PUBLICATION OF ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OF MICHIGAN WINTER 2010
Building Information Modeling: Shaping the Future of Construction Also: BIM technology advances learning at Ferris State University The ABC of Michigan 2009 Annual Report: Nobody fights for Your Business like You and ABC
READY FOR BUSINESS, DAY ONE. Michigan business is ready to take on the world. That calls for a world-class workforce that is innovative, productive, and efficient – precisely the qualities that you’ll find in a graduate of Ferris State University. At Ferris, theory meets practice in more than 170 programs, including one of the finest Construction Management programs in the country. Ferris graduates have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed from day one. All from the university that’s been building a greater Michigan since 1884.
N OBODY DOE S IT BETTER.
Inside
4 Executive Perspective Information 5 Building Modeling: Shaping the
Future of Construction
Michigan construction companies have been slow to jump on the building information modeling (BIM) bandwagon. But that’s bound to change as technology continues to revolutionize the building business.
technology advances 9 BIM learning at Ferris State University
Students in Ferris State University’s School of Built Environment in the College of Engineering Technology are learning building information modeling (BIM) in their coursework – and thereby improving their marketability.
BC of Michigan 2009 11 AAnnual Report
How ABC fought for you and your business in 2009.
23 Advertisers Index VOLUME III, ISSUE IV Building information modeling gives students in Ferris State University’s Architectural Graphic Concepts course the ability to create 3-D images of buildings.
Legislative Update
ABC backs introduction of prevailing wage repeal legislation. 15 On the cover: BIM is definitely what the future is going to be about in construction.
Spotlight on Members & Chapters
Erhardt enters Hall of Fame; Pioneer is Midwest’s first Certified Green Contractor. 16 www.abcmi.com
Winter 2010 3
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS and CONTRACTORS of MICHIGAN BOARD of DIRECTORS John Parish – Chairman Parish Corporation – Central MI Chapter Rod Kloha – Vice-Chairman Circle “K” Services – Saginaw Valley Chapter
Explore new trends to stay ahead
David Sheffield – Secretary/Treasurer Onslow-Sheffield, Inc. – Southeastern MI Chapter Dan Kozakiewicz – Past Chairman Three Rivers Corp. – Saginaw Valley Chapter
On behalf of Associated Builders and Contractors, Happy New Year!
Bill Buyak Capital Steel – Central MI Chapter
The new year will bring a great many challenges – but also opportunities.
Jim Cripps Cripps Fontaine Exc. – Western MI Chapter Gary Hengesbach Westphalia Builders – Central MI Chapter Mike Laundra Alloy Construction – Saginaw Valley Chapter Dave Mollitor Consolidated Electrical – Western MI Chapter Bill Molnar Wm. Molnar Roofing Co. – Southeastern MI Chapter Eric Monroe Rockford Construction Co. – Western MI Chapter Michael Poggi Pinnacle Insurance Partners – Western MI Chapter Jim Struble RCI Electric – Southeastern MI Chapter Jack VandeGuchte Sobie Company – Western MI Chapter Daniel Welch Welch Tile & Marble – Western MI Chapter Michigan Merit Contributors
As ABC members strive to meet their clients’ needs and stay ahead of the curve, new trends and ideas emerge. ABC members have always been among the most innovative in the industry, which is demonstrated as more and more members and their clients embrace building information modeling (BIM). BIM can help increase productivity in building design and construction. As the construction industry becomes more and more streamlined, so too has the demand for better technology and efficiency. As with green building and other movements within the commercial and industrial construction industries, it is typically ABC members who lead the way.
