ABC NHVT News

Fulcrum Associates - Manchester Fire Station Project is NEREJ Project of the Month

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 23:44:54 GMT

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..."

Read the Article

Second Vermont Commercial Craft Apprenticeship class begins on Nov. 17

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:27:05 GMT

Last week, ABC NH/VT held a reception to welcome students and contractors participating in our 2nd Vermont Commercial Craft Apprenticeship class which begins Nov. 17 2023.

This year the apprenticeship program will include 19 students who will be placed at six companies, including DEW Construction, PC Construction Company, ReArch Company, HP Cummings, Kingsbury, and Bread Loaf. More than 30 people attended the welcome reception in support of the program.

The following is the November 2023 CCA Class Student Listing:

Sierra LeClaire (DEW)
Allen Bushey (DEW)
Andrew Fiske (PC)
Joshua Newton(PC)
Cayden Yates (PC)
Molly Metayer (PC)
Samuel Manchester (BreadLoaf)
John Champion (BreadLoaf)
Carl Wheeler(Kingsbury)
Chandler Barnes (Kingsbury)
David Dennis (Kingsbury)
Trevor Hood ( Kingsbury)
Davis Bodette (HP Cummings)
Jason Sheldrick (HP Cummings)
Dylan Burke (HP Cummings)
Ollie Hurd (ReArch)
Dakota Ward (ReArch)
Ted Sheehan (ReArch)
Cody Blake (ReArch)

ABC NH/VT is addressing the workforce shortage locally by serving as the Sponsor of Registered Carpentry Apprenticeship programs in New Hampshire and Vermont. The apprenticeship programs address a critical workforce shortage by connecting employers with individuals interested in learning carpentry. Apprentices receive multiple years of on-the-job training and hundreds of hours of related instruction. We continue to see expanded interest in the programs and at the same time helping to address the workforce shortage.

Nonresidential Construction Employment Increased in October, Industry Wage Growth Outpaces Economywide Average, Says ABC

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:51:49 GMT

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3—The construction industry added 23,000 jobs on net in October, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has increased by 219,000 jobs, an increase of 2.8%.

Nonresidential construction employment increased by 8,400 positions on net, with growth in all three subcategories. Nonresidential specialty trade added 4,200 positions, while nonresidential building and heavy and civil engineering added 2,600 and 1,600 jobs, respectively.

The construction unemployment rate increased to 4.0% in October. Unemployment across all industries increased from 3.8% in September to 3.9% last month.

“The construction industry added jobs for the seventh consecutive month in October,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Over the past year, hiring has been concentrated in the nonresidential segment, with especially strong employment growth in the nonresidential building category. This is in large part due to the unprecedented surge in manufacturing megaprojects.

“While contractors’ demand for labor remains robust, the rising cost of labor, pushed upward by worker shortages, remains a pressing issue for the industry,” said Basu. “Average hourly earnings for construction workers increased at over twice the rate of economywide wages in October and have risen significantly faster over the past 12 months. With over half of contractors intending to increase their staffing levels over the next six months and fewer than 7% intending to downsize, according to ABC’s Construction Confidence Index, labor shortages should continue to push wages higher over the next few quarters.”

Apprenticeships: Essential to Construction Career Advancement

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 19:22:19 GMT

Traditional college pathways continue to be pushed as the preferred route to a lucrative career. Degree seekers spend years learning while potentially racking up tens of thousands of dollars of college debt that must be paid back by a job that may not be in high demand.

In construction, there are more openings for craft professionals than there are individuals available to fill those roles. As a result, average hourly earnings are rising and career advancement opportunities are exceptional. Enrolling in a construction apprenticeship sets you on the path for success early on, and you can earn a living while building your foundation for tomorrow’s advancement opportunities in the industry.

Construction offers more than 20 career paths in specific trades like HVAC, carpentry and pipeline technicians. Apprenticeships help people find and upskill in the specific crafts they find fulfilling, giving them access to one of the leading sectors where workers report the highest levels of job satisfaction, according to a report based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey.

Associated Builders & Contractors NH/VT (ABC NH/VT) is addressing the workforce shortage locally by serving as the Sponsor of Registered Carpentry Apprenticeship programs in New Hampshire and Vermont. The apprenticeship programs address a critical workforce shortage by connecting employers with individuals interested in learning carpentry. Apprentices receive multiple years of on-the-job training and hundreds of hours of related instruction. I’m pleased to share that we have several dozen apprentices between the two programs. We continue to see expanded interest in the programs and at the same time helping to address the workforce shortage.

National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 13-19, reminds us that apprenticeships are the best way to set yourself up for success from Day 1, and America should treat them as such.

