ACTIVE. STRONG. ENERGIZED.
As I reflect on the past year of the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA), it’s gratifying to look back at all we have accomplished. This time last year, the Association’s historic 125th anniversary was drawing to a close, and I was beginning my first full year serving as president. With a firm foundation in place, we optimistically set out to continue to build upon GBCA’s rich legacy of excellence.
Thanks to the collective efforts of our leadership and staff, and the excitement and engagement of our members, I can confidently say we saw that vision begin to come to fruition in 2016.
The vibrant activity within our Association of this past year seems to mimic the flurry of building activity happening within our city and region. GBCA continued to work diligently to represent our members in legislative matters during this important election year. Attendance skyrocketed at our programs and events, and sponsorships increased more than two-fold, allowing more construction professionals to experience and benefit from all that
GBCA has to offer. We also realized efficiencies across the organization, enabling us to deliver even more opportunities and resources to our members.
Our mission to promote the industry and drive positive change can only be as effective as all the individuals who make up our organization. The involvement of our members — demonstrated through our active and expanded committees, sold-out attendance at several events, and support of charitable endeavors and community service projects — speaks volumes about what we can accomplish when we work together.
I couldn’t be more proud of what we have achieved in 2016. The energy within GBCA is infectious. I know this is just the beginning, and in the coming year, we will continue to grow our Association and our impact on the industry. Our standard of building excellence is making a lasting mark on the landscape of Greater Philadelphia and beyond — and so are we.
BENJAMIN J. CONNORS, ESQ. President
FROM A TO Z …
Membership in GBCA connects companies and individuals working in commercial construction with other industry leaders, responsive services, and best practices. It provides members extensive opportunities to establish, develop, and solidify beneficial relationships and partnerships within the industry.
ACTIVE MEMBERS
B. Pietrini & Sons, Inc.
Bittenbender Construction, LP
C. Erickson & Sons, Inc.
C.H. Schwertner & Son, Inc.
Clemens Construction Company, Inc.
Commercial Construction, Inc.
Component Assembly Systems, Inc.
CRB Builders, LLC
Dale Construction, LLC
E.P. Guidi, Inc.
Frank T. Lutter, Inc.
Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Inc.
Gilbane Building Company
Haverstick-Borthwick Company
Healy Long & Jevin, Inc.
HSC Builders & Construction Managers
J. Mann-R. Finley, Inc.
James J. Clearkin, Inc.
Josam Company
LF Driscoll Company, LLC
LaMarra Construction
Lorenzon Brothers Co.
Madison Concrete Construction
Murphy Quigley Company, Inc.
Northwood Construction Company, Inc.
Nurminen Construction Corp.
P. Agnes, Inc.
P.J. Dick
Philadelphia D & M
R.S. Cook & Associates, Inc.
Shoemaker Construction Co.
Skanska USA Building Inc.
Stepnowski Bros., Inc.
T. N. Ward Company
Torcon, Inc.
Turner Construction Company
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
A. B. & S. Masonry Corporation
A.T. Chadwick Company, Inc.
Acoustics Plus, Inc.
American Furniture Installation
AmQuip Crane Rental LLC
Anthony Biddle Contractors, Inc.
Armor Masonry Restoration, Inc.
Atlantic Concrete Cutting, Inc.
Bayshore Rebar, Inc.
Belcher Roofing Corporation
Beletz Bros. Glass Co., Inc.
Bencardino Excavating, Inc.
BrightLine Construction, Inc.
Buckley & Company, Inc.
C. Abbonizio Contractors, Inc.
Cameron & Associates 8 Hagen Construction, LLC
Carr & Duff, Inc.
Case Foundation Company
CDP Construction, LLC
Central Metals, Inc.
Central Salvage Company, Inc.
Charles H. MacDonald Electric Co. Inc.
Chesco Coring & Cutting, Inc.
CJ Drilling, Inc.
Commercial Flooring Systems
Concrete Cutting Systems, Inc.
Connelly Construction Corp.
Copeland Surveying, Inc.
Corporate Piping, Inc.
CR Meyer
Crawford Caulking Company
D.M. Sabia & Co., Inc.
Dan Lepore & Sons Company
D’Andrea Brothers Concrete Co., Inc.
D’Angelo Bros., Inc.
Dougherty Electric, Inc.
Duggan & Marcon, Inc.
Dzwil Contracting Co. LP
Eastern Gunite Co., Inc.
EDA Contractors, Inc.
Eureka Metal & Glass Service, Inc.
Falasca Mechanical Inc.
Five Star Builders
Foundation Structures, Inc.
General Asphalt Paving Co.
Gentile Concrete Company, Inc.
George Young Company
Geppert Bros., Inc.
Graboyes Commercial Window Company
H.T. Sweeney & Son, Inc.