Publisher: Christopher Fisher Managing Editor: Mary Boardway, CAE Publication management: Lezotte Miller Public Relations, Inc. Advertising: Arion Media Printing: Bradford Printing Michigan Merit (ISSN# 1938-9051) is the official publication of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan (ABC of Michigan) and is published quarterly at 120 N. Washington Sq, Suite 805, Lansing, MI 48933, (517) 853-2545. Please direct all inquiries to the previous address. Articles written by outside authors do not necessarily reflect the views of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan. ABC of Michigan reserves the right to reject or edit all material submitted for publication. The appearance of an advertisement in Michigan Merit does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, its products or services, nor do Michigan Merit or Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan guarantee or warrant any claims or offers made by the advertisers.
As with green building and other movements within the commercial and industrial construction industries, it is typically ABC members who lead the way.
Leading the way is a signature characteristic of the Merit Shop. The ability to adapt, innovate and take risk has served our industry and all ABC members over the years. As we see with technological trends like BIM, the Merit Shop philosophy is positioned to remain ahead of the curve well into the future. Yours for the Merit Shop,
Chris Fisher President
Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the following credit line is used: “Reprinted by permission from Michigan Merit, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan.”
4 Winter 2010
Michigan Merit
Building Information Modeling (BIM): Shaping the future of construction Michigan construction companies as a whole have been slow to jump on the building information modeling – or BIM – bandwagon. That’s bound to change, industry members say, as technology continues to revolutionize the building business. “Michigan contractors are just starting to get into BIM,” says Lisa Drago, BIM specialist at Kal-Blue, a Kalamazoo-based ABC Member and seller of blueprint and design products, including AutoDesk BIM software. “I see it evolving and becoming more prevalent. This is definitely what the future is going to be about. To me, it’s a no-brainer.”
Mike Laundra, vice president of Alloy Construction Service Inc., a Saginaw Valley Chapter steel fabricator that has embraced BIM, also Laundra believes it’s inevitable that the technology will become the industry’s design standard. “When you think about the personal computer, a lot of people thought that was a fad, too,” he says.
BIM extends modeling process Whatever its current level of use, BIM has been a buzzword in construction circles for several years. It is vying to replace the industry’s current approach to design, which typically involves an architect building a three-dimensional model and then creating two-dimensional drawings for the general contractors and subcontractors who will work on the job. BIM takes 3-D modeling to new heights and extends it throughout the design and construction process. More than just a 3-D depiction of a building, or part of a building, it is a
An employee of ABC Western Michigan Member Buist Electric works on a project. BIM’s clash-detection capabilities make subcontractors’ jobs easier.
www.abcmi.com
Winter 2010 5
BIM technology will become the industry’s design standard.
virtual simulation of the construction and performance of a structure before any dirt has been turned on a project. The process is a collaborative effort between design and construction that allows project teams consisting of architects or engineers from design firms, contractors and subcontractors to visualize the structure and – in theory – create efficiencies and cut down on costly project changes.
Eliminating clashes
BIM’s clash-detection capabilities hold particular appeal for subcontractors. For example, before any work begins, the model will determine if, say, a pipe or stairwell is running through a piece of ductwork. Many times, those types of conflicts are discovered only in the field after construction is well under way. “It just generally eliminates conflicts and creates a lot of efficiencies,” says Steve Longstreet, vice president of Western WHAT IS THE SIGN OF A GOOD DECISION? Michigan ABC Member Buist It’s having trust in a company that offers an array Electric in Byron of products and services to help you get there. Center, which has used BIM internally for about three years We’re affiliated with MassMutual – a solid company with some of the highest financial and has worked strength ratings of any company in any industry.* on a couple of And with access to MassMutual’s innovative large projects product line, services and tools, you can be sure the decision you make is a good one. in which its use was mandated • Disability Income Insurance • Long Term Care Insurance by the owner. MassMutual. We’ll help you get there.