Arizona Builders' Alliance Newsletter


Association News                                                                                                                                                                                 October 2013
In This Issue
Did You Know?
Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT)
Doug Ducey Speaks with ABA Members in Tucson
Member Achievements
2014 LDF Enrollment
Students Needed for Spring Apprenticeship Program
ABC's Free Webinars
AGC's Membership Discount Programs
Educate Arizona's Youth
Explorer Post 811
Valley High Schools to Partner with GC's
Tucson Volunteer Day
The Month in Photos
Convention 2013!
October Events & Programs

Fall 2013 Calendar (Phoenix/Tucson)

 

ABA Statewide Committtees

 

2014 Leadership Development Forum (LDF) Registration


Convention Registration Open - Last Chance!



Did You Know?
 

 

The world's largest office building by floor size is the Pentagon in Virginia, USA, with over half of its 6,500,000 square foot  floor area used as offices.

 

 

The roofs of the Sydney Opera House are covered in a total of 1,056,006 tiles.

 

 

 

The Empire State Building in New York was the first building to have over 100 floors and was the tallest building in the world from 1931 until 1972.

 

 

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ABA Offices:

1825 W. Adams
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602.274.8222


1661 N. Swan, 
Ste. 144
Tucson, AZ 85712
520.881.793
 





ABA's Staff
 
Working for you...

 

Mark Minter
Executive Director
mminter@azbuilders.org

 

Tom Dunn
Southern Arizona Director
tdunn@azbuilders.org

 

Carol McMullen
Assistant Executive Director
cmcmullen@azbuilders.org

 

Erica Lange
Assistant Executive Director
in Training
elange@azbuilders.org

 

Debbie Carlson
So. AZ Office Manager
dcarlson@azbuilders.org

 

Gary Townsley
Director of Apprenticeship
gtownsley@azbuilders.org

 

Jenn Swanson
Director of Management Education
jswanson@azbuilders.org
 
Larry Copenhaver 
So. AZ Craft Training Coordinator
lcopenhaver@azbuilders.org

 

Dana Jones
Apprenticeship Coordinator
djones@azbuilders.org

 

Nita Ornelas
Office Administrator
nornelas@azbuilders.org

 

Mary Navarrette
Chapter Accountant
mnavarrette@azbuilders.org

 

 
 







Dear ABA Member, 

This second installment of the ABA e-newsletter brings you:
  • Information on legislation
  • Member Achievements
  • Educational Opportunities
  • Upcoming Events
  • Ways to make the most of your membership
In addition, we've introduced a new section called the "Month in Photos."  Check it out to see photos of the past month's events and programs.  I'm interested in hearing your feedback, so contact me at Erica Lange. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the ABA!  

Erica Lange
Assistant Executive Director in Training
 
The ABC's of the TPT
 
by Mark Minter 
 

In Arizona, and many other states, contractors, subcontractors and project owners are often faced with contentious and difficult to understand laws. The lien law, payments, public works procurement and others challenge and vex construction business owners. No section of Arizona law has seen more amendments, more lawsuits and more confusion than the prime contracting tax law.

 

Records in the files of the Arizona Builders' Alliance go back over 30 years with efforts to amend, fix or eliminate the prime contracting law. Arizona remains one of only two states that impose a sales tax on construction through this method. Well, 2013 proved to be no exemption.  Major legislation was introduced to replace prime contracting with a simpler, easier tax on materials.  Sadly, that effort failed.  But, we do now have a law on the books that makes major changes beginning in 2015. 

 

Craig McPike has written the attached article about the changes to the law.  He has a unique perspective on the law and the recent legislative changes. Mr. McPike is one of Arizona's top legal experts on tax law.  He also served on Governor Brewer's Task Force that recommended changes to the law. You will find his article interesting and informative.  If you have ideas for changes to the law before it goes into effect in 2015 please give me a call at (602) 274-8222 or drop me an email at Mark Minter.

