GCA Construction News Bulletin November 2019

VOL. 60 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER2019 • GUAM CONTRACTORSʼ ASSOCIATION

C

60 YEARS

G

L E

R B E ATI

N

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Congratulations to the Guam Contractors Association (GCA) on your 60th Anniversary. We recognize your dedication to promote the common business interests of your members, your efforts to grow the construction industry in Guam and Micronesia, and your commitment to improving the prestige of the industry by stimulating interest among your members to provide quality workmanship and safety consciousness in all aspects of the construction industry. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve your members and we hope to continue to grow our partnership for generations to come.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

NOVEMBER S.A.M.E. update

8

Military news

10

Small business notes

12

FEATURE STORY

FEATURE STORY

16

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

20

Construction headline

30

REPORTS/INFORMATION

32

24

2019 DECEmber Board of Directors Meeting

2 |

16

picnic photo highlights

GCA Calendar Date:

Time:

Venue:

7:30

Fiesta Resort

Wednesday

DECEMBER 4, 2019

Christmas Eve

Tuesday

DECember 24, 2019

Office Closed

ChRistmas Day

Wednesday

DECember 25, 2019

Office Closed

NOVEMBER2019

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EDITORIALS

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

THEDIRECTORS

THEEDITORIALS

THETEAM

PRESIDENT James Martinez Guam Contractors’ Association

Guam Contractor’s Association (GCA) in conjunction with Adztech and Public Relations, Inc. publishes the Construction News Bulletin (CNB) monthly. Reproduction of materials appearing in this publication is strictly forbidden without written permission by GCA.

PUBLISHER: James Martinez

CHAIRMAN Jessica Barrett Barrett Plumbing VICE CHAIRMAN Peter Errett Hawaiian Rock Products

While we always strive for accuracy, we will from time to time overlook mistakes. In order to help us improve the quality and accuracy of this publication, we ask that you take the time to look at the information provided and notify GCA or Adztech of any corrections as needed. Opinions and editorial content of this publication may not necessarily be those of the publisher, production team, staff, GCA members, GCA Board of Directors and advertisers.

SECRETARY/TREASURER Bill Beery Tutujan Hill Group PAST CHAIRMAN Mark Mamczarz Black Construction CONTRACTOR DIRECTORS: Henry Taitano Core Tech

For more information about advertising in the GCA Construction News Bulletin contact the advertising department at (671) 477-1239/2239 or email at adztech@teleguam.net.

Harold Cullick Dylan Mechanical Mary Grace Jacot SET Pacific

Distributed to GCA members or can be obtained by stopping by the Guam Contractors’ Association office located at 718 N. Marine Corps Drive, Suite 203, East West Business Center, Upper Tumon, Guam.

Kevin Kruger Granite Construction Shoja Rezvani Contrack Watts Contractors

To find out more about how you can become a GCA member contact Guam Contractors’ Association at Tel: (671) 647-4840/41 Fax: (671) 647-4866 or Email: gca@teleguam.net. www.guamcontractors.org

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS: Bill Bernardo First Hawaiian Bank Mark Cruz MidPac Far East Patty Lizama Pacific Isla Life

PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD: Geri Leon Guerrero AD SALES: Jaceth Duenas PRODUCTION: Christopher “Taco” Rowland Jaceth Duenas PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jaceth Duenas Christopher “Taco” Rowland EDITOR: Adztech CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Pete Diaz Albert Sampson R.D. Gibson GCA STAFF: Desiree Lizama Elaine Gogue Francine Taitague Trevor Cruz COVER: GCA turns 60!

Postmaster. Send address changes to Guam Contractors’ Association, located at 718 N. Marine Corps Drive Suite 203, East West Business Center, Upper Tumon, Guam.

Camilo Lorenzo Matson Navigation

R LEB ATING CE

60 YEARS

GCA

TRADES ACADEMY B u i l d i n g

S k i l l s

F o r

A

L i f e t i m e

Guam Contractors Association

4 | NOVEMBER2019

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S.A.M.E. UPDATE

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

Society of

NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2019

American Military Engineers

ANNOUNCMENTS SAME Guam Post Charlie Corn Scholarship Applications for 2020-2021 have been released.

