THE PUNCHLIST 

CSI ROCHESTER CHAPTER NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER | 2017
Inside this Issue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just put it all

out there! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Become an Advertising
 Partner with

CSI Rochester! 

 

 

 

Revenue from your ad will support the Thomas Wurzer Memorial Scholarship Program

 

Limited space available! For more information, click here

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't forget to 

Check out our Chapter Website!

 

www.csirochester.org 

www.csirochester.org

 


 
4 Things To Look For When You're Job Hunting

Whether you're looking for a new job or switching careers, job hunting is a big deal ! Maybe you are experiencing conflict or you've achieved everything you can out of your current role. Maybe you're just bored.

Gone are the days where an employee sticks with one company for their entire career. Most people stick around for 2-3 years before moving on - that's the hard truth.

People often ask me - "I'm on the job hunt, what should I be looking for?"

Here's my advice.

Company Culture

Company culture can tell you a lot about how satisfied current employees are, how much they're valued, how senior management will treat you, and more. Would you want to join a company whose values don't align with yours? Of course not.

I founded Herjavec Group 14 years ago, but we still operate like a start up. We may be 300 people but the pace at which we move is incredible ! Nothing in the cybersecurity landscape is the same two days in a row and our best people can keep up and adapt quickly.

With this in mind, we recognize the pressure that our employees are under and do our best to offer rewards such as socials, catered lunches and employee appreciation days.

Career Fulfillment

The last thing you want to do is take a job position that's easy. Easy is boring. Look for a challenge; a role that will take you out of your comfort zone and propel you forward in your skills. If the new position doesn't intimidate you, look for something else.

Make sure your new company allows you to progress within your role and responsibilities. I love sharing the story of our SVP of Technical Operations who started with us as a project manager 7 years ago. He showed initiative, learned different areas of the business and has excelled as a leader on our team. Take the initiative and rise to the occasion - onwards and upwards!

Compensation Package

Compensation is an undeniable determining factor in the decision to choose one job over another. As we move to different phases in our personal lives, our needs change. Be gracious but clear about what you're expecting in your compensation package - whether that's for your salary, vacation time, benefits, or the extra perks. There should be no room for surprises after you've signed the contract.

Industry Growth

The last thing you want to do is join a company that's not going anywhere. Your friend from college might be building the next Facebook and wants you to be a part of it, but if there's no clear vision for growth, get out.
What most people don't understand is that they need to interview the company as much as it interviews you. Don't shy away from asking the tough questions. You don't want to join a sinking ship, so get their vision for the future and make sure it's one you can get behind ! How are they planning to grow? What are their priorities? What's the culture like? The worst thing you can do when asked, "Do you have any questions for us?" is say, "Not really."

Herjavec Group is a fast-paced industry leader and we want security experts who can keep up with the pace of change. We're looking for experts to deliver customized and flexible cybersecurity solutions to our clients; the world's largest banks, gaming companies and utility providers. 

Whether you join us at Herjavec Group or are on your own path, here's to your success!

 
source: Robert Herjavec

 
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The Rochester Chapter of CSI is pleased to bring you the September edition of its monthly newsletter, The Punchlist. We hope you enjoy it! 

 

As always, we appreciate your feedback regarding our newsletter.  Also, if you have any suggestions for educational sessions and programs that you would like to see - feel free to tell us! Don't forget to check our website regularly for the latest Chapter news and industry job opportunities in our area, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

We look forward to seeing you at all of our upcoming events!
A Message from the President

Dear CSI Members & Friends,
 
Last year was a resounding success with our events and to say we finished strongly with a great Awards Dinner in April at the Memorial Art Gallery, I believe is an understatement.
As you all know our Networking Mixer event with AIA Emerging Architects to kick-off this year on September 28th is at an exciting location (The Tasting Room at the Genesee Brewery).  I hope to have all of you join us for what promises to be an evening to look forward to. More information will be sent out soon with a calendar of events that we at the Board are working tirelessly to finalize.
On a personal note, I appreciate the opportunity that our members have given me and will ensure my best efforts to serve our distinguished members as they deserve. We have a great board with a foundation of long time veterans and some new faces. I have extreme confidence that we will serve you well and continue to improve your experience as a Rochester Chapter CSI member. In keeping with this momentum, I want assure that our website is easily accessible at www.csirochester.org . We will strive to keep it constantly updated with our event calendar and The Punchlist newsletter on a monthly basis. FYI, we are also located on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, as well.
Lastly, another exciting event scheduled is our October Dinner Program, featuring Christopher Riggs, PE, LC, from Quality Lighting Systems to speak about the New Energy Code - Automatic Lighting Control, and changes that have been made recently. This event will be held at Oak Hill CC on October 11th, and I look forward to seeing you all there.
Sincerely,
Lee Curtis, CSI