ABC: IRS Must Provide Clarity, Withdraw Anti-Competitive Labor Policies from Inflation Reduction Act’s Clean Energy Construction Tax Credit Rules

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:54:50 GMT

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31—Associated Builders and Contractors submitted comments to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Internal Revenue Service in response to a proposed rule implementing controversial labor policies through changes to the federal tax code by the ABC-opposed Inflation Reduction Act. ABC called on the IRS to provide further clarity and withdraw anti-competitive aspects of the proposal that would increase costs, reduce competition and delay construction of clean energy projects eligible for more than $270 billion in federal tax incentives from the IRA.

“If the Biden administration is truly committed to the Inflation Reduction Act’s stated goal of promoting construction of critical clean energy infrastructure, Treasury and the IRS must significantly revise the proposed rule to clarify prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements and eliminate unnecessarily burdensome provisions that depart from the letter of the law,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs. “Otherwise, increased costs and widespread delays on clean energy construction projects are inevitable as developers and contractors struggle to understand and comply with cumbersome and unclear regulations.”

“While inflationary prevailing wage regulations and government-registered apprenticeship mandates that limit small business and workforce participation are unfortunately required by the Inflation Reduction Act, the agencies can still take important steps to provide clarity and lessen burdens for taxpayers and contractors. Among many other recommended changes to the proposed rule outlined in ABC’s comments, IRS must ensure clear prevailing wage classifications are readily available to contractors seeking to pay appropriate wages and establish apprenticeship requirements and exceptions that align with actual industry practice.”

The Treasury’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Increased Credit or Deduction Amounts for Satisfying Certain Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Requirements, proposes regulations clarifying the applicability of tax credits for the construction of private clean energy projects funded by the IRA––including solar, wind, hydrogen, carbon sequestration, electric vehicle charging stations and more––conditioned on compliance with controversial prevailing wage and government-registered apprenticeship requirements. Effective Jan. 30, project developers who satisfy these regulations are eligible for a 500% increase in tax credits compared to baseline tax credits offered to developers under previous regulations.

“Additionally, the agencies must fully withdraw provisions of the proposed rule that incentivize project labor agreements that restrict competition and unfairly favor unions. Project labor agreements often prevent contractors from utilizing their established workforce,” said Brubeck. “Given that less than 12% of the U.S. construction industry is unionized and the construction industry is facing a skilled labor shortage of more than 500,000 people in 2023, these policies must be removed to ensure that the vast majority of the workforce is able to work on projects receiving IRA tax credits through fair and open competition.”

According to a survey of ABC contractor members published Oct. 24, 98% of respondents stated that controversial prevailing wage and government-registered apprenticeship policies imposed by the Inflation Reduction Act will make them less likely to bid on clean energy projects.

ABC also led a coalition of a dozen construction and business associations in comments urging the IRS to provide regulatory clarity and to abandon its illegal and coercive scheme to push clean energy project developers into requiring PLAs.

ABC previously submitted comments on Nov. 4, 2022, to Treasury in response to its request for comments on future initial guidance implementing these tax credits. ABC outlined concerns with the IRA’s unprecedented expansion of inflationary prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements and the lack of clear guidance from Treasury as a result of it failing to issue regulations through a traditional notice-and-comment rulemaking.

ABC issued a Nov. 29, 2022, statement on the IRS/Treasury’s inadequate initial guidance.

Following extensive feedback from ABC and industry stakeholders on the November 2022 guidance, this summer the Biden administration announced a formal rulemaking on the matter.

Stakeholders can review ABC and government resources on the IRA tax credits for clean energy projects at abc.org/ira.

14 Commercial Construction Projects from NH and VT Receive Awards for Outstanding Projects Completed in New England

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 23:07:10 GMT

On Oct. 26, Associated Builders and Contractors of NH/VT (ABC NH/VT) awarded 11 construction companies Excellence in Construction awards for exemplary work on 15 commercial construction projects completed throughout New England. The EiC awards program is the construction industry’s leading competition that honors contractors for world-class, safe, and innovative construction projects.

“For more than three decades, ABC NH/VT has honored award-winning construction projects like these because the team’s work exemplifies excellence in our industry,” said Josh Reap, president and CEO of ABC NH/VT. “The 2023 Excellence in Construction honorees set the standard in safety, quality and innovation.”

The EiC awards honor every member of the construction team, including the contractor, owner, architect and engineer. The winning projects are selected from entries across NH and VT and are judged on complexity, attractiveness, unique challenges overcome, completion time, workmanship, innovation, safety and cost. A panel of industry experts served as the competition’s judges.

Concord, NH based North Branch Construction received the prestigious 2023 Chairman Award for their outstanding work on the SIG Sauer Experience Center in Epping, NH, a one-of-kind facility offering an opportunity for a hands-on, immersive experience with the SIG SAUER brand.

