WWW.OMEGACONSTRUCTION.COM
THE
OMEGA REPORT working through covid-19 We are committed to being vigilant and taking the additional precautions necessary to protect our employees, customers, subcontractors and the public.
THIS PUBLICATION In this issue, see our response to the COVID-19 epidemic and hear our thoughts on its effects on the construction industry. Also find up-to-date news on our portfolio of projects, staff announcements and messages from our leadership.
the omega report
|
volume one, issue two
|
2020
WWW.OMEGACONSTRUCTION.COM
A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
BARRY HENNINGS President
We continue to be inundated with COVID-19 news around the clock. We are seeing a lot of sad and depressing news across the United States with the hundreds of thousands of cases of Coronavirus, tens of thousands of deaths, the highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression as well as business closures and failures. It could be easy to only see the bad news, but I am continually encouraged by all the good that is being done during this crisis that shows the positive side of people. We do indeed look out for and care about our fellow man. The good we’re seeing includes doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, police and rescue workers on the front line, the grocery store employees and others that are continuing to work in Essential Businesses to provide for our needs, the people that are donating food, masks, sanitizer and other necessary supplies and even the people that are taking social distancing seriously to protect themselves and others. As you will see later in this edition, Omega was glad to be able to support the Second Harvest Food Bank with a donation to help feed needy school children, seniors who may be struggling or families who may be in a crisis due to job losses. Even in these times of difficulty, it is good to see there are still many positives in humanity.
I want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone that continues to work to get us through this difficult time. We are fortunate to have a great group of employees who are dedicated to Omega and I look forward to seeing our Company not only survive this crisis but continue to excel. It's encouraging to see the President talking about what will need to occur to begin re-starting the economy in the areas of the Country that have less direct impact from the Coronavirus. We will hopefully begin to see some loosening of the restrictions here in North Carolina and Georgia but we still need to remember the good practice of social distancing to prevent a resurgence in virus cases. We at Omega are committed to staying vigilant during these times to ensure the safety of our staff, customers, subcontractors and the public. I look forward to getting through this event and have no doubt that we will come out smarter and stronger on the other side. Until next time, be safe and stay healthy. Barry
WWW.OMEGACONSTRUCTION.COM
COVID-19 AND ITS EFFECT ON THE MARKET As you've probably heard too much lately, we are living in some uncertain and unprecedented times. It's easy to find things to make you anxious, concerned about the future and even angry -- all you have to do is look at the news or social media. I'm trying my best (but not perfectly of course) to focus on the positives, all that I am blessed with and the opportunities that are still out there and will be coming. And when I take time to look at, there are actually many blessings and positives that are coming out of what is going on right now.
greg marshall Chief Financial Officer
I have too many blessings to count already, but the current situation has made me realize and refocus on some I tend to forget about when things are moving so fast normally. I realize that I have taken for granted so many things -- getting to go out to eat with friends and family in a restaurant, taking a vacation or just going shopping with my family, and meeting with my church congregation every Sunday to worship. Although I still get to work everyday with my family at Omega, working virtually is not the same as working side-by-side. Something I realize that I've taken for granted in the past. One true blessing that has come out of this for my family is that we are getting some bonus time with both our sons, but particularly our oldest who will be graduating and is off to college in the fall. Despite working long hours from home right now, I feel thankful to be with my family and spending additional hours with them. I wouldn't have had a chance to do that otherwise. I have always said and believed that we are all truly blessed to be part of a great work family at Omega. But the COVID-19 pandemic has made me realize that even more. Our employees have gone above and beyond to keep our current projects moving, keep the company moving and staying positive. Everyday I see examples of our employees working even harder for Omega and our customers. To our customers and subcontractors, what we are doing probably looks seamless and well planned. But like everybody, we had no real plan for this and are having to react and adapt daily. The dedication and hard work of our employees is making all the difference. One great example of this, that we have all benefited from, is Anjie Hodges' and Lisa Singleton's extra efforts in managing to run our accounting functions flawlessly from their homes. We've not missed a beat -- deposits are being made, payroll is getting paid, vendor and subcontractor payments are going out -- and it all looks seamless to the outside world. But it has taken tremendous
effort, and their great attitudes, to get it done. Despite the minor hiccups along the way, I can tell you that most companies are not able to work as efficiently as Omega with their accounting staff working remotely. Over the past few weeks, I have talked to numerous bankers and developers and many of our customers. From those conversations I am very encouraged. Almost without exception our customers and developers are still seeing new business opportunities and believe that the economy will ramp back up fairly quickly once Stay at Home Orders begin to be lifted and things get more back to normal. They even see new opportunities, such as more manufacturing in the U.S. coming out of this. The big difference I see between this recession and the 2008 recession that gives me a lot of hope is that banks have money to loan and are actively trying to loan it. I have had banks contact me in the last few weeks wanting to make loans on our projects -- a great sign. The 2008 recession was largely brought on by banking issues, and the government regulation that followed, which stunted bank lending for years. This time around, fairly cheap financing should allow for more projects to move forward quickly. All signs seem to point to there being new opportunities for us to take advantage of moving forward. Our reputation, the trust of our many continuing customers, a strong balance sheet and the best team in the business put us in a great position to move forward. Our Business Development Committee and Executives are already working hard to position Omega for those new opportunities. I have no doubt that we will get through this current crisis as a stronger company and I know I will appreciate the blessings of my life (including being part of the Omega team) even more. Greg
WWW.OMEGACONSTRUCTION.COM
HUMAN RESOURCES
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
As Omega Construction continues to grow, we are continuing to grow our team of experts. Beginning in May, Omega will enlist the 2020 class of interns. These ten candidates are joining us from several colleges and universities including Appalachian State University, North Carolina A&T University, Surry Community College, UNC Charlotte, Western Carolina University and Georgia Southern University. Join us in welcoming the Internship Class of 2020: Jacob Rabil, Marcelino Nunez, Evan Hiatt, Kordell Curry, David Howell, Nathan Hale, Matthew White, Zachary Hutchens, Lane Horton and Connor Grant.