 

AZ State Treasurer, Doug Ducey, Speaks with ABA Members at Tucson Dinner!
Tom Dunn
by Tom Dunn

 

There was a great turnout at our September Membership Dinner. Arizona State Treasurer Doug Ducey spoke regarding the improving financial state of Arizona and his vision for the future.  ABA members interacted with Ducey, informing him of the challenges and realities in today's commercial construction industry.  An important takeaway is that Ducey learned about the diverse make-up of our membership and who we represent.  We consist of General Contractors, Sub-Contractors, Suppliers and Affiliates.  We are large corporations, second generation family owned businesses, entrepreneurial start-ups, specialty contractors and more.  Our membership employs thousands of people in Arizona. Ducey will not be the only political leader that will have a chance to meet with us. Arizona Speaker of the House Andy Tobin is featured at our October membership dinner and others have attended various events through the years.  These interactions allow an opportunity for the ABA to become better acquainted and more effective at the Legislature. When Mark Minter and Tom Dunn knock on these politicians' doors regarding legislation, they know for whom we advocate.  So, when an ABA event has political leaders in attendance, meet and greet them and help us become better.  Together we are stronger!

 
 
Congratulations to ENR Southwest's Best Projects Winners!  

  

ENR Southwest awards the Best Projects in a 3-state region annually. More than 90 projects were submitted for this year's competition.  A panel of 10 judges from various areas of the industry selected winners in 19 different categories.  
 
The ABA extends congratulations to six member companies who had award-winning projects, including:
  • DPR Construction
  • Hardison/Downey Construction, Inc.
  • Kitchell Contractors
  • Lloyd Construction Company, Inc.
  • McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
  • Sundt Construction  
To attend the Best Projects Event and support these members, you can register Here
 
 
 
 
Congratulations Jokake Companies for being named ACE's Most Innovative Company of the Year! 
 
Jokake Construction Services, Inc. was awarded the Phoenix Business Journal's 2013 Arizona Corporate Excellence Most Innovative Company of the Year award for its progressive approach to solving the growing challenges facilities owners and organizations face. The ABA Extends congratulations to Jokake on this tremendous achievement! 
 

  

Share your companies successes with Erica Lange for possible inclusion in the next e-newsletter.  
 
2014 LDF Enrollment: Deadline October 31st
Swanson Headshot

The Leadership Development Forum (LDF) is ABA's one year advanced management program which 

focuses on management skills, leadership, and public speaking for senior level personnel and project managers. LDF is recognized as the country's premiere leadership program for contractors, and many of the 650 graduates over the past 20 years are now in leadership positions for their companies and ABA. In fact, more than half of the directors on the ABA Board are LDF grads.

 

You can access the application for enrollment here. There is criteria that an LDF candidate must possess in order to enroll.  Please find this on the enrollment form.  Enrollment is limited.  

 

Please direct questions to Jenn Swanson.

    

 

Apprenticeship Students needed for Spring Semester!
 
by Gary Townsley
 

Electrical Contractors, now is the time to start thinking about what employees you are planning on enrolling in the spring semester of our electrical apprenticeship program.  Classes start in January.

 

We have our Federally and State approved online/correspondence apprenticeship programs available for any of our mechanical contractors along with our electrical online program for those employees (not in the valley or Tucson) in the following trades:

  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • Sheet Metal 
  • Pipefitting   

 

All of these programs have open enrollment. To get started all you need is a company supervisor to become a certified instructor by completing a 2-day instructor certification training class to be able to proctor the written and performance tests to your apprentices.   

 

In the past month I have talked with representatives from the following contractors about these programs:  McCarthy, Sundt and TD Industries.  Your company could be here next month!  Contact Gary Townsley for more information.

 

 

ABC's Free Webinars for the month of October
 

As an ABA Member, you can participate in any of the Associated Builders and Contractors' upcoming free webinars.  October topics include:

  • Selecting & Responding to Request for Proposals (RFP's)
  • Construction-Operations Building Information exchange (COBie) for Contractors
  • Building Relationships and Resolving Disputes in the Construction Industry
  • How to Use Social Media as a Small Business
To learn more about upcoming ABC Webinars, to see the complete list, or to register, click here. 

The ABC's National Institute for Leadership & Profressional Development will be hosting courses in Las Vegas, Nevada November 5th - 7th.  Visit the Institute Homepage for more information or to register.  


AGC Membership Discount Programs
 
As an AGC Member, you can take advantage of their Membership Discount Program, which provides members access to high-quality services, cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line products. From discounts on vehicles to computers and software, AGC has partnered with some of the best to give you the most for your money and improve your daily business operations.

