Summer 2014 Michigan Merit

www.abcmi.com SUMMER 2014 1

SUMMER 2014 PUbLicaTioN oF aSSociaTED bUiLDERS aND coNTRacToRS oF micHiGaNSUMMER 2014 PUbLicaTioN oF aSSociaTED bUiLDERS aND coNTRacToRS oF micHiGaN

GOVERNOR SIGNSABC BACKED

EDUCAtION BIllAlso:

A Foundation of Giving:ABC Members Give Back to Communities

Survey Results ShowConstruction Industry Improving

Economic Outlook ForecastsModest Growth in Industry

2 SUMMER 2014 micHiGaN mERiT

SIDING - WINDOWS - GUTTERS - ROOFING - DECKING

S I D I N G W O R L D.C O M

EVERYTHING EXTERIOR

We’ve Got YouCOVERED

If Your Subs Don’t Use SIDING WORLDYou Are Probably Paying Too Much

CHECK US OUT!

CertainteedNapcoExteria

Quality AluminumJames Hardie

New Construction& Replacement

VinylmaxPly GemSilverline

WeathershieldPella

Alliance Windows

18 Colors in StockRun To Any Length

While U Wait

60 Colors in StockQuality Aluminum

Napco

AtlasCertainteed

InspireAmerican Building Component

Metal SalesQuality Aluminum

ClipStonePly Gem

StoneCraft

SIDING

ROOFING

STONE

VINYL WINDOWS

SEAMLESS ALUM GUTTERS

ALUMINUM TRIM COIL

SUBCONTRACTORREFERRALS

FOR YOUR PROJECT

SANFORDSAGINAW

CLIO

WATERFORD

MADISONHEIGHTS

CHESTERFIELD

DETROIT

WYANDOTTE

FENTON

BATTLECREEK JACKSON

LIVONIA

INKSTERKALAMAZOO

SOUTH BEND

GOSHEN

TOLEDO

6460 E. Eight Mile RdDetroit, MI 48234

313.891.2902

562 S. Reynolds RdToledo, OH 43615

419.535.1100

517 Comstock AveKalamazoo, MI 49048

269.382.6260

51236 SR-933South Bend, IN 46637

574.272.8200

3505 Ann Arbor RdJackson, MI 49202

517.764.0888

2151 Eureka RdWyandotte, MI 48192

734.284.7171

11240 N. SaginawCilo, MI 48420810.687.4730

30391 Stephenson HwyMadison Heights, MI 48071

248.585.9050

5393 N. Michigan RdSaginaw, MI 48604

989.754.3440

5211 Williams Lake RdWaterford, MI 48329

248.674.1300

2262 Meridian RdSanford, MI 48657

989.687.7313

49599 N. GratiotChesterfield, MI 48051

586.598.7600

30626 W. Eight Mile RdLivonia, MI 48152

248.478.8984

1605 W. Columbia AveBattle Creek, MI 49015

269.969.2806

418 Blackport RdGoshen, IN 46528

574.532.1591

3000 Middlebelt RdInkster, MI 48141

734.728.0400

195 S. Alloy DrFenton, MI 48430

810.714.9300


inside

VoLUmE Viii, iSSUE 3

ABC Members give of their time, money and skills to help improve their communities across the state. 24 Government Affairs

GovernorsignsMichiganMeritCurriculumrevisionstopromotestudentaccesstoskilledtradestrainingandcareerclasses.

Legislaturepasseshighereducationbudgetwhichincludeslanguagerequiringneutralitywithregardtounionorganizingactivities

4 Executive Perspective ABCandABCmembersaremakinga

lastingandpositivedifferenceinourcommunitiesandinthefutureworkforceofourindustry.

6 A Foundation of Giving: ABC Members’ Charity Helps Build Communities

ABCmembers’benevolencetakesmanyformsandmakesalastingimpactonindividuals,familiesandorganizationsintheircommunities.

12 Contractors See Evidence of Improving Construction Sector

ABCmembersurveyresultssupporteconomicforecastsofimprovementintheconstructionsector,theneedformorequalified,skilledworkersandmore.

18 Economic Outlook Michiganconstructionindustryvolatility

continues.Since2010theindustryinourstatehasseengrowthofabout8.8percent.

22 ABC and MIOSHA Form Alliance to Promote Safety

Public/privatealliancewillworktoenhancesafetyinthestatewideconstructionindustry.

30 Get to Know Your lawmaker Meetthe81stDistrictRepresentative

DanLauwers(R-BrockwayTwp.)andhisconstituentABCMemberMikeGroverfromMDGEnterprisesinSt.Clair.

SIDING - WINDOWS - GUTTERS - ROOFING - DECKING

S I D I N G W O R L D.C O M

EVERYTHING EXTERIOR

We’ve Got YouCOVERED

If Your Subs Don’t Use SIDING WORLDYou Are Probably Paying Too Much

CHECK US OUT!

CertainteedNapcoExteria

Quality AluminumJames Hardie

New Construction& Replacement

VinylmaxPly GemSilverline

WeathershieldPella

Alliance Windows

18 Colors in StockRun To Any Length

While U Wait

60 Colors in StockQuality Aluminum

Napco

AtlasCertainteed

InspireAmerican Building Component

Metal SalesQuality Aluminum

ClipStonePly Gem

StoneCraft

SIDING

ROOFING

STONE

VINYL WINDOWS

SEAMLESS ALUM GUTTERS

ALUMINUM TRIM COIL

SUBCONTRACTORREFERRALS

FOR YOUR PROJECT

SANFORDSAGINAW

CLIO

WATERFORD

MADISONHEIGHTS

CHESTERFIELD

DETROIT

WYANDOTTE

FENTON

BATTLECREEK JACKSON

LIVONIA

INKSTERKALAMAZOO

SOUTH BEND

GOSHEN

TOLEDO

6460 E. Eight Mile RdDetroit, MI 48234

313.891.2902

562 S. Reynolds RdToledo, OH 43615

419.535.1100

517 Comstock AveKalamazoo, MI 49048

269.382.6260

51236 SR-933South Bend, IN 46637

574.272.8200

3505 Ann Arbor RdJackson, MI 49202

517.764.0888

2151 Eureka RdWyandotte, MI 48192

734.284.7171

11240 N. SaginawCilo, MI 48420810.687.4730

30391 Stephenson HwyMadison Heights, MI 48071

248.585.9050

5393 N. Michigan RdSaginaw, MI 48604

989.754.3440

5211 Williams Lake RdWaterford, MI 48329

248.674.1300

2262 Meridian RdSanford, MI 48657

989.687.7313

49599 N. GratiotChesterfield, MI 48051

586.598.7600

30626 W. Eight Mile RdLivonia, MI 48152

248.478.8984

1605 W. Columbia AveBattle Creek, MI 49015

269.969.2806

418 Blackport RdGoshen, IN 46528

574.532.1591

3000 Middlebelt RdInkster, MI 48141

734.728.0400

195 S. Alloy DrFenton, MI 48430

810.714.9300

ON THE COVER (L TO R): Brian Stadler, Wolgast Corporation, ABC of Michigan 2014 Board Chairman; Chris Fisher, President, ABC of Michigan; Governor Snyder; Perry Merlo, Merlo Construction, ABC Southeastern Michigan Chapter 2014 Board Chairman; and Mark Sawyer, President, ABC Southeastern Michigan Chapter. Photo courtesy of Mark Sawyer.


ABC members support communities; New law will foster skilled trades careers

Thiseditionof MichiganMeritfocusesontwoimportantwaysABCandABCmembersaremakingalastingandpositivedifference.

ABCmembersaroundMichiganareknownfortheirhard workand

thetremendousjobtheydobuildingourstate.Inadditiontobuildingtopqualityconstruction,ABCmembersarealsosomeofthemostgivingandcommunity-drivenpeopleanywhere.EveryyearABCmembercompaniesand theiremployeesgiveback,volunteerandmakeadifference,whichisahugesourceofprideforus.ThisissueillustratesjustatipoftheiceberglookatABCmakingapositivedifferenceinthelivesofothers,everyday.

