APPRENTICESHIP & EDUCATION UPDATE
Ginny Shindelar, VP of Education and Training Services
P : 515-985-1175 | E : ginny.shindelar@abciowa.org
Our apprenticeship and education work has been humming along as winter daytime classes are now in full swing. Students will complete their classes in May, and we’ve already begun planning graduation, so mark your calendars for June 5, 2020 at the Riverside Casino & Resort. More details will be coming soon.

We are offering several Continuing Education opportunities during the month of February. We will be hosting an Electrical Exam Prep in Grimes (Feb. 19, 26 and March 4) and Davenport (Feb. 22 and 29). Registration closes on Feb. 14, so sign up today .

We also have Plumbing & Mechanical Continuing Education weekends coming up in:

And more coming throughout the spring in various locations throughout the state.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
Jared Harridge, Membership Director
P : 515-681-5620 | E : jared.harridge@abciowa.org
EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION
There is still the opportunity to enter your projects in this year’s Excellence in Construction awards. The deadline is February 21st, so do not delay .

Additionally, it only takes a few minutes to nominate a leader in your company or our organization for the Craft Professional and Contractor of the Year awards.
EMERGING LEADERS
Encouraging the young professionals in your company to grow both professionally and personally can have a major impact on your overall business. Take advantage of our leadership development opportunity - Merit Shop Emerging Leaders – which begins on Wednesday, March 4th.

AFTER BUSINESS COCKTAILS
We’re kicking off another series of After Business Cocktails beginning March 10th at the West Towne Pub in Ames. We will be hosting several different get togethers across the state in the coming year. This is a great chance to network with fellow members and make connections in your area. RSVP here!

GROWTH BEGINS WITH YOU
Help us continue to grow and expand our organization. If you know any contractor that wants more information on ABC of Iowa, please send them my way at 515-985-1174.
SAFETY UPDATE
Rich Formanek, Safety Consultant
P : 515-681-1542 | E : rich.formanek@abciowa.org
STEP APPLICATIONS
Applications for the 2020 STEP Awards are now open.

STEP works to improve safety performance regardless of the size of your company or the type of work you perform. It’s a world-class safety management system that utilizes a detailed questionnaire to asses safety processes and policies against 25 key components. The goal is to implement or enhance safety programs that reduce jobsite incidents. Read more about the benefits of STEP and apply here.
FALL PROTECTION: HOLES
Contractors need to provide protection not just for holes that persons can fall through, but all holes due to the potential for trip hazards and falling object hazards.
 
OSHA defines a hole as a gap or void two inches or more in its least dimension in a floor, roof, or other walking/working surface.
 
Key points on hole covers: 
  • Secure all covers to prevent displacement by wind, equipment, or employees
  • Color code the covers or mark them with the word “HOLE” or “COVER”
  • Covers in roadways and vehicular aisles need to be capable of supporting at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over the cover
  • All other covers need to be able to support at least twice the weight of all employees, equipment, and materials that may be imposed on the cover at any one time
 
For more information on holes and other fall protection, check out 29 C.F.R. 1926.500-503.
 
CORONAVIRUS
As there has now been a confirmed case of the Coronavirus in the United States, OSHA has provided several useful resources which you can find here.
VISIT ABCIOWA.ORG/EVENTS FOR MORE INFORMATION

March 4
Merit Shop Emerging Leaders, Session #1
ABC of Iowa - Grimes, Building 2
 
March 10
After Business Cocktails – Ames
West Towne Pub
 
March 13
Mechanical & Plumbing Weekend – Sioux City
TBD
 
March 27 & 28
Mechanical & Plumbing Weekend – Ottumwa
TBD
 
April 3 & 4
Mechanical & Plumbing Weekend – Davenport
TBD
 
April 17
Excellence in Construction Awards
Prairie Meadows
Altoona, Iowa
Keep In Touch with @ABCofIowa
Monthly Member News - February 2020 | Questions? - Call 515-985-1160