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Did You Know?
The world's most sustainable commercial building is the Change Initiative Building in DuBai. It received 107 out of a possible 110 LEED points.
In honor of the Boston Red Sox, winners of the 2013 World Series, Fenway's famed "green monster" was originally made of wood. When the park burned in 1934, it was rebuilt and made of tin. The famous green wall that we know now was made of hard plastic in 1976.
The tallest building in Phoenix is the Chase Tower built in 1972. It's 40 floors and 483'.
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The tallest building in Tucson is 1 S. Church built in 1986. It is 23 floors and 330'.
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Quick Links
ABA Offices:
1825 W. Adams Phoenix, AZ 85007 602.274.8222
Tucson, AZ 85712
520.881.793
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(Phoenix)
Dec. 12
(Phoenix)
For more information on any of these upcoming events or programs, please contact Erica Lange
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ABA's Staff
Working for you...
Mark Minter
Executive Director
Tom Dunn
Southern Arizona Director
Carol McMullen
Assistant Executive Director
Erica Lange
Assistant Executive Director
in Training
Debbie Carlson
So. AZ Office Manager
Gary Townsley
Director of Apprenticeship
Jenn Swanson
Director of Management Education
Larry Copenhaver
So. AZ Craft Training Coordinator
Dana Jones
Apprenticeship Coordinator
Nita Ornelas
Office Administrator
Mary Navarrette
Chapter Accountant
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Dear ABA member,
Welcome to the third installation of the ABA e-newsletter.
After conducting a member survey this past summer, as well as a focus group in the Fall, the ABA is in a transition phase. The Board of Directors has been working hard to create a Strategic Plan for 2014 that  includes changes to:
- the way we communicate with our Legislators
- our educational programs
- the apprenticeship program
- recruitment of new members
- retention of current members
- board member responsibilities
- the ABA's branding
Look for announcements regarding these changes in upcoming e-newsletters, as well as a webinar presented by Executive Director, Mark Minter in December.
As part of our changes, we're looking to improve involvement on our many committees statewide. ALL members are welcome at committee meetings. A list of statewide committees can be found here.
In particular, your assistance is needed on the Education Committee, as well as the Auction Committee for the February President's Party. Please contact me, if you have an interest in participating in one of our committees.
Also, make sure and scroll down to the bottom of the newsletter to browse through photos of this past month's activities. If you're a Facebook member and see yourself in a photo, please tag it to increase the ABA's visibility and make sure you LIKE our page. I look forward to hearing from you! Erica Lange Assistant Executive Director in Training |
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Federal OSHA Takeover Looms in Arizona
by Mark Minter
OSHA was established by an act of Congress in 1970. Since then Arizona has always had a State OSHA plan administered by the Arizona Department of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) under the Industrial Commission of Arizona. ADOSH has worked closely with Arizona businesses to create an environment where jobsite safety is the priority. Cooperation to create safe workplaces has trumped citations, fines and confrontation. Those years of cooperation and coordination may come crashing to an end shortly if Federal OSHA lives up to its threats.
In 2012 the Central Arizona Home Builders lobbied the Arizona Legislature to enact a Residential Fall Protection Act. The act was eventually passed in the form of SB 1441. That legislation lowered the protection standard for residential workers exposed to falls. Instead of protections such as mandatory tie-off and perimeter protection starting at 6 feet, residential workers wouldn't be protected until exposed to falls at 15 feet and above. Workers on commercial, industrial and civil projects were still protected at the lower threshold.
Federal OSHA had verbally advised ADOSH and the Home Builders that they intended to take action on this issue. The verbal warning has now been transmitted in writing to the State of Arizona. This week Federal OSHA sent a written "Order to Show Cause" to ADOSH advising of their intent to take over inspections in Arizona. OSHA's plan calls for it assuming authority over all construction inspections in Arizona, not just residential.
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How the ABA has been keeping up with our Legislators
 by Tom Dunn
Mark Minter, ABA Executive Director, and Tom Dunn, Southern Arizona Executive Director, as well as members of the ABA recently met with:
- Doug Ducey, Arizona State Treasurer
- Ken Bennett, Arizona Secretary of State
- Ethan Orr, State Representative
- Andy Tobin, Arizona Speaker
- Ben Buehler-Garcia, Tucson City Council candidate
Discussions included commercial construction issues and assisting ABA efforts in support of the industry. We've focused on strengthening our relationships with our elected officials and discussing issues that affect our membership and the industry.
Read Article
If you'd like to become active in these issues and accompany Mark Minter or Tom Dunn for meetings with elected officials, contact Mark or Tom.
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Congratulations to Kevin Burnett!
 ABA Member, Kevin Burnett, senior vice president, Sundt Cos. Inc. was recently
named CFO of the Year by the Phoenix Business Journal. Honorees discussed fiscal challenges and finding way to overcome them, technology, and hiring during a panel discussion led by Phoenix Business Journal Publisher, Don Henninger. The ABA Extends congratulations to Kevin Burnett on this tremendous achievement!