ABCalsomakesalastingimpactthroughourcommitmenttoeducationandtraining.OnJune25th,after18monthsoflobbyingandmeetingwithlawmakers,educators,businesses,parentsandstudents,ABCofMichiganwitnessedGov.Snyder’ssigningoflegislationtostrengthenMichiganhighschoolgraduationrequirements.Thenewlawwillgivestudentsbetteropportunitiestotakerelevantandrigorousvocational,careerandtechnicaleducationtopreparethemforrewardingandmuchindemandskilledtradescareeropportunities.

By standinguptoimprovetheMichiganMeritCurriculum,MichiganlawmakersandGov.RickSnyderrightlyaffirmedthatthefour-yearcollegepathdoesn’thaveamonopolyonrigorousstandardsorrelevance.Whenthelegislationtakeseffect,MichiganwillhaveaTwenty-FirstCenturyhighschoolcurriculumthatpreparesstudentsforafour-yearuniversity,aswellasfortechnicalandtradeschools.

Here’stoallthewaysABCandourmembersaremakingadifferenceacrossourgreatstate.

YoursfortheMeritShop,

ChrisFisher

ASSOCIATEDBUILDERSandCONTRACTORSofMICHIGAN

2014 BOARD of DIRECtORS

Brian Stadler, ChairmanWolgast CorporationGreater Michigan Chapter

Dan Murphy, Vice-ChairmanMAG InsulationGreater Michigan Chapter

Dave Sheffield, Secretary-TreasurerOnslow-Sheffield, Inc.Southeastern Michigan Chapter

Chris Beckering, Immediate Past ChairPioneer ConstructionWestern Michigan Chapter

Jim CrippsCripps Fontaine Excavating, Inc.Western Michigan Chapter

Mike HousemanWolverine Building GroupWestern Michigan Chapter

Rick JacksonJackson Associates, Inc.Southeastern Michigan Chapter

Michael MarksThe Mackenzie CompaniesGreater Michigan Chapter

Dave Mollitor Consolidated Electrical ContractorsGreater Michigan Chapter

Bill MolnarWm. Molnar Roofing Co., Inc.Southeastern Michigan Chapter

Jack VandeGuchteWestern Michigan Chapter

Daniel WelchWelch Tile & Marble CompanyWestern Michigan Chapter

MICHIGAN MERIt CONtRIBUtORS

Publisher: Christopher Fisher

Managing Editor: Mary Boardway, CAE

Communications Coordinator: Elise Layton

ABCMI Economist: Don Wilson

Design and Printing: Keystone Millbrook

Advertising: Strategic Value Media

Editorial: Lezotte Miller Public Relations

Michigan Merit (ISSN# 1938-9051) is the official publication of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan (ABC of Michigan) and is published quarterly at 230 N. Washington Sq., Suite 202, Lansing, MI 48933, (517) 853-2545. Please direct all inquiries to the previous address. Articles written by outside authors do not necessarily reflect the views of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan. ABC of Michigan reserves the right to reject or edit all material submitted for publication. The appearance of an advertisement in Michigan Merit does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, its products or services, nor do Michigan Merit or Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan guarantee or warrant any claims or offers made by the advertisers.

Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the following credit line is used: “Reprinted by permission from Michigan Merit, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan.”

ABC members around Michigan are known for their hard work and the tremendous job they do building our state.

Michigan Construction Job Center connects construction talent with great Michigan companies. Job seekers — upload your resume today so your talents and skills can gain you great new job opportunities. Construction employers — access this targeted and qualified pool of talent by advertising your jobs on the site or searching resumes by skill types.

Employer Features• An affordable option that gives you the right candidates• Easy tools to post your positions• Search the resume bank — pay only for resumes of job seekers

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Michigan Construction Job Center connects construction talent with great Michigan companies. Job seekers — upload your resume today so your talents and skills can gain you great new job opportunities. Construction employers — access this targeted and qualified pool of talent by advertising your jobs on the site or searching resumes by skill types.

Employer Features• An affordable option that gives you the right candidates• Easy tools to post your positions• Search the resume bank — pay only for resumes of job seekers

interested in your position• Set-up pre-screen filters to deliver the best candidates directly to you• Anonymity available if desired

Job Seeker Features• Find open positions in construction• Free for job seekers• Get your resume in front of construction companies who are hiring• Increase your visibility in the industry• Anonymity available if desired• Let us do the job searching for you by setting up email job alerts

Need more information? Call us at 517.853.2545 or email [email protected].

Now there is a new resource for construction hiring and job opportunities in Michigan, the Michigan Construction Job Center.

MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION

Where Great Contractors Hire Great People

C E N T E R

Visit us at www.MIConstructionJobCenter.com

EMPLOYERS: ONE FREERESuME DOwNLOaD

Use coupon code “RESUME” toreceive one free resume download with your

30- or 60-day job posting.

6 SUMMER 2014 micHiGaN mERiT6 SUMMER 2014 micHiGaN mERiT

www.abcmi.com SUMMER 2014 7www.abcmi.com

rickandmortarstructuresleave

atangiblelegacyofAssociated

BuildersandContractorsof

Michiganmembers’impactontheir

communities,butanotherlastingcontributionis

thecommunitysupporttheyprovideacrossthe

state.

ABCmembers’benevolencetakesmanyforms,

fromroofingcompaniesthatempoweremployees

toperform—withlittlefanfare—basicrepair

jobsforlow-incomeorelderlyhomeowners,to

chaptersthatholdwell-organizedandheavily

publicizedfundraisingeventstodrawattentionto

andraisemoneyforthegooddeedsperformedby

charities.

“TherearecountlessexamplesofABCof

Michiganmemberswhogivebacktotheir

communities—fartoomanytomentionin

asinglemagazinearticle,”saysChrisFisher,

presidentandCEOofABCofMichigan,

“althoughbyspotlightingafewprojectswecan

atleastprovideasenseofthecollectivedifference

themembersofourorganizationmakeinpeople’s

lives.Iknowfromexperiencethatourmembers

areabunchofdoers,andiftheyseeaneedinthe

community,theygooutandaddressit.”

ABCmembers’charityhelpsbuildcommunities

ABC Southeastern Michigan Chapter member Molnar Roofing replaced the roof on a house for a family whose father was paralyzed in a freak trampoline accident.

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ABC CaresDonnaPuglisi,publicrelationsmanagerforABCNational,

saidmembers’charitableinvolvementtiesinwiththeABCmissionstatement,which readsinpartthattheorganizationworksfor“thebettermentofthecommunitiesinwhichABCanditsmemberswork.”

PuglisioverseestheABCCaresprogram,whichforabout25yearshashighlightedprojectsinwhichmembersandchaptersthroughoutthecountryareinvolved,featuringtheminvideosand blogs.“It’sjustkindofaninterestingwaytopublicizethedifferentorganizationsourmembersareinvolvedin,”shesaid.

TheABCCaresprogramalsoprovidesatoolkittohelpmembersandchaptersthatdon’thavetheirownmarketingorpublicrelationsstaffscraftnewsreleasesandmediaadvisoriesabouttheirprojectsorevents.

Muchofmembers’communityoutreachisrelatedtoconstruction,suchasvolunteeringordonatingmaterialstoHabitatforHumanity,Puglisisaid.“Ourmembersaresohighlyskilledthatit’sonlynaturaltheyputtheirabilitiestogooduse,”shesaid,“buttheyfindplentyofotherwaystogivebacktoo.”

Making Dreams Come TrueFallingintothelattercategoryistheannualfundraiserstaged

byABC’sGreaterMichiganChapterforMake-A-WishMichigan,whichaimstofulfillwishesforchildrenfacinglife-threateningillnesses.

RebeccaKaiser,thechapter’sdirectorofmarketingandcommunications,saysmembersadoptedthecause29yearsago.

