Building Central Florida - Issue 3, 2023

WIELAND is proud to bring Illuminate Church’s vision to life. This exciting space features a large sanctuary, classrooms, offices and a fantastic outdoor space. Construction to be completed fall of 2023.

PRESIDENT & CEO

Michele Daugherty ceo@abccf.org

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Stephanie Kress assist@abccf.org

VICE PRESIDENT & COO

Nancy Wray vp@abccf.org

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Alssa Mathews communications@abccf.org

MEMBERSHIP

Catherine Wert membership@abccf.org

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Taylor Tidwell events@abccf.org

Eva Pardo meetings@abccf.org

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Corey Schoenfelder training@abccf.org

CHAPTER SERVICES/ GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Taylor Dupree info@abccf.org

ACCOUNTING

Francine Conway accounting@abccf.org

SOCIAL MEDIA

facebook.com/CFABC/ linkedin.com/company/central-floridachapter-associated-builders-andcontractors-inc./ @abc_centralflorida

BUILDING Central Florida Magazine

For more information, contact Alssa Mathews, Marketing Communications Manager at 407.628.2070 or email bcf@abccf.org

Website/Media Kit: abccentralflorida.com/media/building-central-florida/ Store/Reservations: abccentralflorida.com/product/bcf-magazine/

President’s Letter ABC is Florida’s Leading Force in Commercial Construction

ABC was there every step of the way through the 2023 Florida Legislative session; we had wins ten years in the making that have the potential of saving millions of dollars for our members. We fought back on your behalf to protect you and your business from damaging legislation. Special thanks to our powerhouse team of lobbyists Carol Bowen, Robert Stuart, Chris Dawson, and Chris Carmody, and the rest of the Gray Robinson team.

This issue of BCF has the major bill highlights of the 2023 session. If you need further information don’t hesitate to reach out to me and I will get you the information you need.

Get Into Politics or Get Out of Business!

As we set our sights on 2024 we need your help to defend free enterprise and the merit shop.

Key Actions You Can Take—Tell the Story and Lead the Industry.

• Commit your company to take the journey to world-class safety and submit your STEP application today!

• Participate in the Construction Confidence Index and Backlog Indicator.

• Contribute to Free Enterprise Alliance (FEA) and ask about PAC.

• Download the ABC Action App and tell your legislators to vote for merit.

Our National political advocacy efforts have also generated positive results, with the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) bill now having 79 House and 25 Senate sponsors. We are excited to share that Wyoming has joined the 25 states that are FOCA.

ABC Is Advocating for a Level Playing Field. past two years, ABC has led the fight against a new onslaught of anti-business legislative and regulatory proposals, from the harmful Protecting the Right to Organize Act to President Joe Biden’s discriminatory executive order mandating project labor agreements on federal construction contracts of $35 million or more.

Visit BuildAmericaLocal.com elected leaders to oppose government-mandated project labor agreements on federal and federally assisted construction projects.

Our Unwavering Focus on Safety and Total Human Health is Paying Off.

The 2022 Total Recordable Incident Rate is only 1.5 for STEP contractors. The industry average is 2.5. Members participating in STEP score their level of achievement for each component on a weighted point scale and document their incident rates (TRIR). What we have seen is the dramatic impact of using proactive safety practices to reduce recordable incidents by up to 84 percent, making the bestperforming companies 645% safer than the industry average.

We look forward to the Central Florida Chapter having 50% of contractors participate in STEP this year. Please reach out if you have not done your STEP this year and we will assist you. – Don’t forget that you can earn points towards your EIC submission for being a STEP Contractor.

PRESIDENT & CEO Michele Daugherty

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

Chris Evans | Chair Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC

Julie Holmes | Chair-Elect

JK2 Scenic

Juan Garcia | Vice Chair

PCL Construction Services, Inc.

Roy L. Burkett | Secretary

S. I. Goldman Company, Inc.

Thomas Wert | Vice Chair

Dean Mead Attorneys at Law

Michael Parks | Past Chair Hoar Construction, LLC

2023 BOARD ADVISORS

Ray Bastin, CPA | Treasurer Withum

Michael C. Sasso | General Counsel

Sasso and Sasso, P.A.

2023 DIRECTORS

Jason Albu

Albu & Associates, Inc.

Charles Bracco

Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc.

Kevin Bradford

Charles Perry Partners, Inc.

Roxana Hernandez

Turner Construction Company

C. L. Janeski

Tri-City Electrical Contractors, Inc.

Michael Jordan

Universal Forming, Inc.

John Kurtz

Gilbane Building Company

Earl Lomas

Terry’s Electric, Inc.

Willis Milner

Balfour Beatty

Debbie Rodriguez

Competitive Edge Partners & Consulting, LLC

David Schultz

CEMEX

Scott Scruby

Sunbelt Rentals

Jonathan Sheppeard

Austin Commercial, LP

John Smalley

Hensel Phelps

Chad Tinetti

Tavistock Development Company

Oskar Torres

Towers Construction Company

Derrick M. Valkenburg

Shutts & Bowen, LLP

Matthew Walton

MiGre Engineers, LLC

PRESIDENT & CEO

Michele Daugherty ceo@abccf.org

Welcome New ABC Members

Accredited Firestop Installers

Travis Blea

1501 Robert J. Conlon North East Suite #280 Palm Bay, FL 32905 (772) 494-1088

travis.blea@accreditedfirestop.net

www.accreditedfirestopinstallers.com

Firestopping, water resistant systems, core drilling

Subcontractor: $1M-$3M

Sponsor: John Kurtz

Core USA Construction, Inc.

Mauricio Alcantara

4630 South Kirkman Road Suite 200

Orlando, FL 32811

(954) 774-0015

mauricio@coreusaconstruction.com

www.coreusaconstruction.com

Skilled labor staffing, work comp & payroll services

Supplier Member

Creative Floorcovering Inc.

Gene Degraw 1599 Heritage Crossing Court Kissimmee, FL 34747 (407) 988-6362

gdegraw@ creativefloorcoveringinc.com

www.creativefloorcoveringinc.com

Flooring contractor

Subcontractor: $1M-$3M

Sponsor: Michelle Binkewicz

DeAngelis Diamond

TJ Sellers , LEED A/P

111 N. Orange Avenue Suite 1650 Orlando, FL 32801 (407) 367-5173

tj.sellers@deangelisdiamond.com

www.deangelisdiamond.com

General Contractor: $20M-$50M

Sponsors: Roxana Hernandez, Chad Tinetti, John Smalley

DPC Technology

Frank Gilbert

2500 Maitland Center Parkway Suite 314 Maitland, FL 32751 (407) 502-2410

fgilbert@dpctechnology.com

www.dpctechnology.com

Subcontractor: $1M-$3M

Eagle Fire Protection, Inc.

Heather Heath-Baker

1205 Crown Park Circle Winter Garden, FL 34787

(407) 656-8387

heather@eaglefirepro.com

www.eaglefirepro.com

Fire sprinkler system contractor

Subcontractor: $3M-$6M

Grassland Enterprises, Inc.

Fabian Cook, Jr.

3848 Commerce Loop Orlando, FL 32808

(407) 298-2494

fabian@grasslandenterprisesinc.com

www.grasslandenterprisesinc.com

Electrical contractor

Subcontractor: $6M-$10M

KAST Construction Company

Bryant Bell 3615 Bromley Grand Avenue Suite 210 Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 421-7373

Bbell@Kastbuild.Com

www.kastbuild.com

General Contractor: $1M-$3M

Mobile Air & Power Rentals

Rich Lavoie 325 Rand Yard Road Sanford, FL 32771 (888) 305-3038

rlavoie@mobileair.com

www.mobileair.com

Supply portable cooling, heating, dehumidification, and power Supplier Member

Osceola County Office of Building Safety

Steve Whitmore LEED A/P 1 Courthouse Square Suite 1400 Kissimmee, FL 34741 (407) 742-0200

steven.whitmore@osceola.org

www.osceola.org/agenciesdepartments/communitydevelopment/offices/building-office/ County entity, owner’s representative

Pivot Professional Services

Tom Ennis Jr. 414 English Lake Drive Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 488-8751

tomjr@pivotps.com

www.pivotps.com

Business consulting firm Associate Member

Rayhaven Group, Inc.

Sean Robenstine 955 Charles Street Unit 109 Longwood, FL 32750 (407) 478-0728

srobenstine@rayhaven.com

www.rayhaven.com

Lockers, doors, door hardware, toilet partitions, shelving, racking, etc.