Hagen Construction, Inc.
Henkel and Son LLC
Herman Goldner Co., Inc.
Independence Steel, Inc.
J & G Building Group
Jenkintown Building Services
Joseph Dugan, Inc.
Joseph S. Smith Roofing, Inc.
L. Cruz Development, LLC
Limbach Company LLC
L-M Service Co., Inc.
M. Cramer & Associates, Inc.
M. Schnoll & Sons, Inc.
Mara Restoration, Inc.
MAS Construction Services, LLC
McCrossin Foundations, LLC
McGoldrick Electric, Inc.
McGregor Industries, Inc.
McKinney Drilling Co.
Mega Construction Co.
Michael J. Kiska Construction
National Glass & Metal Company, Inc.
North Star Contracting Group, Inc.
Old Philadelphia Associates, Inc.
Oliver Fire Protection & Security
P.A.
Contracting, Inc.
Philadelphia Carpentry Systems, LLP
Quinn Construction, Inc.
Revolution Recovery, LLC
Ritter Contracting, Inc.
Robert Slater, Inc.
Roma Steel Erection, Inc.
Roman Mosaic & Tile Company
Safespan Scaffolding LLC
Safway Services, LLC
Saling Roofers, Inc
Sautter Crane Rental
Schnabel Foundation Company
Shelly Electric Co.
Siemens Industry Inc.
Simplex Grinnell
Smith Flooring, Inc.
Steadfast Entities LLC
Structural Maintenance Systems
Superior Scaffold Services
The Watson Organization, Inc.
Torrado Construction Co., Inc.
Tower Maintenance Service Co.
Union Electric Contracting Co.
United States Roofing Corp.
Universal Concrete Products
VanHawk Painting Company, Inc.
Window Repairs & Restoration, LLC
AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Action Supply Co.
Advanced Disposal Solutions, Inc.
Allied Building Products Corp.
American Floors, Inc.
American Global of Pennsylvania
American Institute of Steel Construction
AISC
AON, Inc.
ARC Document Solutions
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Ballard Spahr, LLC
Berkowitz & Associates, P.C.
BFW Group LLC
Black & Gerngross, P.C.
Britton Industries
Capital Project Management, Inc.
Castor Materials, Inc.
CBIZ MHM, LLC
Chubb Group Insurance
Citrin Cooperman & Company LLP
ClarkDietrich Building Systems
Clifton Larson Allen LLP
Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC
Colony Hardware Corporation
Columbia Green Technologies
Commercial Specialty Supply, LLC
d/b/a George F. Kempf Supply
Conner Strong & Buckelew
Construction Risk Partners
CORE Construction Services, Inc.
Cozen O’Connor
Davis Bucco
Dilworth Paxson LLP
Diversified Lighting Associates
Drexel University Construction Management Program
Duane Morris, LLP
EHD
Eisner Amper LLP
Excel Document Solutions, Inc.
FDRsafety LLC
Fineman, Krekstein & Harris
First Capital Advisors Group
Firstrust Bank
Fizzano Bros. Concrete Products, Inc.
Geo-Technology Associates, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity
HazTek, Inc.
HUB International
Jacoby Donner, P.C.
Kastle Systems
Kieffer’s Appliances
Krando Metal Products
Kreischer Miller
Liberty Mutual Surety
M & T Bank
M & T Insurance Agency
MacIntosh Engineering
Madison Risk Group, LLC
Marsh USA Inc.
Mechanical Contractors Assn. of Eastern PA
Med-Tex Services, Inc.
Microsol Resources
Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council
ModSpace
NRI National Reprographics, Inc.
O’Donnell & Naccarato, Inc.
Parker McCay P.A.
PDV Wireless
Philadelphia Univ. Constr. Mgmt. Programs
PlanGrid
PNC Bank
Post & Schell, PC
Probuild Company, LLC
Ramla Benaissa Architects, LLC
Re-Steel Supply Co., Inc.
Richard Gabriel Assocs.
Richard S. Burns and Company, Inc.
Rosenberg & Parker
Saul Ewing LLP
Schneider Electric
SDC & Associates, Inc.
Shore Supply inc.
Sierra Investment Partners
South Jersey Mechanical Contractors Association
Steven Kempf Building Material Co.
Subsurface Exploration LLC
Super Enterprises USA, Inc.
Susanin Widman & Brennan, P.C.
Synergy Electrical Sales, Inc.
T & M Associates
Tague Lumber, Inc.
Textura Corporation
TFAB Group, LLC
The Franklin Residences
The Graham Company
The Safegard Group, Inc.
The Safety Group LTD
The Shepherd Agency, LLC
The Silvi Group Companies
The Stoll Agency, Inc.
Thornton Tomasetti, Inc.
Trauner Consulting Service, Inc.