“Peoplefelttherewasaneedanditjusthasstuck,”she

explains.“It’sbeensomethingthatbothABCmembersandnonmembershavereallyralliedaround.”

Thechapterstagesanannualdinner/dancethatincludesasilentauctionandraffleforthebenefitofMake-A-Wish.Overtheyears,theeventhasraisednearly$500,000,allowingwishestobe grantedtomorethan90childrenwithintheGreatLakesBayRegion.

ThechapterthisspringwasrecognizedbyMake-A-WishMichiganasoneof30LeadersinJoystatewide,“communitypartnerswhohavebeengamechangersforourorganizationandimpactedourabilitytodeliverourmission,”saysLeahBorst,Make-A-Wish’scommunicationsmanager.

Membersofthepublicareinvitedtoattendthedinner/dance,alongwithMake-A-Wishfamilies.WhiletheeventcertainlypresentstheABCnameinagoodlight—“somepeoplewhoattenddon’tknowwhatABCdoes,andthisgivesthemthefirsttasteofwhatwe’reallabout,”Kaisersays—theoverridingcauseistoraiseawarenessofMake-A-Wish.

Answering the CallNotallcommunityoutreachisasformalastheGreater

MichiganChapter’s.“It’snotsomethingweplan,”saysMarkSawyer,executive

directorofABC’sSoutheasternMichiganChapter.“We’reallcomingoutofatoughtime,butwhenthecallsgoout,wejumpin.”

SoutheasternMichiganChaptermemberMolnarRoofingofRiverviewthisyearpromptlyansweredacallthatwastransmittedthroughtheABCgrapevineaboutafamilythatwasinneed. FormerABCofMichiganpresidentAndrew AnuzisiscofounderoftheprivateCornerstoneSchoolsinDetroit,whereMcKeaMillerisateacher.Herhusband,Mike,wasparalyzedinafreakaccidentduringabirthday partyatatrampolinejumpgymin2013.AnuzisinformedSawyeraboutrepairs— includingroofpatching—neededtothefamily’shomeinWarrenandhespreadthewordtoSoutheasternMichiganChaptermembers.

Molnarvolunteeredtoperformtheroofworkandwoundupfulfillingfarmorethanwasoriginallyrequested.

“Theroofwasn’tcompletelyshot,butitcertainlywasn’tgoingtolastaheckofalotoflonger,sowedecidedtogivethemanentirelynewroof(valuedat$15,000),” RobertMolnar,chieffinancialofficerofthefamily-ownedcompany,explains.“It’slongbeenaphilosophyofourfamilythatwe’rewillingtohelpoutpeoplewhoarewillingtohelpthemselves.”MolnarsaidhewasimpressedbytheMillerfamily’spositiveandgratefulattitude.

MolnaraskedemployeestodonatetheirtimeforaweekendinMarchtocompletetheMillerproject.Heofferedeachonea$50

Community Construct, a nonprofit started by Erick Forshee of the Fisher Companies in Midland, built a ramp on this home in Midland.

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giftcardasanincentive. Many ofthe26employeeswhoshoweduptoldhimtokeepthecardandgiveittothefamily.

MolnarRoofinghasalsolentitsskillstotheDetroitMercySchoolofLaw,forwhichitreplacedtheroofonarenovatedbuildingthatnowhousestheschool’s10legalaidclinicsindowntownDetroit.Thatdonation,valuedat$45,000,heldspecialmeaningforMolnar,agraduateofthelawschool.

Thecompanyalsoroutinelyperformsseveralsmaller-scalegratisrepairsforelderlyorlow-incomehomeowners.

“Wetellourcrewsthatifit’ssomethingsmall,likereplacingafewshinglesinanhourortwo,tojustgoaheadanddoit,”henotes.“Charitableworkissomethingwe’reprobablyknownforalittlebit.It’sjustdoingyourpart.Ifyouknowsomebodythatneedshelpandyou’reinapositiontodoit,whynot?”

Filling Several NeedsErickForsheeaimstobenefitmultiplesegmentsofsociety

throughhisCommunityConstructorganization,whichhecreatedfouryearsagoinMidland.Thenonprofithascompletedsuchprojectsasrampsforhandicappedresidents,rebuiltporchesforindigentfamilies,benchesforlocalbaseballfieldsand aHumvee-shapedbed(completewithtoybox)thatwassoldtoraisefundsforawomen’sshelter.Justasimportantastheprojectsthemselves,however,isthelaborused–areahighschoolstudents,includingthoseenrolledinABCGreaterMichiganChapter’sJumpStartprogram,whichintroduceskidstocareersintheconstructionindustry;andyouthassignedtothelocaljuveniledetentioncenter.

“Amajorintentionwastohelpkidscompletesomethingandseesomefulfillment,”Forshee,directorofenvironmentalhealthandsafetyatMidland-basedFisherCompanies,explains.“What’sreallyneatisforthesekidstoseewhatthey’vedoneforafamily.”

FamiliesassistedbyCommunityConstructaregratefulforthehelp,includingthemotherofayounghandicappedgirlforwhomtheorganizationbuiltaramp.

TOP: An auction is part of the annual fund raising effort the Greater Michigan Chapter undertakes for Make-A-Wish Michigan.

BOTTOM: ABC Western Michigan Chapter member Buist Electric operates a food pantry that serves residents of southern Kent County.


“Whenwetoldherwecouldhelpher,she justbrokeoutintears,”Forsheerecalls,addingthatareafirefightersalsoappreciatetheorganization’seffortsbecausetheprojectshelpensureaccesstohomes.

Beyond benefitingthegeneralcommunityandpotentiallyputtingsomeyouthontherightpath,Forshee’saimwithCommunityConstructistoboostthelocalconstructionindustrybyhelpingtotrainanewgenerationofworkers.

“Ithoughtitwasaneatwaytocombineitall.”BuistElectricofByronCenter,amemberofABC’sWestern

MichiganChapter,alsoaimsforwide-reachingimpactwithitscharitableinitiatives.Itscommunityoutreach,basedonChristianprinciples,isperformedinthreeprimaryways:corporategiving(thecompanyaimstodonate15percentofannualprofitstocharities),theBuistCommunityAssistanceCenter(apantrythatsuppliesfoodandclothingtoneedyresidentsofsouthernKentCounty)andtheBuistFoundation(whichprovidesfinancialassistance,suchascoveringautorepairs,rentpaymentsorutilitybillsforfamiliesinneed).

Community Construct uses youth, including some assigned to a juvenile detention facility, to complete construction projects throughout the Midland area, such as the ramp to this house

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Ontopofallthat,tocelebrateits50thanniversaryin2014,Buistismaking$200,000ingrantfundsavailabletononprofitorganizationsandindividualsinneed.“Thecultureofourcompanyisprettyunique,”explainsBrentBrinks,Buistvicepresident.“Leadershipinourwholeorganizationisreallygearedtowardservingotherpeople.Youwon’tseeapressreleaseaboutit.Youwon’tseeusbraggingaboutwhatwe’redoing.Wedoitbecausewejustgenuinelycareaboutpeople.”

OnebeneficiaryofBuist’sgivingagrees.“Theyareveryunique,”saysBernitaTuinenga,co-executivedirectorofVolunteersinService,aGrandRapidsorganizationthatlinksvolunteersfromareachurcheswithcommunityorganizations.“They’reveryconcernedabouttheneedsofthecommunity.”

TuinengasaysarecentgrantfromBuistwillallowtheorganizationtoaddstaffandfurtheritswork—includingprovidingvolunteersfortheBuistCommunityAssistanceCenter,whichwasthebrainchildofcompanyfounderLarryBuist.

“Hispassionisthepantry,”Brinksexplains.“ItstartedwithussponsoringamobilefoodpantrywithtrucksfromFeedingAmerica,andthenitturnedintowantingtodomore.”