Subcontractor: $1M-$3M

Ribeiro Stones, LLC

Rafael Ribeiro 2207 Silver Star Road Orlando, FL 32804 (407) 723-8802

ribeiro@ribeirostones.com www.ribeirostones.com

Natural and manufactured stone countertops

Subcontractor: $1M-$3M

Sponsors: Juan Garcia, Edmond Zaho

RL Tech Solutions, LLC

Randy Laudner 413 Summit Ridge Place Suite 317 Longwood, FL 32779 (321) 578-2007

randy@rltsol.com

www.rltsol.com

Building information modeling, virtual design construction firm specializing in electrical conduit and systems

Associate Member

Sims Crane & Equipment Co.

Dylan Reese 596 Thorpe Road Orlando, FL 32824 (321) 289-3099

dylan.reese@simscrane.com www.simscrane.com

Construction equipment rentals and sales

Supplier Member Sponsor: Carol Fontanez

Southeast Shell, LLC

Steve Kneipp 5127 S. Orange Avenue Suite 110 Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 990-1862

steve@southeastshell.com www.southeastshell.com

Concrete, masonry and framing

Subcontractor: $1M-$3M

Sponsor: John Kilgore

Southworth Development

George Distler Jr. 456 Autumn Oaks Place Lake Mary, FL 32746 (321) 324-6596

gdistler@ southworthdevelopment.com www.southworthdevelopment.com

Landowner, developer

Associate Member

Sunshine 811 Wendy Schaefer 11 Plantation Road

Debary, FL 32713 (800) 432-4770

wendy.schaefer@sunshine811.com www.sunshine811.com

FREE marking of lines, pipes or cables on/near job site

Call 811 Before You Dig!

Associate Member

United Electrical Sales

Kyle Armstrong 4496 SW 36th Street Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 246-1992

kylearmstrong@uesrep.com www.uesrep.com

Electrical construction material

Supplier Member

Sponsor: Willis Milner

Request an ABC Member digital logo by sending an email to: logorequests@abccf.org

2023 Florida Legislative Session Brings Big Wins for ABC Members

During the 2023 Florida legislative session there were four construction related bills/discussion priorities ABC focused on to gain support from state representatives and senators:

• House Bill (HB) 85 / Senate Bill (SB) 360 – Causes of Action

Based on Improvements to Real Property - PASSED

• HB 383 / SB 346 – Public Construction – PASSED

• HB 461 / SB 1060 – Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship

Direct Funding Grant Program - FAILED

• HB 459 / SB 1654 – Education (Makes updates to the Florida Bright Futures Process) - FAILED

Over 100 ABC members met in Tallahassee for the annual ABC of Florida Legislative Conference, over 20 of which were from the Central Florida Chapter. Since the conference took place during the first week of session, the capitol was buzzing with activity and committee meetings and after a kick-off lunch with guest speaker Melanie Griffin, Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation; the group headed straight away to meetings with legislators.

Central Florida members collaborated with legislators from all counties such as Senator Jason Brodeur, Senator Dennis Baxley, Representative Sam Killebrew, Representative David Smith, Representative Fred Hawkins, and Representative Joanna Lopez to name a few. ABC leadership also met with

ABC’s session-long presence at the Capitol and direct conversations between members and legislators made the difference by showing the real-life impact that these bills have on the construction industry as well as the communities in which members live and work. It is not only for our members but for the rights of all merit shop construction as well as continuing to gain the workforce needed to support the industry.

— Michele Daugherty, President & CEO, ABC Central Florida

The bills ABC supported have worked their way through the House and Senate with strong support. During this session bills creating a direct funding pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship grant for associations, requiring schools to inform students of workforce opportunities Bright Futures Scholarships can be used towards, and a massive tort reform package, could be passed. At the start of the 2023 session ABC collectively agreed that passing any one of these bills would be a huge accomplishment, and a little over a month in marked the first win.

Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis and Secretary Meredith Ivey from the Department of Economic Opportunities to advocate for continued growth and opportunities for the industry.

Your Dues Dollars at Work

SB 360 Passage Creates Huge Win after Decade Long Push!

The 2023 session will be one for the records books. Governor DeSantis signed into law SB 360 after passing the House (89-8) and the Senate (31-7) with bipartisan support resulting in a major win for the construction industry in Florida. The house and senate bills were sponsored by Representative John Snyder and Senator Travis Hutson, both of whom ABC of Florida has been long time supporters of.

For too long, the industry has been held hostage by the endless abuse of the Chapter 558 Construction Defects process. This legislation will add much needed predictability, certainty, and clarity to a currently confused process.

— Carol Bowen, ABC Central Florida Chief Lobbyist

SB 360 leaves intact the four-year statute of limitations for defect claims to project owners, however it shortens the statute of repose from 10 years to seven for latent defects, or those that are “hidden” and not discovered until after expiration of the statute of limitations. In addition to the revised seven-year time limit, the new law also changes the triggers for the start of the clock to the

earliest of two events; (1) issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy, certificate of occupancy, or certificate of completion; or (2) the date of abandonment of construction if the project is not completed. Previously, the limitation and repose periods did not begin until the latest event allowing for the periods to possibly extend well beyond completion of the project, creating undue exposure for contractors.

Under the previous version there were often factual disputes as to when an owner took possession of the property, or when a contract was completed. This conflict is removed under the new version due to certificates of occupancy/completion being public record and additionally clarifies that if a TCO, CO, or certificate of completion is issued, warranty or service work performed within the scope of the building permit will not delay the statute of limitations or repose from being triggered, reducing excessive subjection.

The bill also adds a “materiality” requirement to support a Chapter 553 defects claims alleging a violation of Florida’s Building Code, via the Chapter 558 process. The revision aims to eliminate claims for technical violations of the Florida Building Code where there is no resulting damage to the property or personal injury. The owner must now show that the violation has resulted in physical harm to a person or significant damage to the performance of a building or its systems.

Continued on Page 8...

“The Statute of Repose provides attorneys a way to go after insurance companies through the general contractors and the subcontractors involved. It was put in place to help the owners of the properties, but instead of being used solely for the pursuit of contractors that are doing poor work, attorneys are using this statute to issue lawsuits against many if not all contractors regardless of the workmanship on the building. Reducing the amount of time will provide some relief from this process and help discourage frivolous lawsuits. We were very excited to see this bill passed!”

From left: Oskar Torres, Towers Construction Company; Mike Dodane, MiGre Engineers LLC.; Julie Holmes, JK2 Scenic; Steven Lockhart, Finfrock; Rep. Keith Truenow; Michael Jordan, Universal Forming; Juan Garcia, PCL Construction Services, Inc.; Vladimir Gonzalez, Berman, Hopkins, Wright & LaHam, CPAs; Willie Arroyo, Northwestern Mutual.

— Jason Albu, Albu & Associates, Inc., | ABC Central Florida Board Member

A strong voice for the commercial construction industry’s dealings with the Florida Legislature, Carol Bowen started her lobbying efforts on the state’s east coast, eventually moving up the ranks to the ABC’s top post and providing a strong voice for the commercial construction industry. Thanks in part to her 2022 advocacy work, state residents got a sales tax break in September on hand and power tools and gear that will continue on 2023 and estimated to save consumers $12.4 million a year. She is also the founder of Carol Bowen Strategies.

Robert’s lobbying experience includes representing clients of all shapes, sizes, and interests. From public sector clients, such as cities, law enforcement offices, and clerks of courts, to Fortune 500 companies, Robert interacts with every committee and every legislator in Tallahassee regardless of party affiliation.

Chris primarily focuses on lobbying and government relations for public and private sector clients at the executive and legislative levels of state government, as well as before political subdivisions of the state, including counties, cities, airport authorities, transportation authorities, port authorities, school districts, and water management districts. He is credentialed as a Designated Professional Lobbyist by the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists. Chris also holds two degrees in civil engineering and has experience in construction litigation and design professional malpractice defense.

Chris earned his certification as a Designated Professional Lobbyist from the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists and is an attorney admitted to practice in all Florida state courts. He has substantial experience handling government relations matters, including representation before the Florida legislative and executive branches, purchasing and procurement appeals, and professional licensing. Chris’s experience runs the gamut of state-level needs and issues, from the passing of landmark legislation to proficiency on the appropriations process.

Carol Bowen ABC of Florida Chief Lobbyist

Christopher T. Dawson Shareholder/Government Affairs Advisor Orlando/Tampa

Robert F. Stuart Jr. Senior Government Affairs Advisor Orlando/Tallahassee

Christopher L. Carmody Jr. Shareholder Orlando/Tallahassee

Tax Holidays

ABC and its Partners Lobby Hard to Help Members Get the Following Tax Breaks

• Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday: May 27-June 9, 2023

• Freedom Summer: May 29-September 4, 2023 – Sales Tax Holiday on Recreational Items

• Tool Time Tax Holiday: September 2-8, 2023

* Notable Permanent Tax Exemption: Machinery and equipment used to produce renewable natural gas.