Travelers Bond & Financial Products
United Employment Group, Inc.
United Rentals, Inc.
Villanova University College of Professional Studies
VIMCO, Inc.
Weber Gallagher
Westfield Insurance
Wharton Surety Consultants, LLC
Williamson College of Trades
Willis Towers Watson PLC
WIPFLi LLP
Wouch, Maloney & Co., LLP
WSFS BANK
Zimolong LLC
Zurich Surety
… WE ARE GBCA.
WE ARE
PROMOTING INDUSTRY. EMPOWERING MEMBERS. DRIVING CHANGE.
Building on a legacy more than 125 years strong, General Building Contractors Association (GBCA) is a recognized leader in the commercial, industrial, and institutional construction industry. The Association today represents more than 300 member companies, including general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and service providers. GBCA is the Philadelphia chapter of The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), serving southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, northern Maryland, and its Eastern Shore.
Guided by our mission to advance the construction industry and serve our members as leaders in construction education, advocacy, safety, and networking opportunities, we are setting the new standard of excellence. With a relentless focus on quality, safety, efficiency, and innovation, we work every day to help ensure our members are at the forefront of the industry.
As an advocate and a resource, our work fosters positive, productive relationships among industry professionals, labor, and government, and empowers members with access to proven safety, education and training, business development, and marketing programs.
WE BELIEVE IN:
Fostering a strong, connected construction industry.
We promote communication between all stakeholders — members, partners, elected officials, special interest groups, the media, and the general public.
Delivering value for members.
We continually seek to offer new tools and resources that address the needs of a changing landscape.
Embracing a forward-thinking, proactive approach.
We continually assess and update our standards and practices, focusing on opportunities that hold the greatest promise to influence positive change.
GBCA works in partnership with several complementary organizations, including adjacent industry associations and area universities, to advance our mission and the voice of the construction industry.
Industry Alliances
n American Institute of Architects
n Building Owners & Managers Association Philadelphia
n Center City Proprietors Association
n Commercial Real Estate Development Association
n Construction Owners Association of America
n Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
n Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council
n National Association of Women in Construction
n Society of Marketing Professional Services
n Urban Land Institute
n Women in Commercial Real Estate
University & Education Alliances
n ACE Mentor Program of Eastern Pennsylvania
n Charter High School for Architecture + Design
n Community College of Philadelphia
n Drexel University Construction Management
n Drexel University Project Management
n Penn State Abington
n Philadelphia University
n Rowan University
n Temple University College of Engineering
n University of Delaware Professional & Continuing Studies
n Villanova University College of Professional Studies
LEADING THE WAY WE ARE
2016 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Emily Bittenbender Chairman of the Board Bittenbender Construction, LP
Jim J. Dolente, Sr. Senior Vice Chairman Madison Concrete Construction
Joseph P. Clearkin Vice Chairman
James J. Clearkin, Inc.
Patrick S. Pasquariello, III Treasurer
P. Agnes, Inc.
Mack Stulb Immediate Past Chairman LF Driscoll Company, LLC
From left: Mack Stulb; James J. Dolente, Sr.; Emily Bittenbender; Patrick S. Pasquariello, III; Joseph P. Clearkin
2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael K. Armento Torcon, Inc.
G. Christopher Beck Turner Construction Company
William A. Cobb, Jr.* Haverstick-Borthwick Company
Charles W. Cook
R. S. Cook & Associates, Inc.
Michael G. Erickson
C. Erickson & Sons, Inc.
Michael M. Gerardi
C. H. Schwertner & Son, Inc.
John E. Healy, III Healy Long & Jevin
B. Scott Holloway Josam Company
Vicki W. Lee Old Philadelphia Associates, Inc.
Frank T. Lutter
Frank T. Lutter, Inc.
Craig Melograno Philadelphia D&M
David E. Panichi* T.N. Ward Company
Francis A. Pietrini* B. Pietrini & Sons, Inc.
Stephen W. Pouppirt* Clemens Construction Company, Inc.
Philip F. Radomski*
Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Inc.
Judith A. Ritter
Ritter Contracting, Inc.
Nicholas K. Sabia
D.M. Sabia & Co., Inc.
Mark Spadaccino Dale Construction, LLC
Michael A. Stepnowski* Stepnowski Brothers, Inc.
Gregory C. Stewart Gilbane Building Company
Edward Szwarc Skanska USA Building Inc.
James A. Viner HSC Builders & Construction Managers
George S. Young George Young Company
Directors Emeritus
James J. Clearkin, Jr.* James X. Clemens*
*Past Chairmen
GBCA COMMITTEES
GBCA’s committee system leverages participants’ unique knowledge, expertise, and capabilities to help further the Association’s mission and activities.
AIA/GBCA Joint Committee
Works with members of the American Institute of Architects Philadelphia Chapter on issues of mutual interest.
