VTCA Winter Meeting “Gearing Up For The Future” THE VIRGINIA TRANSPORTATION CONSTRUCTION ALLIANCE November 2016 PAGE 1 Dedicated to Advancing the Interests of the Transportation Construction Industries Join us for the VTCA Winter Meeng from February 1-5, 2017 in Paradise – aka Margaritaville Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. The Winter Meeng will be all about increasing your business connecons, enhancing your relaonships with customers, clients, partners and suppliers, as well as learning – just look at the lineup of mely topics and impressive speakers below: Insights on the 2016 Presidenal Elecon and Virginia’s 2017 Gubernatorial Elecon: About two weeks before the Winter Meeng convenes, the 45th President of the United States will have been inaugurated. Dr. Bob Holsworth, leading polical analyst in Virginia and a VTCA favorite, will be on hand to comment on the Presidenal elecon and Virginia’s 2017 gubernatorial race. Transforming Your Workforce One Hire at a Time: How do you hire the “right fit” for your organizaon? How do you use your corporate values to idenfy the right candidates? Dr. Thomas Epperson will answer these quesons as well as give you tools and takeaways to make a difference in your hiring strategy. Dr. Epperson is the Director of the InnerWill Leadership Instute and a thought leader in the field of human resource management and development. Construcon Market Outlook: Sidney Mays, Vice President of Market Support Services for Vulcan Materials Company, will share his construcon market outlook. Sidney has extensive experience in market research, economic analysis, and construcon materials demand forecasng. Gain strategic insights to give your company a leg up. VDOT Program Update: VDOT has a very large and aggressive construcon and maintenance program for 2017. VDOT Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer Garre Moore will bring us up-to-speed on the implementaon of next year’s program. Once meengs and networking are done, let the latude posively influence your atude! Enjoy all that Margaritaville has to offer, including great dining, cool lounges, the St. Somewhere Spa, access to the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk and more. Look for your invitaon in the mail next week. Don’t be indecisive – plan now to aend. Room reservaons deadline is January 4. DISCOUNT FOR FIRST-TIMERS! We’re pleased to announce a special $200 discount for first-me Winter Meeng aendees! Spread the news within your organizaon and with your industry colleagues. Aend this year’s Winter Meeng and benefit from a truly impressive program that will arm you with informaon to make 2017 a great year for your organizaon – and give yourself a “license to chill” with your fellow VTCA members. Hope to see you in Margaritaville. Fins up!
Transcript
VTCA Winter Meeting “Gearing Up For The Future”
The VirGiniA TrAnsporTATion ConsTrUCTion AlliAnCe november 2016
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Dedicated to Advancing the Interests of the Transportation Construction Industries
Join us for the VTCA Winter Meeting from February 1-5, 2017 in Paradise – aka Margaritaville Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. The Winter Meeting will be all about increasing your business connections, enhancing your relationships with customers, clients, partners and suppliers, as well as learning – just look at the lineup of timely topics and impressive speakers below:
Insights on the 2016 Presidential Election and Virginia’s 2017 Gubernatorial Election: About two weeks before the Winter Meeting convenes, the 45th President of the United States will have been inaugurated. Dr. Bob Holsworth, leading political analyst in Virginia and a VTCA favorite, will be on hand to comment on the Presidential election and Virginia’s 2017 gubernatorial race.
Transforming Your Workforce One Hire at a Time: How do you hire the “right fit” for your organization? How do you use your corporate values to identify the right candidates? Dr. Thomas Epperson will answer these questions as well as give you tools and takeaways to make a difference in your hiring strategy. Dr. Epperson is the Director of the InnerWill Leadership Institute and a thought leader in the field of human resource management and development.
Construction Market Outlook: Sidney Mays, Vice President of Market Support Services for Vulcan Materials Company, will share his construction market outlook. Sidney has extensive experience in market research, economic analysis, and construction materials demand forecasting. Gain strategic insights to give your company a leg up.
VDOT Program Update: VDOT has a very large and aggressive construction and maintenance program for 2017. VDOT Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer Garrett Moore will bring us up-to-speed on the implementation of next year’s program.
Once meetings and networking are done, let the latitude positively influence your attitude! Enjoy all that Margaritaville has to offer, including great dining, cool lounges, the St. Somewhere Spa, access to the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk and more.