Moving Florida Forward Projects

Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward initiative has slated $7 billion to prioritize 20 critical infrastructure projects in the existing FDOT Five-Year Work Program. $4 billion of General Revenue Surplus has been budgeted towards projects with FDOT’s ability to leverage financing tools, contracting, and proposed policies for the remaining $3 billion over four years.

The congestion relief projects being funded include the I-75 auxiliary lanes from SR 44 to SR 326, I-4 from US 27 to Champions Gate, US 301 Realignment form CR 470 to Florida’s Turnpike, and I-95 at US 1 interchange in Volusia County.

SB 1068: Drone Delivery Services

• Prohibits a political subdivision from taking certain actions against a drone delivery service based on the location of its drone port.

• Authorizes a political subdivision to enforce certain regulations relating to setback and landscaping.

• Exempts drone ports from the Florida Building Code.

• Exempts drone ports from certain provisions of the Florida Fire Prevention Code, etc.

• Defines a drone port as a “standalone building up to 36 feet tall and 1,500 SF or less, located in a nonresidential area used to launch and land small, unmanned aircraft that deliver goods.”

SB 262: Technology Transparency

• Protections for Child Safety.

• Requires a customer “opt-in” for geo-tracking of specific locations and facial recognition technology.

• Most notable, allows customers to “opt-out” of all first-party and third-party direct advertising, which may significantly impact small and medium size businesses that rely on social media platform direct advertising.

MORE WINS!

HB 1383 Creates Clarity for Contractor Thanks to ABC Members

HB 1383/SB 1570: Specialty Contractors was also passed during session thanks to Representative Stan McClain, Representative Dana Trabulsy, Representative James Vernon Mooney, Jr. and Senator Bobby Powell. This bill is in response to the 2021 Florida Statute 163.211 that raised concerns from ABC and our members who were being told that they had to hold a GC license to do work in the permitted jurisdiction if the job scope of a contractor did not correspond to a category defined in the bill. The purpose is to limit the ability of local jurisdiction to say everyone must be a general contractor and be licensed as such.

Although the new bill allows local government’s license requirements to remain in place until July 1, 2024, if they were in place prior to January 1, 2021, the bill clarifies that local government may NOT require a person to obtain a license issued by the local government or the state for a job scope which does not substantially correspond to one of the following:

489.105 (a)-(o) and (q) include:

a. General Contractor

b. Building Contractor

c. Residential Contractor

d. Sheet Metal Contractor

e. Roofing Contractor

f. Class A AC Contractor

g. Class B AC Contractor

h. Class C AC Contractor

i. Mechanical Contractor

j. Commercial Pool/Spa Contractor

k. Residential Pool/Spa Contractor

l. Swimming Pool/Spa Servicing Contractor

m. Plumbing Contractor

n. Underground Utility and Excavation Contractor

o. Solar Contractor

q. Specialty Contractor - means a contractor whose scope of work and responsibility is limited to a particular phase of construction established in a category adopted by board rule and whose scope is limited to a subset of the activities described in one of the paragraphs of this subsection.

Additionally, it instructs that the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) must establish guidelines for VOLUNTARY licensure to a small subset of job scopes that are not covered by the above chapter 489. The clarifications this bill adds prevent local jurisdictions from putting an undue burden on specialty contractors and forcing them to all hold a general contractors license.

ABC Sent Veto Request to Governor DeSantis over SB 7026

Unfortunately, the bill passed. ABC and its members will revisit in the next session. Part of SB 7026 would require the Board of Governors to develop new procurement policies for university and college construction to “allow price to be considered much earlier in the process.” Without more explanations or guardrails, it is presumed that price will be the determining factor. ABC has opposed and helped block versions of this legislation in the past including this current bill due to it causing a race to the bottom with bidding and creating problems down the line with changes orders, etc.

The Higher Education Finances bill states that “at the option of the board, the construction management entity, after having been selected, may be required to offer a guaranteed maximum price or a guaranteed completion date; in which case, the construction management entity must secure an appropriate surety bond pursuant to s.255.05 and must hold construction subcontracts. The criteria for selecting a construction management entity may not unfairly penalize an entity that has relevant experience in the delivery of construction projects of similar size and complexity by methods of delivery other than construction management.”

SB 170: Local Ordinances

• Counties and cities must produce a “business impact estimate” prior to passing an ordinance, with exceptions.

• Estimates must be published on the local government’s website and include certain information.

• Imposes conditions on lawsuits brought by any party to challenge the legal validity of local ordinances as preempted by state law, arbitrary, or unreasonable.

• Properly noticed consideration of a proposed ordinance may be continued to a subsequent meeting under certain circumstances without further publication, mailing, or posted notice.

“Construction companies in Florida have long been at a disadvantage to their counterparts in other states when it comes to securing competitive insurance rates. Having a ten-year statute of repose when our counterparts have an average of five means that construction companies have twice as long to be brought into litigation. Knowing this, insurance companies either don’t offer coverage in Florida or charge higher rates for it. The passing of SB 360 opens the door for more competition in the state, driving down rates at a time when the cost of everything else is going up.”

— Rachel Dobbs, Hylant ABC Central Florida Government Affairs Committee Member

SB 102: Affordable Housing

• Preempts local rent control ordinances.

• Invests more than $700 million into housing projects and incentives.

• Fully funds the Sadowski Trust Fund (for SHIP and SAIL Programs).

• Expands the “Hometown Heroes” down payment assistance program with $100 million in commitment.

• Preempts local governments that prohibit affordable development by ordinance.

• Seeks to incentivize new and expanded developments for more affordable units.

ABC Improves Prompt Pay

ABC Worked with Senator Nick Diceglie to Author SB 346, related to Public Construction passed it during session, and was signed on May 25, 2023 by the Governor. This bill makes improvements to Florida’s Prompt Pay Law for public construction projects by clarifying the process for developing end of project/punch list work and requires that the public entity must pay all portions of the contract balance, including retainage, except for 150% of the cost to complete the punch list, within 20 days after the punch list is created.

The bill also expands on preemptions against the ability for local jurisdictions to impose mandates on public works projects. Previously it was only if the project was over $100 million, this legislation includes any project with any state funding even if it is only a penny, local government may not require and type of local hire, local preference, wage rate, benefit packages, or apprenticeship mandates on the private sector.

FUTURE DATES TO KNOW

• AUGUST 2023:

Opening Republican Presidential Debate

• JANUARY 17-18, 2024:

Tallahassee LegCon

• MARCH 5, 2024:

Super Tuesday

• MARCH 19, 2024:

Florida Presidential Preference Primary

• AUGUST 20, 2024:

Florida Primary Election

• NOVEMBER 5, 2024:

General Election

• JANUARY 9, 2024:

2024 Regular Session Convenes

Budget Blurb

Inmate Welfare Trust Fund – Increases the cap of available spending authority by the Department of Corrections by $32 million for workforce training and prison education programs.

Money and Endorsements Talk!

Bills passed this session prove that the connections and contributions made towards candidates supporting the merit shop construction industry pay off in the end. The members who engage with legislators, the money contributed to campaigns, and the engagement of ABC with policy makers, are what makes the difference.

In 2022, ABC Central Florida endorsed election campaigns for the following people that also voted yes to HB 85/SB 360 regarding the statute of repose and Chapter 558:

Senators: Albritton, Baxley, Hutson (Bill Supporter), Brodeur, Burton, and Wright

Representatives: Yarkosky, Truenow, McClain, Leek, Barnaby, Tramont, Hawkins, Plakon, Plasencia, Smith, Bankson, Amesty, Killebrew, Bell, and Tomkow

ABC Sets its Sights on 2024!

ABC Central Florida held a PAC Fundraiser that raised over $15,000 for the CFC ABC PAC Fund combined with $28,500 raised in voluntary contributions in 2023 that will be used to support state and local candidates. The success of this event will further help prepare for the upcoming 2024 election cycle and to keep ensuring your voice is heard in government.

Thank you to the event’s sponsors:

• CEMEX

• MiGre Engineers, LLC

• Burr & Forman LLP

• Shutts & Bowen, LLP

“Senate Bill 360 is the culmination of a decade of dedicated work of ABC members and staff; as the voice of commercial construction, we have continually been the leader in these (often lengthy) discussions. For too many years, contractors have been dealing with subjective and poorly defined triggers which commence one of the longest statutes of repose in the country. By clearly defining an objective trigger mechanism and bringing the duration back into the “realm of reasonableness,” Florida is showing its desire to bring commercial construction back home! As a local designbuilder of commercial construction projects that works closely with many trades, developers, and owners we all feel the positive implications of this Bill. Commercial insurance carriers will soon be willing to write reasonable coverage in the State – all working towards the common goal of state-wide success! Congratulations to the ABC Team, and the entire Florida construction industry, on the success of this legislative session!”