Deadline: 31 JAN 2019 Check out our Post website!

SAVE THE DATE 16 NOV 2019 0800 - 1500 Community Service Project: Agana Heights Gym Restroom Repair Phase 5: Punchlist items 21 NOV 2019 SAME Guam Post General Membership Meeting Hilton Resort, Tumon 20-22 NOV 2019 Small Business Conference Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas, Texas 06 DEC 2019 Joint Holiday Mixer Join us for an evening of holiday fun, food and drinks with members of SAME, AWWA, GSPE and AIA. Hyatt, Tumon JAN 2020 (TBD) SAME Guam Post General Membership Meeting Hilton Resort, Tumon

Upcoming November Meeting

MAIN PRESENTATION Young Member Update

OCTOBER MAIN PRESENTATION RECAP

POWERING THE FUTURE (2019-2024) John Benavente, P.E., General Manager for Guam Power Authority (GPA) presented to SAME Guam Post members on GPA’s vision for powering Guam’s future for the next 5 years. Mr. Benavente covered the following topics: 1) New 180-Megawatt Ukudu Power Plant, 2) Fuel Diversification, 3) Plant Decommissions & Infrastructure Elimination and 4) Growth Opportunities 1) New 180-Megawatt Ukudu Power Plant: a. Compliance with USEPA Regulations - All existing base load power plants are non-compliant. Penalties accrued to date are $352.2M. A new plant is central to compliance. b. Replace Aged Power Plants - The existing Cabras plants are nearing the end of their useful life and is a source of significant USEPA non-compliance penalties. Conversion to a cleaner fuel will result in a substantial reduction of pollutants. c. Meet Load Growth - Load growth beyond 2022 will result in load shedding unless new capacity is added. d. Increase Renewables Integration: The existing units are not able to operate well with intermittent renewables and limits the amount of renewables that can be added to the grid. A new plant is needed in order to achieve a higher Renewable Portfolio Standards. e. Improved Reliability and Resiliency– The new plant’s location, in northern Guam, is near large and critical load centers having underground transmission lines reduces line losses and improves operation during and recovery after storms. f. Improved Sustainability - Tertiary treated wastewater will be used for cooling, reducing demand on potable water supply; Eliminating the use of sea water for cooling, reduces impacts to the ocean environment; More efficient units would reduce annual fuel consumption by 35 million gallons and reduces our island’s carbon footprint. g. Net Reduction in Cost - The cost of new plant is projected at $70M. GPA’s cost reduction strategy includes bond restructuring and retirement of existing plants at $25M, fuel savings with Ultra-Low-Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) at $57M and integration of natural gas (LNG) at $30M for a total of $70.7M in savings.

2) Fuel Diversification a. Diverse fuel sources would result in stabilized fuel recovery charges. b. GPA would burn clean fuels (ULSD and LNG) instead of “heavy” fuels as is done today. c. GPA’s plan for diversification: Fuel type use by 2020: 25% Solar/75% ULSD; Beyond 2022: 50% Solar/50% ULSD and LNG. d. Resource plans and feasibility studies are currently being updated.

3) Plant Decommissions & Infrastructure Elimination a. Land assets associated with decommission plants could be revenue generating sources. b. Some high voltage transmission lines will be eliminated after completion of grid improvements.

4) Growth Opportunities a. Sufficient capacity for future load growth b. Supports more renewables, c. Diversified fuel sources on Guam could present opportunities and benefits for Guam and Micronesia

Presented by: James Kirk Construction Manager, Contrack Watts

21 NOV 2019

Rendering of the 180-MW Ukudu Power Plant

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S.A.M.E. UPDATE

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

VETERANS EVENT HIGHLIGHT:

CAREER SYMPOSIUM & WARRIOR-IN-TRANSITION BRIEF EVENT SUMMARY •

Career Symposium & Warrior-In-Transition

– –

26 Oct 2019; 0900 - 1700

– –

50+ Active Duty/Veteran Attendees

The SAME Guam Post, in partnership with Guam National Guard hosted this inaugural event at the Guam National Guard Barrigada Complex.