® BIM also makes John J.J. Perras Perras To learn more about Financial Services Professional scheduling easier, MassMutual’s products and 1430 Monroe NW Monroe NW services, talk to a MassMutual Longstreet Suite 100 representative today. Grand Rapids, Rapids, MI MI 49505 49505 says. Typically, Phone: 616-301-6719 Phone: 616-301-6719 subcontractors Fax: 616-913-3319 616-913-3319 Email: jperras@fi nsvcs.com jperras@finsvcs.com perform their Website: www. work in precise pinnacleinsurancepartners.com pinnacleinsurancepartners.com order; they have to wait for certain others to do their MassMutual Financial Group refers to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), its jobs before they affiliated companies and sales representatives. Insurance products are issued by MassMutual, Springfield, MA 01111, and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Company and MML Bay State Life Insurance Company, can do theirs. * Enfield, CT 06082. Financial strength ratings as of 12/10/09: A.M. Best (A++); Fitch (AAA); Moody’s (Aa2); Standard & Poor’s (AA+). Ratings are subject to change. CRN201106-121727 But because
6 Winter 2010
BIM has already largely detailed the building process and detected possible problems, contractors have greater flexibility on when they can step in and complete their work. BIM also allows subcontractors to be more efficient in material ordering and prefabrication, Laundra says. All those little efficiencies add up on large projects, helping them get finished on time or ahead of schedule – and also within or under the budget, he says. A BIM model typically contains more than just geometric information. It can also include such nongraphical detail as the exact brand of lights being installed in a room, as well as links to the manufacturers’ Web site that may spell out the warranties on building supplies. “Information is everything that the model is about,” Drago says. A BIM model can also prove useful well after construction is complete, says Alan Cobb, senior vice president at architectural firm Albert Kahn Associates in Detroit. The building’s owner can refer to the model’s data for facility management and maintenance, he says. “As the construction industry embraces BIM, it will improve the quality of the finished product and the value to owners,” Cobb says.
Economy slows adoption Given all of BIM’s highly touted advantages, why isn’t it more widely used? For now, several factors – not the least of which is the state’s moribund economy – are keeping Michigan construction projects from being filled to the brim with BIM. Estimates of BIM’s prevalence vary, but surveys and other data peg its use at as high as 60 percent on commercial and institutional projects nationwide (that doesn’t necessarily mean that it was used by everyone involved with each project; it may Michigan Merit
“As the construction industry embraces BIM, it will improve the quality of the finished product and the value to owners.” have been only the designer, the general contractor or a subcontractor or two.) Figures specific to Michigan are hard to come by, but anecdotal evidence suggests BIM usage rates are much lower in the state than
add it up
nationwide. Industry observers put the figure at 40 percent or lower – and then, it’s mainly used on large, complex projects. Most observers cite the economy as the key factor in holding back BIM usage in Michigan. The cost of starting out from scratch with BIM can easily top $10,000, once the expense of the software, training and possibly new equipment is totaled, says Andre Zoldan, director of advanced design technologies at Albert Kahn
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Associates. BIM’s backers say the technology is a money-saver in the long run. “We’re in the process right now of proving the benefits outweigh the costs,” Longstreet says. “We see the process as very helpful. Our guys are saying they can’t imagine working without it.”
Other issues may keep BIM at bay But to be sure, the economy isn’t the only thing holding BIM back. Beyond costs, there are myriad other considerations, such as legal and insurance issues, computer compatibility, manpower to manage BIM models and simple inertia of industry veterans who have gotten by just fine throughout the years
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using other tried and true design methods. Randy Sherman, vice president of design at ABC Saginaw Valley Chapter Member Three Rivers Corp., in Midland, says he isn’t sure what all the fuss over BIM is about. “It’s just not very attractive to me,” he says, adding that he and his fellow designers work with 3-D models – just not ones with the complexity of BIM designs. “I do like the concept of BIM and the idea of all your information being packaged together,” he says. “I’m sure there are a long list of pros, but sometimes the cons outweigh the pros.” Many of the cons involve BIM’s sheer complexity, such as computer compatibility among the various design partners on a project. “It’s not the easiest software to learn,” Drago says. “Plus, it is a whole different way of thinking.” People fresh out of school will have an easier time with it because
8 Winter 2010
that’s the way they’ve been trained, she says, while those who are accustomed to traditional ways might struggle with using BIM.
