State Legislators continue to debate a variety of issues impacting construction professionals. In NH several bills have been voted "Inexpedient to Legislate" (killed), however, activity continues including an effort to increase funding for state aid for school building (HB215, HB549), the establishment of a common definition of employees for enforcement by the Departments of Labor and Employment Security (HB450), legislation defining the release of financial information from request for bids/proposals for the state procurement of goods and services (SB86) and Right to Work Legislation (HB658 and SB107).  

 

For a roster of NH Legislative activity click here. If you would like further information on any of the bills please contact the NH/VT Chapter Office.

 

In Vermont, once again, legislation has been introduced proposing a switch to the federal prevailing wage as the basis for contract requirements on state capital construction projects (S.34), including projects awarded by the Department of Building and General Services. Currently, state-funded capital contracts in Vermont worth more than $100,000 require that construction workers be paid the state's prevailing wage, which is an hourly wage rate that does not factor fringe benefits into its calculations. The federal rate does calculate compensation such as health and dental insurance into its prevailing wage. The current Vermont prevailing wage is calculated by the VT Department of Labor's Economic and Labor Market Information Division. An "Occupational Employment and Wage Survey" is issued every six months. The survey process, which is issued to a sample of employers, receives a return of approximately 90%. The survey covers wages only, not fringe benefits.

 

 

ITS TIME! RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING PROJECTS AND THE HEROES THAT MAKE THEM HAPPEN

 

All member contractors will soon receive the invitation for entry to Associated Builders & Contractors' 2015 EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARDS (EIC) program. Be recognized, promote your capabilities and get noticed by prospective customers. It is truly an opportunity for your company to promote professionalism, create recognition of your capabilities and to create excitement among employees and reward them for their accomplishments. The publicity received by award winners is invaluable and helps promote an awareness of the impact construction professionals have on everyone's lives and livelihoods. The 2015 Awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2015, at the Capital Center for the Arts, in Concord, NH. Projects to be entered must have been completed between 1/1/13 and 1/1/15. The deadline for entries is Monday June, 29 2015.

 

Some changes have been made to the entry process this year in response to feedback from members and an effort to accommodate the submission effort and emphasize/clarify criteria and "points" for a winning award.

 

• Communication, Technology, & Social Media
• Provide best use of social media tools including FB, LinkedIn, chapter website
• Enhance development & awareness of chapter mobile app
• Support all "inbound marketing" initiatives 


• Member Engagement
• Assist in Member Growth Strategies
• Plan creative and exciting Business Development Events
• Provide feedback on new chapter program initiatives
   
• Education & Training
• Participate in development of education offerings
• Develop strategies for onsite training opportunities
• Evaluate current impact of existing training programs 
   
• Government Relations Activity
• Review relevant pending legislative actions
• Monitor, confront regulatory compliance issues
• Monitor, improve relationships with state agency officials
• Participate in election initiatives 
• Click Here to see current list of Legislative Actions in NH 

What a great time we had last week at our Annual Ski Day at Loon Mountain. Perfect weather and skiing conditions, great food, and great ABC friends made for an awesome day! Thanks to everyone who came! Hope to see you at our future events!