John DeFazio Co-Chairman LF Driscoll Company, LLC
Joshua Levy, AIA, LEED AP* Co-Chairman Ballinger
Ramla Benaissa, Ph.D., AIA, LEED AP Ramla Benaissa Architects
William A. Cobb, Jr. Haverstick-Borthwick Company
Michael G. Erickson C. Erickson & Sons, Inc.
Thomas Fizzano Fizzano Bros. Concrete Products, Inc.
Julianne Foley* AIA Philadelphia
Rebecca Johnson* AIA Philadelphia
Meghan Lester, P.E. Geo-Technology Associates, Inc.
Robert T. MacIntosh, P.E. MacIntosh Engineering
Richard Maimon, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C*
Kieran Timberlake
Keith Mock, AIA* Ballinger
Roland Noreika, AIA, CSI-CDT* Architect
Mark Purcell, AIA, CCM, LEED AP* Hill International, Inc.
Bob Reid* Kimmel Bogrette Architecture + Site
Michael Sexton T.N. Ward Company
Denise Thompson AIA, LEED AP BD+C* Francis Cauffman
Brendan Vaughan, AIA, LEED AP* Ballinger
Terry Webb Eureka Metal & Glass Services, Inc.
*AIA member of the Committee
Construction Leadership Council Steering Committee
Established to fulfill the need to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the construction industry.
Maura Hesdon
Chairman
Membership Chair
Shoemaker Construction Co.
Matthew Freeh
Vice Chair
Events Chair
Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Inc.
Greg Lepore
Community Service Chair
Dan Lepore & Sons Co.
Joe Pace
Government Affairs Chair
AmQuip Crane Rental LLC
Melissa Wyatt
Professional Development Education Chair Torcon, Inc.
Reggie Asare
Safety Chair
Skanska USA Building Inc.
Casey Perry
Events
Revolution Recovery
Education Committee
Helps establish the program agenda and course curricula available to eligible GBCA member employees and works to facilitate professional development opportunities and student involvement.
Charles W. Cook
Chairman R. S. Cook & Associates, Inc.
Arthur P. Cobb Haverstick-Borthwick Company
William A. Denmark, Esq. Jacoby Donner, P.C.
Edward H. Keeter, Ph.D. Philadelphia University
David LaRosa CBIZ MHM, LLC
Jonathan Martin Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Inc.
Government Affairs Committee
David Maser, CM-BIM Gilbane Building Company
Dina Miller Skanska USA Building Inc.
Edward Seglias Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC
Melissa Wyatt Torcon, Inc.
Jessica Zmuida Torcon, Inc.
Monitors and addresses legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters, keeping GBCA in the forefront of topical and emerging issues that impact the industry on local, state, and national levels.
Gregory C. Stewart Chairman Gilbane Building Company
Emily Bittenbender Bittenbender Construction, LP
John DeFazio Torcon, Inc.
Raymond DePiano Window Repairs & Restoration
Frederick Gerngross Black & Gerngross, P.C.
Sean Healy
Healy Long & Jevin, Inc.
Maura Hesdon Shoemaker Construction Co.
B. Scott Holloway Josam Company
Carol Horne Penn Clemens Construction Company, Inc.
Christopher McCabe Jacoby Donner, P.C.
Patricia McNamara Mara Restoration
Joe Pace AmQuip Crane Rental LLC
Philip Radomski Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Inc.
Raymond Spera Philadelphia Carpentry Systems, LLP
Heidi Van Steenburgh Ritter Contracting, Inc.
James A. Viner HSC Builders & Construction Managers
George Young George Young Company
Labor Policy Committee
Sets labor policy for the Association and works to ensure a stable and productive relationship between management and affiliated labor unions.
Patrick Pasquariello, III Chairman P. Agnes, Inc.
Dan Beerhalter E. P. Guidi, Inc.
William A. Cobb, Jr. Haverstick-Borthwick Company
Edward DeAngelis EDA Contractors, Inc.
Jim Dolente
Madison Concrete Construction
Jim Dolente, Jr.
Madison Concrete Construction
Michael G. Erickson C. Erickson & Sons, Inc.
Michael Gerardi
C. H. Schwertner & Son, Inc.
Jack Healy Healy Long & Jevin, Inc.
Membership Committee
Frank Lutter Frank T. Lutter, Inc.
Carl Mason Central Salvage Co., Inc.
Craig Melograno Philadelphia D&M
Dave Panichi T.N. Ward Company
Francis A. Pietrini
B. Pietrini & Sons, Inc.
Stephen W. Pouppirt Clemens Construction Company, Inc.
Philip Radomski
Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Inc.
Mark Spadaccino
Dale Construction, LLC
Mack Stulb
LF Driscoll Company, LLC
Supports Association membership development activities.