LarryBuistownsthe7,500-square-footByronCenterbuildinginwhichheopenedthepantryfiveyearsago.Itnowbenefitsanaverageof250familiesaweekanddistributes2.5millionpoundsoffoodannually.

Buist employeesalsoareintegraltothecompany’scharitablegiving.TheBuistFoundationisfundedbyemployeedonations(about$20,000ayear)andthesaleofthecompany’sscrapcopper(about$300,000annually).

Abyproductofthecompany’scharitablemissionisamotivated,productiveworkforce—whichinturnleadstogreaterprofitsforfundingadditionalgoodworks.

“Toworkhere,you’vegottohavetherightvalues,”Brinksnotes.“I’dsaywehave280peoplewhoareveryappreciativeofourculture.”MM

TOP: ABC Western Michigan Chapter member Buist Electric sells its scrap copper to fund a foundation that supports charitable causes.

BOTTOM: About 50 Molnar Roofing employees volunteered their time on a Saturday in March to replace the roof of a house for a family whose father was paralyzed.

OPPOSITE: ABC’s Greater Michigan Chapter has raised nearly $500,000 over the years by staging a fund raising ball for Make-A-Wish Michigan.


Michigan’sconstructioneconomyiscomingback,sayanoverwhelmingnumberofAssociated

BuildersandContractorsofMichiganmembers.AsurveyconductedduringMay2014foundthatcontractorshaveimprovingconfidenceinthestate’seconomy–almostseventy-fivepercentbelievethestate’seconomyhasgottenbetterduringthepastyearandmostsaythatbusinesshasimprovedspecificallyfortheirownconstructioncompanies.OptimismonthepartofMichigan’sconstructionindustryleadersisfueledbymanyfactors,butcontractorsnotedanincreaseinprivatesectorprojectsoverthepastyear,moreactivityinthecommercialsectorandgreateraccesstocapital.

“Theresultsclearlyspeaktoanimprovingbusinessclimate,thankstothepro-growthpoliciesputintoplacebythecurrentlegislatureandadministration,”saysChrisFisher,ABCofMichiganpresident.“It’sencouragingtoseeABCmemberswithhigherconfidenceintheeconomyandmoreskilledworkerswithjobs.However,unfinishedlegislative

businessiscontinuingtohaveareal-worldimpact–contractorsarestillseeingtheimpactofregulatoryover-reachandMichigan’sburdensomePrevailingWagelaw.”

Membersnotethatthere’sstillworktodo-morethaneightypercentofcontractorsnotedthatMichigan’sprevailingwagelawisahindrancetotheircompanies’growth.Anadditional

articlearticleF E A t U R E

Contractors see evidence of improving construction sector

10%supportamorereasonablereformofthelaw,with“a‘realprevailingwage’,notunioncontractrates.”

SkilledworkersareinhighdemandamongstABCmembers,withaboutsixtypercentofcontractorsindicatingthattheirdemandforworkershasincreasedinthepastyear.Ontheotherhand,theAffordableCareAct(ACA),morepopularlyknownas“Obamacare,”was

CHART 1

Bid opportunities / getting jobs

Labor problems on the job site

Staffing problems (inability to find skilled workers or adequate workers)

Increasing / increased costs of doing business

Getting paid for projects

Safety concerns

Compliance with regulations

Finding or affording health insurance / health benefits for your employees

What’s your current biggest obstacle to doing business?

Health insurance foremployees, 8.5%

Compliance withregulations, 3.4%

Getting paid forprojects, 5.9%

Increased costs of doing business, 22%

Staffing difficulties,37.3%

Labor problems on thejob site, 1.7%

Bid opportunities, 16.1%Other, 5.1%


Thomas Doyle 248.223.3402 [email protected] plantemoran.com

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notedbyabouthalfofmemberstohavehad anegativeimpactonconstructioncompanies’hiringpractices,andabouttwentypercentofcontractorshadalsonotedthelaw’snegativeimpactontheircustomerbase.

Construction Economic Comeback – Improving Climate, Still Work to Do

Morethanseventy-fivepercentofcontractorssaytheybelieveMichigan’soveralleconomyhasgottenbetter,whiletwentypercentsayithasremainedthesameandonlyabout5percentmaintainithasgottenworseinthepastyear.Asfortheirownbusiness,around60percentsaidtheyhaveseenimprovement,thirtypercentrespondedthatitisaboutthesameand9percentsaidthingshavegottenworse(seechart1).

Privatesectorworkhasincreased(abouthalfofcontractorshavesaidthey’redoingmoreworknowthantheywereayearago);and,atthesametime,publicsectorworkhasremainedsteady.Thiscorrelatesdirectlytothefactthatabouttwo-thirdsofthecontractorsrespondingnotedevidenceofan improvingoverallnonresidentialconstructionmarket,whileonly7percentansweredthatthenonresidentialmarkethasgottenworse.Aboutathirdofrespondentssaidtheircurrentbacklogishigherthanayearago,andmorethanhalf expectittoincrease.Theaveragebacklogis aboutfourmonthsformost

Michigancontractors.Correlatingwithhighermaterials

costsandhigherlaborcosts,contractorsnotedthattheirpricesquotedhavealsoincreased,although,interestingly,about5%notethattheirpricesarelowerthanayearago.Onthefinancingfront,almostsixtypercentsaidaccesstocapitalhasremainedthesameduringpastyear,butastrongthirty-fivepercentsaidfinancingoptionshaveincreasedfromayearagoandonly8percentsaidfinancinghasgottenworse.Perhapsunsurprisingly,thesamesegmentofrespondentswho


haveseenlessfinancingoptionshavealsonotedthattheyperceiveadeclineintheirbusinesses,thenon-residentialconstructionmarket,andtheMichiganeconomyasawhole.

Respondentswereaskedtoidentifytheirsinglebiggestobstacletogrowth(chart2).Thetwobiggestproblemsidentifiedwere:staffingdifficulties(likefindingandkeepingqualifiedworkers),ataroundfortypercent,andtheincreasingcostsofdoingbusinessoverall.Otherissuesthatcontractorsspendsignificanttimemanaginginclude

CHART 1

CHART 2

Overall Michigan economy

About thesame,19.1%

Worse,5.5%

Better,75.5%


findingbidopportunitiesandprovidinghealthinsurancetoworkers.Severalrespondentswhochosetheopen-ended“other”responseindicatedthatunioninterferencewasabigproblemforthegrowthoftheirbusiness.

Contractorswerealsoaskedtoidentifywhattakesthemosttimeoutoftheirday.Abouthalfofcontractorsindicatedthatbusinessdevelopmentwasthelargestconsumeroftheirtimeeachday.Thenextlargestsegmentwassimplymanagingemployeesataboutfortypercent.Regulatorycomplianceandfinancialmanagementaretwoadditionalareasuponwhichmanagersspendalotoftime.

Caution: (Not Enough) Men or Women Working

AsbusinessimprovesformostABCmembers,however,theysaytheyfaceworkershortages,withaboutsixtypercentneedingtohireadditionalworkersduringthepast12months;findingqualifiedworkersinaresurgenteconomyremainsproblematic.Only7percentneededfeweremployeesthisyearthanlastyear.Asmentionedpreviously,contractordecision-makerssaidthatfindingandretainingskilledworkerswasatopconcern(rightafterthenormalday-to-dayadministrationandoperations)–seechart3.

Michigan’sconstructionworkforce

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needsmoreskilledworkers.Notonlyareconstructioncompaniesseeingalackintheamountofworkersthattheycurrentlyhave,anevengreaternumber(seventy-threepercent)saidtheyanticipatedneedingevenmoreworkersoverthenext12months.Lessthan2percentsaidthey’dneedfewerworkers.