BIM creates legal concerns BIM also requires fresh thinking on the legal front, says T.J. Ackert, a member of the Ackert construction industry team at Miller Johnson, a Grand Rapids law firm which is an ABC Western Michigan Chapter member. Typically, building designs are considered the intellectual property of the architect who produced them. Now, everyone who contributes to the project has a stake, and each party’s duties, rights and
responsibilities must be spelled out upfront, Ackert says. Also, the BIM programs used by various parties on a project don’t always interface well, Ackert says. Changes made by one user may not show up under the system used by another, raising the question of who’s liable for any resulting design errors, he says. Indeed, BIM’s collaborative approach makes determining who’s responsible for any design problems an evolving proposition, Ackert says. Someone has to have ultimate responsibility, but surety and insurance companies are struggling to state clearly who is responsible for what. He says he’s confident that it will eventually get resolved. The legal issues surrounding BIM contracts are similar to those that arose when the design/build method became prevalent two decades ago, and those got sorted out, Ackert notes. MM
Michigan Merit
Students studying heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration at Ferris can use business information modeling to design heating and cooling systems within an architectural plan.
BIM technology advances learning at Ferris State University By Tom Oldfield, Dean, Ferris State University College of Engineering Technology
Students in Ferris State University’s School of Built Environment in the College of Engineering Technology are learning building information modeling (BIM) in their coursework – and thereby improving their marketability. Architectural technology professor Bruce Dilg incorporated BIM into the curriculum in the spring of 2008, allowing students to advance from building a “dumb” 3-D model of a campus structure using AutoCAD to using an intelligent model, Revit. Students are now able to construct a “virtual building” from the foundation up. The software’s ability to flag undersized structural members enhances the learning process, giving students the opportunity to extract details directly from the Revit model. Students have begun to move away from merely placing lines on uncoordinated 2-D drawings in an effort to represent a 3-D building. Instead, they are “builders without www.abcmi.com
the hard hat,” says Big Rapids junior Jackie Pease. “Using Revit forced me to understand how the building was put together and what was behind every wall,” says senior Jessica Miller of Millington. “Revit is a complex program to learn, but it helps you think like a contractor and examine a building’s details.” Dr. John Schmidt notes the impact of the design shift creates a collaborative atmosphere that will address many issues that have plagued building design for years. Schmidt, director of Ferris’ School of Built Environment and also Great Lakes Region director of the Associated Schools of Construction, adds the impact is being recognized throughout the United States, and worldwide, and universities are investigating creative ways of weaving BIM into course curricula. “We are seeing how BIM will affect almost every aspect
of the built environment,” Schmidt says. “From concept development by architects and design by all professions, continuing through construction management and on to operation and maintenance by facility managers, the evolution of BIM will change the way business is done.” Ferris is meeting the challenge of providing students with the knowledge necessary to lead the built environment industry into the next decade by developing an optional set of curricula that will allow students to earn a certificate in virtual design and construction in addition to their degree coursework. The expanded technology is also fostering cross-discipline
Winter 2010 9