Michael K. Armento Co-Chairman Torcon, Inc.
Joseph P. Clearkin Co-Chairman
James J. Clearkin, Inc.
Rocky Fizzano Fizzano Bros. Concrete Products, Inc.
Maura Hesdon Shoemaker Construction Co.
Steven F. Kempf Steven Kempf Building Material Co.
Robert T. MacIntosh, P.E. MacIntosh Engineering
David S. Oliver Oliver Fire Protection & Security
John Rihl Falasca Mechanical
Nicholas K. Sabia
D.M. Sabia & Co., Inc.
Michael A. Stepnowski Stepnowski Bros., Inc.
Ed Szwarc Skanska USA Building Inc.
Safety Committee
Promotes workplace safety and supports the efforts of contractor members to maintain accident-free job sites.
Mary Pat Geppert Chairman Geppert Bros., Inc.
Reggie Asare Skanska USA Building Inc.
Frank Baxter Skanska USA Building Inc.
Dona File LF Driscoll Company, LLC
Ken Gallagher Limbach Company, LLC
Mike Jayes T.N. Ward Company
Bill Reis Belcher Roofing Corporation
Dean Seman Weber Gallagher
Mark Skuby The Safegard Group, Inc.
Margaret M. Underwood Jacoby Donner P.C.
George S. Young George Young Company
With a sharp focus on membership services and benefits, GBCA officially formed a new Membership Committee in February 2016. The Committee’s responsibilities include defining the benefits for each category of membership and developing membership policies. Members of the committee also aid and advise on member recruitment, as well as strategies for retention.
GBCA 2016 HIGHLIGHTS
INCREASE IN PHILADELPHIA BUILDING ACTIVITY SINCE 2006
TOTAL MEMBERS OF GBCA
ATTENDEES AT THE 2016 GBCA ANNUAL MEETING 252 381 376% 31 244 285
MEALS ENJOYED AT THE GBCA MEMBERSHIP DINNERS $44,985
RAISED FOR THE GBCA POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE IN 2015-2016
PROS INCREASED THEIR CONSTRUCTION KNOWLEDGE THROUGH GBCA TRAINING COURSES
SAFETY SITE VISITS BY GBCA
TROPHIES DISTRIBUTED AT THE 2016 CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARDS 46
38,760,000
PEOPLE SAW GBCA ADVERTISING
87,771
TOTAL WEBSITE PAGEVIEWS OF GBCA.COM
55,276
READERS OF THE WEEKLY “GBCA NEWS AT A GLANCE” E-NEWSLETTER
186% 125
INCREASE IN SPONSORSHIPS FOR GBCA PROGRAMS AND EVENTS FROM 2015
HARD HATS WORN DURING THE CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP COUNCIL’S HARD HAT TOURS
$27,434
REIMBURSED TO STUDENTS THROUGH THE GBCA TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
1 21,350
POUNDS OF FOOD DONATED BY THE CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP COUNCIL FOR THE CAMP OUT FOR HUNGER
PROCLAMATION MADE BY CITY COUNCIL FOR THE OFFICIAL PHILADELPHIA SAFETY WEEK
Our team of dedicated, knowledgeable professionals stand ready to deliver exceptional service and support to our members and partners. This year, the GBCA team welcomed Kristin DeFrancisco as director of finance and administration, overseeing the sound fiscal policies that ensure the stewardship and accountability of GBCA and Industry Advancement Program funds.
BENJAMIN J. CONNORS, ESQ.
President
Connors leads the Association’s advocacy and labor relations efforts for member companies while overseeing its safety, educational, marketing, and membership activities. Prior to joining GBCA as the Director of Government Relations, he served as the Advisor and Finance Director to Congressman Robert E. Andrews.
GBCA STAFF
DONALD ASHTON, WSO-CSM, STSC Director, Safety Services
Ashton’s 30-plus year career has spanned the fields of safety, loss control, and risk management, specializing in marine and commercial construction. In addition to his credentials within the World Safety Organization, he is also certified to instruct OSHA 10 and 30 courses.
ANNE LIBERTO Director, Membership Development and Services
Liberto has more than 25 years of experience in development, marketing, sales, and community relations within the education, retail, and healthcare fields. At GBCA, she maintains a cohesive membership development program, including identifying potential membership opportunities and leading business development activities.
KRISTIN DEFRANCISCO
Director, Finance and Administration
DeFrancisco brings a wealth of knowledge to GBCA from extensive experience in various financial management roles. Her capabilities have extended across non-profit, mortgage banking, automotive industry supply, and most recently, engineering design platforms. She is also a member of the Project Management Institute.
ROSEANN ROTZ
Administrative Assistant
Rotz has been a dedicated member of the GBCA team for more than 30 years. During this time, she has supported the Association’s labor, safety, education, administration, communication, and government affairs efforts.