WE ARE PROUD TO WELCOME
Omega's Summer Internship Program is anticipated to begin in May.
clint tucker
THE FOLLOWING TEAM MEMBERS TO THE OMEGA FAMILY:
Superintendent (SAV)
dana stunkel
Project Manager (SAV)
Ethan bergman Field Engineer (WS)
Farewell to Tootie Superintendent Dale "Tootie" Fearrington is retiring from Omega. Tootie has always been a dedicated and valuable member of our team. We thank Tootie for his many years of service and for being an integral part of Omega's growth and success. While we are sad to see Tootie go, we wish him and his wife, Linda, the very best.
other hr items to note T.R.U.S.T Academy (Omega's In-House Training Program) to begin May 1, 2020. Omega was nominated for the Triad Business Journal's 'Best Places to Work' in 2020.
WWW.OMEGACONSTRUCTION.COM
ALWAYS PUTTING SAFETY FIRST
Working with electricity can be dangerous and has been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. See below for a list of the most common electrical hazards and what you could do to mitigate the risk on a jobsite. CONTACT WITH POWER LINES Look for overhead and buried power lines and post warning signs. Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Unless you know otherwise, assume that overhead lines are energized. De-energize and ground lines when working near them. Other protective measures include guarding or insulating the lines. Use non-conductive wood or fiberglass ladders when working near power lines.
LACK OF GROUND-FAULT PROTECTION Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on all 120-volt, single-phase, 15 and 20 amp receptacles or have an assured equipment grounding conductor program. Follow manufacturers' recommended testing procedures to insure GFCI is working correctly. Use double-insulated tools and equipment, distinctively marked. Use tools and equipment according to the instructions included in their listing, labeling or certification. Visually inspect all electrical equipment before use. Remove from service any equipment with frayed cords, missing ground prongs, cracked tool casings, etc. Apply a warning tag to any defective tool and do not use it until the problem as been corrected.
PATH TO GROUND MISSING OR DISCONTINUOUS Ground all power supply systems, electrical circuits and electrical equipment. Frequently inspect electrical systems to insure that the path to ground is continuous. Visually inspect all electrical equipment before use. Take any defective equipment out of service. Do not remove ground prongs from cord and plug connected equipment or extension cords. Use double-insulated tools and equipment, distinctively marked. Ground all exposed metal parts of equipment. Ground metal parts of non-electrical equipment, as specified by the OSHA standard [29 CFR 1926.404(f)(7)(v)].
EQUIPMENT NOT USED IN MANNER PRESCRIBED Use only equipment that is approved to meet OSHA standards. Use all equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not modify cords or use them incorrectly. [Flexible cords] Be sure equipment that has been shop fabricated or altered is in compliance.
IMPROPER USE OF EXTENSION AND FLEXIBLE CORDS Use the following: factory-assembled cord sets; extension cords that are 3-wire type; extension cords that are marked with a designation code for hard or extrahard usage; cords, connection devices and fittings that are equipped with strain relief. Remove cords from receptacles by pulling on the plugs, not the cords. Continually audit cords on-site. Any cords found not be marked for hard or extra-hard use, or which have been modified, must be taken out of service immediately.
tips of the trade HEAR FROM A FEW OF OUR EMPLOYEES ON THEIR 'TIPS OF THE TRADE': "It's critical to plan and prepare for everchanging challenges throughout the job" - Roger Neugent, Superintendent "Be proactive instead of reactive. Make things happen instead of letting them happen to you." - Billy Allen, Superintendent "Keep your jobsites clean. Demand that from everyone onsite. It reduces hazards, the job is more presentable to owners and keeps work areas passable." - Justin Brinkley, Superintendent
WWW.OMEGACONSTRUCTION.COM
2020 q1 completed projects Job well done to the Omega staff who worked diligently to complete the following projects in the first quarter of 2020.
