5 minute read
Building Excellence: Reflecting on a Year of Impact and Innovation at ABC Central Florida
As we approach the end of another successful year, we look back and can see so many shining examples of ABC helping our members to develop people, win work, and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the benefit of our community. In this edition, we bring you information and insights on the dynamic world of construction and development that shapes our vibrant community.
The Orange County Convention Center Upgrade takes center stage, offering a glimpse into the transformative upcoming projects that are in store to ensure that we keep OCCC world-class. In 2022–2023, the convention center hosted 159 events, creating 2.8 billion in economic impact.
We have so many members that leave their mark on our community, living the values that ABC stands for, many of whom are highlighted in our member news. We celebrate several of our members who have been showcased as the Top 150 Contractors in 2023. We recognize the craftsmanship and legacy of AMI, as they mark three decades of dedication to their craft and family heritage. We applaud Barton Malow for their strong commitment to philanthropy and community service throughout their 99-year history.
Our commitment to recognizing excellence is showcased in the recap of the 2023 Excellence in Construction Awards and ABC Construction Expo. These events not only highlight the outstanding achievements within our industry but also serve as a testament to the collective prowess of our members.
We dive into the intricacies of the 2023 General Contractor Project of the Year, the Brightline Station Project at Orlando International Airport. We praise Gomez Construction Company and the several members that are contributing to the growth and connectivity of Central Florida through these types of innovative construction projects. In this issue, we learn how JK2 Scenic worked their interior magic at the AdventHealth Training Center in Downtown Orlando, earning the 2023 Subcontractor Project of the Year.
ABC Central Florida has always been at the forefront of advocating for our members, and in this issue, we delve into the challenges posed by DC. One is the NLRB rule impacting small contractors. ABC has issued an action alert and urges members to contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives to oppose this harmful legislation.
On Nov. 13, ABC filed comments opposing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process proposed rule, which would allow employees to choose a third-party representative, such as an outside union representative or community organizer, to accompany an OSHA safety inspector into nonunion workplaces during site inspections.
ABC and a coalition of construction organizations have been working to oppose a planned proposal by Sens. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., and Alex Padilla, D-Calif., dubbed the Seasonal Employer Protection Act. This new legislation is a reiteration of previously shot-down proposals that would impose harmful and unjustified restrictions on the access of the construction industry to the H-2B seasonal guest worker program. Included in the legislation is a new requirement for employers in the construction industry to enter into a collective bargaining agreement with a labor organization as a condition of receiving an H-2B temporary labor certification. This new requirement would harm more than 88% of the construction industry that has chosen not to join a union and establish labor organizations as the gatekeepers of H-2B for construction.
Lastly, contractors need to ensure that they are aware that the new joint employer final rule from the National Labor Relations Board will drastically alter the existing contractor and subcontractor relationship in the construction industry, implementing a harsh new standard that will require general contractors, in most cases, to be a joint employer of their subcontractors. This will undoubtedly cause chaos, muddying the waters and making many of these previously successful and effective business relationships unsustainable.
As an organization, we strive to address these challenges head-on and create an environment where every contractor, regardless of size, can thrive.
Additionally, we shed light on a critical issue affecting communities nationwide: the opioid epidemic. ABC explores ways in which our industry can contribute to combating this crisis and creating safer, healthier work environments. In this issue, we highlight a member who went above and beyond to help a member of our community by administering NARCAN. Matthew Livingston, a Modern Plumbing Industries employee, jumped into action when he saw a member of our community that needed his help. All members are encouraged to read this article and take proactive steps to train their employees and raise awareness about the opioid epidemic.
As we reflect on the past year's achievements and look forward to the opportunities that the future holds, I extend my sincere gratitude to our members, partners, and dedicated professionals who make ABC Central Florida a driving force in the construction industry.
Thank you for your continued support, and I invite you to immerse yourself in the stories and updates within these pages. Together, let us continue to build Central Florida's future.
I wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