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP MAKE YOUR VOICE

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•

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— Steven Lockhart, FINFROCK ABC of Florida Board Member

And a special thank you to past ABC Central Florida Chair Ben Goodin, Baker Concrete Construction, Inc., for hosting the event.

Immigration Bill SB 1718 is a Hot Topic for All Employers

How it will affect your business:

• Beginning July 1, 2023, private employers with 25 or more employees will be required to use the E-Verify system for new employees.

• Beginning July 1, 2024, defenses will be altered for employers using the I-9 form or E-Verify system and amends penalties for an employer’s noncompliance to register and use the E-Verify system, including requiring reporting and allowing for the suspensions and revocation of an employer’s licenses in certain circumstances.

• Created penalties for employers who knowingly employ unauthorized aliens making it a third-degree felony.

• Creates a “hold harmless” protection for employers who utilize the E-Verity system as intended.

• Removed Florida from recognizing Alien Registration Cards (Green Cards).

• Prohibits a county or municipality from providing funds to person, entity, or organization to issue an identification card or other document to an individual who does not provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S.

ABC supports the modification of U.S. Immigration Policy to facilitate a sustainable workforce for the American economy while ensuring our national security and prosperity. The construction industry faces an ever-growing problem of shortages, both of craft-professionals and legal laborers who have difficulty becoming citizens or obtaining the necessary work permits.

The overall process to obtain legal eligibility in the U.S. is slow and cumbersome. ABC supports a more streamlined expedited process to make the pathway to legalization more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions on Florida’s New E-Verify Law (SB 1718)

Q: What companies need to comply with this law?

A. The law applies to private employers with 25 or more employees. The 25-employee threshold refers to the total number of employees – not just those who work in Florida. Florida public employers and contractors have been required to use E-Verify since 2021.

Q: Do the E-Verify requirements only apply to new hires, or do employers need to run existing employees through E-Verify to ensure they are authorized to work in the United States?

A: The new E-Verify requirements only apply to new employees hired on or after July 1, 2023. Employers do not need to verify the employment eligibility of current employees using the E-Verify system. However, the law makes clear that anemployer may not continue to employ someone who is not authorized to work in the United States after obtaining knowledge that a person is or has become unauthorized. Therefore, employers should consider whether they knowingly employ individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States, as doing so could subject them to increased penalties under this law.

Q: Do employers need to comply with this law if they use an employee leasing company or PEO?

A: Yes. The law is clear that private employers with 25 or more employees must comply with this law. The law states that licensed employee leasing companies may enter into a written contract with a client employer that places the responsibility on the client employer to use E-Verify, but the law does not provide any mechanism for placing responsibility on an employee leasing company or PEO. Therefore, employers must ensure that they are using E-Verify themselves and not relying on a third party to do so.

Q: How should employers report compliance with this law?

A. Employers verify compliance by certifying on their first tax return each calendar year that they are in compliance with the law when making contributions to or reimbursing the state’s unemployment compensation system. Employers mustal so keep records showing their use of E-Verify for each new hire for three years.

Q: Are there any provisions for employees who are in the process of obtaining a work visa or permanent status?

A: No, SB 1718 does not provide any provisions for employees in these situations. However, the E-Verify system may indicate that an individual’s case is under review. Possible outputs from E-Verify include

(1) Employment Authorized, (2)Case in Continuance, (3) Tentative NonConfirmation, and (4) Final Non-Confirmation. If an employer receives a Case in Continuance or Tentative Non-Confirmation (“TNC”) as an initial result, they must continue to employ the individual unless they receive an updated Final Non-Confirmation for that individual. If an employer receives a TNC result, it means the entered information does not match records available to SSA and/or DHS. The employer is required to take additional action to resolve the TNC which can be reviewed here: https://www.e-verify.gov/e-verify-user-manual-30-case-results/33tentative-nonconfirmation-mismatch

An employer cannot penalize or take any adverse action against an employee on the basis of a TNC.

Q: Can employees face criminal charges for transporting undocumented immigrants in company vehicles?

A. Although a prior draft of the bill would have made it a felony to transport undocumented immigrants within the state of Florida, the version that was passed only criminalizes transporting undocumented immigrants across state lines.

Q: How does this law apply to contractors and subcontractors?

A. The law only addresses this in the context of contracts with public agencies. Public agencies must require in any contract that all contractors and subcontractors use E-Verify for all new employees. The law states, “[i]f a contractor enters into a contract with a subcontractor, the subcontractor must provide the contractor with an affidavit stating that the subcontractor does not employ, contract with, or subcontract with an unauthorized alien.” The law does not provide guidance as to private employer liability for contractors and subcontractors.

In More Than Half of US States, at Least 90% of the Construction Workforce Does Not Belong to a Union

WASHINGTON, April 13—According to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of 2022 state union membership data published recently by UnionStats.com, at least 9 out of 10 construction workers in private industry do not belong to a union in 26 states, up from 24 states in 2021. Nationwide, a record 88.3% of construction workers do not belong to a union, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, up from 87.4% in 2021.

“Data continues to suggest that the vast majority of construction industry professionals freely choose not to join a union,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs. “This illustrates why it makes no sense for the Biden administration to continue to advance controversial policies requiring workers on federal and federally assisted construction projects to join a union and/ or pay union dues through schemes like project labor agreements and other anti-competitive and inflationary policies. Worker choice and freedoms create immense value for taxpayers and the construction industry, yet the Biden administration continues to undermine these principles with burdensome regulations that needlessly raise costs on taxpayer-funded construction projects and steer contracts to unionized contractors and workers.”

The construction industry awaits a final rule implementing President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14063, which requires project labor agreements on federal construction projects of $35 million or more. Research has found government-mandated PLAs increase infrastructure project costs by 12% to 20%. The Biden administration is also pushing state and local governments applying for more than $250 billion in federal infrastructure grants to require PLAs in order to enhance their ability to receive federal money. This executive overreach will also exacerbate the construction industry’s skilled labor shortage of more than half a million people by excluding the 88% of the industry that chooses not to join a union and will undermine taxpayer investments in America’s infrastructure and clean energy projects.

“ABC will continue to challenge anti-competitive regulations that favor special interests and advocate for all construction workers to be welcome to build taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects,” said Brubeck.

Member News is a forum for companies to share information with the Central Florida Chapter membership, free of charge. This service is available to all member companies on a first-come, first-serve basis, as space permits. Content should be editorial in nature, such as new contracts, finished projects, employee promotions, etc. and not promoting business products and services.

For more information contact Alssa Mathews at 407.628.2070 or send an email to: bcf@abccf.org.

For detailed descriptions download the Media Kit from: abccentralflorida.com/media/building-central-florida/ Request an ABC Member digital logo by sending an email to: logorequests@abccf.org

Burns & McDonnell

…an engineering, architecture, and construction firm, held a ribboncutting and open house event with the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast to celebrate the company’s rapid growth in Florida and its latest office opening in Melbourne. The Melbourne office currently employs ten staff members, but the company plans to double this number by the end of 2023 and reach 50 employee-owners before 2025. The company’s growth is a testament to the momentum generated by innovative aerospace, space, and defense projects along Florida’s Space Coast.

“We look forward to being part of the economic growth and prosperity of Melbourne and Florida as we build a thriving and growing aerospace team — right here in the Space Coast,” said Rich Mahaley, vice president and general manager of Burns & McDonnell in Florida. “Our Melbourne team is delivering innovative solutions and we are thrilled to work with our commercial aerospace partners. As we add exceptional talent to this growing team, we’ll continue delivering world-class service to support the Space Coast and surrounding communities.”

The Collage Companies

…has been selected by The City of Bunnell, located in Flagler County, as their design build partner for the 18,000 SF Administration/ Police Department Complex expected to be completed in 2024. The new complex will be built on a 2.8-acre lot near State Road 100 and Commerce Parkway. The one-level, L-shaped structure is built on pediments, or triangular gables, and angular columns creating a portico-like walkway along the two front parts of the white building. The new structure will be home to administration for the municipality as well as the police department.

PCL Construction Services, Inc.

… is proud to share that they have been recognized by Great Place to Work® and Fortune® magazine as one of the 2023 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®. This is PCL’s 14th appearance on the prestigious list. Making the list is highly competitive and is based on employee surveys which reflect a comprehensive picture of the workplace experience.

Giving back to the community is just one of the many reasons PCL employees believe this is one of the best places to work. The Florida Buildings Group supported a variety of organizations such as Heart of Florida United Way, Second Harvest Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Broward Pantry, Ronald McDonald House, Boys & Girls

Club of America, Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida, UCP of Central Florida and many more. Each of these organizations are changing people’s lives and impacting communities.

