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First Apprentices Graduate from Vermont’s Newest Multi-Employer Commercial Craft Apprenticeship Program
Graduating Class includes Three Vermonters from Two Employers
Burlington, VT (June 20) – Associated Builders & Contractors NH/VT Chapter (ABC) and ReSOURCE conducted a graduation ceremony, June 20, for three apprentices graduating from the inaugural class of the association’s new carpentry apprentice program.
“We are excited for the graduates of our carpentry apprenticeship program,” said Josh Reap, President & CEO of ABC. “They came into this program with an interest and today graduate as journeyworkers in their craft. These individuals chose to be part of something bigger than themselves and we are proud of them!”
"Taking this course gave me an opportunity to learn the more academic side of the trades,” said Caley Martin, an apprentice with Bread Loaf Corporation. “Getting to learn the same subject at the same time as my peers enabled us to reinforce each other's learning. The wonderful instructors kept it interesting and helped us get a holistic understanding of the building trades from foundation to roof. I hope more students are able to get this opportunity. Big thanks to Bread Loaf for enrolling me."
The Commercial Craft Apprenticeship Program teaches apprentices carpentry skills in a safe, controlled environment. Registered apprenticeship helps people develop their craft faster than stand alone on the job training.
“ReSOURCE has experience empowering individuals and strengthening Vermont through workforce development. We are proud to be a leading the instruction for this growing apprenticeship program. Each person that enters an apprenticeship program is on the path to earning competitive salary, learning new skills, and answering the call to help solve the construction industry’s workforce shortage.” --Tom Longstreth, Executive Director of ReSOURCE
The program required students to complete 310 hours of classroom instruction while working full time for 18 months. Over the course of the program, apprentices also receive wage increases as they master their skills. The program is jointly run by ABC and ReSOURCE and includes several Vermont general contractors that want to solve the workforce shortage by taking an active role in training Vermonters who want to get into a construction career.
"Completing this construction apprenticeship program has taught me proper technique and skills crucial for success in my career. Furthermore, I gained a deeper appreciation for teamwork and the thorough process necessary for completing a successful project,” said Trenten Mead, Carpenter Apprentice with ReArch Company. I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned and be a greater asset in the field. This graduation is just the beginning of the meticulous process of mastering carpentry.”
"Congratulations to all the graduates! As you step into your careers, remember that the skills you've acquired are not just for building structures but for building your future. We are excited to see the remarkable contributions you will make to the construction industry,” said John Illick, CEO of ReArch Company. “Endless job opportunities are available to apprentice graduates and those interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades. Here’s to the builders of tomorrow and improving lives through the built environment.”
“The State of Vermont is a great partner in helping employers build programs like this, which people skill new hires and upskill incumbent employees,” added Josh Reap. “With their help, we are changing lives more and more for the better. In fact, the second class of apprentices currently numbers nearly two dozen individuals and they will graduate next year. As the program continues to grow, so do the opportunity for careers in a great industry.”
Employers and jobseekers interested in the program can learn more by visiting www.abcnhvt.org or www.resourcevt.org
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ABC NH/VT represents 270 firms in Northern New England. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC NH/VT is a chapter of the national Associated Builders & Contractors, and has the mission of helping members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors.
ReSOURCE has been a fixture in Vermont since 1991, empowering individuals and strengthening Vermont communities through Workforce Development, Poverty Relief, and Environmental Stewardship. ReSOURCE is intentionally located in areas with the most need to expand its community impact and increase accessibility for the most disadvantaged Vermont communities. ReSOURCE’s stores and services are open to the public, serving 100,000 people each year and salvaging more than 1,000 tons of diverted waste each year from the landfill. Sales from reuse stores provide poverty relief through the Essential Goods programs—giving free household goods to more than 1,500 people and their families each year and provide funding for our Workforce Development Training programs—directly training over 250 people on average each year, matching Vermont’s urgent need for skilled workers with the training and support local employers need. ReSOURCE excels at adapting to community needs, and as Vermont’s un-and-under employed population has shifted to include more new Americans and Vermonters with disabilities, ReSOURCE has continued to evolve its job skills training to help more Vermonters prepare for and enter the workforce.