collaboration, with students daily. Bachelor of science from Ferris’ School of Built and associate in applied Environment working as science degrees, as well integrated teams to solve as certificates, are available real-world problems after they in architectural technology, have completed introductory construction management, courses in BIM and integrated facility management and Using business information modeling helps Ferris students project delivery. HVACR. examine a building’s details in the Architectural Graphic Concepts course. Dilg, a member of In fall 2010, the school the National Council of will also offer a degree refrigeration degrees. Architectural Registration in architecture and “We are an industry in transition, Boards, has kept Ferris at the sustainability, which will include and as such we need to build forefront of this movement, Schmidt a blend of programming with an partnerships,” Dilg stresses. says. Presenting throughout emphasis on sustainable design and Ferris, celebrating its 125th Michigan and nationally, Dilg has practice. The bachelor of science in anniversary, has the nation’s been instrumental in developing a architecture and sustainability will largest College of Engineering vision and helping Ferris achieve its include nine new courses in addition Technology, and it awards the third goals. to utilizing existing coursework Through Dilg, Ferris is also working largest number of engineering from the associate in applied technology degrees to women. with the University of Oklahoma science degree in architectural The college’s School of Built on a virtual course using BIM. The technology, bachelor of science Environment encompasses many cross-university offering would degree in facilities management and of the careers that focus on the mesh Oklahoma’s Architecture community studies minor offered design, construction, operation Construction programs with Ferris’ through the university’s College of and maintenance of the buildings facility management and heating, Arts and Sciences. MM and infrastructure used by people ventilation, air conditioning and
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associated builders and contracTors of mic h igan 20 09 2009 ABC of Michigan Board of Directors and Officers Officers John Parish, Chairman (Central MI Chapter) Parish Corporation
Annual
Rod Kloha, Vice-Chairman (Saginaw Valley Chapter) Circle “K” Service, Inc. Dave Sheffield, Secretary/ Treasurer (Southeastern MI Chapter) Onslow-Sheffield, Inc. Board Members Bill Buyak (Central MI Chapter) Capitol Steel Jim Cripps (Western MI Chapter) Cripps Fontaine Excavating, Inc. Gary Hengesbach (Central MI Chapter) Westphalia Builders Mike Laundra (Saginaw Valley Chapter) Alloy Construction Service, Inc. Dan Kozakiewicz (Saginaw Valley Chapter) Three Rivers Corporation Bill Molnar (Southeastern MI Chapter) Wm. Molnar Roofing Co., Inc. David Mollitor Jr. (Western MI Chapter) Consolidated Electrical Contractors Eric Monroe (Western MI Chapter) Rockford Construction Co., Inc. Michael Poggi (Western MI Chapter) Pinnacle Insurance Partners Jim Struble (Southeastern MI Chapter) RCI Electric
C h airman ’ s R eport
Unity leads to legislative successes Thank you for the opportunity to have served the association and the Merit Shop construction industry as the association chairman of the board during 2009. Given the current economic conditions in our state and nation, it gives me great pleasure to report that we have maintained the energy, financial health and effectiveness of ABC of Michigan. Your ABC of Michigan leadership has worked throughout the year to encourage unity throughout the Merit Shop construction industry in our state. In addition to providing financial oversight, the leadership and staff worked to make an impact on the legislative complexion of our state and increase the visibility of ABC and the Merit Shop from one end of the state to the other. In so doing, there are many important victories that ABC has won for you this year. A Court of Appeals ruling, for which we filed an amicus curiae brief, upheld our belief that local wage ordinances do not supersede state law on the issue. Also, ABC met with several construction users – including Michigan State University – to explain the truth about union-only project labor agreements. With the biggest election in Michigan’s history coming up next year, ABC is readying itself to fight hard and long to make sure Merit Shop-friendly candidates are elected to our state Legislature, governorship and other offices to bring Michigan out of the economic cellar and make it a business-friendly, growth state. It is the commitment of members like you that makes this association successful and enables us to make your voice heard in Lansing. Each of us doing our part and pulling together will strengthen our industry and continue the success of ABC of Michigan. Thank you for your support throughout the year.