•

The Guam Post along with our generous sponsors funded some of the Open House activities coordinated by the National Guard to provide activities for veterans, military personnel and particularly their families.

•

The goal of the event was to educate, mentor and assist transitioning members from all branches about career opportunities after their military service.

•

Warrior-In-Transition Brief panelists:

– – –

•

•

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44 employers (Public/Private), Nonprofits, and Industry Partners represented.

•

–

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Veterans Committee Chair: Marlene Slomka

LCDR Wayne Cornell, US Navy, Ret, P.E., F.SAME, President/CEO, DZSP21 SSG John Borja, , US Army (Ret), Chief of Propagation, Dept of Agriculture Chief Fred Bordallo, GPD, Ret., Director, Guam Veterans Affairs Office.

Marlene Slomka, SFC, US Army, Ret.

Thank you to the following sponsors: AECOM Contrack Watts DZSP 21 Guam Gift Baskets Guam Brewery Tap House LMS GU MacDonald-Bedford | MBP Joint Venture

– – – – – – –

The 35th Guam Legislature presented a resolution to the SAME Guam Post for the hosting this event.

NOVEMBER2019 | 9

MILITARY NEWS

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

SMALL BIZ NOTES No new and significant contracts have been awarded due to the Continuing Resolution (CR) placed on the federal government. A CR is a short-term spending bill authorizing defense spending to continue in FY 2020 but capped at FY 2019 levels and with limits on starting any new programs. The current bill provides FY2020 continuing appropriations to federal agencies through November 21, 2019.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT The General Services Administration is in the process of migrating FBO.gov to SAM.gov.

In the meantime, you can monitor Contract Opportunities in the beta.SAM.gov site.

OLD

NEW

FBO (known as FedBizOpps) is how federal contracting agencies post notices on proposed contract actions valued at more than $25,000. These notices include solicitations, pre-solicitations, sole source justifications, and other notices.

In SAM.gov, Contract Opportunities (Procurement Notices) include solicitations, pre-solicitations, sole source justifications, and other notices. Anyone interested in doing business with the government can use SAM to learn about available opportunities.

Each contract opportunity found here provides the following information: • The original notice date and any amendments • An overview of the notice and contracting agency • Any related attachments or external links • Instructions on how to submit a response, offer or proposal • The date on which responses are due You can search for opportunities in SAM by entering a keyword, solicitation ID, or an agency name into the search field, and use filters to narrow your results.

While you don’t need a user account to view contract opportunities, in future releases you will be able to access additional capabilities—such as saving searches, adding yourself to an opportunity’s Interested Vendors List, and signing up to receive regular updates on opportunities—when logged in. The capability to create user accounts will become available in SAM in the upcoming months.

10 | NOVEMBER2019

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CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

MILITARY NEWS

HOW TO DE-ESCALATE AN ARGUMENT Negotiating is a normal part of conducting business.

You want what’s best for the company, but you don’t want disagreements with a contractor/vendor to create unwanted consequences during negotiations. This also applies to other types of meetings, where conflicts boil over into harsh words and hurt feelings that can inhibit progress on a project.

One of the best ways to avoid conflict escalation is to consider the consequences of your behavior and encourage sensible discussion of the subject at hand.

When tempers start to flare, you can take a number of steps to calm things down and get a discussion back on track. Whether you’re meeting with a contractor (or co-workers), here are some ways to de-escalate an argument: • Cease disagreeing: You may want to continue defending the reasons you believe you’re right, but this will only make things worse. Because your opponent likely believes he/she is right also, demonstrate that you’re listening and understand his/her perspective.

• Put your body in neutral: Your body language can be just as harmful as the words you speak. For example, don’t lean aggressively into the table or speak through gritted teeth. Keep your posture neutral with arms uncrossed.

• Show your support: Speak to your opponent in a way that is supportive rather than dismissive. This will validate his/her opinions and create room for open discussion. For example, say: “I understand where you are coming from,” or “I hear what you are saying.”

• Don’t try “suggestive interrogation”: In an effort to make peace, you may ask leading questions to sway your rival to agree with you. However, this may appear as if you’re invalidating his/her viewpoint. Instead, try an open-ended question that gets to the bottom of where your opponent is coming from.