ANGELA HENDRIX Director, Education and Professional Development
With expertise in program development, promotion, and execution, Hendrix came to GBCA from the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. She brings 10 years of event experience to help further cement GBCA’s position as an industry leader in education and professional development.
LAUREN TOSTI
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tosti brings more than 13 years of marketing and public relations experience to GBCA and a wide range of knowledge of the Philadelphia region. Her role at GBCA consists of directing all marketing, advertising, and communications that position GBCA as the leading advocacy organization with the best trained, most skilled, and most trusted construction professionals in the industry.
WE ARE
STEWARDS OF SAFETY
At GBCA, safety always comes first. We are committed to providing leading educational resources and ongoing support to our members to create and promote a culture of safety. Through a robust offering of programs and trainings, as well as member-requested site visits and consultations, GBCA promotes the critical nature of safety, starting with each individual on the job. Our program spans general safety practices, fall protection, hazard communication and Globally Harmonized System, inclement weather, emergency response, confined space entry, hand and power tool operation, silica exposure, and more.
2016 SAFETY PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
GBCA provides ongoing opportunities for members to stay informed on OSHA regulations. In 2016, more than 200 members completed the OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training Course in Construction , which meets the requirements of the City of Philadelphia’s demolition and construction ordinances.
GBCA also introduced a new benefit for its members this year through the AGC: a 10 percent discount on ClickSafety’s 300-plus safety courses, which include OSHA’s 10- and 30-hour safety courses in construction and the preparatory course for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals’ Safety Trained Supervisor in Construction certification.
Our popular Eggs with OSHA breakfast meeting, held twice this year in the spring and fall, offered members the opportunity to meet with OSHA officials outside of the compliance realm. During these programs, OSHA officials from the Philadelphia area and Region III offices updated members on local, state, and federal OSHA initiatives.
In March, GBCA offered its two-day Executive and Supervisor Safety Leadership Course , designed to encourage the development and implementation of a world-class safety culture. This program focused on safety and business, with an emphasis on the business value of safety and the return on investment of safety programs, as well as the importance of line supervision, management’s first line of defense in establishing safety as a priority.
GBCA also hosted L&I Panels in April and November featuring the commissioner of the City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections who updated members on license and inspection practices and procedures.
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY WEEK
The City of Philadelphia passed a resolution in City Council recognizing and observing May 2-6, 2016 as Construction Safety Week. GBCA leaders and members of the GBCA Safety Committee met at City Council for the official proclamation. The GBCA Safety Committee endorsed this measure to coincide with the second annual U.S. Industry Safety Week and OSHA’s National Fall Protection Stand-down. Construction Safety Week is designed to thank workers for supporting safety, to recognize their efforts to stay injury-free, and to increase awareness of the importance of being committed to safety.
BUILDING COMMUNITY WE ARE
GBCA brought members together for a variety of informative and engaging events throughout the year. We welcomed a record number of attendees and sold-out audiences for several programs in 2016. Sponsorships enable GBCA to continue offering diverse programming throughout the year, and they also strengthen our Association by generating increased awareness of the variety of organizations and resources available within GBCA. In 2016, GBCA saw a 186 percent increase in sponsorship support.
Annual Meeting
January 25
Our 126th Annual Meeting was held at the Union League of Philadelphia, with more than 380 in attendance. Special guests included comedian Joe Conklin, who entertained dinner guests with a high-energy presentation, and Mayor Jim Kenney, who greeted members at our VIP Reception. Michael Stepnowski of Stepnowski Bros., Inc., was awarded the honor of Distinguished Director 2016.16.
Golf Outing
June 6
Golfers enjoyed sunny weather over 18 holes during our annual golf outing at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hill. Mark Karpinski, Jeff Wendler, Paul Czerpak, and Bob Sullivan from American Furniture Installations took first place in this year’s tournament. The proceeds from the 50/50 and mulligans benefitted Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.
Membership Dinners | February 22 and September 29
GBCA hosted two Membership Dinners at the historic Down Town Club in Old City Philadelphia, welcoming a record number of attendees with a combined 285 people in attendance. At our first Membership Dinner of 2016 in February, members enjoyed a presentation on Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) from nationally recognized IPD expert, Markku Allison, AIA. Our “Back to School” Membership Dinner in September was hosted by FOX29 reporter Jennifer Joyce and featured a panel of keynote speakers from Drexel University, Temple University, and University of Pennsylvania. The event also showcased architectural models — constructed from toothpicks, marshmallows, and gumdrops — made by the students of Girls Exploring Tomorrow’s Technology.