Jack VandeGuchte (Western MI Chapter) Sobie Company, Inc. Daniel Welch (Western MI Chapter) Welch Tile & Marble Company
www.abcmi.com
John Parish Parish Corporation
Winter 2010 11
associated builders and contrac T ors of mic h i g an 2 0 0 9 annual report P resident ’ s R eport
T reasurer ’ s R eport
Working to advance the Merit philosophy in Michigan
Diversity: Key to strengthening the bottom line
After a year of economic and political uncertainty, ABC of Michigan has remained strong and dedicated to the principles that have long guided our association. As we see so much happening around us, the need for ABC has only increased in 2009. On behalf of our membership and chapters, I am pleased to report that ABC of Michigan has continued to meet the challenges facing our industry with steadfast commitment and energy to ensure the defense and advancement of the Merit Shop in Michigan. As a member of ABC of Michigan, you are encouraged to review this Annual Report and then ask yourself these questions: n Does ABC
stand for what I believe in? been faithful and true to the Merit Shop construction industry? n Is ABC’s voice needed today as much as it has ever been? n Am I proud of my organization, and has ABC continued to earn my support? n Has ABC
If you take a look at all ABC has done over the past 12 months, I think you will answer a resounding YES! to all these questions. From government affairs to business development and member services, ABC is your partner. And in 2010, just like in 2009, nobody will be there fighting for your business like YOU and ABC.
Chris Fisher
In 2009, ABC of Michigan’s financial picture reflected that of our members and the industry as a whole. Although regular sources of revenue decreased, ABC diversified its revenue streams and decreased expenses to offset and overcome any shortfalls that arose. In addition to financial stability, the focus of these nondues revenue streams has been to increase the benefits and strengthen the value of the association to members. Adding long-term care and long-term disability insurance products to our offerings, as well as a fixed-price fuel plan, will help to increase revenue and provide needed benefits for the membership. Returning to further strengthen the bottom line this year was the Annual Directory, the Workers’ Compensation Fund and the Super Fleet Discount Fuel Program. A new addition this year is the electronic newsletter, Merit Minute. ABC has begun offering advertising opportunities in the newsletter to make this important member communication tool a revenue generator as well. In addition, both the State Legislative Day and Competitive Contractors Summit met budget and contributed to the bottom line as well this year. Your ABC of Michigan Board of Directors sees its fiscal oversight of the association as a solemn and important responsibility. Working with the staff, board members are confident the financial health of the association can be maintained through the current economic downturn. Thank you for your support of ABC of Michigan and the Merit Shop philosophy.
David J. Sheffield, Onslow-Sheffield, Inc.
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associated builders and contrac T ors of mic h i g an 2 0 0 9 annual report
ABC Victories for You and Your Business
in 2009
Legislative and Political
Member Benefits
ABC Defeated expansion of Michigan Prevailing Wage Act (TWICE!) n Led the fight to curb the use of discriminatory union-only project labor agreements n Created a PLA Toolkit to use in proactively working with construction buyers to pre-empt project labor agreements. n Led the legislative effort to successfully prevent passage of the Hire Michigan First legislation, which would require nonunion firms to have a 100 percent Michigan-based work force on state construction projects while exempting unionized firms from this mandate n Passed legislation to include construction and CTE to state graduation requirements n Received a favorable Court of Appeals decision on the issue of local living wage ordinances n Partnered with a business coalition to encourage state government reform to balance the budget n Backed a resolution by the state Senate asking Congress to oppose the Employee Free Choice Act n Pushed for legislation eliminating the business tax surcharge by advocating repeal to eliminate the 22 percent increase on your gross receipts liability n Defeated unfair contractor debarment legislation n Authored a bill to repeal unfair apprenticeship ratio legislation n Helped defeat expansion of costly unemployment taxes n Opposed mandated paid leave for fulland part-time employees n Negotiated final passage of legislation to decrease sales tax liability on heavy construction equipment n Wrote green building legislation to ensure it is Merit Shop-driven and provides Michigan tax credits for both project owners and LEED certification and education expenses n Helped fight a massive, permanent expansion of Michigan’s unemployment insurance program that would have raised taxes on employers n Helped elect a new pro-Merit Shop senator in the state Senate after the seat was vacated by a liberal, tax-andspend PLA advocate