Look for your invitation in the mail next week. Don’t be indecisive – plan now to attend. Room reservations deadline is January 4.
DISCOUNT FOR FIRST-TIMERS! We’re pleased to announce a special $200 discount for first-time Winter Meeting attendees! Spread the news within your organization and with your industry colleagues.
Attend this year’s Winter Meeting and benefit from a truly impressive program that will arm you with information to make 2017 a great year for your organization – and give yourself a “license to chill” with your fellow VTCA members. Hope to see you in Margaritaville. Fins up!
District Dialogues Announced For hampton roads And northern Virginia
Stay abreast of the changes that can impact your ability to conduct business. November’s webinar line-up will bring you the latest news and helpful information when it comes to navigating regulatory and legal aspects of doing business throughout the Commonwealth.
Topic: MSHA Special Investigations: What Mine Operators Need to KnowDate: Wednesday, November 9, 2016Time: 12 – 1 pmRegistration: bit.ly/mshawebinarPresenter: Max Corley, Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl LLPDetails: With MSHA’s pending, proposed rule on workplace examinations, mine operators are facing a potential increase in special investigations of their management personnel, foremen and workplace examiners. The presentation will cover:
• An update on developments impacting MSHA special investigations and the rights of mine operators and management.
• Key strategies for mine operators to prevent, mitigate, prepare for and handle special investigations and the elevated enforcement actions giving rise to them.
Topic: Avoiding Antitrust PitfallsDate: Tuesday, November 15, 2016Time: 12 – 1 pmRegistration: bit.ly/antitrustwebinarPresenter: Leslie Kostyshak, Associate, Hunton & Williams LLPDetails: With Department of Justice enforcement at all-time high, this session will offer practical advice for how to avoid antitrust pitfalls. During this one-hour session, participants will hear about:
• Why antitrust compliance matters.• Overview of antitrust laws.• Practical guidance for avoiding pitfalls, including bidding considerations and meetings with competitors.
District Dialogues offer you a unique opportunity to meet with senior VDOT professionals and hear about the important issues that affect you as you do business in the various Districts. Mark your calendar for these two upcoming Dialogues in December.
December 1 - Hampton Roads with District Administrator Jim Utterback, PMP. Newport News Marriott at City Center. Details at bit.ly/HRDistrictDialogue
December 8 - Northern Virginia with District Administrator Helen Cuervo, PE. Hyatt Regency Fairfax. Details at bit.ly/NOVADistrictDialogue
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Both of these Districts have robust programs enhanced by regional funding streams. The Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission (HRTAC) guides approximately $200 million annually into transportation projects. The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is responsible for approximately $300 million in regional revenues.
These programs would not be possible without the support of our members. Please consider a sponsorship opportunity. For its contribution, your company will be recognized in the Dialogue program, during the event and in the Blue Top. Lunch Round Table sponsors will also have one seat reserved at the table you are sponsoring. Please contact Lisha Reynolds at VTCA with questions or suggestions for Dialogue discussion items, [email protected].
The annual Transportation Construction Management Institute (TCMI) is set to train another class of up and coming industry and VDOT leaders beginning February 22 and concluding March 3, 2017.
The program, offered on Virginia Tech’s campus in Blacksburg, is an immersive 10-day curriculum tailored for individuals on a leadership track in the transportation construction industry. Details of the program are available online at www.cpe.vt.edu/tcmi/registration.html.
Registration for the 2017 program will open soon.
Materials Division Memorandum, MD 406-16 issued
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TCMi leadership Training set For February 22 – March 3
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VDOT has posted revisions to the TL-102 form and its use in the MITS/PLAID data management system. The Department has issued a Materials Division Memorandum, MD 406-16, outlining the changes. If you have any questions regarding this memorandum, please contact Wan Soo Kim at 804-328-3076. www.virginiadot.org/business/resources/Materials/MDs/Bumat-MD406-16.pdf
FhWA seeks Changes To The Buy America Act – public Comment period openThe Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is proposing two nationwide waivers from the Buy America Act requirements for:
• Commercially available off-the-shelf products with steel or iron components; and • Steel tie wire permanently incorporated into precast concrete products.