To register for this event

October's Featured Event

October 11, 2017:
"New Energy Code - Automatic Lighting Control" presented by Christopher Riggs, PE, LC with Quality Lighting Systems

Oak Hill Country Club
145 Kilbourn Drive
Rochester, NY 14618
5:30PM Cocktails | 6:00PM Dinner | Presentation will follow

Join CSI Rochester as we welcome Chris Riggs, PE with Quality Lighting Systems Inc. This presentation will look at the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2013 and the IECC-2015, which are the current energy codes that are adopted by New York State. In particular, this presentation will focus on the new requirements for automatic lighting control. There are several major differences that make selection of the appropriate energy code vital to the success of any project.

About our Speaker:
Christopher Riggs, P.E., LC is the lighting controls specialist at Quality Lighting Systems, Inc. and has been with the company for approximately 2 years providing support to the local engineering and design community. Chris has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University at Buffalo. He also spent 10 years as an electrical engineer for M/E Engineering in Buffalo designing commercial, educational, and hospitality type facilities.
 
This presentation qualifies for AIA/HWS/CEU Learning Unit Credits. 
CSI Members are free to attend - just one of the many member perks. Guest registration is available for only $50.

or contact Paige during normal business hours at 585.727.1010.  Reservations made after 10/6 will receive chicken for dinner.

2017 CSI Night
Booth Registration is Now Open!
 

Catalogs | Samples | Information

DATE:
Wednesday, November 8th, 2017


For 45 years CSI Night has been our region's premier product show and networking event! CSI Night is a one-day exhibit to showcase your products and services.  CSI Night is a convenient way to reach hundreds of the area's architects, engineers, specifiers, interior designers, building owners, physical plant staff, purchasing agents, building officials, etc., all under one roof!
Booths are first-come, first-served. Reservations will be confirmed upon receipt of full payment, so please don't wait ... make your reservation today!

 
LOCATION:
DoubleTree by Hilton
1111 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY 14623

To register for this event

  

35th Annual CSI Golf
Tournament Recap
 


The Rochester Chapter of CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) held their 35th Annual golf tournament on Monday, June 12th, to raise money for the Thomas Wurzer Educational Scholarship.
 
The event was held at Ridgemont Country Club, in Rochester, NY. It included a lunch at noon, an 18-hole scramble, dinner and an awards ceremony.
 
Organized by the CSI Golf Committee, the golf tournament is part of the annual campaign to raise funds to promote and support The Thomas Wurzer Memorial Scholarship. T he purpose of the scholarship is to recognize a deserving student in an architectural, engineering, or constructional technology program, based on Merit.
 
"The Golf Tournament has become a fun and important annual event to support the scholarship," Chapter Communications Chair Erin Shannon, said. "Thanks to the generosity of the many people who make it successful through participation and sponsorships, we are able to make a significant difference in the future of students who aspire to a career in the design or construction profession."
  
Cannan, Alexander and Scott was the Gold Sponsors for the event, continuing their long tradition of partnering with CSI Rochester on projects and programs that benefit the community and construction industry.  Tournament Hole Sponsors included: Envoy Environmental, Flower City Glass, Herrick Saylor Engineers, Mossien Associates Architects, RL Kistler, Inc., Rochester Colonial Manufacturing, Cannan Alexander & Scott, The Pike Company and Workplace Interiors.
 
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is a national organization dispersed by regions and chapters.  The Rochester Chapter is part of the Northeast Region, and continues its 50+ year existence along the path set forward by the national organization.  CSI is a technical organization that works to organize, standardize, and communicate construction information. CSI is unique in that it facilitates an exchange of information between all participants in the construction process - a benefit not found in one-discipline organizations. 

For more information on CSI membership, events, community outreach endeavors and industry news, check out our chapter website at www.csirochester.org.

AGC: 70% of contractors are having trouble finding skilled labor
Seven in 10 construction companies say they're having difficulty finding enough skilled hourly workers, according to a survey by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk.

The reality of the labor shortage is especially daunting as the country gears up for a potentially massive infrastructure program. That has left some contractors wondering how they're supposed to participate when they are finding it difficult to meet current demand.