n
n
newspapers and business publications across Michigan, including the Detroit Free Press, The Grand Rapids Press, Lansing State Journal, Crain’s Detroit Business and West Michigan Business Review n Grew our online presence using social media, new online communication tools, new web domains and the creation of Merit Shop Web sites n Initiated our new semi-monthly e-newsletter, Merit Minute n Represented Michigan companies across the state on leading radio stations n Fought for your business by generating lead story coverage on local network affiliates, including NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX stations n Hosted conferences and sponsored programs to highlight Merit Shop construction in Michigan
ABC continued to grow the self-insured workers’ compensation fund to save you money and keep your employees safe n Worked to add a long-term care benefit for contractors n Added a long-term disability insurance benefit for members n Increased your fuel savings through SuperFleet to 4 cents per gallon n Was a sponsor of the Michigan Green Jobs Conference n Added a bulk fuel savings plan to save you more on fuel n Created a directory listing for Michigan green build contractors n Brought together members across the state for the State Legislative Day n Hosted the Statewide Competitive Contractors Summit n Produced a revamped Michigan Merit magazine highlighting important news and information for ABC members in We specialize in: Michigan • Design/Build n Updated our • Process Piping web site www. abcmi.com to • Butler Buildings include more • Maintenance Services information and • Case Work be more user• Plumbing friendly • HVAC n Fought to include • Structural Steel a Merit Shop perspective to • Green Building the new PLA (LEED Accredited Conference at Professionals) MSU n Proudly became a founding member of MI Construction Career Council
More than Construction
Visibility Grew our statewide readership of Michigan Merit Magazine n Received extensive coverage in n
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ABC backs introduction of prevailing wage repeal legislation ABC of Michigan is backing legislation that would repeal the Michigan Prevailing Wage law effective July 4, 2010, and provide independence from the outdated and costly special-interest giveaway. “As lawmakers and the governor talk about the need for reforms, they should take a serious look at repealing Michigan’s prevailing wage law,” says Chris Fisher, president of ABC of Michigan. “The law is tantamount to government-sanctioned wage fixing. It is anything but ‘prevailing,’ and it comes at the expense of Michigan jobs and taxpayer dollars. We need to promote competitive wages that are neither artificially low nor high.” The legislation, House Bill 5522, introduced by Rep. David Agema, R-Grandville, has more than 20 co-
sponsors: Reps. Justin Amash, Bob Genetski, Kevin Elsenheimer, Tom McMillin, Darwin Booher, Cindy Denby, Matt Lori, Kenneth Kurtz, Pete Lund, Kevin Daley, Joe Haveman, Kenneth Horn, Hugh Crawford, Dave Hildenbrand, Bill Caul, Larry DeShazor, James Bolger, Arlan Meekhof, Paul Scott and Sharon Tyler. ABC has been lobbying key lawmakers, meeting with other business groups and is planning to continue to make the issue a priority issue on behalf of its members and industry.
Mike Nofs sworn in as State Senator for 19th District
State Sen. Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek, was sworn into office at the state Capitol in November with Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Young administering the oath. Nofs was chosen by voters in a special election on Nov. 3 to fill the 19th District Senate seat that We are focused on your success by was vacated providing solutions that meet your in January needs both today and tomorrow. 2009 after Mark Schauer, Building Information Modeling D-Battle Creek, Contractor Prequalification was elected to Congress. ABC Contractor Evaluation of Michigan Submittal Coordination PAC strongly Document Management supported Nofs’ election. The Bid Management win by the Training and Support conservative in a previously Democrat-held seat, which Service and Technology is our Blueprint mirrored fall 800-522-0541 - www.kalblue.com election results in many other parts Certified Support Center of the country,
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sends a strong pro-business message and signals the electorate’s changing mood from just one year ago. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the good people of the 19th District and am humbled by the task before me,” said Nofs. “The hardworking residents in Calhoun and Jackson counties have been without Senate representation for nearly a year, despite an economy that continues to struggle. I am eager to go to work for them. I will fight every day to help improve Michigan’s jobs climate and put our residents back to work.”