“TheshortageofqualifiedemployeesisaresultoftheagingworkforcewithBabyBoomersreachingretirementage,

therecentrecessionthatsentmanyworkersseekingjobsoutsideofMichiganandeducationpoliciesthatfavoredencouragingcollegedegreesovertrade,technical andvocationaleducation,”Fisherexplains.“Welostseveralthousandqualifiedconstructionworkerswhentherecessiondriedupthemarketafewyearsago.Whileexperiencedworkersretire,notenoughoftheyoungergenerationhassteppeduptofillthedemand.”


CHART 3

Amount of skilled workers needed(over the past 12 months):

No change,31.8%

Needed fewerworkers, 7.5%

Needed moreworkers, 60.7%


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Even though more workers are needed, Obamacare stunts hiring

NearlyhalfofrespondentssaidtheAffordableCareAct(ACA),morepopularlyknownas“Obamacare,”hasnegativelyimpactedtheirhiringdecisions.SomecontractorsalsoviewObamacareashavinganegativeimpactontheircustomerbase–about20%ofrespondentsbelievethattheAffordableCareActhashadanimpactontheircustomerbase(andagain,theresponsewas unanimouslynegative).

Combinedwiththeknowledgethatfindingandprovidinghealthcarecoverageisatopconcernforbusinessowners,itisreasonabletoassumethattheACAhasincreasedbusinessowners’managementtimeandcreatedastuntedhiringenvironment,evenin afieldwithgreathiringpotential.

ABC members united around Merit Shop Philosophy, importance of education and training

ContractorswereaskedwhytheyjoinedABC.Beliefinthemeritshopwasthetopchoicewithabouttwo-thirdsindicatingthattheyjoinedbecauseoftheircommonbeliefintheMeritShopphilosophyofhigh-quality,affordable,safe andon-timeconstruction.Other

benefitsareacommonthemeformembers–theABCofMichiganSelf-InsuredWorkersCompensationFundisabigdraw,andgovernmentaffairsrepresentationalsoplacedinthetopthree.Interestingly,educationandtrainingalongwithapprenticeshiptrainingmadeupaboutfiftypercentcombined,placingitsecondbehindtheMeritShopphilosophy.

CHART 3

contractors primarily joined abc because of their belief in the merit shop philosophy, the benefit programs offered and education and training opportunities.


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ABCcontractormemberswereaskedaboutthemarketsthattheydobusinessin;eightypercentchosetoquantifytheirbusinessasoperatingsolelyinthecommercialmarket,whilethirty-eightpercent indicatedmorespecializedworkinthemanufacturingmarketandthirty-fivepercentintheofficeand warehousemarket.Othermarketsincludedgovernment,healthcare,andcivilinfrastructure.

Nearlyhalfofsurveyrespondentsowncompanieswith11to50employees.Aboutaquarterhave10 orfewerworkersandanotherquarteremploymorethan50employees.

Thesurveywasdistributedelectronicallyandviafaxto563membercompanies.With120respondents,thesurveyhada21percentresponserate,farabovetheresponseratenecessarytobeconsidered“statisticallysignificant.”Thankstoallthecontractormemberswhoparticipatedinthissurvey,helpingtoshapethepolicyanddirectionofABCofMichigan.MM

For more information, contact the ABC of Michigan offices at (517) 853-2545 or visit www.abcmi.com.

Why did you join ABC?

Answer Options................................................. Response Percent

Belief in merit shop philosophy ............................................ 66.4%

Workers compensation program ............................................ 50.5%

Government affairs representation ........................................ 38.3%

To establish or increase my business relationships .......... 35.5%

Labor relations assistance ...................................................... 34.6%

Other education & training .................................................... 25.2%

Apprenticeship training ............................................................ 24.3%

Member benefits – other than workers comp ................... 16.8%

Encouraged by an ABC member ........................................... 16.8%

Other ............................................................................................ 1.9%


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DevelopmentDevelopmentB U S I N E S S

ContractorsinMichiganshedabout70,200workersfromtheirpayrollsbetween2004—whenthevalueofallconstructionputintoplaceinthestatelastpeaked—and2010,when

declineincommercialworkbetween2008and2011,whichwaspartiallyoffsetbya24percentincreaseininfrastructureworkbetween2006and2010.Asaresult,thenumberofpeoplefurloughedorfiredfromjobsinconstructionincreasedto23.7percentofthestate’sresidentconstructionlabor

Michigan construction industry volatility continues

Unemployment is estimated to have fallen to around 14.5 percent in Michigan in 2013...down from 16.7 percent in 2012 and 19.5 percent in 2011.

• • • •

•

• •

• • •

• • • •

•

• •

itbottomedout35percentlowerfollowingthehousingbubblebustand creditcrunchaccompanyingtheGreatRecession,ananalysisoffederalgovernmentdatashows.

Theemploymentfalloffwasprimarilydue toan83percentdiveinhousingfrom2004to2009anda35percent

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force,or71,000peoplein2009,andthenroseagaintoa24.8percentjoblesslevelin2010.Thatratewashigherthanthe22.8percentthatprevailedacrosstheGreatLakesregion,whichconsistsofMichigan,Indiana,Ohio,Illinoisand Wisconsin.Nodataistabulatedabouthowmanyformerworkersintheconstructionindustryarenotlookingforajoborarediscouragedandhavegivenupseekingindustryre-entry.

Themoderate8.8percentgrowthinconstructionjobsbetween2010and 2013(portrayedinExhibitNo.1)reflectshowtheresidentialrealestateand homebuildingmarket−adriverofthemuchfasterpaceofearlierrecoveries−hasbeenrestrainedbyvariousfactorsduringthecurrentslow-motionrecovery.Themostsignificantfactorsaffectinghousinginclude:1)Theoverhangofanexcessiveinventoryofforeclosedresidentialproperties;2)Theslowpaceofhouseholdformation,limitingthenumberoffirst-timebuyers(downsignificantlyfrompriorrecoveryperiods)3)Theproportionofhomeownerswithmortgagesunderwater(31percentacrossMichiganasoftheendof2013)and themoremoderateproportionwith20percentorlessequityintheirhomes,whichminimizesthenumberofpotentialmove-uphomeowners;4)Themanysmallbuildersfindingithard

0!

5!

10!

15!

20!

25!

30!

0!

50!

100!

150!

200!

250!

04! 05! 06! 07! 08! 09! 10 ! 11! 12! 13 Est.!

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics & Mc Graw - Hill!

State & Regional !Unemployment Rate (%) !

Awards Barometer (2007= ! 100) / Employment!

(000) / Workers Looking! For Jobs (000)!

EXHIBIT # 1!MICHIGAN LABOR FORCE TRENDS & CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY !

Construction Contract Awards Barometer!Employment!Unemployed Workers Looking for Jobs!State Unemployment Rate!Great Lakes Region Unemployment Rate!

Exhibit No. 1 compares employment (or the number of jobs in Michigan’s construction industry) with the number in the state’s unemployed in resident labor force (identified as having worked in construction and looking for rehiring in construction), their unemployment rate, the Great Lakes region’s construction industry unemployment rate and a barometer of the value of contract awards for all types of construction − residential and nonresidential building and non-building infrastructure projects.

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toobtainloanstobuildhomesduetothenumberintheirranksgoingoutofbusinessduringthe financialcrisis;and5)Theincreaseinwarinessonthepartoflenders.

Innonresidentialconstruction,activityhasbeenstifledby:1)thesluggishgrowthinemploymentaccompanyingthe

currentrecovery;2)Theslackdeclineinbuildingvacancyduetooverbuildingofspaceduringearliertimeperiods;and3)Anincreaseinlendingstandardsonthepartofbanks,insurancecompaniesandothertypesoflenders.

Unemploymentisestimatedtohavefallentoaround14.5percentinMichigan


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in2013(basedonpartiallyavailablepreliminarydata),downfrom16.7percentin2012and19.5percentin2011.Thatcompareswithan estimated13percentjoblessnessacrosstheGreatLakesregionin2013,14.9percentin2012and16.9percentin2011.

