On May 28th the Builders Association was honored at the Chicago City Council meeting with a Resolution supporting the Association’s Safety Stand Down. Mayor Rahm Emanuel presented the Proclamation to the following BA representatives: Vice-Chair Ken Egidi of Pepper Construction, Treasurer Steve Lenz of The George Sollitt Construction Co., Past-Chair Jimmy Akintonde of Ujamaa Construction, Safety & Health Committee Chair Dan Ruane of W.E. O’Neil, and BA Executive Director Dan McLaughlin.

The Builders Association Board of Directors met in early spring to map the future direction of the BA, and with the help of Mark Thorsby, Vice President of Consulting Services for SmithBucklin, it developed a Strategic Plan to guide the Association moving forward. "With a new Executive Director, new board members and the changes in the economy, it made perfect sense at this time to go through this process," explained BA Chairman Jeff Raday. He added, "Every organization or even individual companies should take the time at regular intervals to address where they want to be in three and five years and then put a plan in place to get there."

Safety was the theme of the day, and the Builders Association’s Spring Summit held last month made the most of it. This year’s Safety Awards Program winners were honored and Mark Briggs, Vice President of Safety Management Resources Corporation, delivered the keynote on "Safety as a Profit Center." A networking reception kicked off the event which featured another signature Maggiano’s luncheon.

Need to find out the latest wage allocations?

This summer marks the 12th annual Builders Scholarship Foundation golf outing, the sole fundraiser that has awarded over $200,000 to 45 deserving Chicago area students earning degrees in civil/construction engineering or construction management. Special thanks to Event Sponsor Union Carpenters and Contractors!

The Builders Association looks forward to another successful Safety Stand Down this week throughout the Chicago area. It's not too late to get involved in this worthwhile initiative supported by OSHA, Chicagoland Construction Safety Council, and ASA Chicago.

The Builders Association has recently partnered with SALUTE, Inc., an organization created in 2003 to assist veterans and their families with financial, physical and emotional needs. BA President Jeff Raday said, "SALUTE is a very worthwhile community-based organization that is not only helping our veterans but our neighbors. The Builders Association is proud to support SALUTE’s mission to provide a safety ensuring every military family is treated with honor and dignity."

It's every member firm's dilemma: How do you control rising health care costs without cutting benefits? How can you reduce the burden on your HR team in complying with the Affordable Care Act? How can you better compete for talent?

Two big questions for NRCI panelists that are directly related to dealing with the recovery are how to improve productivity and where to find qualified personnel. Both of these issues call for new ideas, innovations and R&D.

Check out the latest figures reflecting construction starts, growth, and business conditions.

The Builders Education & Training Foundation recently completed its latest cycle of BIM Education and Lean Construction Education Programs. Learn more about future sessions.

We proudly welcome the following new companies:

Siteline Interior Carpentry, Inc.
Kelley Kronenberg
Madison Construction Co.
SMS Assist, LLC
Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen

The NPP has great deals to upgrade your firm's phones, calling plans, and other savings programs with Expedia, Staples, EarthCam and more!

Please feel free to pass along the latest happenings regarding your firm - completed jobs, breaking ground, employee promotions, etc. We'd love to give you props through our monthly eNewsletter.