When it comes to your company's bottom-line, your membership in AGC pays dividends. These value added discounts will give you the competitive advantage over your competition. Click on link below to see the types of discounts you may be entitled to.  If you're not certain whether you're an AGC or ABC Member, please contact Nita Ornelas to confirm.  
 
How have ABA Members helped with Career Outreach? 
 
Many ABA Member Companies have stepped up to help at the High School Career fairs across the state. These companies helped with High School Outreach efforts for the Del E. Webb School of Construction Management, as well as the ABA's Apprenticeship Program. 
 
A special thank you to the following companies for all their help: 
  • ASU
  • Barker Morrissey
  • Caliente Construction
  • Chapman Tucson
  • Climatec
  • Coreslab
  • Hensel Phelps
  • Holder Construction
  • McCarthy Building Companies
  • Rural Electric
  • Venue Builders
  • Wilson Electric

There are still dates that need to be filled in the month of October. Please contact Erica Lange, if you'd like to help with these timeslots. You can access the remaining open timeslots here.

 

Explorer Post 811 - High School Outreach
 
Exploring is an educational program for young men and women to learn more about different careers.  Our ABA Explorer Post 811 is the first commercial construction post in the nation!  Led by Committee Chair Tom Kittle, Kittle Design & Construction, we have outreached to local high schools in the greater Tucson area. Interest is strong and we anticipate a first year explorer post of more than 50 students. Our efforts include safety training and field trips to facilities and jobsites.  Southern Arizona ABA Chairman, Mark Riggi's Millwork By Design will be the initial tour in October. These students may be your future employees, so please participate when you can.  ABA members are helping provide future career opportunities!  For more information on how to participate, please contact Tom Dunn or Debbie Carlson.  
 

 

 

High Schools in the Valley want to Partner with General Contractors!

 

The following high school construction trades programs in the valley would like to set up partnerships with some of our contractors:

 

  • Metro Tech
  • EVIT
  • Peoria High School
  • Cactus High School 
  • Ironwood High School
  • RSK High School 
  • Liberty High School
  • Centennial High School 
  • Casa Grande Union H.S.  

 

All of these schools participate in SkillsUSA and are ATEF's sponsored by the ABA . This is a great way to recruit your future workforce for your company upon their graduation.  If you're interested please contact  Gary Townsley and he will put you in contact with the schools instructors.

 

 

Volunteer Day in Tucson to be Held December 7th - How Can you Help?

 

Volunteer Day in Southern Arizona will occur December 7th! Efforts are ramping up with the leadership of Co-Chairs, Bill Ford of Barker Morrissey Contracting and Susan Mulholland of Mulholland Art & Design Commercial Interiors.  The Volunteer Day recipient this year is Miracle Square.  Miracle Square is a unique facility that supports independent living through affordable housing for the disabled and elderly.  The City of Tucson permits have been received and we are always looking for more members to help.  In the 19 years of Volunteer Day, more than $125,000 in labor and materials have been donated and more than 200 members and their families and friends have participated annually.  ABA changes people's lives and we'd love for you to be a part of the effort.  

 

Please ask us how you can help by contacting Tom Dunn or Debbie Carlson.  

 

 

 

The Month in Photos!

Statewide Convention in Sedona - Can you join us?

The ABA's Statewide Convention will be held Oct. 17th - 19th in Sedona.  Come join us for a day of excellent educational opportunities on Friday, the 18th, or join us for the whole time, giving you an opportunity to mix and mingle with some of the most influential companies in the Construction Industry.  

Whether you come for the day or three, it's an experience you won't soon forget! View photos of the 2012 Convention held in Prescott to see what you've been missing or relive old memories! 
 
 





October Events & Programs
  • October 2, 9, 23, 30 - Certified Professional Constructor Prep Classes - Phoenix - REGISTER
  • October 10th - Project Manager Series: Pre-Construction Planning - Tucson - REGISTER
  • October 11th - Project Manager Series: Victorious Project Management - Tucson - REGISTER
  • October 15th - Membership Dinner with Andy Tobin speaking - Tucson - REGISTER
  • October 17th - 19th - Statewide Convention in Sedona - REGISTER
  • October 25th - Project Management: Contract Killer Clauses - Phoenix - REGISTER
Make a note that the ABA Phoenix location will be hosting seminars on the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) on November 4th, as well as a course on Healthcare Reform on November 5th. Details to be posted soon.  

Conact Erica Lange for more information. 


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