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From monthly archives: December 2014

We are pleased to present below all posts archived in 'December 2014'. If you still can't find what you are looking for, try using the search box.

Thank You ABC Volunteers

 
 
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the volunteers who have made many of the organization’s events and projects possible.
 
What’s more: volunteers made these ABC events successful!

ABC Board of Directors Predictions for 2015

 
The following are 2015 predictions from a few of our ABC Board Of Directors:
 
Thoughts from Past Chairman of the Board, Mike Klockenga: 

1.      I expect the Nebraska construction environment to continue to be reasonably good – about even with the level of activity from 2014.
2.      I expect that our biggest problem as an electrical contractor will be finding, hiring, and keeping qualified employees.
3.      I believe that the margins for electrical projects will remain low due to the large number of competitors in this space.
4.      I am concerned that the liberal NLRB will continue to make decisions that adversely affect merit shop contractors.
5.      I hope that a Republican Congress can somewhat keep the President in check so he is not able to do too much more to damage the economy.
 
Thoughts from Board Member, Andy Bailey:
 
I believe 2015 will be similar to 2014 from both a project and revenue standpoint.  Omaha in particular will see a continued heavy workload and worker shortages due to several high profile projects still under construction in the area.  AE firms will be busy with school bond projects in the Millard, Papillion and OPS school districts which will translate into bid work by the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2015.  Instability in the health insurance industry will continue to affect companies and their employees.  The continued drop in fuel prices is certainly welcome and will help overall project and company overhead costs. 
 
Thoughts from Chair elect, Bruce Petersen:
 
I predict a rising tide will raise all boats in the construction industry for 2015. Low interest rates and low energy prices will prompt additional consumer spending and increase the need for non-residential building. A tightening of the construction labor market will help bolster construction prices as demand for trained craft people will continue to increase.  Energy production sectors may take a short term hit as energy prices are forecast to remain low over the next 12-18 months, but market sectors outside of the energy production should see continued growth.


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January Networking Luncheons

 
 
Connect with other ABC members by attending the Omaha Networking Luncheon at Anthony’s Restaurant on January 21 and the Lincoln Networking Luncheon at Beacon Hills Restaurant on January 27, 2015. 

Speaker for both the Omaha Luncheon and the Lincoln Luncheon will be Kelly Ekeler from Harding & Shultz, P.C., L.L.O.  Ms. Ekeler will report on the ABC National Attorney’s Conference that was held in November.
 
Immediately following the luncheons, Beau Briggs, ABC Safety Director, will hold a short STEP “How To” session which will be helpful for you in filling out your 2015 STEP applications.
 
To register for the Omaha Luncheon click here.
To register for the Lincoln Luncheon click here.

Electrical Council Meeting - January 12, 2015

 


 
The ABC Cornhusker Chapter Electrical Council will hold a meeting on January 12, 2015 at the Omaha Training Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. 

If you plan to attend please click here.

EEOC UPDATE by Bill Harding

    On November 10, the EEOC announced a settlement involving alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).  One of the individuals in the EEOC's class complaint applied for the position of dispatcher with the employer.  The employer required the applicant to undergo a physical examination which was unrelated to that position.  The examination inquired about past health issues and discovered that the applicant had suffered a heart attack.  In addition, through medical records the applicant was forced to produce as a part of the health questionnaire, the employer discovered that the applicant's grandmother, parents and several of his aunts also had heart problems.  The employer withdrew the conditional job offer it had made to the applicant because it regard ... Read the rest of entry »

Watch for your 2015 STEP Award Applications



 
ABC Safety Director, Beau Briggs, reports that all ABC members should receive their 2015 STEP Applications on or before January 9, 2015.  If you need assistance in completing your applications please feel free to contact Beau at 402-719-2628.  Beau will also be holding a short “How To” session immediately following both the Omaha and Lincoln Networking Luncheons to answer any "How To" questions you might have.

February 19, 2015 - Save The Date For Our Excellence In Construction Awards Banquet and Celebration Party!

 

 
The judges have made their decisions and the winners will be announced on February 19 at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.   Join us as we recognize and celebrate with the winners of the Excellence In Construction Awards. 
 
In addition to the awards ceremony, be prepared for a night of comedy as we are entertained by our MC for the evening, Gayle Becwar, who has performed in front of thousands of companies all over the world.  With his unique brand of clean, interactive, fast-paced comedy, Gayle Becwar is more than an MC, he is a complete entertainer.
 
Don’t miss this fun event and the opportunity to connect with your fellow ABC members.
 
Watch your mail for more information.

STEP Is Here For You All, Take The First STEP by Beau Briggs

 

 

Established in 1989 by the ABC National Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) Committee, the Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) program was developed and written by contractors, for contractors. There is no charge for this service (unless you are applying for STEP Platinum), and your responses are strictly confidential. 

Program Benefits

      Organized approach for analyzing and developing safety and loss prevention programs

      The Key Component system forms a 20 point guide to starting, updating or auditing a company-wide safety program

      Incorporates both OSHA required safety data with self-assessment requirements to give a full, wide ranging report on the entire nature of a company's Safety Program 

      Designed to benefit both large and small contractors alike

      Recognition for ABC members at both National and Chapter level. With various recognition events held throughout the year. STEP can also lead into National Safety Excellence Awards and Accredited Quality Contractor recognition.

      2009 STEP data shows STEP participants beat BLS national averages in a number of areas, leading to benefits both when bidding for business and negotiating insurance rates.

      All companies claim that safety is a priority, with STEP you can prove it.

WATCH FOR YOUR 2015 STEP APPLICATION!!



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E-News: December 15, 2014 Issue

January Networking Luncheons (12-15-2015)

Thank You ABC Volunteers (12-15-2015)

Watch for your 2015 STEP Award Applications (12-15-2015)

EEOC UPDATE by Bill Harding (12-15-2015)

New OSHA Recordkeeping by Beau Briggs (12-15-2015)

FREE Contractor Webinars (12-15-2015)

Electrical Council Meeting - January 12, 2015 (12-15-2015)

Watch for Upcoming AMBUSH Election Seminars (12-15-2015)

NLRB Issues Ambush Election Rule (12-15-2015)

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Free Contractor Webinars

 

 
ABC is sponsoring a series of  FREE webinars to help contractors develop, sustain and improve their businesses and remain competitive.   These webinars include critical information, concepts and practices for operating successful construction businesses. 
Selecting LEED Savvy Sub-Contractors Can Make LEED More Manageable
Thursday, December 4, 2014
1:00 (CT)
To register click here

“What do you mean no more Percentage-Of-Completion”: Upcoming Changes to Contractors’ Financial Statements
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
12:00 Noon (CT)
To register click here

For a complete list of webinars scheduled for the rest of the year click here.

All webinars are archived and accessible after the original live streaming date.
Click here  for Archived Webinars.


Omaha Training Center
10640 Burt Circle
Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 344-4258

Chapter Headquarters
830 Westgate Blvd
Lincoln, NE 68528
(402) 477-4451

Sioux Falls
(605) 937-7622