Founded in 2007, the Future Leaders in Construction (FLiC) program is a leadership development initiative designed for both emerging leaders and established professionals who are committed to making a significant impact in their work and personal lives. Whether you are working in the field or in the office, FLiC offers a unique and enriching experience by bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering a rich environment for learning and growth.
At the heart of the FLiC program is the aim to develop a deeper understanding of oneself, which is the cornerstone of understanding and leading others effectively. Through a series of comprehensive assessments, including DISC (behavioral preferences), listening, conflict styles, and team dynamics, participants can identify their personal leadership styles. This self-awareness lays the groundwork for improving essential communication and listening skills, which are crucial for effective leadership.
FLiC was developed by Jennifer Landon, M.ED, VP of Education and Workforce Development at the Associated Builders and Contractors NH/VT. "The Future Leaders in Construction program is about more than just building skills; it's about building people,” says Landon. “Our goal is to empower both emerging and established professionals to become visionary leaders who can inspire and drive positive change in their workplaces and communities. By fostering a deep understanding of oneself and others, enhancing communication, and cultivating a positive and healthy work culture, we are shaping the future of the construction industry, one leader at a time."
Landon, along with co-facilitators Susan Losapio, PhD, and Dr. Sophia Koustas, teaches two FLiC programs, one in New Hampshire and another in Vermont. Participants attend eight full-day classes over an eight-month period, culminating in a graduation celebration in June. For more information or to join the waitlist for the 2024-2025 program, please contact Jennifer Landon, jennifer@abcnhvt.org.
The 2023-2024 Future Leaders in Construction graduates include the following:
Chris Rowan - Alpine Environmental Inc.
Joel Ruiz - Alpine Environmental Inc.
Brad Rostron - ARC Mechanical Contractors, Inc
John Bisson - ARC Mechanical Contractors, Inc
Lisha Nelson - Associated Builders & Contractors NH/VT
Haley Frazier - Charters Brothers Construction, LLC
Melanie Smith - Charters Brothers Construction, LLC
Samuel J. Marcionek - Charters Brothers Construction, LLC
Rheana Anderson - Cobb Hill Construction
Kevin Hardt - Cormack Construction Management, Inc.
Nicholas DeHaas - Cormack Construction Management, Inc.
Thomas Cracolici - Cormack Construction Management, Inc.
Ben LaFlam - DEW Construction
Cameron Riley - DEW Construction
Codie Lawson - DEW Construction
Colby Luopa - DEW Construction
Devon Wells - DEW Construction
Emily Bastian - DEW Construction
Jason M. Campbell - DEW Construction
Kimberly Lawton - DEW Construction
Robert Wells - DEW Properties
Don E. Lawrence - Engelberth Construction Inc
Chris Spirito - Fulcrum Associates
Matt Ward - Fulcrum Associates
Melissa Field - Fulcrum Associates
Michael K. Mavrogeorge - Fulcrum Associates
Colin O'Connor - Granite State Glass
Patrick Elliott - Granite State Glass
Brian Clews - H.P. Cummings Construction Co.
Emily Balzano - H.P. Cummings Construction Co.
Matt Nutting - H.P. Cummings Construction Co.
Mike Yandow - H.P. Cummings Construction Co.
Zachary Denekas - H.P. Cummings Construction Co.
Allison Bryant - Metro Walls, Inc.
Taylor Prime - Metro Walls, Inc.
Seth M. Hoenes - Multi-Weld Services
Bronson Raspuzzi - North Branch Construction
Chris Ricketts - North Branch Construction
Elizabeth Marchand - NorthPoint Construction Management
Jordan Burke - Optiline Enterprises
Laurie Couture - Optiline Enterprises
Duncan Tilford - PC Construction
Joshua Menard - PC Construction
Martin Pigeon - PC Construction
Mike Steding - PC Construction
Rob Mahoney - PC Construction
Adam Hall - PROCON
Sam Washuk - PROCON
Trevor J Snow - PROCON
Patrick Curran - Turnstone Corporation
George O'Grady - VHV Company
Joe Fischer - VHV Company
Jonathan Laramie - VHV Company
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About Associated Builders and Contractors
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association representing more than 23,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 Chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. ABC's membership represents all specialties within the U.S. construction industry and is comprised primarily of firms that perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors.