Specialty steel or iron items, or any steel or iron item that is built to contract specification for a Federal-aid project, would remain subject to FHWA’s Buy America requirements.
Earlier this year the American Road and Transportation Builders Association organized a letter to FHWA leadership, signed by nine national associations, urging the agency to undertake a rulemaking as soon as possible in order to end this uncertainty. FHWA is now seeking comments from all interested parties through December 2.
The notice includes 11 specific questions on which the agency would like input. Those 11 questions are on page 71788 of the proposal, found at: www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-10-18/pdf/2016-25116.pdf
Comments are due to FHWA by December 2, 2016. The link for comments is here: www.regulations.gov/comment?D=FHWA-2016-0028-0001
VDOT has published the letting dates for 2017.
1st Ad of the Month 2nd Ad of the Month Bids Due & Letting Date
December 13 December 27 January 25January 10 January 24 February 22February 14 February 28 March 22March 14 March 28 April 26April 11 April 25 May 24May 9 May 23 June 21June 13 June 27 July 26July 11 July 25 August 23August 8 August 22 September 27September 12 September 26 October 25October 10 October 24 November 15November 7 November 21 December 20December 12 December 19 January 24
A new date has been set for the VTCA webinar that every mine operator should sign up for. With MSHA’s pending, proposed rule on workplace examinations in metal/nonmetal and other agency initiatives, mine operators are facing a potential increase in special investigations of their management personnel, foremen and workplace examiners. Learn key strategies to protect your operation.
The date is November 9 and all the details are on page 2. Don’t miss this webinar!
Joe Main, Assistant Secretary of Labor at the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has announced that Neal Merrifield, MSHA’s Metal/Nonmetal Administrator, retired at the end of October. Main made the announcement during an MSHA stakeholder meeting. Kevin Stricklin, MSHA’s Coal Administrator, will succeed Merrifield on an interim basis.
“We hope that MSHA moves quickly to find an administrator for the metal/nonmetal sector who knows of our operators’ demonstrated commitment to safety and compliance,” commented Joseph Casper, Vice President of Safety with NSSGA.
VTCA Webinar on MshA section 110(c) special investigations in Metal/nonmetal
MSHA’s Merrifield retired
The annual Aggregate Safety Seminars are set for December 6 in Fredericksburg and December 7 in Roanoke. This year’s slate of speakers promises to be as impressive as those in the past.
We are happy to have Max Corley of Dinsmore & Shohl as the keynote speaker, providing his insight to matters related to MSHA. We will also have a presentation on the use of drones in mining, specifically as it relates to safety. The issue of pump safe operation will be presented by Godwin Pumps as well as a presentation on rigging/crane safe operation and maintenance. MSHA and DMM professionals will participate, giving their respective updates. The seminars wrap up with particularly beneficial Q&A sessions.
Registration is available online at http://bit.ly/SafetySem16.
safety seminars Coming in December
On a beautiful day in the Blue Ridge Mountains in October, the 2nd Annual Aggregates Clay Shoot was held. The shoot was attended by approximately 40 members of the VTCA mining community from around the state, meeting its original mission of providing a one day opportunity to gather and fellowship with like-minded professionals. Following a brief update from Vernon Harris with the Division of Mineral Mining on current issues, everyone was off to shoot and then to a great BBQ lunch.
This event was only possible thanks to the full support of the event sponsors. A tip of the hard hat to:
individual safety Awards presented in octoberVTCA, in partnership with the Division of Mineral Mining (DMM), participated in several Individual Safety Award presentations in October. These awards recognize employees for years of service without a lost time accident. Sam Hollins of VTCA joined Phil Skorupa of DMM in making the presentations
On October 19 an awards luncheon was held at Luck Stone’s corporate office honoring 24 individuals from numerous plants who served 15 to 30 years without a lost time accident.
On October 20 an awards luncheon was held at Aggregate Industries’ Rappahannock Farm operation. Two Individual Safety Award presentations were made. In addition, John Guth of DMM presented the company with their Reclamation Award in the Non-Quarry Category (Honorable Mention) that was announced at the VTCA Annual Meeting in July.