Construction Excellence Awards
November 3
The 19th annual Construction Excellence Awards ceremony, held at SugarHouse Casino, was a full house celebrating the finest achievements in area construction. This year featured an expanded awards program with 16 categories spanning the variety of specialties represented within GBCA membership. The evening also honored members pioneering advancements in diversity and inclusion, safety, and technology.
Holiday Party
December 7
Our members came together to celebrate a year of accomplishments at a new, distinctive location — The Fretz Showroom in South Philadelphia. Attendees enjoyed delicious food, festive drinks, and valuable networking opportunities, and spread holiday cheer, too. GBCA’s Construction Leadership Council collected 250 unwrapped toys for the Holiday Toy Drive to support Northern Children’s Services.
WE ARE
ADVANCING THE INDUSTRY
GBCA’s dedication to education and professional development ensures our members have the most skilled and informed workforce. Through training courses, seminars and classes, tuition reimbursement, and scholarship opportunities, our members and their staff have access to exceptional programs that develop and expand their trade skills and knowledge. With active workforce development efforts, GBCA also generates significant awareness of career opportunities within the construction industry among aspiring professionals and the rising generation of talent.
2016 Education Course Highlights
GBCA more than doubled its offering of educational events in 2016, and attendance quadrupled this past year. With a focus on adapting programs to the changing needs of the industry, GBCA introduced two new 10-week training courses: blueprint reading in the spring and estimating in the fall. GBCA also joined forces with related organizations to expand its educational offerings. For example, in June, the American Institute of Architects/GBCA Joint Committee hosted an event at the Center for Architecture in Philadelphia, in conjunction with the Construction Owners Association of America Pennsylvania, on the topic of Building the Perfect Team.
Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarship Fund
In 2016, GBCA expanded its tuition reimbursement program, distributing nearly $28,000 to individual members enrolled in construction education programs at local colleges and universities. The Association also established a new Scholarship Fund to benefit students as they advance their construction studies. As part of the GBCA Scholarship Fund, which is an arm of the AGC Education and Research Foundation, local student recipients who are enrolled in ABET- or ACCE-accredited construction management or construction-related engineering programs will be awarded an annual $2,500 scholarship, renewable for up to three years, for undergraduate or graduate studies starting in 2017.
Workforce Development and Community Service
Beyond GBCA’s ongoing dialogue with secondary schools, as part of a larger industry recruitment strategy at the high school level, GBCA created the new Hard Hat Club at the Charter High School for Architecture + Design in Philadelphia. GBCA member Torcon, Inc. was the first contractor to participate in the program. Torcon project managers Michael Beatrice and Jaime McGeehan educated students on the $119 million renovation of Stemmler Hall of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, then gave a personal tour of the space.
GBCA’s Education Department also continued its close partnership with ACE Mentor Program of Eastern Pennsylvania, which offers area students mentorship opportunities in architecture, construction, and engineering. GBCA, ACE Mentor Program, and GBCA member Turner Construction Company joined forces on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 2016 to build flower boxes at the Hunting Park Community Garden in North Philadelphia.
GBCA’s “Ignorance is Not Bliss” education seminar in January 2016; “Building the Perfect Team,” an AIA/COAA/ GBCA joint event, in June 2016; and the Hard Hat Club at the Charter High School for Architecture + Design in Philadelphia
WE
ARE
ADVOCATING FOR MEMBERS
As the voice of the commercial construction industry in the Greater Philadelphia area, GBCA serves as our members’ liaison with local, state, and federal government officials. Our influence is ever-expanding, especially as the industry experiences significant growth. We are steadfast in our commitment to protect the best interests of our industry and to ensuring our members are well represented in government affairs and policy today and in the years to come.
Data Collection and Resources
Recognizing commercial construction as one of the principal economic engines driving local and state economies, in 2016 we invested in research studies to quantify the value and impact of our industry for various audiences, including policymakers.
GBCA commissioned a research study by Econsult Solutions, “The Economic Impact of Commercial Construction in Philadelphia from 2013 through 2015,” which details the significant, multibillion dollar influence of commercial construction and GBCA members in transforming our city and region, using the most recent data available. GBCA also worked with the Building Industry Association of Philadelphia to conduct a 10-year review of Philadelphia’s real estate property tax abatement program.
Labor Relations
GBCA is the go-to organization for local labor relations support. GBCA is responsible for and seasoned in leading negotiations with our affiliated trades: carpenters, cement masons, drywall finishers, laborers, operating engineers, and rodsetters.
In 2016, our Labor Department worked diligently to retain GBCA’s position as a trusted and active partner in labor relations. We organized an industry-wide association meeting with United Brotherhood of Carpenters General President Douglas McCarron; participated in the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters’ annual Carpenters Open House; and helped to establish District Council 21’s new market recovery fund.
