrative and staff positions. The Governor has two huge tasks to tackle in the first two months of his administration. First, he must submit to the General Assembly a two year Transportation Budget for legislative review and markup. Then in March, DeWine must submit his first biennial budget to the General Assembly. This two year spending plan will act as a roadmap for the administration’s most important policy initiatives.
Below is a link to the names of Ohio’s new cabinet members and their respective departments:
One issue that is generating much debate and interest is the apparent need to raise the state’s gasoline tax. Currently, Ohio assesses a 28 cents a gallon tax on gasoline and diesel fuel. The tax was last raised in 2005 under then Governor Bob Taft. Governor DeWine recently appointed a Blue Ribbon Transportation Committee and tasked the panel with determining whether there was a legitimate need for an increase. The panel reported back with a favorable conclusion. It determined that critical transportation projects around the state were in jeopardy unless more gas revenues were found.
It is now left up to the Governor to announce an acceptable level of gas tax and to sell the new highway spending plan to the General Assembly. Political leaders have touted and advanced gas tax increases somewhere between 15 and 25 additional cents per gallon. General Assembly debate will commence this week.
OVCEC Political Consultant Pat McCune
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Naylor Solutions Partnership
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I want to share with you that we have proudly partnered with
Naylor Solutions
,
a leader in Membership Directories and Industry Resource Guides to produce a new membership directory for the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council. So if you're receiving phone calls, emails or mail from
Naylor Solutions
on behalf of the OVCEC. I encourage you to have a conversation with them. As a member you will
STILL
have a free membership listing but our new directory will provide you with some new opportunities to market yourself and your organization. With the phenomenal growth we are witnessing in the construction industry that only promises to increase with the much-anticipated announcement of the PTT Ethane Cracker, now is the time to promote yourself and I can think of no better place to advertise and market your company than in the OVCEC's Membership Directory. We are the Voice of the Construction Industry!
Ginny
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The
NEW
OVCEC Membership Directory will be produced annually to ensure all our new members have ample opportunity to be featured. Historically the OVCEC membership guide has been the industry's
go-to since its original printing in 1954. In our new guide, you will find contact information for general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, as well as companies that provide support services, like wealth management, insurance, and more. It's not unusual to find well-worn, dog-eared copies on the desks and in the work vehicles of building managers, project managers and superintendents. It is the #1 resource for West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania contractors!
More than 6,000 printed copies of this comprehensive construction industry directory are distributed each year. The
NEW
Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council Membership Directory will offer
Advertising Opportunities
available through a special classified section. List your company information today, along with goods, products and services to the construction industry.
The
NEW
Membership Directory will also be featured in digital form on the new OVCEC website providing your company even more exposure
Contact Ken Kepler at (352) 333-6022 or kkepler@naylor.comfor more information.
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NOMINATIONS DUE MARCH 1ST!
CALL OR EMAIL US IF YOU NEED A NOMINATION PACKET
Excellence in Construction Awards
Join us March 28, 2019 to Celebrate Excellence In Construction
The Project BEST Excellence in Construction Awards program is a celebration of the tri-state construction industry and everything that has been achieved over the past twelve months. The awards recognize companies teams and individuals that deliver outstanding results in the industry through collaboration and innovation. These prestigious awards provide one of the most effective platforms for leading companies to maximize their industry exposure for excelling in the Tri-State construction industry and recognition can help attract new clients, bolster existing relationships and raise overall company morale.
New Award Categories for 2019
Subcontractor of the Year Award
Supporting Business of the Year Award
Citizen of the Year Award
Project of the Year Award
General Contractor of the Year Award
Craftsman of the Year Award
Architect of the Year Award
Distinguished Service Award
Honoring the People Who Build the Tri-State Area
Help us recognize the people and the projects that embody the legendary tradition of the tri-state construction industry!
Nominate a project or outstanding employee or professional today!
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Project BEST 5th Annual Construction Job & Career Fair
Project BEST will be hosting the 5th Annual Construction Job & Career Fair on May 2nd at the Wheeling Park Ice Rink in Wheeling, WV. The career fair is meant to provide opportunities for students and their parents to gain a better understanding of the construction trades careers available and the path to pursue one.
With thousands of skilled workers in the construction trades set to retire this decade, more and more opportunities are arising for today’s youth to take advantage of the future of this industry. The construction trades offers students the opportunity to develop the hands-on skills and understanding necessary to continue on to high paying careers (construction and its related trades are projected to be the fastest growing industry through 2024 for employment opportunities.)
The career fair will run
Thursday, May 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m
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OVCEC's Under Construction
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Are you a OVCEC
member and want to
feature your company
in the
Under
Construction
magazine?
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Send your press releases,
Project information,
and photos to
Advancing the Construction Industry
Helping you manage and grow your businesses
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OSHA Amends Injury and Illness Reporting Requirements
OSHA’s final rule on Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses eliminates the requirement for establishments with 250 or more employees to electronically submit information from OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-related Injuries and Illnesses) and OSHA Form 301 (Injury and Illness Incident Report). However, “the final rule does not alter an employer’s duty to maintain OSHA Forms 300 and 301 onsite, and OSHA will continue to obtain these forms as needed through inspections and enforcement actions.”
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Five Steps for the Construction Industry to Take to Build a Drug-free Workplace
As the opioid epidemic continues to rage, the construction industry is in desperate need of a cure.
Illicit drug use, and not just opioids, has replaced alcohol abuse as one of the sector’s biggest concerns. The data makes the point: with 15.1 percent of construction workers using drugs (second only to food service), the industry’s total prescription opioid spend runs 5 percent to 10 percent above every other industry.
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Advertising Opportunities
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Put your brand in front of Construction Execs
Under Construction is our publication reaching hundreds of industry decision makers. Our readers rely on our magazine to deliver news and trends shaping their industry.
Our marketing campaigns can help you position your company as a leader on key industry topics.
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2019 Under Construction Advertisers
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What Is the OVCEC Plan Room?
- It is a conveniently located source of construction plans for the Ohio Valley area
- It publishes a weekly Construction Report listing projects out for bid, due dates, apparent low bidders and contracts awarded
- It provides updates on projects throughout the week by email
- It provides online access to plans and specifications for your review and downloading
- It provides bidders lists
- It has staff that will get the plans you need whenever possible
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Submit Plans & Specs
As an Owner or Architect of a project, placing your project plans in the OVCEC Plan Room will help to insure the success of your project.
The Plan Room will:
- Help you publicize your project
- Increase the quantity and quality of bids you receive for your project
- Help you get addenda out to bidders
- Reduce your cost of blueprint duplication by allowing electronic submission to Plan Room Online
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