Congratulations to Luck Stone and Aggregate Industries for setting the safety bar high for individual safety performance.
in Memoriam - nash JohnstonA. Nash Johnston, III passed away on October 28 after many years battling various health issues. Nash was the owner of A. N. Johnston Construction Company. He supported the industry by joining the Virginia Road Builders Association in 1966 and serving on the Board of Directors. Nash was involved in many businesses throughout his years, such as Johnston-Howard Co., Chancellor Co., Spotsylvania Land Corp., Crown-Johnston Joint Venture, Innovative Concrete Products, Sun Asphalt and Shenandoah Asphalt.
Nash is the father of Abner Nash Johnston, IV, President and Owner of Shenandoah Stone and Chancellor Co., Inc. Our sympathies are extended to the Johnston family. You may share your thoughts online at http://covenantfuneralservice.com/obituaries/abner-nash-johnston-iii/.
VDOT and the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) - the workforce development partnership between John Tyler Community College and Reynolds Community College - are excited to announce a collaboration for the Materials Certification School and the Construction Inspector program. Classes will be provided through CCWA and will comply with VDOT procedures, specifications, and certification requirements.
“VDOT hopes to leverage the numerous resources and nationally-recognized expertise of the CCWA to advance the Materials Certification Schools to the next level” said Duane Sayre, VDOT’s Materials Certification Schools Program Manager.
CCWA has unveiled the new VDOT Certification registration web site. Participants and companies can conveniently register online or by phone. Individuals can also view other classes and professional development opportunities at ccwatraining.org.
“CCWA is dedicated to creating an industry focused on continuous improvement and technical expertise for the transportation industry,” said Mac McGinty, CCWA’s Vice President of Workforce Development. “Our Materials Certification and Construction Inspector credentialing training programs will continue to help ensure the quality of Virginia’s transportation system.”
The 2017 class schedule is very similar to previous years, and experienced individuals can still perform a self-study option. As CCWA communicates with industry, more classes will be offered to ensure individuals and companies can effectively plan their training activities for the year.
Throughout 2017, CCWA will focus on two specialty schools. The Materials Certification School and the Construction Inspector Program. Certification classes in asphalt will be conducted by Germanna Community College, and VDOT will retain ownership of its remaining training programs. Below is a breakdown of the different classes within the certification programs.
Materials Certification School
• Central Mix Aggregate • Concrete Field• Concrete Plant • Soils and Aggregate Compaction• Pavement Marking
Construction Inspector Program
• Site Manager Certification • Plan Reading Certification• Documentation & Record Keeping Certification • Surveying for Inspectors Certification• Roadway & Drainage Certification • Structures & Bridges Certification• Guardrail Installation Certification
CCWA is pleased to collaborate with the transportation industry to ensure Virginia’s roadways and workforce are operating at maximum capacity and safety. The industry has an impact throughout the Commonwealth, and CCWA is committed to providing the effective educational opportunities and resources.
CCWA will also be hiring new instructors throughout the next year for classes as the new program builds. If you or someone you know is a talented trainer with instructional expertise, please contact Wes Smith at 804-523-2296 or [email protected].
VDOT Announces Plans for Certification And Inspector Training programs
With a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University, I am seeking a position that will offer me the opportunity to contribute to the success of my new employer. In addition to my education I have experience with field surveys, entering and analyzing scientific data, and writing lab reports. I have used software such as SPSS, ArcGIS and Excel and field tools including YSI meters, laser thermometers, handheld GPS devices and more. I have strong communication skills developed from working in team environments and volatile situations such as fires and crimes in progress. I will be a strong addition to your team. For a copy of my resume, please contact Stephanie Rusnak at VTCA, [email protected].
VTCA, in partnership with the Heavy Construction Contractors Association and Associated Builders and Contractors – Virginia, invites you to attend a Legislative Breakfast on Thursday, December 1 in Centreville. Starting at 7:30 a.m., the Breakfast will be held at the Chantilly National Golf & Country Club, 14901 Braddock Road, Centreville, VA 20120.
This is a great opportunity to meet with Virginia Senators, Delegates and municipal Chairs. Legislators have been asked to share their views on transportation, infrastructure, construction, and their expectations for their District and the Commonwealth.