The highly prized Chairman’s Award recognizes one project that stands out from the rest. The winning job embodies the industry’s idealized qualities of teamwork, quality, professionalism, and commitment to safety for the betterment of the community.

The projects and companies listed below represent the pinnacle of merit shop construction achievement.

Excellence Awards

Charters Brothers Construction, LLC, University of New Hampshire - College Road Utility Upgrades
DECCO, Inc, Project Atlas
DEW Construction, Maplewood Nursing Home
Fulcrum Associates, BAE-MNH 30/31 Renovation
Metro Walls, Salem Heights
North Branch Construction, SIG Experience Center
ReArch Company, Winooski School District Additions & Renovations

Merit Awards

Eckman Construction, NH Eye Associates Medical Office Building
Eckman Construction, VA Medical Center Clinical Services Project
Longchamps Electric, Merrimack College: Collegiate Church Renovations
Metro Walls, Southbridge Mills
North Branch Construction, Summit on Juniper
PROCON, Merrimack College - Student Union and Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher
Sullivan Construction LLC, Wire Belt

Contact Josh Reap, president & CEO of ABC NH/VT for more information about the Excellence in Construction awards, josh@abcnhvt.org or 603-717-1282.

ABC NH/VT is a chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 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.

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Photo: Members of the North Branch Construction team who received the Chairman's Award for the SIG Experience Center in Epping, NH.

It can be scary to address grief in the workplace, but it doesn’t have to be.

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:15:51 GMT

It takes courage to address uncomfortable topics, but Jennifer Landon, VP of Education and Workforce Development is up for the challenge.

Landon recently presented “Grief: A Hidden Safety Risk” at the Women in Safety Conference at Keene State College and at the National Safety Council's 96th Annual Maine Safety and Health Conference. “Grief is a natural and normal response to loss, but it can be a complex and often misunderstood emotion. Grief messes with our brains and our bodies," says Landon. Here are some ‘scary’ facts she talked about at the conference earlier this month:

Unsupported grief in the workplace costs companies up to $225.8 billion every year
It’s estimated that 1.5 million children in the US have lost one or both parents by age 15 (this is our future workforce)
90% of those who work in physical jobs are more likely to get injured due to lack of concentration (hence…grief is a hidden safety risk)
It is estimated that 1 in 4 employees is grieving at any given time

"Grief can display much the same as mental health challenges," adds Landon. "Experiencing grief is not a sign of weakness or something to be afraid of. It's a journey that looks different for everyone, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. It's a process that requires time, patience, and self-compassion."

Landon is a Certified Grief Educator & Coach, Construction Suicide Prevention Trainer and Mental Health First Aid Responder. She has presented on the topic of workplace grief at national and regional conferences and has facilitated workshops for associations and organizations. To learn how you can create psychologically safe workplace cultures that are grief sensitive, contact Jennifer.

Thank you to the ABC members who sponsored the Women in Safety Conference: RH White, Contractors Risk Management, White Cap

ABC Member, The Rowley Agency, LLC Announces New Executives to Join Team

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 22:21:40 GMT

Andrei Anghel and Robert Mayo Join The Rowley Agency

The Rowley Agency, LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Andrei Anghel as an Account Executive in the agency’s Benefits Department. Andrei has previous experience guiding clients through complex circumstances in Real Estate and IT. We are excited to see him apply his passion for building relationships to assist our clients in finding the right benefits solutions to fit their needs. A recent grad from UMASS Lowell, Andrei lives with his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter in Newmarket. He will be working out of our Concord office.

The Rowley Agency, LLC also announces the return of Robert Mayo as an Account Executive in the agency’s Property & Casualty Department. Rob brings with him eight years of P&C industry experience from Utica National and Concord Group as an underwriter and four years of agency experience as an account manager with A.B. Gile, Inc. which The Rowley Agency acquired in 2021. Rob is a native of the Upper Valley and a graduate of Bentley University. Rob lives with his wife and son in Plainfield. He will be working out of our West Lebanon office.

Reference
Daniel E. Church
(603) 224-2562

dchurch@rowleyagency.com
https://www.rowleyagency.com

ABC Opposes New OSHA Proposal To Allow Union Access to Merit Shop Jobsites

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 19:50:14 GMT

WASHINGTON, Aug. 29—Associated Builders and Contractors today announced its opposition to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announcement of a proposed rule, Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process. The proposed rule would allow an employee to choose a third-party representative, such as an outside union representative, to accompany an OSHA inspector into nonunion facilities.

“ABC is deeply disappointed that the Biden administration is trying to revive a failed Obama-era initiative, which was bad policy then and is bad policy now,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs. “This proposal does nothing to promote workplace safety and it will have a substantial negative impact on the rights of employers and their employees.”