“Our company works to build and help the communities around us. I am incredibly proud of the individuals that are a part of these organizations and proud that we represent the heart of PCL Construction in the community through volunteer efforts, events, fundraisers, and more,” said Rick Goldman, vice president and district manager, Florida Buildings Group. “PCL is a company that not only builds communities but gives back to them as well. Our people are our greatest asset and are what make PCL a great place to work.”

As a 100% employee-owned company, PCL believes the ownership business model plays a major contributing factor in earning this honor as one of the best places to work in the country.

PCL Construction Services, Inc. employees work hard and play hard. The team enjoys participating in special events and activities, like Field Day and Dog Park Day.

PHOTOS FEATURED IN THIS SECTION ARE COURTESY OF THE MEMBERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED THE NEWS.

Quinco Electrical, Inc.

…is proud to announce that they have been selected to be the main electrical contractor at The Great Wolf Lodge project located in Naples, FL. This extravagant lodge features 500 family-friendly suites and a massive 100,000 SF indoor water park. The resort will sit on 20 acres on the eastern edge of Collier County making for a convenient, fun-filled getaway for families across South Florida. They are pleased to be partnering with Suffolk Construction and are excited to see the progress throughout this project. They have been working diligently for the past five months and could not be more pleased with their team’s hard work. With a rough construction timeline of 18-24 months, Great Wolf Lodge South Florida is expected to celebrate its grand opening in spring/summer of 2024.

Westbrook Service Corporation

…is excited to announce that Brian King, president and CEO, became just the third majority owner since the company’s founding in 1949. Brian and his team have dedicated themselves to creating a company culture that is so profoundly different that it leaves a lasting impact on the lives of Westbrook employees and their community. They have accomplished this by creating stability for the team in a way not often seen in the construction/service industry through competitive pay, consistent hours, low health insurance premiums/deductibles, eight paid holidays, and annual bonuses. The company has also prioritized carrying out Westbrook’s company culture into the surrounding community and beyond by using Westbrook’s resources to volunteer with local and global nonprofit organizations like No Child Hungry. Within his time as majority owner, Brian has successfully unified a once divided company through positive culture and values, instilling a sense of teamwork and camaraderie that is visible in Westbrook’s work.

Wharton-Smith, Inc.

…is pleased to announce the promotion of Tim Smith to the role of president and CEO. Tim, who was named as the company’s president last year, assumed the CEO helm on April 3, 2023. In this role, he will continue to focus on the company’s growth and guide its path as one of the most renowned construction firms in the south.

Tim is a servant leader. He advocates for every client, team member, and philanthropic partner, helping Wharton-Smith achieve its vision –to be the construction group of choice.

“To be named president and CEO is the realization of a 40year journey. Along the way I have been given the opportunity to be mentored by some incredible leaders. The exposure and experiences I have had in my career at Wharton-Smith have prepared me for this new role and I am grateful for those who led the way for me,” says Tim Smith.

Tim joined the company in 1984 at age 16, starting at the bottom and learning his way up the ladder. During 35 years of incredible growth and change, Tim has served the company in many roles, from laborer to president. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Auburn University and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Central Florida. Tim is a professional engineer and a licensed general contractor.

Williams Company Management Group

….had another great year cycling for the American Diabetes Association’s Tour De Cure Florida! They had 20 cyclists participate in this event and are proud to say that they raised over $130,000 for the American Diabetes Association. For 13 years, they have supported this vital organization and want to thank all their participants, sponsors, donors, and volunteers.

Tim Smith

Brian King

… is proud to announce the recent completion of an exciting project on Stetson University’s campus. The Cici & Hyatt Brown Hall for Health & Innovation Center is a new building that will provide a state-of-the-art experience for both students and staff alike. Equally as exciting is their next Stetson project at a very historical building on campus, Chaudoin Hall. Originally constructed in phases in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this historical landmark on campus will be upgraded to include an enhanced environment focusing on the comfort and safety of this student dorm facility. Their focus on the three-story building upgrade will entail a detailed effort to improve many facets within the building without compromising its historic charm.

WPC

…in partnership with American Residential Communities (ARC) and New South Residential, LLC, broke ground on two new affordable housing projects in Central Florida. Bringing the total number of affordable housing projects between WPC and ARC to six, including five senior communities and one family-housing community. Projects include Madison Landing and Madison Landing II (both located in

Orange County) and Madison Heights and Madison Highlands (both located in Hillsborough County). The two new projects Madison Grove and Madison Oaks West are in Osceola and Marion counties, respectively.

… broke ground in January on Madison Grove, a 71,546 SF affordable senior living community, located at 3400 Progress Lane in St. Cloud, Florida. The $23.5 million project will be built on 2.01 acres of land featuring 80 units comprised of 53 one-bedroom and 27 two-bedroom units.

…broke ground in April on Madison Oaks West, a 94,000 SF affordable family community located in Ocala, Florida. The $21.9 million project will be built on 5.07 acres of land featuring 96 units comprised of 24 one -bedroom, 54 two-bedroom and 18 threebedroom units. In line with ARC’s signature art for their high-rise communities the company will commission Andrew Spear to create an original design depicting natural elements capturing the essence of the respective communities.

BUILDING FROM THE HEART

LIFT

ORLANDO’S HEART OF WEST LAKES HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Central Florida Chapter MEMBERS

Atlantic Concrete Washout

CEMEX

DisposAll, Inc.

Guignard Company

Hartford South, LLC

JCB Construction, Inc.

Kelsie’s Blinds Inc.

Midstate Caulking & Construction Services, LLC

PeopleReady

R. C. Stevens Contruction Company

Smith Fence Company

Spectra Contract Flooring

Speedy Concrete Cutting of Central Florida

Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers, Inc. WILLSCOT

R. C. Stevens is proud to be a part of an all-important project for the residents of The Communities of West Lakes. The community is comprised of five historic Orlando neighborhoods, rich in African American heritage, who have come together with the help of LIFT Orlando.

LIFT was founded by business leaders collaborating with residents committed to strengthening their community by building an economically viable area to live, learn, work, and grow. They have helped to amplify their voices by supporting them as agents of change. In doing so, LIFT commissioned the Polis Institute to discover the assets within the community and learned the hopes and dreams of its residents. One of the areas of need was access to healthy foods and preventative healthcare.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEVI IVEY, R. C. STEVENS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

To meet this need, the new 30,000 SF Heart of West Lakes Health and Wellness Center was planned by LIFT Orlando/Community of West Lakes, designed by Baker Barrios Architects, Inc., and constructed by R. C. Stevens along with many other Central Florida ABC members. R. C. Stevens celebrated the building’s top out in May of 2022 with a luncheon for all onsite team members. Unfortunately, the community event had to be cancelled due to rain but was replaced with community/LIFT employee hardhat tours in July.

Prior to the start of construction, R. C. Stevens and LIFT Orlando hosted an online community forum for residents and local subcontractors. The project overview introduced the project, its impact on the surrounding area, and subcontract opportunities, especially for minority/women business enterprises.

The intent of the design is to transform the area with spaces, gardens, and walking paths – to facilitate connectivity and community. Emphasis is also placed on the outdoor areas and green spaces in a setting that works to evoke feelings of familiarity and comfort.

The first phase of construction included the core and tilt-wall shell, along with sitework, foundation, storefront, stairwells, elevators, and MEP. Also included were finishes for common corridors, dedicated greenspace, and asphalt parking lot(s) shared with the neighboring Bradley-Otis Family Branch Boys & Girls Club.

Tenant buildouts were the next phase where R. C. Stevens completed public areas such as the community assembly room and Legacy Café along with buildouts for Florida Blue Center Orlando West Lakes, and a healthcare center operated by Community Health Centers, Inc.

The class A building will provide residents of the area with centralized primary care services as well as a co-working financial wellbeing center, food services, and a sense of place and trust. Facilitating a holistic approach to wellness, the center will provide patients and visitors an opportunity to learn about nutrition, improve access to healthy foods, and provide the tools needed to develop positive lifestyles that aim to increase quality of life.

R. C. Stevens has been a part of Central Florida landscape for over 97 years so when given the opportunity to build a project such as this one, they were grateful and honored to do so. Building for local communities reminds them of the impact they, as an industry, can make for years to come and help create a literal foundation of a better tomorrow for everyone.