The annual Safety Awards recognize commendable safety performance of individual firms. The awards convey ABC’s strong support of safety performance in full recognition of the fact that each firm has the responsibility for execution of safety, to ensure an overall safe workplace.
Annual safety awards are for the BEST and MOST IMPROVED safety records, and MOST CREATIVE safety program among “small” and “large” member firms, in each of the following Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code major groups, as well as SUPPLIERS:
Congratulations to the 2024 Safety Award Winners.
WASHINGTON, April 23—Associated Builders and Contractors today issued the following statement opposing the U.S. Department of Labor’s final rule that will change overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The final rule increases the minimum annual salary level threshold for exemption in two phases: from the current level of $35,568 to $43,888 on July 1, 2024, and to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025. In addition, salary thresholds will update every three years starting on July 1, 2027.
“ABC appreciates that the DOL recognized the value in retaining the methodology used by the prior administration in the 2019 overtime rule update for the phase I increase,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs. “Regrettably, the DOL decided to use a new methodology for phase II, which results in a 65% increase to $58,656 from the current threshold only nine months from now—further complicating the current economic outlook. Multiple industries, like construction, are grappling with uncertain economic conditions such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, high materials prices and workforce shortages, all of which push operational costs ever higher. Specifically, ABC estimates that the construction industry must hire more than half a million additional workers in 2024 to meet demand.”
“Virtually all of ABC’s members employ workers who qualify for exempt status, and phase II of the final rule will reclassify huge numbers of these employees as nonexempt,” said Brubeck. “This will disrupt the entire construction industry, specifically harming small businesses, as the rule will greatly restrict employee workplace flexibility in setting schedules and hours, hurting career advancement opportunities. These issues will recur repeatedly because the DOL rule will automatically increase the salary level every three years beginning in 2027. Additionally, the rule’s significant increase in the salary level threshold fails to account for disparate income levels in different regions of the country.
“ABC will consider all options, including a legal challenge, against this final rule,” said Burbeck.
On Nov. 8, 2023, ABC submitted comments to the DOL in response to the proposed rulemaking, calling on the DOL to withdraw it.
WASHINGTON, April 23—Associated Builders and Contractors today issued the following statement opposing the Federal Trade Commission’s final rule to ban noncompete clauses. The FTC voted 3-2 to issue the final rule today.
“The final rule to ban all noncompete agreements nationwide—except existing noncompetes for senior executives— is a radical departure from hundreds of years of legal precedent,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC vice president of regulatory, legal and state affairs. “Ultimately, this vastly overbroad rule will invalidate millions of reasonable contracts—including construction project contracts—around the country that are beneficial for both businesses and employees.”
As ABC argued in its comments submitted April 19, 2023, in opposition to the FTC’s unprecedented proposal to ban noncompete agreements:
ABC members have valid business justifications for utilizing noncompete agreements, such as protecting confidential information and intellectual property. This new rule will have a harmful effect on their companies as well as their employees, forcing companies to rework their compensation and talent strategies.
ABC joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 280 business groups in submitting comments urging the FTC to rescind the proposed rule on April 17, 2023.
Concord, NH–The Associated Builders and Contractors New Hampshire/Vermont (ABC NH/VT) is pleased to welcome Jen Beach as its new Membership Director.
“As the Membership Director, Jen will help expand the association’s resources and expertise to serve the region's construction industry,” said Josh Reap, president and CEO of ABC NH/VT. "We are thrilled to have Jen join the team!"
Jen brings to this role more than 15 years of experience in sales and marketing and is a dynamic client relationship manager. She is a founding board member of Project Blackout, a 501(c) nonprofit organization in Windham, NH on a mission to turn out the lights on pediatric cancer.
“I am honored to be selected by ABC to represent the New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter, and look forward to building relationships and providing connections for our members,” said Jen. “ABC is an outstanding organization with top notch members, I look forward to getting to know everyone.”
Jen may be reached via email or call 603-805-9476.
ABC NH/VT is a leader in the construction industry and workforce development, representing over 260 merit shop builders and industry-related firms in New Hampshire and Vermont. The association’s membership includes all specialties within the construction industry, including firms that perform work in the residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors of the industry. ABC is recognized as one of the leading organizations representing America’s business community and the construction industry.