COURTYARD BY MARRIOT
HILTON HEAD, SOUTH CAROLINA Chris Leonard, Project Manager Justin Snow, Assistant Project Manager Doug Cosby, Superintendent Josh Miller, Assistant Superintendent
PUBLIX #1703 & RETAIL SHOPS OAK ISLAND, NORTH CAROLINA Dustin Hunter, Senior Project Manager Jimmy Carter, Superintendent
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
GITC BUILDING 1D
Located just under 10 miles from GA Port Authority, Omega continues progress at the Georgia International Trade Center with the delivery of Building 1D for Shaw Flooring.
Shaw Industries Group, Inc., one of the world's largest flooring manufacturers, added to their warehousing and distribution facilities at the Georgia International Trade Center with the lease of Building 1D (~780,000 sf) and Building 2B (~300,000 sf). Built to suit Shaw's specific distribution needs, Omega worked diligently to provide one of the quickest turnovers the team has ever seen on a 800,000 sf warehouse project. "We accomplished something with this building that is almost rarely done," said Chance Raehn, Senior VP of the
project's developers. Omega completed the design, sitework and construction in less than seven months on this build to suit project for Shaw. To date, Omega continues to work on site to deliver three more buildings for tenants to occupy this Spring. Recently the Georgia International Trade Center was featured as the second largest industrial development in the U.S. with a total of 2,420,289 square feet of construction completed by Omega.
TARGET T-1015
NEW BERN, NORTH CAROLINA Matthew Cave, Senior Project Manager Dustin Caudle, Assistant Project Manager Marty Murray, Superintendent Larry McMorrow, Superintendent
TARGET T-1180
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA Matthew Cave, Senior Project Manager Dustin Caudle, Assistant Project Manager Chris Crigger, Superintendent Tim Hagwood, Superintendent
STARBUCKS SHELL WORK
HENDERSON, NORTH CAROLINA Lewis Furr, Assistant Project Manager Paul Bassett, Superintendent
AAA FINS OAK RIDGE
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA Tyler Cook, Project Manager
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT HILTON HEAD ISLAND Located in the heart of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Courtyard Hilton Head is one of the newest hospitality options on the island. Courtyard by Marriott on Hilton Head Island offers a new hospitality choice for those vacationing on the southern South Carolina coast. Featuring 115 rooms, guests can unwind at the hotel's rooftop bar, outdoor pool, fire-pit or tropical cabanas. This hotel is the newest hotel project to add to Omega's expanding portfolio within the hospitality industry. Job well done, team!
WWW.OMEGACONSTRUCTION.COM
RECENT HAPPENINGS
At Omega, we not only build trust on the jobsite but in our lives outside of work and in our communities too! Check out some recent employee news.
winston-salem office hosts coat drive The Winston-Salem office participated in a coat drive benefiting A Cleaner World's Give a Kid a Coat Campaign. Starting January 20th, employees collected and donated gently used adult an children's coats all benefiting local families and children in need. Omega donated 69 coats to the campaign. Thank you to all of those who participated!
69 coats donated to a cleaner world's give a kid a coat campaign
omega gives back to local communities during covid-19 Because of our dedication to our local communities in this time of need, Omega Construction pledged $2,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina and Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia to support their efforts in providing safe and nutritious foods to local children. Both of these organizations are working diligently to bridge the gap of uncertainty for those who are at risk of going hungry while many schools and community centers are closed.
savannah team breaks ground at two local hotels
Todd mayo and daughter practice social distancing in the Florida keys
vince guiterrez and wife purchase a new home in the savannah area
barrett hennings completes drone pilot license certification
WWW.OMEGACONSTRUCTION.COM
welcome to the omega family! Congratulations to Eddy Beasley who's great granddaughter, Hannah, was born in February.
Congratulations to Guy McMillian who welcomed his new grandson into the world on March 26th. Rhett Yarbrough is Guy's ninth grandchild.
omega Q1 work anniversaries Happy work anniversary to the following individuals! We appreciate your hard work and dedication to Omega Construction.
CHAD MOTSINGER
DANNY PLOWMAN
DOUG COSBY
DUSTIN CAUDLE
BARRY HENNINGS
GRAY GENTRY
BROCK HENNINGS
ALFREDO MALDONADO
GREG MARSHALL
HERB FERNANDES
MARTY MURRAY
KAYLA PARSLEY
RANDY KILTS
SCOTT CRAVER
RON HUDDLESTON
DAYLE PHILLIPS
MATTHEW CAVE
JOHN WAYNE FLIPPEN
ROGER NEUGENT
MARCO GODINEZ
Vice President, Twenty years Superintendent, Fourteen years President, Eight years
Project Manager, Eight years CFO, Eight years
Superintendent, Eight years Superintendent, Eight years Superintendent, Eight years Senior Project Manager, Seven years Superintendent, Seven years
Superintendent, Five years Asst. Project Manager, Five years Superintendent, Five years Carpenter, Four years
Superintendent, Two years Administrative Assistant, Two years Business Development and Preconstruction, Two years Business Development, One year Superintendent, One year
Asst. Project Manager, One year