Outlook for 2014 should outpace 2013 Constructionindustryemploymentwas1.8percentlower

in2014’sfirstquarterthan2013’scorrespondingperiodduetotheseverityofthewinterweather.Employmentcouldclimbabove2013levels,however,ifindicatorscontinuetobepositive.Contractawardsforstartoffutureconstructionduringthefirstquarterwereup31percentfromyear-agolevels,accordingtodatagatheredandpublishedbyMcGraw-Hill’sConstructionDivision.Althoughnonresidentialbuildingawardswere31percentbelowyear-agolevels,residentialbuildingwasup13percentandinfrastructureprojectswereanet165percenthigher.AccordingtotheMarch3,2013Crain’sDetroitBusiness(“BuildingDemand”)8.4millionsquarefeetofbuild-to-suitofficespaceisproposedand8.5millionsquarefeetofindustrialspaceconstructionisunderconsiderationinsoutheasternMichigan’sLivingston,Macomb,Oakland,WashtenawandWaynecounties(InformationsuppliedtoCrain’sbyWashington,D.C.-basedrealestateinformationserviceCo-StarGroupInc.)Quantitiescompare

withjust100squarefeetofsoutheasternMichiganofficespacebuiltin2013and200feetin2012and700squarefeetofindustrialspacebuiltin2013and2012.

Occupational data shows fewer construction workersThecollapseinMichigan’sresidentialrealestatemarket

between2005and2011andtheplungeinalltypesofconstructionbetween2004and2010resultedin137,000fewerpeopleidentifyingthemselvesasformerlyemployedinconstruction.ManyleftMichigan’sconstructionlaborforcetotrainorjoinanotherindustryoremigratedfromthestate.TheU.S.BureauofLaborStatisticsdoesnottracktheyear-to-yearnumberandchangeintheconstructionindustrylaborforceresidinginastate(thoseholdingjobs,thosewithoutajobbutactivelylookingforindustryrehiring,thosecurrentlynotlookingorthosediscouragedandnotlooking)inspecifictradesorinotherjobtitles.Itdoes,however,conductannualsurveysofemployerstoidentifyemploymentbyoccupationin45typesofjobsintheconstructionindustry.Acomparisonofthenumberinthosejobsandtheiraveragehourlywageratein2004,2010and2013,thelatestyeartabulated,arelistedinTableNo.1.MM

Prepared by Donald E. Wilson, a consulting economist, with offices in Hartland, Michigan, who specializes in economic and business research for trade associations and banks.



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NewsNewsI N D U S t R Y


Inordertoenhancecommunicationandshareresources,AssociatedBuildersandContractorsofMichigan(ABC)signedapartnershipagreementwithMichiganOccupationSafetyandHealthAdministration(MIOSHA).Thepublic/privatealliancewillworktoenhancesafetyintheindustryforthestatewideMichiganconstructionworkforceemployedbyABCfirms.

“OurpartnershipwillofferadditionalresourcestoABCmemberswhostriveeverydaytoprovideasafeworkplace,”saysChrisFisher,ABCpresident.“WithmoredirectcommunicationfromMIOSHA,contractorscanbetterstayup-to-dateonbestpracticesandtrendsinworkplacesafety.Atthesametime,our

ABC/MIOSHA alliance to ensure safer construction industry

memberscanprovidefeedbackandalertMIOSHAtochangingneedsintheconstructionindustry.”

MIOSHAandABC-affiliatedbusinesseswillworkcollaborativelyontrainingtoreduceworkers’exposuretosafetyhazards,includingforums,roundtablediscussionsand stakeholdermeetings.ConstructioncompanieswillalsocontinuetogainaccesstoABC’snationwide“STEP”program,whichprovidesparticipantswaystomeasuretheeffectivenessoftheirsafetyprocedures.

“Workingmorecloselytogetherthroughapublic/privateallianceisamoreadvancedstrategyforimprovingsafety,”Fisher


NewsNewsI N D U S t R Y

www.abcmi.com

explains.“Communicationand informationsharingiskeytoasaferworkplace.”

“WearepleasedtojoinwithABCofMichigantoprotectourworkingmenandwomen,”saidMIOSHADirectorMarthaYoder.“TheallianceoffersgreatopportunitiestoprovideneededtrainingandhelpcreatesaferandhealthierworkplacesthroughoutMichigan.”MM

.

SUMMER 2014 23

MIOSHA leaders and ABC leaders meet to sign a new alliance agreement. From left to right: William Lykes,MIOSHA Departmental Director ; Martha Yoder, MIOSHA Director; Barton Pickelman, MIOSHA Deputy Director; Nella Davis-Ray, MIOSHA CET Division Director; David Mollitor, ABC of Michigan Board Member; Norm Brady, ABC Western Michigan Chapter President; Mark Sawyer, ABC Southeastern Michigan Chapter President; Perry Merlo, 2014 ABC Southeastern Michigan Chapter Chairman; Chris Fisher, ABC of Michigan President; Jimmy Greene,ABC Greater Michigan Chapter President; and Paul Lemley, 2014 Western Michigan Chapter Chairman.

BELOW: MIOSHA and ABC leaders sign the Alliance agreement on June 24, 2014. Photos courtesy of Mark Sawyer.


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4901 DewittCanton, MI 48188P 734-398-5950F 734-398-5970

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affairsaffairsG O V E R N M E N t

ABCCommends

Gov. snyderAnd

LAwmAkersFoR cHaNGiNG

micHiGaN mERiT cURRicULUm,ENcoURaGiNG

STUDENT SUccESS iN REwaRDiNG

caREERS

Governor Snyder addresses students, legislators and ABC members at Dakota High School in Macomb prior to the bill signing.INSET: Chris Fisher introduces the Governor. Photos courtesy of Mark Sawyer.



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AssociatedBuildersandContractorsofMichigan(ABC)

applaudedGov.RickSnyderandMichiganlawmakers

frombothpartiesforadoptingamoreflexible

MichiganMeritCurriculumtogivestudents,parents,

andschooldistrictsmoreoptionsforsuccess.

Theimprovedstandards,whichincorporateHouseBill4465

sponsoredbyRep.EdMcBroom(R-Vulcan)andHouseBill

4466sponsoredbyRep.JoelJohnson(R-Clare),resultingreater

flexibilityforMichiganstudentstotakeclassesthatprepare

themfortechnicalandskilledtradescareers.LeadingMichigan

industrieslikeconstruction,manufacturing,agriculture,and

technology,whichrelyonskilledworkers,alsobenefitwiththis

greateremphasisonflexibilityforstudentstochooseinhigh

schooliftheycouldbenefitfromrelevantvocationalskills.

“Weknowhowimportantcareer-technicaleducationclasses

canbetoprovidingstudentswithvaluableskillsthattheycan

builduponforgoodjobs,”Gov.Snydersaid.“Thesebillsallow

districtstohaveflexibilityintheMichiganMeritCurriculum

(MMC)requirements,soschoolscanweavematerialfrom

algebra2andsomeotherhigh-level,requiredclassesintocareer

techprograms.Thegoalistoincorporatereal-lifeapplicationsto

someofthesecourseswhilemaintainingthenecessaryrigor.”

“Michigan’sstudentsneedtohavetheopportunitytopursue

rigorousjobtrainingandvocationalskillswhiletheyarein

highschool,”saidChrisFisher,presidentandCEOofABCof

Michigan.“StrengtheningMichiganhighschoolgraduation

requirementsbyallowinggreateraccesstovocationaleducation

andCTEopportunitiesinhighschoolprepareskidsfor

rewardingskilledtradescareersthatareinhighdemand.”

Rep.McBroomcommented:“Itisgreattoseerecognitionof

andactiononafactthatmanyteachers,students,parents,and

employersaroundthestatehavelongmaintainedaboutthe

MMC–ithasbeentoorigid,withonlyonesupposedly-perfect

curriculumforallstudents.Thesechangeswillhopefullylead

toacompleterecognitionthatthevalueofaclassmusttake

intoaccountthepassionsandinterestsofthestudentcoupled

withtherealworldopportunitiestheywishtopursue.Whether

itisadoctorateinastrophysics;ortrainingandcertification

inplumbingandpipe-fitting;orafour-yearmusiceducation

degree,studentsneedtheflexibilitytomaximizetheirlimited

credithoursduringtheirfouryearsinhighschool.”