ABC leads fight against duplicate sprinkler fitter licensure ABC of Michigan met with lawmakers and spoke before the House Regulatory Reform Committee in December against unnecessary sprinkler fitter licensure. ABC argued that House Bill 5320 creates new licensure procedures that are not needed due to current contractor licensing as required under the Forbes Mechanical Contracting Act. Likewise, the state building code already protects the public health, safety and welfare. In fact, the state Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth has already made clear that the building code ensures fire safety. ABC of Michigan President Chris Fisher pointed out that the legislation essentially serves as a money grab by the state in the form of a tax on the building and construction industries — which are facing 30 percent unemployment in Michigan. “It is unneeded and will do nothing to improve the overall quality of construction or improve public safety,” explained Fisher. The legislation was ultimately not voted on, and the committee chair requested that it be redrafted to address some of the concerns ABC and other groups had with the proposal. MM Winter 2010 15
Erhardt enters Hall of Fame Larry Erhardt’s achievements dot the Grand Rapids skyline. Now his name ranks among Erhardt the state’s construction greats. The founder of Erhardt Construction was inducted into the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame at Ferris State University in October. The Ada resident is the first Associated Builders and Contractors member to gain entry into the hall, which recognizes technical, managerial and leadership achievements in the Michigan construction industry. Erhardt has grown his west Michigan general contracting and construction business from a company that began with small commercial contracts in 1962 to one that has produced many of the buildings that share Grand Rapids’ current skyline. In 1993, Erhardt Construction received the American Society of Civil Engineers Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award for the Lake Michigan Filtration, Low Lift Pump Station. It also won awards for
Pioneer Director of Sustainability Scott Veine, President Tim Schowalter, and Director of Business and Sales Chris Beckering at a GVSU construction site in Allendale.
Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Michigan Construction Hall of Fame inductees are selected by a committee of professionals representing trade associations – including ABC – as well as Ferris State Construction Technology and Management programs.
Pioneer is Midwest’s first Certified Green Contractor Grand Rapids-based Pioneer Construction is the first contractor in the Midwest and just the ninth in the nation to be named a Certified Green Contractor by the national Associated Builders and Contractors.
The ABC Green Contractor Certification program is designed to document the construction community’s efforts to develop a sustainable workplace environment – both on and off the jobsite – and recognize ABC-member firms that are green industry leaders. “Pioneer is proud to be a company that not only delivers ‘buildings that perform,’ but also embraces sustainable practices in our day-today business operations,” says Tim Showalter, Pioneer’s president and CEO. “This helps us meet the needs of our clients with specific sustainability goals, and it’s good business.”
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“ABC members have been on the forefront of the green building movement since its inception, but ABC also believes in stretching green achievements beyond the construction process and into the workplace,” says W. Brewster Earle, chairman of the ABC National Green Building Committee. “The Green Contractor Certification program is another step in ABC’s goal to provide support and recognition for those firms that are setting an example for the industry by promoting green practices within the company and those that would like to create sustainability in the workplace as well as in construction practices.”
Central MI Chapter holiday fundraising event a great success The Associated Builders and Contractors, Central Michigan Chapter made a sizable donation to the Greater Lansing Food Bank (GLFB) during the holidays. The presentation, which included a check for $3,500 plus three shopping carts of food, is a result of donations that ABC collected at its annual holiday party. Terry Link, executive director of the Greater Lansing Food Bank, expressed appreciation on behalf of the growing number of people in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties who access meals provided through the GLFB as a direct result of support from organizations such as Associated Builders and Contractors. “We are blessed to live in such a caring community.” The donation of food and a sizable check from the membership of ABC is yet another indication that in our community, taking care of one another is more than just words.” The ABC Central Michigan Chapter wants to thank the sponsors of the holiday fundraising event, JDE Equipment, Miller Johnson, Cook Brothers Excavating and B & D Electric, without whose contribution, the event would not have been possible. MM
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