You Don’t Have To Be A Billion-Dollar Company To Run A Billion-Dollar EHS Program

— Small Company, Big EHS Program

ABC partners with Amphibious to launch the Captive Safety Program

By Christian Deater, SAVI EHS | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE AMPHIBIOUS GROUP

The vast majority of large construction management (CM) firms and general contracting (GC) firms have a comprehensive EHS management system that is successfully implemented. The core elements of the EHS systems include executive leadership commitment and visible leadership, written policies that are consistently executed, implementation of a plan/do/check/adjust management model, a process of tracking and trending leading and lagging indicators, and employing credentialed EHS professionals to act as advisers to the organization.

Organizations that implement a comprehensive EHS system obtain numerous benefits that:

• Improves employee safety.

• Reduces risk.

• Increases productivity.

• Decreases insurance premiums.

• Creates high employee morale and retention rates.

• Drives management engagement.

• Leads continual improvement.

• Focuses on proactive, not reactive.

Ultimately, a company’s EHS program drives the culture of

the organization, it defines an organization, it is the fabric of an organization.

For over 25 years I have served as an EHS professional working for some of the largest CM firms in the world. A frequent narrative I would hear from trade contractors is that it is not feasible to execute an EHS system like the large CMs/GCs.

One of the primary reasons that is cited is that the financial and human resources are not available. There is certainly merit to that argument. There is a cost to having a custom written EHS program developed, hiring a fulltime experienced/credentialed EHS director and deploying a web-based platform to manage inspections, incident reporting, and for tracking leading and lagging indicators. These are just a few of the direct related expenses that can make it prohibitive for trade contractors who do not have the revenue of the mega CM/GC firms to deploy an EHS management system.

The solution is a shared services model that is managed similar to how a captive insurance program is managed. One trade contractor may not have the ability to financially support the expenditures associated with implementing an EHS management system, but three, maybe four trade contractors who share the cost of the program can. Some of the shared services include but are not limited to:

• An experienced/credentialed EHS director and EHS managers to support the organization.

• Initial gap analysis of the current state of EHS within the organization.

• A written EHS program tailored to the organizations scope of work.

• Development of a company new hire EHS orientation.

• A web-based platform to manage inspections, incident reporting, and tracking leading and lagging indicators.

• EHS related training modules.

• Incident investigations.

The one caveat to this solution is that it cannot be accomplished without the complete and unwavering commitment from the organization’s leadership team. And that commitment must be contagious from the top to the bottom of the company. Processes and procedures can be put in place, but without leadership’s dedication to a culture of care and continual improvement, the journey to an incident free workplace will always be in the rearview mirror.

For more information, contact Christian Deater, Director of SAVI EHS cdeater@saviehs.com

Orlando Health: Contractor Tips for Tapping into a $5.8B Building Budget

Amid the ever-changing Orlando skyline, it’s hard not to notice the surge in construction projects. As indicated by the 2023 Economic Forecast published in Building Central Florida magazine, one of the leading drivers of this trend is Orlando Health, with a building agenda that rivals that of smaller cities.

Some of Orlando Health’s major projects include a new hospital in Lake Mary, a 95-bed expansion at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital in Clermont, both set to launch in 2024. Furthermore, significant projects are underway in locations such as Apopka, Winter Garden, and downtown Orlando on Underwood Street.

John Walsh, assistant vice president of facility development at Orlando Health, spoke at the ABC Builders Breakfast in February, where he noted current trends in healthcare facilities favor smaller facilities tucked into neighborhoods over large, centrally located urban health centers. Add to that the amount of public funding available for healthcare and you can understand the increase in the numbers of building projects.

Walsh mentioned two of the biggest challenges Orlando Health faces are hiring all the sub-contractors they need and developing enough projects to spend all the money available before funding expires. When he asked the room full of ABC members who had worked or was currently working on an Orlando Health building project, almost everyone raised their hand.

Here are some tips Walsh had for contractors interested in getting involved in any of the upcoming Orlando Health projects:

• Counter rising supply costs and supply-chain issues through early purchasing, making use of Orlando Health’s extensive warehousing space. Relying on the availability and affordability of materials isn’t an effective strategy.

• Pursue projects whose scale and complexity align with your capabilities. Orlando Health is looking to build long-term relationships with contractors who consistently deliver a quality product.

• Develop a process for maintaining cleanliness on job sites to help avoid injury to workers, medical staff, patients and family members who may need to traverse worksites. Many Orlando Health sites must remain open to patients throughout the project. Language and decorum are also important on these active sites. No one wants to tangle with crude behavior while attending a medical appointment or visiting sick loved ones in the hospital.

• Attend a monthly coffee chat with the development team in Orlando Health downtown offices. These informal conversations can help make the right connections, better understand the details of upcoming projects and anticipate specific subcontractor needs.

Orlando Health’s ongoing and future projects reflect the thriving construction industry in the Orlando area. The opportunities for contractors are vast, making it an ideal time to seize these prospects.

From left: Fred Metz, VP, Superior Rigging; Roxanna Hernandez, Turner Construction Company; John Walsh, Assistant Vice President of Facility Development, Orlando Health; Joe Orr, ABC CF Program Chair, Baker Concrete Construction; David Yates, CES Mechanical; Jonathan Sheppeard, Austin Commercial at the Builders Breakfast in the ABC CF Office. PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC CF.

Record Breaking Turnout at GC Connect!

GC CONNECT | MARCH 9, 2023 PHOTOS

The attendance at the GC Connect event this year set a new record. This exclusive opportunity is reserved for ABC Members and enables general contractors to present and display their projects. Subcontractors, suppliers, and associates can access information on previous and forthcoming projects, learn about various GC member companies and their bidding procedures, and discover awards received for their work. 38 contractors exhibited their work to an audience of more than 300 attendees.

Huge shout out to the Special Events Committee volunteers for helping at the event.

Thanks to our Exhibiting GC`s:

• Ajax Building Corporation

• Albu & Associates, Inc.

• Austin Commercial

• Balfour Beatty

• BATSON-COOK COMPANY

• Boyer Building Corporation

• Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC

• Brookstone Construction, LLC

• Charles Perry Partners, Inc.

• Clancy & Theys Construction Co.

• DeAngelis Diamond

• Finfrock Construction, LLC

• Gilbane Building Company

• H. J. High Construction Company

• Hensel Phelps

• J. Raymond Construction Corp.

• JK2 Construction

• KAST Construction

• Link Construction Group, Inc.

• MEC General Contractors

• Mill Creek Residential

• Miller Construction Company

• OHLA Building, Inc.

• PCL Construction Services, Inc.

• Pike Residential

• Pirtle Construction Company

• R. C. Stevens Construction Company

• Skanska USA Building Inc.

• T&G Constructors

• The Collage Companies

• Turner Construction Co.

• Verity Construction Company

• Walbridge

• Walker & Company, Inc.

• WELBRO Building Corporation

• Wharton-Smith, Inc.

• Wieland

• WPC

Spring Golf Tournament #1

ARNOLDS PALMERS BAY HILL | APRIL 10, 2023

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABC CF

This sold-out event started off with bloody mary`s sponsored by Boys Electrical Contractors, LLC and supported iBuild Central Florida, while keeping attendees safe with on-site medics from The Amphibious Group.

Tournament winners:

Flight 1: First Place: National Trench Safety

Flight 2: Clancy & Theys Construction Company

Flight 3: EFCO Forming & Shoring Solutions

Closest to the Pin: Marc Miller, Clancy & Theys Construction Company

Longest Drive: Vladimir Gonzales, Berman Hopkins CPAs & Associates, LLP

Thank you to our sponsors and golfers for coming out. A little rain won’t stop ABC!

For questions about Florida projects or legal issues, contact:

Doug Gartenlaub dgartenlaub@burr.com

Peter Vilmos pvilmos@burr.com

Michael Smith mwsmith@burr.com

Troy Smith tsmith@burr.com

Chris Meyer cmeyer@burr.com

With 35 attorneys across the Southeast experienced in construction and project development, the Burr Construction team can address all aspects of your project. CAC1815793

SAVE THE DATES

September 8 - Fall Golf Tournament #1

Orange County National

September 29 - Fall Golf Tournament #2

Orange County National

SCAN QR CODES TO REGISTER TODAY!

For sponsorship interest and sign up, reach out to Taylor Tidwell, Events & Engagement Director, events@abccf. org

ABC Cares - Industry Coming Together to Feed Central Florida

DESIGN & BUILDING INDUSTRY MIXER

EMBER ORLANDO | APRIL 13, 2023

CF ABC Members as well as over 10 construction industry related organizations came together for the annual Design & Building Industry Mixer at Ember, partnering with SecondHarvest Foodbank to encourage members to bring hope to the CFL community by making food/cash donations. Together, over $1,950 was raised, which will provide almost 8,000 meals for families here in Central Florida.