Associated Builders and Contractors today announced it has released an artificial intelligence technology guide for the construction community, which includes definitions, construction use cases and considerations. The purpose of the guide is to provide a level of knowledge to ensure contractors can be active participants in the construction AI conversation.
“ABC helps members realize the potential of AI, which helps contractors complete projects on time, minimize staffing challenges, save money and improve health and safety,” said Matt Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation. “The construction industry is faced with a steep worker shortage of more than half of a million in 2024, and promising technologies like AI can help address this challenge. As younger workers become industry leaders, we must approach AI in construction as beneficial with a balanced view that includes continuous evaluation, developing ethical guidelines and increasing awareness about what AI can and cannot do.”
“The possibilities of AI technology may sound endless, but we must first educate ourselves on the basics, and this resource is a starting point to understand AI and its potential impact on the construction industry,” said ABC Director of Construction Technology and Innovation Patrick Scarpati, who authored the guide. “The industry has immense opportunities to evaluate how we can better deliver projects, and we can lean on AI in achieving essential goals like upskilling, workforce development, knowledge transfer, supply chain optimization, enhanced safety design and planning and much more.”
The guide describes uses of AI during the construction project lifecycle, including preconstruction, construction and building maintenance. It also provides definitions of terms, such as deep learning and predictive AI, as well as best practices in drafting office AI policies.
ABC creates the conditions for construction companies to innovate, differentiate, and attract and educate their top talent, ultimately to win and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. ABC continues to invest in helping its members select and understand high-quality construction technology available to them through its Tech Report, Tech Alliance, Tech Marketplace and Safety Tech Guide.
Visit abc.org/ai.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Associated Builders & Contractors NH/VT (ABC NH/VT) is proud to announce the launch of "Breaking the Stigma", a series of workshops aimed at promoting mental health awareness and well-being within the construction industry.
Taking place every Wednesday throughout the month of May, "Breaking the Stigma" will feature engaging and informative presentations on various topics related to mental health and total human health. These sessions will cover critical areas such as substance use disorders, suicide prevention, psychological safety on the jobsite, and hard hat health.
Key Details:
"We are committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health within the construction industry," said Jennifer Landon, VP of Education and Workforce Development, ABC NH/VT. "The Breaking the Stigma series is designed to provide valuable insights, resources, and support to ABC members, fostering a culture of well-being and safety in the workplace."
Registration for "Breaking the Stigma" is now open. Member companies can register their staff by visiting abcnhvt.org/calendar or calling 603-226-4789.
About ABC NH/VT
CONCORD, NH, December 19, 2023—Associated Builders and Contractors NH/VT Chapter (ABC) today announced the endorsement of Hollie Noveletsky for Congress, NH-1. ABC represents over 285 local contractors and construction-related firms in the multi-family, industrial, commercial and institutional construction sector.
“Hollie Noveletsky is a contractor who knows firsthand the challenges faced by our industry,” said Josh Reap, President & CEO of ABC. “We know that in Washington, Hollie will be a voice for the New Hampshire construction community, thus earning the support of the Associated Builders & Contractors.”
Candidate Hollie Noveletsky has been a champion of free enterprise and open competition throughout her career in construction. As the leader of a woman-owned steel fabrication company, she has supported policies that support merit shop construction workers and businesses. Hollie Noveletsky understands the recently announced Biden Administration pro-union mandate to be incompatible with New Hampshire’s construction industry, where over 90% of construction workers choose to work open shop.
“We need someone who will go to DC to represent New Hampshire and fight for our values. We believe the best person to do the job in NH-1 is Hollie Noveletsky,” added Reap.
Associated Builders and Contractors NH/VT is the leading voice promoting fair and open competition in the construction industry in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 22,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.
Fulcrum Associates project, the 11,000 s/f Manchester Fire Station #9, was the New England Journal of Real Estate's featured project of the month.
"Fulcrum Associates was recently joined by fire leadership, firefighters, local and state officials, and mayor Joyce Craig, to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new Manchester Fire Station #9. This state-of-the-art facility was constructed to replace the aging station, originally built in the 1960s. The new two-story, 11,000 s/f facility comfortably houses two fire trucks, an ambulance, and includes a community room for local neighborhoods. Station #9 serves a densely populated area with mixed occupancy, elderly apartments, large commercial buildings, the South Willow St. corridor, South Beech St., Queen City Ave. and Brown Ave..."
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