Congratulations Wink Ames!
William "Wink" Ames, a founder of Minard-Ames Insurance Services, a member agency of INSURICA Insurance
Management Network, was inducted into the National Academy of Construction (NAC) on Sunday, October 20th, during a black tie gala held at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix... Read more about Wink's achievement
Wink Ames celebrated his retirement from Minard-Ames Insurance Services last week, after a long-standing career in the construction industry and with all of the construction associations in the state. Wink has been a committed and dedicated member of the ABA, serving as a Board Member, Life Director, speaker at many events, and an incredibly active member. The ABA wishes him well in his retirement!
Blackstone Security Joins "Exclusive Club" with Inc. 5000
Congratulations to new ABA member Blackstone Security Services, Inc. The Phoenix-based security stalwart ispolishing the image of the security industry in the Southwest with an almost incomparable two-year run that culminated recently in Blackstone being included in Inc. magazine's Inc. 5000 of the country's fastest-growing private companies. Blackstone was notified that its position of 3554 of the 5000 made it part of a "very exclusive" club.
Inc. Editor-in-Chief Eric Schurenberg said in a letter to Blackstone President & CEO Dan Swindall, "You are in some pretty impressive company - which is exactly where you belong."
Congratulations to the ABC's S.T.E.P. Award Winners!
Every year the Associated Builders and Contractors recognizes the outstanding safety efforts of member firms through the Safety Training and Evaluation Process, S.T.E.P. This program recognizes that successful safety efforts begin with a commitment to training, ongoing jobsite efforts and employee awareness. The STEP award cannot be granted for a single year, but is a recognition of a multi-year effort on behalf of the recipient.
Congratulations to Corbins Electric & TD Industries for being 2 of 3 ABA Contractors to receive the S.T.E.P. Award!
 | | Mark Flemning, President/CEO of Corbins Electric with Mark Minter, Executive Director of the ABA, receiving the ABC's S.T.E.P. Award. |
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 | | Ed White, Senior Vice President of TD Industries with Mark Minter, Executive Director of the ABA, receiving the ABC's S.T.E.P. Award. |
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For more information on how to apply for this award and qualify, please click here.
Share your company's successes with Erica Lange for possible inclusion in the next e-newsletter.
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 Apprenticeship Updates
by Gary Townsley
Contractor Night at Gateway:
Electrical Contractor Night at GateWay Community College is Tuesday November 19 from 5-7:30p.m. We encourage you to attend and meet our instructors and observe the apprentices in class and labs. Dinner will be served at 5p.m. For more information, click here or contact Dana Jones to register by November 15.
Upgrades to GWCC Lab:
We have been awarded funding in the amount of $16,000 from GateWay Community College to upgrade our lab this year. Thanks to Joe Bujanda, our 4B instructor, for taking the lead on this and giving his expertise, knowledge and time on this project. Our apprentices and instructors will do all the labor involved in this lab improvement project.
Outstanding Apprentices of the Year:
The ABA-AGC Apprentices of the Year are being recognized at the 53rd Annual David G. Hollis Outstanding Apprentices Awards Ceremony at the Hilton El Conquistador in Tucson on Saturday November 9. The following ABA-AGC apprentices will be recognized at this statewide event sponsored by the Arizona Apprentices Advisory Committee:
- Electrical-Wade Ginther, DP Electric
- Operating Engineer-Armando Villa, Haydon Building Corp
- ADOT Operating Engineer-Reginald Roanhorse, ADOTGanado Operations
- Concrete Form Builder-Wyman Smith, Sundt Construction
Each of these apprentices has shown over their years in our programs they are the "best of the best." Congratulations to all.
Contractor Partnerships with High Schools:
The following companies have started partnerships with some of the high schools' construction tech programs in the Valley:
- Kearney Electric-Ironwood HS
- DP Electric- Peoria HS
- Corbins Electric, Sundt, McCarthy - Metro Tech
- JFK Electric, Sundt, TD Industries -EVIT
Thanks to these companies for stepping up. The following high school construction trades programs in the Valley would like to set up partnerships with some of our contractors:
- Cactus HS
- RSK HS
- Liberty HS
- Centennial HS
- Casa Grande Union HS
All of these schools participate in SkillsUSA and are ATEF's sponsored by the ABA . This is a great way to recruit the workforce for your company upon their graduation. If you're interested please contact me and I will put you in contact with the schools' instructors.
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Start Receiving the AGC's Daily e-newsletter
You can keep current with your industry without having to sift through the news every day. Created by SmartBrief, a business news publisher, in partnership with AGC, the AGC SmartBrief provides a daily snapshot of the construction industry with news from Bimtopia, Whole Building Design Guide and other leading sources. In addition, the summaries of what matters to you are written by expert editors to save you time and keep you informed and prepared. You don't need to be a member of the association to take advantage of this free service.