• Go beyond the facts: Ask yourself questions like, “What am I missing?” or “What is the risk of that approach?” to reveal the root of the disagreement; usually differing values and motives. From there, find a solution that works for both of you.

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SMALL BUSINESS NOTES

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

WANTED: A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN • The GCA Small Business Committee supports small business members of the association to ensure their voices are heard and needs are met within GCA capabilities.

• Do you have an issue or concern that we might be able to assist with?

• Do you have an idea or suggestion that may benefit our small business community?

HELP US HELP YOU BY JOINING US AT OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS OR CONTACT: Lucia Wood (Chair) Theresa Crisostomo (Vice-Chair)

(671) 777-8425 lucia.wood@aptim.com (671) 588-5972 theresac@jwsguam.com

Our next meeting is on Tuesday, November 26th, 11:30 a.m. at the GCA Conference Room 202.

Please RSVP with Elaine Gogue at elaine.gogue@guamcontractors.org

GUAM PTAC FREE PUBLIC WORKSHOPS Marketing to the Federal Government

12/05 2019

Are you ready to sell to the government? The government buys products and services differently than the private sector. The Guam PTAC will discuss marketing strategies, essential documents, and how to get your company on “the list”.

Responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

12/12 2019

The Guam PTAC will walk participants through the common sections and clauses of an RFP as well as provide tips on developing a proposal in response to an RFP.

Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE)

12/19 2019

Do you have a DOD contract and need to get paid? The Guam PTAC will explain DOD invoicing procedures using the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) system.

The Guam Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is offering FREE workshops to the public for December 2019.

Workshops run from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. at the University of Guam in the Jesus & Eugenia Leon Guerrero Business and Public Administration Building.

Margarita Duenas Perez & Jaime Felipe Tuquero IT&E Lecture Hall, 131 (unless otherwise specified)

Register at: guamptac.ecenterdirect.com For Project Management Professionals, Guam PTAC workshops may count toward your annual Professional Development Unit (PDU) goals!

For more information, contact the Guam PTAC at (671) 735-2552 or visit www.guamptac.com

12 | NOVEMBER2019

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SMALL BUSINESS NOTES

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

Small Business Focus A Vision That Became A Reality.

In 1994, Michael Ady had a vision to be the premier furniture dealer on Guam.

He wanted to supply the market with office furniture so that people could work to their fullest potential. Starting a business, however, is never easy; it requires hard work, perseverance, and a lot of patience. Through trusted friends who believed in him and a supportive family, he was soon able to transform his dream into a reality. From a one-man conception he was able to grow the business, eventually employing over 30 individuals and expanding the company to not only offer office furniture, but also become a space “solutions” company.

In 2018, after twenty-five years of hard work, he was then able to retire and pass the company to two of his trusted partners, Carlo Leon Guerrero and Jason Kraus, and bring in a new managing partner, Jessica Leon Guerrero.

14 | NOVEMBER2019

Today, M-80 Systems operates out of their 9,000+ square foot office in Barrigada, which encompasses an open working showroom, a design center, carpentry shop, and a warehouse. M-80 Systems, who were once known as the “Office Experts,” is now known for “Making Spaces a Reality”. They are a woman-owned small business with a GSA contract, a Navy BPA, a General Contractor’s License, and are HUBZone-Certified.

They offer several furnishing collections to create office, school, and residential spaces. M-80 Systems continues to expand the company to provide other interior solutions beyond furniture, including flooring from one of the world’s largest flooring suppliers, Shaw Contracts. They also provide wall solutions with innovative concepts by Emagispace, in which they use a building block interior wall system that creates efficiency and is a true time-saver. They offer glass walls from

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Nxtwall and offer window treatments such as vertical blinds, roller shades, drapery, and much more.

Owner Jessica Leon Guerrero finds great passion in their mission of “Making Spaces a Reality”. “We understand that every space matters, and we work with our clients to find solutions for their spaces.