Engaging Elected Officials and GBCA PAC
The GBCA political action committee (PAC), General Contractors Association of Pennsylvania PAC, and AGC PAC provide local, state, and national support for issues important to GBCA members. The GBCA PAC represents the strong, collective voice of our committed membership and effective leadership on local matters. In 2015-2016, the GBCA PAC had a 90 percent success rate.
2016 Legislative and Regulatory Highlights
GBCA upheld its duty of serving as a prominent voice for our members during critical city, state, and national legislative and regulatory issues. In 2016, GBCA:
Philadelphia
n Extended the demolition permit expiration period
n Worked on permit tax clearance legislation to include a designee at the Revenue Department for tax clearance issues
n Removed harmful language from a city prompt pay bill that would have required payment within three days on public projects
n Initiated conversation with the Streets Department to reduce the proposed permit fee increases for sidewalk closures
Harrisburg
n Initiated a GBCA, Keystone Contractors Association and Master Builders Association email campaign in favor of waiving the separations act for public-private partnerships
n Lobbied for the restructuring of the Uniform Construction Code Review Advisory Committee
Washington, DC
n Lobbied for Multiemployer Pension Reform
WE ARE
MAKING A LASTING MARK
GBCA elevates the awareness of the Association’s impact and the work of our members through a comprehensive marketing communications program. These strategic activities cover the full spectrum of communications channels, from print publications and digital advertising to live events and community outreach. We proactively involve our members in our advertising and communications programs, highlighting their expertise and promoting their work.
Marketing ties together the key messages from all areas of our Association — education, safety, membership, and advocacy — to inform, educate, and engage members, prospective members, elected officials, industry influencers, the media, and beyond.
Construction Today
Advertising Campaigns
Our “Excellence is Building” campaign positioned GBCA and its members as synonymous with the highest quality of construction and generated awareness for GBCA members as trusted, reliable partners of choice for building projects. With the rapid growth of construction projects in and around Philadelphia, GBCA seized the opportunity to educate the community about projects in progress through an interactive map available on Philly.com this year. GBCA also strategically pursued key advertising and sponsorship opportunities to maximize its reach, including print advertising during the Democratic National Convention in July and broadcast advertising on Sportsradio 94WIP at the start of football season in September. In total, GBCA advertising was viewed by more than 38 million in 2016.
GBCA’s award-winning Construction Today magazine reaches an estimated 20,000 readers per issue, including members, industry professionals, developers, building owners, and government officials. Subscription is complimentary for GBCA members, and each edition highlights industry insights from guest contributors, as well as Association news and updates. In 2016, GBCA grew distribution of the magazine by 20 percent and increased advertising support for the publication by 50 percent over the past year.
Digital Communications
GBCA has an active presence on the web and social media that serves as the foundation for ongoing communication with members and other key stakeholders. In 2016, GBCA.com was recognized by the AGC as an example of “best practices in design and function” during a nationwide webinar. GBCA’s “News at a Glance” weekly e-newsletter is also highly regarded, reaching more than 55,000 readers and highlighting Association activities and members.
GBCA in the News
GBCA is often called upon by the media to share our expertise, and in 2016, our Association’s active involvement in the community drew additional attention. This year, our print and broadcast coverage highlights included GBCA’s study on the economic impact of commercial construction being covered by The Philadelphia Inquirer ; the GBCA Build Day of Service with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia being featured on KYW Newsradio 1060 and NBC10; and GBCA’s generous donation to Preston & Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger for Philabundance being broadcast live on 93.3 WMMR.
AND BUILDING THE FUTURE
The Construction Leadership Council
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) consists of young construction professionals who are committed to maintaining, improving, and promoting the construction industry and GBCA through education, networking, and service. As they build essential relationships and skills, members of the CLC are establishing the foundation for the future success of our Association and the industry at large.
The CLC Steering Committee guides activities of the group, including the popular Hard Hat Tours that offer behindthe-scenes looks at notable new construction projects, as well as ongoing networking opportunities. Five members of the Steering Committee attended the national CLC conference in Atlanta this year to share best practices and learn from young professionals across the country.
With community service being core to the CLC’s mission, in 2016 the group collaborated with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia to construct and install fencing, siding, flooring, and a community garden in a new development in North Philadelphia; helped build a much-needed new closet that houses clothing donations at the St. James School in Philadelphia; rallied support and donations for the Northern Children’s Services’ (NCS) back-to-school drive and collected more than 250 toys for the NCS holiday toy drive; and spearheaded the donation of more than 21,000 pounds of food to Philabundance as part of Preston & Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger.
The CLC grew its membership by 25 percent during the course of 2016, and this year saw members even more engaged and eagerly participating in events. The CLC welcomed more than 230 total attendees at events throughout the year.
The CLC Build Day with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia and the Happy Hour and Hard Hat Tour at the Comcast Technology Center
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