 

 

Last December, Jeff DiStefano, the current chairman of the New York State chapter of the AGC and CEO at Harrison and Burrowes Bridge Constructors, nearly Albany, NY, said that although the labor shortage wasn't as severe in the Northeast as it was in other areas of the country, the region was still struggling to replace older workers that were retiring. If and when Trump's infrastructure program gets underway, DiStefano said, it will be "a stretch" to find enough help.

In June, the president signed an executive order that authorized the diversion of $200 million in Department of Labor job training funds toward apprenticeships. The president expressed a desire to create 5 million apprenticeships in the next five years. Yet Trump's 2018 budget request cuts DOL training and employment service funding by 21% and eliminates $1 million in women's training programs. The president said those cuts would be made up for through the apprenticeship initiative.

Trump also wants to give the private sector more control over apprenticeships and not require them to register their programs with the DOL. Critics have said that could result in low-quality training.


 



Rochester Airport receives FAA Grant
The Greater Rochester International Airport has received a $1.2 million grant for improvements.
 
 
The Federal Aviation Administration grant will be used to rehabilitate an apron, enhance security, improve the drainage of storm water runoff and install apron flood lighting and fencing.
"The Rochester airport supports more than 10,000 jobs and adds more than $800 million to our local economy. It is vital that it remains a safe and reliable hub for the businesses and travelers that rely on it every day," said Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Perinton, in a statement. "I'm proud to announce this major award to fund airport improvements that will help get goods and people where they need to go safely and efficiently."
In July the airport received a $1.1 million award from the U.S. Department of Transportation to reconstruct an existing deicing pad. Last year, the airport received a $1.9 million grant to build an 11,700-square-foot deicing containment facility.
Work continues on the airport's $60 million renovation to transform it into a state-of-the-art transportation center. The project broke ground in April. 

Membership Corner

 
Still thinking of joining? What are you waiting for? 

Here's a quick list of just some of the benefits CSI Members receive:
  • Develop valuable cross-discipline contacts at local chapter meetings and national CSI events.
  • Build a network of mentors you can contact when you're facing a new challenge at work, or hunting for a new job.
  • Save with members-only discounts and special rates on CSI education, certification, publications and  partner programs.
  • Learn to use CSI's standards and formats to do your job better and faster.
  • Earn continuing education credits at chapter meetings and CSI events.
  • Stay current on BIM, sustainability and other hot topics while improving your skills through chapter meetings, CSI's education programs, and Construction Specifier Magazine.
  • Raise your profile with CSI's certifications after your name.
  • Participate in the development of standards and formats that shape your work, such as MasterFormat.
  • Meet potential clients and increase your company's visibility at both the local and national level.
  • Be among the first to hear about new projects in your area.
  • Develop a network of professional contacts your company can turn to when you need help and information.
  • And so much more!

"CSI has helped me in many aspects of running my business such as planning, communication skills, and honing my product presentations. Many of the committees, task teams, and projects that new members get involved in can provide training in many of these areas."
 
- John Hamilton, CSI, CCPR, AHC, Manufacturer's Representative


"I have grown as a person with an established reputation through my CSI activities."
 
- Bob Molseed, FCSI, CCS, FAIA, Architect

  

Contact Paul Mahoney, Member Chair today to find out more!
 
Job Corner
 
Check out these great job positions available in our community!  For more information on these positions, visit CSI Rochester's Job Page on our website www.csirochester.org!


Smith + Associates Architects is currently hiring for the following positions:
  • Senior Architect / Project Manager - Rochester, NY
  • Project Architect - Rochester, NY
  • Architectural Technician - Rochester, NY
To apply for these positions, contact  Serene McRorie to apply.  



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NH Architecture is looking for an Architect/Project Manager and a Junior Architect!

To apply for these positions, contact  Marissa Williams today.


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SWBR Architects is currently hiring for the following positions:
  • Project Architect/Project Manager - Syracuse, NY
  • Construction Project Coordinator/Administrator - Rochester, NY
  • Architectural Designer II - Rochester, NY
  • Specifications Writer - Rochester, NY
  • Architectural Designer I - Rochester, NY

To apply for these positions, contact Michele Michaels.
Dear Punchlist readers,

If you have any job openings, industry or company news, promotions, or events that you would like featured in upcoming publications of The Punchlist newsletter, please send them to us.

Also, feel free to forward this email to colleagues or coworkers that may be interested in CSI events and articles.