Solar Bears - Board of Directors & Mentorship Night

AMWAY CENTER | MARCH 22, 2023

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABC CF

Who is up to speed to take over when my current leadership team retires? Who is engaged and dedicated to continuing to rise within my company?

If questions like this as to where your organization can go and how your team can grow are at the forefront of your mind, then ABC’s Young Professionals Group is just one of the resources for you.

Outside of 50+ events annually, there is much more to the core of ABC – ABC helps members DEVELOP PEOPLE, win work, and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which its members work.

To further this initiative, Julie Holmes, chair-elect and young professionals board liaison, got to work and gathered the young professionals as well as the chapters Board of Directors for a mentorship night on ICE!

Over 60 attended, including many new faces, to continue helping lead the future of ABC with more knowledge professionally but allowing the younger generation to also learn all that ABC has to offer.

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

2023 Upcoming Young Professional Events

JUNE 22: Trivia Night

JULY: Financial Literacy & Credit Building

SEPTEMBER:

21 - Construction Expo at Central Florida Fairgrounds

28 - Happy Hour

OCTOBER: Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Carving Competition

NOVEMBER: Thanksgiving Potluck: Food Donations & Basket Making

DECEMBER 14: Holiday Party & Winter Olympics

For more information on our upcoming young professional events , scan QR code or email yp@abccf.org

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

for the Chapter’s 50th Anniversary year!

(Announced at EIC Awards Banquet on Oct. 14)

START GAINING POINTS & ELIGIBILITY BY ATTENDING THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMS

To apply, scan QR code or email training@abccf.org

With over 60 years of commercial and industrial mechanical contracting experience throughout Florida, we understand what it takes to deliver a quality product across a multitude of market sectors from design to delivery.

Goldman Company, we do more than get the job done, we get it done right.

Differentiate through Quality: KAST Construction Shares Its Keys to Success

By Christine Andola, Moxe

Quality is the cornerstone for one successful Florida builder. Attention to quality work allows KAST Construction to extend warrantees, reduce punch lists, win new projects, and grow their business around the state.

From a foundation in West Palm Beach, FL, KAST Construction has built a company with more than 300 people in five offices across the state: Tampa, West Palm Beach, Space Coast, Miami, Naples – and soon, Orlando. The company focuses on hospitality, condominium and multi-family projects touting more than 85,000 keys, 4,782 condos and 8,192 residential units completed.

According to the company’s web site, “Our philosophy regarding quality is to differentiate or die. As a company, KAST has invested heavily in quality management with our world-class vertically integrated internal quality control department.”

“We do a lot of work with repeat clients, so we understand their expectations,” said Bryant Bell, Vice President of KAST Construction, in his address to a room full of eager subcontractors at the ABC Central Florida Builders’ Breakfast in April.

As part of building long-term client relationships, KAST focuses on building a quality product to improve the value and efficiency of its work. Its approach to quality includes a full-size outside mock-up of every project. KAST designs, builds, and punches a mock-up of the project, perfecting its process while confirming details with the client.

“Modeling seems like it would add time (and money) to the project. But getting it right on the ground before building up in the air helps us avoid costly tear downs,” Bryant said.

“Modeling has become an important part of our quality process.”

— Michael Spencer, Project Executive, KAST Construction

Mock-up Training Center. PHOTO COURTESY OF KAST

The biggest warrantee items in most construction projects are waterproofing, showers, and bathrooms. KAST built a mock-up in an old shopping center to try different materials and applications. It uses the mock-up like a training center for replicating best practices to achieve a higher quality standard.

Repeated visits to the site for punch-list items can waste time and money (and can be aggravating to project owners). KAST saves time and money by reducing the need for lengthy punch lists.

KAST implements its quality building process developed during the modeling stage and then protects the finish work until the project is complete. Floors, for example, are covered with a material heavy enough to truly protect them from high traffic damage until the build is completed. And KAST doesn’t paint until the end, resulting in shorter punch-lists, more efficient builds, and happier owners.

When asked about how contractors could best work with the company, KAST provided the following tips:

• Write quality RFIs and properly qualify your bids

• Budget and bid projects that fit your company – You can’t bid on every project

• Budget aggressively

• Stick with the bid after submission

• Provide added value

KAST Construction has chosen quality as a means of differentiation in a crowded marketplace, but it doesn’t end there. According to their website, “KAST remains productively paranoid in the quality arena, staying out in front of industry trends and best practices.”

As presented at the ABC Central Florida Builders' Breakfast on April 26, 2023. More information on KAST at www.kastbuild.com

When we focus on mutual success, everyone wins.

iconic projects.

We build on what we know works and continually find new ways to deliver for a more diverse mix of clients. We bring together the right teams to find the best way forward and elevate your vision of success.

ABC: Government-Registered Apprenticeship System Alone Won’t Solve Construction Labor Shortage

WASHINGTON, May 3, 2023 —

It would take 12 years for federal and state government-registered apprenticeship programs to educate the more than half a million workers the construction industry needs to hire in 2023, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of recently released U.S. Department of Labor data. ABC estimates that the construction industry’s federal and state government-registered apprenticeship system yielded just 45,000 completers of four-to-fiveyear apprenticeship programs in 2022.

“Construction of American infrastructure, clean energy and manufacturing funded in part by recent robust government investments in federal, state, local and private projects will be delayed, subject to added costs and/or not built at all unless lawmakers champion all-of-the-above workforce development policies for the construction industry,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs.

“Unfortunately, the Biden administration and some in Congress are pushing funding and policies exclusively promoting the governmentregistered apprenticeship system to build the construction workforce. This benefits special interests because 75% of all apprentices enrolled in construction industry GRAPs are affiliated with union programs. Yet, the government’s own data demonstrates that the restrictive GRAP system is not meeting the industry’s need for skilled labor and therefore cannot be the only solution supported by government to meet market demand and develop a diverse and inclusive workforce.”

For example, the 2023 Inflation Reduction Act provides $270 billion in tax credits to private developers of clean energy construction projects, but in order to unlock the full 30% value of tax credits, they are required to ensure that 15% of all labor hours on an eligible construction project are performed by government-registered apprentices. Clean energy stakeholders are concerned these requirements will be difficult to meet due to government red tape, making it extremely time-consuming or even impossible to have new GRAPs approved in certain states so the number of apprentices enrolled increases. A lack of apprentices and GRAP capacity, which currently serves 250,000 apprentices, will ultimately increase costs and delay the construction of new projects, undermining the Biden administration’s clean energy agenda.

The DOL conducted a May 5 listening session on its plans to rewrite regulations for the National Apprenticeship System, which could result in new restrictive policies favoring special interests at the expense of the broader construction industry.

In addition, the ABC-opposed National Apprenticeship Act introduced in Congress on April 25 further entrenches the rigid registered system, failing to address critical workforce needs of our nation’s construction industry and substantially restricting apprenticeship opportunities currently serving thousands of contractors.

“Government-registered apprenticeship programs are one of many solutions that are part of ABC’s all-of-the-above solution to workforce development,” said Brubeck. “ABC’s 68 chapters are educating craft, safety and management professionals using innovative and flexible learning models like just-in-time task training, competency-based progression and work-based learning, in addition to more than 300 federal and state GRAPs across over 20 different occupations, in order to develop a safe, skilled and productive workforce. In addition, ABC member companies administer GRAPs independent of ABC’s network and invested an estimated $1.6 billion in construction industry workforce development in 2021.”

In the 118th Congress, ABC supports the Training America’s Workforce Act (S. 1213), the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1477/S. 722) and the Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students Act (H.R. 793/S. 161).

Visit abc.org/workforce to learn how ABC is building the people who build America.

From left: Taylor Dupree, ABC CF Chapter Resources & Government Affairs; Florida Representative Susan Plasencia; and Michele Daugherty, ABC CF President & CEO, at the Florida Legislative Meetings.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABC CF

CENTRAL FLORIDA'S CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION CONFERENCE

Was a Great Success!

On May 9th the ABC Central Florida Chapter hosted the 2nd annual Central Florida Construction Technology & Innovation Conference, featuring national and local experts and a variety of tech demos. Our goal was to encourage attendees to create a culture of innovation, improve productivity with technology, and inspire the diversity in the construction community.

RUSS YOUNG CHIEF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER TENNA

Conference Participant Feedback

"Paul Doherty speaking on the metaverse was fascinating!"

"The panel talked more about real issues affecting us, rather than giving a sales pitch."

"The Technology Panel was fantastic! The interactions & insights provided were so helpful."

"The amount of networking I was able to do during lunch, in between sessions, & at the mixer afterwards, was invaluable."