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 ABC's Membership Discount Programs
When your company joined the ABA, you had a choice to join the National ABC. If your company chose to become an ABC national member, you can take advantage of exclusive savings on business-to-business services offered through ABC's discount programs. Descriptions about the savings and services, along with contact information and direct links, are provided for each of the partnering companies here.
You'll also find a savings calculator available at the link to assess what you can save yearly with ABC discounts. To find out if you're an ABC member, please contact Nita Ornelas.
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2013 LDF Case Study Winners Announced!
In the annual Leadership Development Forum (LDF) battle for "first place" bragging rights based on their case study final presentations, the team members listed below earned first place per our esteemed judging panel of six industry experts. The Nov. 1 LDF presentations showcased students' management analytical skills, speaking skills, and financial acumen.
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The 2013 Senior Executive Program
The ABA's Senior Executive Program (SEP) is underway with a new group of executives, business owners and senior leaders. The 2013 fall session has already explored topics such as Transfer of Ownership, Leadership Style, Leaders' Tools, and exercises in executive influence. Participants look forward to discussing various topics during their upcoming sessions, including: Time Management for Leaders, Leadership vs. Management Balance, and Personal Leadership Profile.
The SEP is an opportunity for ongoing leadership training set within an intimate group of industry leaders.
The 2013 class of SEP will share their graduation with the 2013 LDF, graduating on Thursday, Dec. 12th. To attend this, please click here.
If you or someone you know would be appropriate for our 2014 class, please contact Jennifer Swanson.
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 Explorer Post 811 Tours ABA Companies
Explorer Post 811 toured Southern Arizona Chairman Mark Riggi's Millwork by Design. Mark Riggi's knowledge and enthusiasm led an exceptional tour. The Explorers learned about possible careers in commercial construction and manufacturing. Interest is strong and our Explorers returned to their classrooms and presented to other students that may be interested in participating. Thank you Mark Riggi and the entire Millwork By Design team.
See photos
On November 2nd, Explorer Post 811 toured Concord's Subaru Dealership job site. John Nyman led the tour of his offices and then the Subaru dealership job site. The young men and woman enjoyed the tour and we may have recruited the next generation of leaders in the construction industry!
See photos
If you're interested in presenting your company and/or work sites, contact Tom Dunn.
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The ABA Toy Drive! How can you help?
The ABA will once again be collecting toys for disadvantaged children over the holiday season. Collected toys will be  given to children who are part of the Sunshine Acres Community and Sunshine Group Homes Organizations. These organizations provide homes and care for needy children who have been displaced, abused, neglected or orphaned.
Here are several ways you can choose to help:
- Donate a NEW toy or gift for a child between the ages of 4-18 to the ABA office by December 17.
- Start a collection in your office by pasting this flyer to a box and collecting toys as a company. Please bring toy to the ABA office by December 17.
- Make a cash donation to the ABA, which we will use to buy additional toys for the children.
- Print these flyers and distribute them throughout your office or e-mail them to your employees, vendors, and clients.
- Post this information on your website to encourage employee, client, and vendor participation.
- Join the Community Service Board and help collect, coordinate, and distribute the gifts to the children. Contact Erica Lange.
For more information, please contact Erica Lange.
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Volunteer Day in Tucson - December 7th. How can you help?
by Tom Dunn
We're closing in on another successful Volunteer Day - 19th annual! Thanks to our entire Volunteer Day committee led by Bill Ford, Barker Morrissey Contracting, and Susan Mulholland, Mulholland Art & Design Commercial Interiors. Our next meeting will be at 3pm, November 14 on site as we get near V-DAY! It's never too late to help out.
Our recipient, Miracle Square, has been very impressed with the quality of our membership. I spoke with the office manager at Miracle Square and she thanked me for the outstanding patience and demeanor of the men and women working on the site. She told me that she has frequently observed ABA members taking the time to spend with the residents of Miracle Square. Many of these residents are shut-ins and are not able to see their friends and families. Our members are, in essence, becoming their family and friends, listening to old stories, being there for these folks. Thank you!
Please ask us how you can help by contacting Tom Dunn or Debbie Carlson.
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Tucson's November Member Dinner 
Marisa Walker, Senior Vice President-Strategic Planning/Infrastructure of the Arizona Commerce Authority will be the keynote speaker at the November Membership Dinner. Walker will discuss the Arizona Commerce Authority, economic development and opportunities throughout the state. The I-11 economic corridor has been a hot topic and she'll give us the latest developments.
Tom Cowdry, executive director of Miracle Square (Volunteer Day recipient) will share how the ABA membership is changing lives at Miracle Square.
- November 19
- Skyline Country Club - 5200 East St. Andrew's Drive, Tucson
- Reception 5:30pm
- Dinner 6:30pm
Thank you to our reception sponsors:
- J.B. Steel
- Lovitt & Touch� Inc. Insurance & Bonds
The raffle sponsor is Millwork By Design.
Register here
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