We want to be part of their journey and make things happen! We strive to ensure they are the most productive and efficient in their space and that their vision becomes a reality. I want to continue to expand our offerings and provide all types of spaces solutions and build M-80 Systems as a one-stop solutions company,” Leon Guerrero stated.

If you are looking at revamping your space or just need some pop of color in your life, then visit M-80 Systems, Inc. in Barrigada. They will work with you to bring your vision to its optimal fruition!

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GCA

celebrates 60 years ! by: R.D. Gibson

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

A lot can happen in a year, let alone 60. And, my have the times changed. Just within the last ten years, the world’s connection has significantly expanded, fitting our entire lives in a mobile electronic device; a new generation has grown and joined the fight against injustices that have plagued parts of the globe, and now we don’t have to wait two weeks for our shows to air on television.

In 2010, CBS News published an article that called 1959 “the year that changed everything”. It cited several landmark moments in the history of mankind: the first steps in birth control, the opening of the Guggenheim Museum challenging the conceptual ideals of art, the birth of microchips, the rumblings of the upcoming civil rights movement, the list can go on and on.

The article outlined several ‘landmark’ events and juxtaposed them to related events like World War II, the desegregation of public schools, and breaking from the Stepford perfection of the 1950s.

The article has a pretty nifty quote from historian Jon Meachem: “I think it's essentially what we're talking about, is that we find ways to organize our experience, in order to understand what happened and why, and whether we can learn anything from it.” And we have. The article revolves around the overall shift in attitudes and the lasting changes the world saw - politically, culturally, artistically, fundamentally.

The lives of the people in Guam was a bit lagging with the rapid changes that were coming. Sure, the Aloha state became the 50th state of the United States. Nine years after the signing of The Organic Act, the island was (and still is) an unincorporated territory of the United States, and its people wouldn’t be able to elect their first governor until 1970. Yet, a decade after the devastation of World War II, a group of like-minded professionals got together and under the leadership and direction of J.T. Cook, H.T. Odell, Frank Perez, D.S. Lennox, E.C. Forslund, John Russell and Hugh Mize, the Guam Contractors Association was born.

After celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Guam after World War II, sometimes it’s important to look around at where our island is at, her growth and development from the days of old Spanish structures to bustling streets of locals and tourists alike. In the last 60 years, the people of Guam in our endless summers have witnessed the expansion of the tourism industry, the increased and strategic industrialization of the land, the constantly shifting political landscape, the effects of natural and man-made disasters, the growth and influence of technology in our region, the birth and fostering

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FEATURE STORY

of local talents, and an ever-growing construction and contractors industry that continues to grow with the times.

However, detailing a history would definitely take more time and more space than this feature. But, more important than the history is the actual impetus for this month’s celebrations.

Yes. This month - November 5th to be exact - the Guam Contractors Association celebrates its 60th anniversary, a large, momentous, monumental feat trailed by six decades of successes.

The non-profit corporation was started as a way to promote common business interests between contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and related businesses in Guam at the time. Throughout the course of its ever-growing plot, its objectives have always been ‘to improve the prestige of the industry by stimulating interest among its members to provide quality workmanship and safety consciousness in all aspects of our industry…’ as well as be the organization where members could retrieve important information about the construction industry. But, moreover, their mission has been condensed to something a little more poetic: ‘building Guam today for a better tomorrow’.

For current Guam Contractors Association President James Martinez, the number 60 is very important symbolically. Born just a year after the inception of the organization he would later spearhead, for Martinez, 60 represents its longevity and how the GCA continuously is building the island for a better tomorrow.

In its six decades of existence, the Guam Contractors Association has also acted as an advocate for equity in the industry - establishing prevailing wages for construction employees, pushing H2-B visa issues to address the shortage of available employees, and continuously building and strengthening relationships with the Guam Department of Labor, Guam Community College, and the Guam Department of Education to promote educational opportunities and employment in the trades and construction industries. Martinez stated, “What started as a small group of seven contractors who eventually became the founders of GCA, has grown to over 530 members and still growing today.” He pointed to new ideas and innovations in the industry, which have contributed to the organization’s growth. “The look and feel of the industry today [as opposed to] the rough, blue-collar organization from yesteryear has grown to a more professional and diverse organization inclusive of all industries related to servicing the construction industry.”