“Withstatemandatesastheywere,studentshavenothad

thetimeavailableintheirschedulestopursuerigoroustrades

programs,”saidRep.Johnson.“Thislegislationwillopen

numerousdoorssothatyoungpeoplecanconsiderallpossible

optionsinplanningfortheirfuturecareers.”

Fishernotedthat“therevisionssignedtodayimprovethe

MichiganMeritCurriculumbyrightlyaffirmingthatthefour-year

collegepathdoesn’thaveamonopolyonrigorousstandardsor

relevance.Whentheytakeeffect,Michiganwillhaveatwenty-first


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centuryhighschoolcurriculumthatprepareskidsforfour-year

universities,aswellasfortechnicalandtradeschools.”

TheStateofMichiganandtheU.S.BureauofLaborStatistics

bothexpectskilledand technicalcareersinindustrieslike

constructiontobein highdemandoverthenextdecade.The

stateofMichiganalonepredictsthatdemandforskilledtrades

jobswillbeincreasingbyatleast7.4percentbytheendofthe

currentdecade.Formanyskilledtradeindustriesthedemand

ismuchhigher:construction(25.3percent),transportation

(54.5percent)andproduction(17.3percent).TheU.S.Bureau

ofLaborStatisticspredictsfastgrowthinthenumberofskilled

tradesjobsoverthenextdecadeaswell–withtheconstruction

industryanticipatedtogrowatmorethantwicethenational

averagegrowthrate.

Legislative action praised by ABC of MichiganPassageofhighereducationbudgetlanguageonJune5to

deterpublicuniversitiesfromengaginginunionizingactivitiesis

therightmove,accordingtoAssociatedBuildersandContractors

ofMichigan,whichpushedforalegislativeresponseafter

learningrecentlythatMichiganStateUniversityhadtakenover

anAFL-CIOprogram.

“Theclassroomsofpublicuniversitiesshouldnotbesites

whereunionofficialsplaneffortstoinfiltrateprivatecompanies,”

saysChrisFisher,ABCofMichiganpresident/CEO.“It’snotan


appropriateuseoftaxpayerfunds.”

Languageinaconferencereportrequiringneutralitywith

regardtounionorganizingactivitiesispartofthe2014/2015

HigherEducationbudgetrecommendation,nowonitsway

forfinallegislativeapproval.ItaddressesconcernsthatABC

ofMichiganandothergroupsraiseduponlearningthatMSU’s

SchoolofHumanResourcesandLaborRelationshadtakenover

theoperationoftheBuildingTradesAcademy,previouslyrunby

theAFL-CIO.

Section271aofthebudgetlanguageapprovedJune5states:

“ItistheintentoftheLegislaturethatapublicuniversitythat

receivesfundsundersection236shallnotknowinglyand

directlyuse anyportionofthosefundstoofferanyinstructional

activitythattargetsspecificcompaniesorspecificgroupsof

companiesforunionizationordecertificationofaunion.”

Specificcoursedescriptionsoutlinetheobjectionablecurriculum

content:“Thiscourseoffersacomprehensiveoverviewof

organizingissuesrelatedtotheconstructionindustry,offering

constructivewaystoorganizetheindustry…”Another course

focusesonpreparing“…buildingtradesorganizerstoconduct

effectivein-personmeetings withnon-unioncontractorsboth

insideandoutsideofthecontextoforganizing.”

“WeappreciatetheLegislature’sactiontohelpprotectagainst

usingtaxpayerfundstotargetcompaniesforunionization,”

Fishernotes.


R E C Y C L E D C O N C R E T E , L L C .GBM

Removal, Trucking & Processing

7644 Whitmore Lk. Rd. • Brighton, MI 48116phone: 810-231-5188 • fax: 810-231-5404

• Chilson Road, Howell • Kensington Road, Brighton • Hawley Road, Holly

Sales • Service • Rentals • Parts3310 Hudson Trails Drive, Hudsonville, MI 49426

p: 616.896.7700 • f: 616.896.6700w: www.grandequipment.com

www.greatlakesroofing.com 800-800-6207 An authorized Duro-Last contractor

And Insulation Systems, Inc.

www.greatlakesroofing.com 800-800-6207

An authorized Duro-Last contractor

Flat Roofing, Blown Cellulose & Fiberglass, & Spray Foam Insulations 909 N Milford Rd. Highland, MI 48357

248-887-9700 • jwfield.com

Landscape Supplies• Natural Forest Product

Mulch Made On Site• Colored and Natural• Sands & Aggregates

Septic Services• Commercial & Residential

• Tank Cleaning• Septic System Installs

• Specialized in Engineered Fields

Grading & Excavating• Basements• Driveways• Demolition

• Road Construction


Bill sponsors, other legislators and stakeholders flank Governor Snyder to celebrate the signing of

the bill. Photo courtesy of Mark Sawyer.


Legislature passes budget, skilled trades training funds made available

TheMichiganLegislature passedabudgetonJune5that

includedadditionalfundingforMichigan’sSkilledTrades

TrainingFund.ABCmembersshouldconsiderapplyingfor

fundstoincreasetheirtrainingavailabilityforemployees.

ApplicationsforfundswillbereleasedonOctober1,2014.

TheSkilledTradesTrainingFundprovidescompetitive

awardsforemployerresponsivetrainingthatenhancestalent,

productivity,andemploymentretention,whileincreasingthe

qualityandcompetitivenessofMichigan’sbusinesses.

TheSkilledTradesTrainingFundensuresMichigan’s

employershaveaccesstothetalenttheyneedtocompete

andgrow,andindividualshavetheskillstheyneedfor


Specializing in the Construction Industry for More Than Seven Decades crowehorwath.com/construction

Audit | Tax | Advisory | Risk | Performance

or liable for any acts or omissions of Crowe Horwath International or any other member of Crowe Horwath International and

Crowe Horwath International member. Accountancy services in Kansas and North Carolina are rendered by Crowe Chizek LLP, which is not a member of Crowe Horwath International. © 2014 Crowe Horwath LLP CON14015


Daniel ReesEstimator/Systems Designer

NICET Level IIICertification No. 82181

3735 Plaza Dr.Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Office: (734) 761-7767Fax: (734) 761-5388Cell: (313) 363-7756

Email: [email protected]

Automatic Sprinkler Systems • Design • Installation • Repair

AUTO • HOME • COMMERCIAL • LIFE • EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Randy K. TarzwellPresident

Toll Free: 1-800-257-7055Fax: (989) 631-8480E-mail: [email protected]

512 W. Buttles StreetMidland, MI 48640

Phone: (989) 631-3511www.baileyinsurance.net

“Since 1939”

P6 Audit Trail SoftwareFree until 8/31/14

X-CALIBURMETAL ROOFING & WALL PANELS

X-CALIBURMETAL ROOFING & WALL PANELS

Patrick Faint, General [email protected]

27400 Northline RoadRomulus, MI 48174

Phone: (734) 942-3071Cell: (248) 320-8208Fax: (734) 942-3075

www.X-CaliburSheetMetal.com

in-demandjobs.CollaborationbetweentheMichiganWorks!

Agencies(MWAs),economicdevelopment,andeducational

partnersareessentialtoachievedemand-driventrainingthat

addressestalentshortageshamperingthegrowthofMichigan’s

businesses.