The cost is $35. The registration form can be found at http://vtcaonline.com/images/registration/Legislative_Breakfast_120116.pdf.
legislative Breakfast in northern Virginia set For December 1
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CES Consulting is pleased to announce the opening of its new Head Office:
23475 Rock Haven WaySuite 255Dulles, VA 20166Phone: 571-933-8476
The firm also has an office in Hampton Roads, located at:
317 Office Square LaneSuite 101-AVirginia Beach, VA 23462
Please update page 108 of your VTCA Directory of Members.
Congratulations to Ross Ellis of Austin Powder and his wife Maria on the arrival of their first child. Mr. Easton Ellis arrived on September 30. We are pretty sure Maria will not allow the VTCA-suggested nickname of Boom Boom!
Wallace Montgomery (WM), a regional transportation engineering firm with offices in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, is growing. To accommodate its success, the firm has moved its Virginia office to 8150 Leesburg Pike, Suite 403, Vienna, VA 22182. The main telephone number is 571-395-8100 and the web site address is www.wallacemontgomery.com.
WM is also pleased to announce the promotion of Roberto Barcena, PE, to Associate. Roberto is WM’s subject matter expert in pavement and geotechnical engineering. He leads this group within the firm’s Highway Engineering Department. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering, a Master’s in Civil Engineering, and an MBA. He formerly served with the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA).
The firm also welcomes Jessica Shearer as a Senior Transportation Planner. She will be responsible for NEPA studies, multi-modal planning projects and support for regional planning. She formerly served with the Maryland SHA. Jessica holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a Master’s in Environmental Science.
Greg Otey has joined The Branch Group as Special Projects Executive. He will play key roles in leading various ongoing and future initiatives within The Branch Group and its subsidiary companies, including Branch Highways and E. V. Williams, Inc. Born in Roanoke, VA, Greg attended Northside High School and the Virginia Military Institute, earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering. After graduation Greg worked in construction as a civil engineer; in 1988 he entered the United States Air Force serving for 28 years and attaining the rank of Brigadier General.
in MemoriamEdward (Ed) Stiles Peabody, Jr., former president of E. V. Williams Company, died October 15 in his Virginia Beach home. Born October 23, 1922 in Norfolk, he was a long time resident of Virginia Beach and member of Old Donation Episcopal Church. He retired from the E. V. Williams in 1997.
Ed’s funeral was held on October 21 at his church. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
Virginia’s code 38.2-3541 of the Bureau of Insurance addresses the “Continuation on Termination of Eligibility” regarding health insurance coverage. It requires certain health insurers to provide a form of mini-cobra coverage on small group policies. Small employers, those that are not required by federal law to provide COBRA, who provide health insurance to their employees, need to offer a 12 month continuation of coverage to their employees.
Please do not hesitate to call me any time you have a question on any aspect of employee benefits insurance.
W. Montgomery DisePresident14021 Charter Park Drive Midlothian, VA 23114804-423-7700 ext. 309 (office)804-423-7701 (fax)www.apgroupinc.com
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A monthly publication of the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance
Jeffrey C. Southard, Esq.Executive Vice President
Dara Jan Morehead, CAEDirector of Administration and Membership Services (Editor)
Thomas M. WittEngineer Director
Samuel L. HollinsAggregates Program Manager
Lisha G. ReynoldsProfessional Development Manager
Dana C. MorrisCommunications Technology Manager
Stephanie L. Rusnak Administrative Operations Manager
Sandy E. FarmerAccountant
VTCA Office ClosedThe VTCA office will be closed November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. We salute all those who have served.
In addition, the office will be closed November 24-25 for Thanksgiving.
ORDERS Construction Company is a full service bridge company providing new bridge construction, inspection, design, and repair services.
Our skilled crews have labored on small crossings to spans nearly 2,000 feet in length. Types of structures we install include: conventional bridges, girder bridges, truss bridges, beam span bridges, pre-cast box beam bridg-es, pre-stressed beam bridges, timber bridges, box culverts, bottomless culverts, three-sided structures, pe-destrian bridges, pipe support bridges/structures, prefabricated bridges, suspension bridges, single radius arch structures and wetland crossings.
We also provide temporary struc-tures that are used in a variety of applications such as stream crossings, pipeline crossings, non-impact en-vironmental crossings, and grade sepa-ration. We not only provide temporary bridge rental services, but install and maintain these structures as well.