PAUL DOHERTY PRESIDENT AND CEO OF TDG EARTH IFMA FELLOW, & DFC SENIOR FELLOW

MATT ABELES VP CONSTRUCTION TECH & INNOVATION ABC NATIONAL

ROB MORRIS REGIONAL MANAGER AT EGNYTE

KRIS LENGIEZA VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AT PROCORE

KAITLIN FRANK CEO AT EMOD SAFETY

PAUL WOLMARANS CEO OF KENPAT

MICHAEL NELSON REGIONAL SALES MANAGER AT ARCORO

JAY SNYDER PRESIDENT AT BIG BLUE INNOVATIONS

ABC’s Construction Management Competition Provides Opportunities to Learn and Connect

By Smartbuild, Main

Far more than just a two-day competition, ABC’s Construction Management Competition gives aspiring construction managers meaningful experience, connections, and the chance to shine in front of their industry peers and partners.

As an integral part of ABC’s National Convention, students from around the country have a chance to compete to build a project estimate, schedule, quality control plan, safety plan and a project management plan for a project that is currently in construction by a member company.

For competitors, the experience starts well before the countrywide competition. To qualify for the national CMC, a competitor must already be an ABC National Student Chapter Network member. Participating teams receive a request for proposal (RFP) about two months before the competition begins. That is when they begin to build a complete proposal for their ‘client’ (a panel of judges with thorough knowledge of the project).

Teams then must create a complete estimate, project management plan, and safety and quality control plan. All proposals must be submitted electronically two days prior to the ABC National Convention, with the hard copy being submitted the morning of the Convention.

During the first day of the national CMC, teams are presented a change of direction the project must take. Teams must amend their original submission to reflect the change and resubmit during the sixhour competition, all in the company of over 20 other groups working on the same thing.

Judges then select top teams to compete in a second round of competition, during which teams are grilled on every detail of the project to demonstrate their understanding.

Chris Lonas, a mentor, and previous competitor in the CMC, explained that judges are looking for a particular set of skills and awareness around project management. “Judges understand that students aren’t construction professionals, that they haven’t been around for a long time,” Lonas said. “What they’re really looking for is the students’ attention to detail.”

As an engineering student, Lonas said the competition brought him a long way in understanding what happens during real construction projects. “It is a massive tool to prepare us for the industry. Had I not done this competition, had I not continued to be involved as a student and then as an industry professional, I don’t believe I’d be in the position that I am today.”

As captain of his CMC team during the 2022 competition, IsaacJoshua Barton understood the challenge presented by keeping all elements of project management straight. “I discovered quickly just how difficult it is to set up a directory for all the information that comes with the competition so that everyone can access and edit things,” Barton said. “When you’re working in a bunch of PDFs, Google Drive just doesn’t cut it.”

Barton competed in the CMC again in 2023, but with added support that allowed him and his team to really use and understand the construction tech solutions they were offered. “We were able to

ask many questions - and more nuanced questions,” Barton said, which helped immensely since the skills they used in the competition are not taught in class.

“The technology definitely helped to siphon through information. It’s very valuable because was just me on the estimate. The technology enabled me to get my quantities and numbers whole lot quicker than versus if I was doing it by hand or doing it by ruler. If I was doing it by hand, I know for a fact I would not have had enough time to do it all.”

Beyond the competition, Barton said construction tech should be introduced in classes. “Technology is the key tool that will need to be utilized for successful construction projects because otherwise it’s just too many moving parts,” he said.

Besides the experience competitors gain in construction management, the CMC also exposes students to a lot of industry connections that can boost a career after graduation. Team members participating in the CMC are paired with mentors to help students understand various components of preparing an RFP. These types of one-to-one interactions expand students’ networks to connect them with current industry professionals and these connections could lead to more opportunities.

After competing in last year’s CMC, Barton’s performance won him an internship with ABC Central Florida member Brasfield & Gorrie. There, he gained more experience in project management, which will help as he leads his team in another CMC and launches his postgraduate career.

“This competition is by far the most valuable education and information we can gain to prepare ourselves for the real world and to be a part of the construction industry,” Lonas said.

As ABC Central Florida’s student chapter main sponsor, SMARTBUILD supported this year’s CMC competitors with the technology they needed to organize project documents and communications to complete better submissions.

We would like to congratulate the University of Central Florida ABC Student Chapter for receiving first place in the quality control category. Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off.

From left: Isaac-Joshua Barton, Lucas Keizo Massukado Nakatani, Leandro Aguirre, Daniel Dominguez the 2023 UCF CMC team. PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC NATIONAL

Sponsor of ABC CF's student chapter

The Growing Opioid Crisis is Affecting the Construction Industry

By Terence A. Curran Jr., ABC CF Safety Committee Chair, The Amphibious Group

The opioid crisis has been a growing issue that has affected many industries, including construction. The construction industry is a high-risk and physically demanding job, with long-hours hours and tight schedules. These factors can lead to injuries and chronic pain due to the aging workforce. Many construction workers have turned to prescription opioids to manage their pain, which has resulted in a spike in opioid addiction and overdose deaths.

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relievers; some examples are oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. They work by attaching to specific receptors in the brain and blocking pain signals. However, they can also produce a euphoric high, leading to addiction.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, construction workers have a higher rate of opioid overdose deaths than any other profession. This statistic highlights the severity of the problem and the urgent need for better solutions to prevent and treat opioid addiction in this industry.

Several factors contribute to the opioid crisis in the construction industry. One of the leading causes is the physical demands of the job, which can lead to chronic pain and injuries. Many workers are reluctant to take time off to recover, so they turn to prescription opioids to manage their pain instead.

Another contributing factor is the lack of access to alternative pain management treatments. Many construction workers do not have health insurance or access to affordable healthcare, so they rely on opioids to manage their pain because they are readily available and affordable. Another critical factor is the readily available treatment leading to excessive use of Naloxone. Naloxone is a great tool to have readily available to treat an accidental overdose; the current crisis healthcare professionals are facing is family members, friends, or additional loved ones are administering naloxone to ensure the person in question lives but is not ensuring they get the proper support they need.

To combat the opioid crisis in the construction industry, there needs to be a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of addiction and provides comprehensive treatment options. A campaign or plan to support employees would involve:

1. Education and awareness campaigns to inform workers about the risks of opioid addiction and the availability of alternative pain management treatments.

2. Improved access to healthcare, including mental health services and addiction treatment programs.

3. Implementation of workplace safety policies and practices to prevent injuries and reduce the need for opioid prescriptions. Implementation of a drug and alcohol testing program.

4. Collaborating with employers, healthcare providers, and government agencies would develop effective strategies to address opioid addiction in the construction industry.

In closing, the opioid crisis is a complex problem that affects many industries. By working together, we can reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths and improve a healthier workforce—through partnerships and readily available actionable support, clinics, insurance, and onsite support. We can break the stigma and strive for a healthier construction industry.

Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse www.nida.nih.gov/ American Addiction Centers www.americanaddictioncenters.org

Get to Know ABC’s STEP Safety Management System

MEASURE. STRENGTHEN. BUILD. Take charge of your safety performance.

Q1

Q2

Submit your STEP data

Q3

Receive your STEP results and prepare your AQC application

Q4

Submit your AQC application by Oct. 23

MEASURE YOUR PERFORMANCE ON KEY COMPONENTS.

ABC’s STEP Safety Management System provides contractors and suppliers with a robust, no-cost framework for measuring safety data and benchmarking with peers in the industry. Through a checklist comprised of key components proven to be effective at improving health and safety performance, the self-assessment tool helps participants identify real opportunities for scalable growth in their safety programs to lower their Total Recordable Incident Rates. Ensure employees are returning home safe to families and loved ones every day.

Final STEP data submissions are due Dec. 15 (if not applying for AQC)

Submit your STEP safety data in as little as 30 minutes! With your OSHA 300A in hand, the STEP data submission process is quick and convenient. Fill in safety performance data from your OSHA 300A form and answer a few questions regarding your safety training and practices. Then, self-rank your company’s performance in key components by reviewing the criteria provided.

STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND BEST PRACTICES.

Once identified, growth opportunities spur deeper conversations between leaders and team members to develop a plan of action to implement best practices tailored to company needs. In the ever-expanding world of construction safety technology, continuously improve your program to ensure employees are set up for success now and in the future.

BUILD YOUR SAFETY CULTURE.

Safety requires innovation, skill and talent in addition to a proven strategy to create industry-leading programs. Top performing ABC members actively build health and safety into their culture, fueling the power and purpose in their people to deliver for their clients. Leaders and employees commit to holistic safety programs ensuring the total human health of their team.

Get more from your safety program. Take the STEP self-assessment today: abc.org/step.

Did you know? STEP Diamond, Platinum and Gold members are eligible to earn the Accredited Quality Contractor credential. View details on back.

2023 VIP SPONSORS

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE ELITE

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