ApplicationsaresubmittedtotheStateofMichiganon

behalfofbusinessesbytheMichiganWorks!Agencies.Local

MichiganWorks!contactscanbefoundattheWorkforce

DevelopmentAgencywebsiteatwww.michigan.gov/wda,

materialsforfiscalyear2015willbepublishedtothewebsite

inSeptember2014.MM


SPECIALTY FIREEXTINGUISHING &

SUPPRESSION EQUIPMENTCONTRACTORS1-800-514-8195

Governor Snyder greets ABC member Perry Merlo, Merlo Construction. Photo courtesy of Mark Sawyer.


LAUWERS GROVER

HOUSE DISTRICT 81

5701 Safety Drive, Belmont, MI 49306 • Phone: 800-886-1614 • Fax: 616-784-1140Fire Sprinklers Save Lives www.brigadefire.com

State Rep. Dan Lauwers’oppositiontoburdensomeregulationsontheconstructionindustryhasMike Grover, founderofMDG EnterprisesinSt.Clair,consideringhimachampionforABC.

“FromeverythingIknowofhim,hisrecordis100percentinlinewiththecommonsenseapproachABCtakesonissues,”saysGrover,vicepresidentofacarpentrycompanythatservesthecommercialsector.“I supporthimandfeelhisworkisworthyofallABCmembers’support.”

Electedin2012,Lauwers,R-Brockway Township,earnedabachelor’sdegreeinagriculturaleconomicsatMichiganStateUniversity.Since1993,hehasownedandmanagedEasternMichiganGrainInc.ofEmmett,whichprocessesgrain,seeds,

chemicalsandfertilizerfortheagriculturalindustry.HesaysherecognizestheimportanceofconstructiontotheMichiganeconomyandadvocatesforeliminatingprevailingwageandmanytaxesonbusinessowners.

“WehavebeenworkingtocreateastableeconomybyeliminatingtheMichiganBusinessTaxand proposingtoeliminatepersonalpropertytaxes,”Lauwerssays.“Fortheconstructionindustrytobesuccessful,wemusthaveastableeconomyandremovecumbersomeregulations.”

LauwersalsosupportstheneedforCareerTechnicalEducationandaccessibilityinMichigan’seducationcurriculumand votedforHBs4465and4466(MichiganMeritCurriculum.)HeservesontheAgriculture,Competitiveness,Transportationand EnergyandTechnologycommittees.

GrovernotesthatLauwersiseasilyaccessibleandreceptivetohisinput.“Whenheasksmeaningfulquestionsrelatingtoyourstatementsorconcerns,youknowhe’slistening.”

Movingforward,LauwersaimstocontinuehisfightagainstlegislationinhibitingABCmembers’businesses.Hesayshehashad aroleineliminatingmorethan1,500regulationstodate,and urgedmemberstonotifyhimwithadditionalconcerns.

“ABCmemberscanalwayswalkin,callorscheduleameetinginthedistrictorLansing,”Lauwerssays.“ImakesureI’mavailable.”

LauwersrepresentsDistrict81intheMichiganHouseofRepresentatives.ConstituentscancontactRepresentativeLauwersatdanlauwers@house.mi.govorbyphoneat(517)373-1790.MM


indexindexA D V E R t I S E R

ABCSelfInsuredWorkersCompensationFund...................... 32

AISEquipment........................................................................ 16

AndrewsHooperPavlik,PLC.................................................. 21

AnnArborFireProtection....................................................... 29

ArrowConcreteCutting.......................................................... 20

ASHASafety............................................................................ 27

BaileyAgency.......................................................................... 29

BCTBenefitsPlan.................................................................... 17

BlackstarBuildingGroup......................................................... 17

Brigade FireProtection............................................................ 30

BrothersandBricks................................................................. 25

CapitalSteel&BuildersSupply............................................... 29

CDIConstruction.................................................................... 17

CommonwealthAssociates...................................................... 26

CriticalBusinessAnalysis........................................................ 29

CroweHorwathLLP................................................................ 28

DesaiNasrConsultingEngineers............................................. 25

DJMalteseConstructionLLC.................................................. 29

EfficientCraneSolutions......................................................... 26

EnterpriseFleet....................................................................... 27

ExcelElectric,Inc.................................................................... 17

FisherCompanies.................................................................... 24

Fonson,Inc.(GBMRecycledConcrete)................................... 27

G&GElectric........................................................................... 26

GarberChevrolet..................................................................... 15

GrandEquipmentCompany................................................... 27

GreatLakesIndustrialSupplyCo.,Inc.................................... 17

GreatLakesRoofing&InsulationSystems,Inc....................... 27

GreatLakesSafetyTrainingCenter.......................................... 25

GreatLakesStriping&Sealing................................................ 31

GuyHurleyBlaser................................................................... 12

HDSupplyWaterworks........................................................... 24

HeritageAutomall................................................................... 17

IndependenceCommercialConstruction,Inc.......................... 13

JacksonAssociates,Inc............................................................ 29

JBSContracting,Inc................................................................ 17

JGMMachineryMovers&Erectors,Inc.................................. 19

JimcoFireProtection............................................................... 17

JWFieldGrading&Excavating.............................................. 27

K&SPlumbingCo.,Inc......................................................... 17

LaborReady,Inc...................................................................... 25

LighthouseInsuranceGroup................................................... 21

LiquidCalciumChlorideSales................................................ 17

Loomis,Ewert,Parsley,Davis,Gotting,PC.............................. 26

MannConstruction................................................................. 15

MerloConstructionCo.,Inc.................................................... 20

MidMichiganMaterials,Inc.................................................... 17

PamarEnterprises.................................................................... 17

PlanteMoran........................................................................... 13

PMTechnologies..................................................................... 20

ProView(The Blue Book Building & Construction Network)........ 18

QualityAireSystems............................................................... 16

RapidFireProtection............................................................... 29

RockProducts......................................................................... 20

RWMercer.............................................................................. 26

ScheidelElectric...................................................................... 25

ScientificBrake&Equipment................................................. 17

SelleckArchitecturalSales....................................................... 15

SidingWorld............................................................................. 2

SummitElectric....................................................................... 31

Thermico,Inc.......................................................................... 18

TimpsonTransport,Inc........................................................... 25

TitanInteriors......................................................................... 28

TradesmenInternational.......................................................... 14

ValentiTrobecChandler.......................................................... 21

ValleyElectricalContractors.................................................... 20

WaltonAgency........................................................................ 20

WaterstoneInsuranceAgency.................................................. 18

WelchTile&MarbleCompany............................................... 21

Wm.MolnarRoofing,Inc........................................................ 26

X-CaliburSheetMetal............................................................. 29

GREAT LAKES STRIPING & SEALING, INC.P.O. Box 283 • Traverse City, MI 49685 • P: 231-946-8269 • F: 231-946-6044 • C: 231-218-5605

Since 1972

BRUCE BIDDINGER - PRESIDENT [email protected]

www.greatlakesstripingandsealing.com

COMPLETE ASPHALT MAINTENANCESealcoating • Infrared Repair • Crack Filling • Parking Lot Striping • Parking Lot Sweeping

FREE ESTIMATES MEMBERWESTERN MICHIGAN

ummitS electric, inc.Commercial & Industrial Contractors

2544 Acacia Troy Michigan 48083248-689-0300 689-1750 fax

www.summitelectric.ws

Since 1983


PRESoRTEDSTaNDaRD

U.S. PoSTaGEPAID

LaNSiNG, miPERmiT No. 75

Associated Builders & Contractors of Michigan230 N. washington Sq. Suite 202 Lansing, michigan 48933

SafetyOwnershipOwnership

Industry-SpecificIndustry-SpecificOwnership

Industry-SpecificOwnership

Industry-SpecificGreat RatesGreat Rates

Industry-SpecificGreat Rates

Industry-Specific

Loss Control

SavingsSavingsPremium ReturnsPremium Returns

SavingsPremium Returns

Savings

Your Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation FundReturning Millions Back To Members

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance with a 36% Average Premium Return• Safety & Loss Prevention Services • Competitive Up-Front Pricing

abcmifund.org | administered by Regency Group | 800.686.6640

$24.8 Million Since 1995

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