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NOVEMBER2019 | 17

FEATURE STORY

CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN

Martinez describes the history of the Guam Contractors Association in five words: Innovative. Diverse. Excellent. Professional. Ethical. These embody the very members they represent and advocate. “Our membership, hands down [contribute to the longevity of the organization],” said Martinez. He credits the membership for their unending support during the organization’s shining moments and the not-so glamorous times. “GCA has overcome obstacles and continues to become stronger in its mission to be the voice of the construction industry on Guam.”

Part of being that voice for the industry comes with understanding its needs and desires. At the center of these has always been the need for educational opportunities. And even in his early days at the GCA offices, Martinez recalls discourse about having a school to teach construction trades for local employees in the industry. “I learned later that previous boards before my time at GCA were already researching curriculum for the various construction trades since 1995.”

He added by talking about the process of getting accreditation with the Accredited Training Sponsors under the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Their application was approved in 2006, and “that same year the GCA Board established the GCA Trades Academy as a not-for-profit training institution,” said Martinez. And so was the birth of the GCA Trades Academy - a pivotal moment in GCA’s history further solidifying their place in building Guam’s future; a milestone driving the growth of the industry with the leadership and expertise of Bert Johnston.

Martinez spoke briefly about the GCA becoming an Affiliate member of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. in 1995; giving GCA and its membership the opportunity to be considered and receive national awards for excellence in construction and safety. Awards like these aren’t just about accolades, but open doors for contract work outside of the island.

However, even with all the accolades, the GCA still faces particular challenges that can have future implications: skills gap and employment in the industry. Martinez said that 45-percent of the craft professionals are looking at retiring in the next ten years and this poses a problem for the industry who will do those jobs? “We recognize that Guam will always see a need for importing skilled labor to supplement our current workforce,...but we’d like to see more of our residents benefit from these opportunities and get skilled in the trades to last a lifetime,” Martinez stated. He cited the impending military buildup and the continued expansion and growth of the tourism industry as prime reasons more local talent should be nurtured and developed to strike a balance for the local economy and community.

More than anything, the heart and soul of the Guam Contractors Association seems to have a consistent pattern of education - building a local workforce of skilled laborers to not just build but dictate what their island should look like and how it should operate.

18 | NOVEMBER2019

In a detailed timeline provided by John Robertson, Board Chairman and Consultant of Amorient Engineering, there are several points in the GCA’s history that illustrate the association’s push for the education of the local community, including an Executive Order from then-Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez that created a task force on alien labor, which would gradually move the dependence on foreign labor toward a more localized self-sustaining workforce. Additionally, in its history, the GCA promoted scholarship programs with the Guam Community College, coordinated with the Guam Department of Education, Guam Department of Labor, and GCC for the apprenticeship programs, held annual golf tournaments to raise funds for scholarships, etcetera. And additionally, these events have fostered a sense of community and family within the membership of the GCA. Part of this community and familial feel stems from making sure we reimagine the ‘boys club’ image of construction.

Chairwoman Jessica Barrett of Barrett Plumbing alluded to a more inclusive environment with GCA side projects like Pizza Pop and Power Tools, which give young girls a chance to tap into their interests in building and creating. “I have been actively engaged in [Pizza Pop and Power Tools]. And now more than ever, with the shortage of skilled workers, the need to encourage trades as a career, for women too has been an important focus for GCA.” PPT has taken middle school-aged girls and takes them on a Saturday of electrical, heavy equipment, and building adventures. “As a woman in the construction industry, the events which are tailored to encouraging young women are the ones near and dear to me,” stated Barrett, who is the first CHamoru woman to be a certified plumber and 2019’s Guam Businesswoman of the Year.

Moreover, Barrett added the upcoming event of PowerUp!; It’s a Mother Daughter Thing signature event featuring Dr. Mittie Cannon and her group. “The program created by [Cannon] is a popular event nationwide that introduces young women and their mothers to exciting careers in construction by letting them have hands-on activities through a series of workshops,” Barrett stated. Events like these promote the overall message of building a community, which each and every member of the GCA continuously promotes.

Robertson pointed to one of the biggest milestones for the Guam Contractors Association: breaking ground on the GCA Trades Academy expanded facility in Tiyan. For ten years, Bert Johnston and the GCA Board of Trustees worked to secure the funding ($2M) from the Economic Development Administration to (literally) get this building off the ground.

It would be easy to regurgitate the highlights and setbacks of the organization in its six decades of existence. We can talk about the awards, and the H2B status - which we already do.

However, that would take away from what this organization is all about: its members. At the very heart of any organization are its members. Barrett emphasized, “[It’s] definitely a strong representation as a group whose input is valued even

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more today, community leaders and organizations see the importance of our organization and the members we represent.”

More, she said that her membership has allowed her to grow her business, network with the construction community, and “forcing me to play golf, which I never tried, but now love.”

Dave Hicks, President of America’s Best Electricmart, Inc., echoed “GCA helps our business and employees grow,” crediting the professional networking opportunities between members and their employees. Hicks pointed to their involvement in the Small Business Committee as a way to develop relationships with other business owners. “We encourage businesses to not only become a member, but to get involved in the committees and activities.”

Hicks hopes to become more involved in other committees, and to work toward increasing GCA member participation in apprenticeship programs. “GCA has been a recognized leader in Guam for 60 years,” he began. “That only happens through dedication, vision, and leadership,” he emphasized.

Barrett added, “[GCA] promotes collaboration and cooperation with all our members to help address issues, challenges, and also to celebrate our accomplishments.” Leonard Kaae, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Black Construction added, “I believe by stating that we are a proud member of the Guam GCA is an immediate enhancement for the Black Organization.” Kaae stated, “ [Members’] membership and involvement in the Guam Contractors Association will only strengthen the industry” adding the policy and regulatory advocacy the GCA provides for members has a significant impact on the industry as a whole. It’s this leadership that has helped keep the wheels spinning consistently for this long.

In 1988, a leadership position was needed, and, therefore, created - the executive director. Karen Storts was the GCA’s first in its history. “GCA has been a big part of my career and will always be very special to me,” Storts remarked. Starting as an employee, then Executive Director, Board Member, and Board Chairwoman, she has really blazed a trail in this industry. As someone who has been part of the organization for nearly half of its existence, she stated, “Since GCA’s inception, the association has gone through many changes but our members are still able to focus on their goals and core mission while adapting to new technology and methods.”

FEATURE STORY

any store, restaurant, hotel or housing development built on Guam, any stretch of smooth road, any utility plant providing water or power to the island, because they were all constructed and continue to be maintained by GCA members. I’d also include the proud faces of the island’s hardest working employees, Guam’s construction industry.”

Martinez emphatically stated, “I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. The biggest ‘Win’ for GCA is the support of our member companies!” He added, “Our members are the lifeblood of this organization and without them we are just a shell. Every member who signs on with GCA is a win for GCA and the industry.”

Writing about time can be daunting. One has to look at causes and effects. It becomes a history lesson, but one where you get to make the most connections about the overall positive aspects of whatever you are writing about. In its 60 years, it goes without saying, the island has seen exponential growth. Tourism.

Militarization. Technological advances. Yet, the island has also experienced significant setbacks. Recession. Natural disasters.

Man-made disasters. Workforce issues.

However, through it all, it has been organizations, like the Guam Contractors Association, that have helped the island bounce back and lift one another up. The GCA has made a name for itself not just in our backyard, but in the playground with all the big kids. More importantly, it has shone a light on its membership, giving them a chance to be part of the larger conversation, having a seat at the table for policy that affects them [and everybody], and giving them opportunities to shine brighter. 60 years might not seem like a long time, but in that time, the GCA hasn’t only been responsible for building itself up, but the members it serves, and the entire island overall literally.

Sen dangkulo na si Yu’os Ma’åse para todu yan Inorabuena giya Guahan yan Micronesia, Guam Contractors Association!

Congratulations on 60 years of building Guam for a better tomorrow!

But, moreso, she has witnessed a lot of the growth on our slice of paradise firsthand through the organization and its members: “My highlight reel would include just about

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GCA Trades Academy Breaks Ground On New Training Facility GCA Trades Academy held a groundbreaking on October 28 at its two new buildings in Tiyan. The $5.7 million project will renovate the buildings to expand classes for training the local construction workforce.

U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration recently granted the GCA Trades Academy to purchase and renovate the buildings in Tiyan to be a new construction training facility. Part of the funding is a U.S. Department of Agriculture guaranteed loan from the Bank of Guam.

The current facility in Barrigada is 8,000 square feet; four classrooms and open-air shop space. The two new facilities in

30 | NOVEMBER2019

Tiyan will include 29,000 square feet with 16 classrooms, office space and an openair shop. Site improvements include a paved access road, parking, and storm water retention pond.

Founded in September 2006, more than 3,600 students have been trained at the GCA Trades Academy. It offers a wide variety of training programs including: electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, construction craft laborer, safety, project management, welding, and heavy equipment operation. With classes open to all abilities and levels, the GCA Trades Academy strives to improve skills and empower the region’s construction workforce.

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The GCA Trades Academy was established to provide a nationally recognized industry skills training center (credentialed by NCCER), support U.S. Department of Labor recognized apprenticeship training programs, and to support the skilled labor needs of construction contractors and related industries doing business on Guam.

The GCA Trades Academy is closely associated with, but independent of, the Guam Contractors Association. The Guam Contractors Association created the GCA Trades Academy in 2006 and incorporated it as an independent, non-profit organization.

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4

0

0

Baker

AC Maintenance Techinician

Crew Leader

11

www.guamcontractors.org TOTAL Construction H-2B Workers

Total OTHER Construction

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Construction Equipment Mechanic

Other Construction Occupations

Employers Workplace Monthly Report Statistics

Total Non-Construction H2-B Workers

7

Automotive Mechanic

Other Non-Construction Occupations

GUAM DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Alien Labor Processing Certification Division

11 988

6

5

2 30 20 2 32

Sheetmetal Worker Heavy Equip. Operator Electrician Camp Cook Welder Total Common Const.

1211

999

Total H-2B Employers

Total U.S. Workers Grand Total H-2B Workers

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

Total U.S. Workers

Total U.S. Workers Grand Total Hin H2 companies 2B Workers

US Workers vs. H-2B

4 19

4000

15

Construction

999 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 999

Non-Construction

Employers By Industry

Philippines Korea Japan Kiribati United Kingdom Australia Italy Peru Thailand Other Total by Nationality

Workers by Nationality

977

10 19

Structural Steelworker

234

413

215

Plumber

Reinforcing Metalworker

Carpenter

Cement Mason

Common Construction Occupations

MONTH ENDING: September 2019

Korea Thailand 0.00% 0.00%

1.02%

1.94%

0.20%

3.07%

23.95%

2.05%

0.20%

Other 0.00%

Peru 0.00%

Prepared By: Carina Raguindin Contact information: Greg Massey, ALPCD Administrator P.O. Box 9970 Tamuning, Guam 96931 (671)475-8005/8003

Welder

Camp Cook

Heavy Equip.

Operator Electrician

Sheetmetal Worker

Reinforcing Metalworker Structural Steelworker Plumber

Carpenter

Cement Mason

Other

Thailand

Peru

Italy

Australia

United Kingdom

Kiribati

Japan

Korea

Philippines

United Kingdom 0.00%

Kiribati 0.00%

22.01%

42.27%

3.28%

Common Construction Occupations

Philippines 100.00%

Japan 0.00%

Australia 0.00%

Italy 0.00%

H-2B Population by Nationality

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congratulations GCA

ON YOUR 60th ANNIVERSARY P. O. Box 24667, GMF, Guam 96921 Phone: 671.646.4861/5 Fax: 671.646.9086 www.blackconstructionguam.com

Camilo Lorenzo POSITION: Account Executive LOCATION: Asan, Guam DATE HIRED: August 24, 2010 NOTES: Overcame a life-debilitating injury from a 2003 car accident. Special Olympics Board Member, 2018 Master’s Degree Candidate. Avid coach and participant in family’s Agat Lakers youth basketball camp.

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