“By allowing outside union representatives access to nonunion employers’ private property, OSHA is injecting itself into labor-management disputes and casting doubt on its status as a neutral enforcer of the law,” said Brubeck. “Unfortunately, many outside union organizer representatives have a biased agenda that is not focused on safety or health, which could distract OSHA inspectors from their primary purpose of workplace safety.”

ABC continues to review the proposed rule and assess options for a legal challenge.

On Feb. 21, 2013, OSHA issued a letter of interpretation endorsing union representatives and other nonemployee third parties accompanying OSHA inspectors on walkaround inspections at nonunion workplaces, which ABC adamantly opposed, expressing serious concerns. OSHA eventually rescinded the letter of interpretation on April 25, 2017.

ABC Hawaii Requests Support for Maui Relief Efforts

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 02:00:01 GMT

Good morning,

As you all are aware, Maui suffered a devastating fire last week that has taken 110 lives so far and caused over $5b in damages. The ABC Hawaii chapter has reached out to ABC National and ABC chapters throughout the United States to request our assistance.

The following message is from Jeffrey Durham, President & CEO, ABC Hawaii Chapter.

Thank you for consideration of their request.

Sincerely,

Joshua Reap, CEO & President, ABC NH/VT Chapter

As a chapter, we [ABC Hawaii] are working with our Maui members on the ground to provide emergency power in Lahaina and the surrounding neighborhoods.

We have an associate member, World Wide Safety, with an office in Nevada and we are in the process of bringing in containers loaded with relief supplies donated by the large contingent of ex-pats living in the Las Vegas area. Our government agencies have not been able to meet the current needs and it is falling to the residents to provide basic supplies.

We have located the warehouse space and boots on the ground in Maui to receive the shipments and distribute the goods. Our greatest need is to assist in covering the costs to get the supplies on island.

I am reaching out to ask for your help; if you can pass along as much of this information to your members as possible it would be greatly appreciated.

For any donations via credit card, please call our ABC Hawaii office at 808-845-4887 between 7:30 am-4:30 pm HST or email our office at Renee@abchawaii.org. Snail-mail is also an option, our mailing address is 11375 Dillingham Blvd, Suite 200, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817.

Thank you all in advance for your help and aloha in this time of need.

Jeffrey Durham, CEO & President, ABC Hawaii Chapter

Lessons to Help You Achieve Social Media Marketing Success

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 18:59:56 GMT

Elevate your marketing with our marketing series focused on short form video, search engine results pages and LinkedIn! In today's fast-paced digital landscape, mastering these three essential pillars is crucial to achieving social media marketing success.

Short-Form Videos: Rehabbing Your Social Media Strategy

Wed., Sept. 6, 9:00 – 10:30 am
This training is designed to equip you with the essential skills to leverage short-form video content and revitalize your social media presence. You'll learn practical techniques to create engaging and impactful videos for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, helping you capture the attention of your target audience and drive brand awareness. By the end of the training, you will be equipped with the knowledge and best practices to start using short form video on social media.
Presented by Nicole Boyle with The Social HQ.

Anatomy of a Search Engine Results Page (“SERP”)

Thurs., Sept. 14, 9:00 – 10:30 am
What is a Search Engine Results Page (“SERP”) and why does it matter? Learn why the map-section 3-pack of Google listings is so important. This session will cover:

How to set-up, claim, and optimize/update a Google Business Profile listing
The value of Google Reviews, even for large B2B contractors
How to implement effective two-pronged strategy for consistently getting Google reviews
- including tips on email marketing
- as well as best-practices for getting reviews during final walkthroughs
The importance of replying to reviews

Presented by James Scott, owner of Live Free Digital.

Building Your Business Network Using LinkedIn

Tues., Sept. 19, 9:00 – 10:30 am
Networking. Networking. Networking. A key benefit of using LinkedIn is broadening your network. LinkedIn allows companies to expand their reach via a company page, and for your team to network and connect with industry experts. Learn how you can use LinkedIn as a platform for business and professional networking and knowledge sharing.
Presented by Kim Wall, ABC NH/VT Communications

Contact Jennifer Landon, ABC NH/VT V.P. of Education and Workforce Development, for more information.

Contact Shari Peracchi if you would like more infomration about ABC membership.

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NH and VT Construction Unemployment Rate Lowest in New England

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 16:44:26 GMT

CONCORD, NH, August 2, 2023—The not seasonally adjusted national construction unemployment rate was 0.1% lower in June 2023 from a year ago, down from 3.7% to 3.6%. According to a state-by-state analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors, New Hampshire has the lowest unemployment in New England, at 1.8%. The next lowest state is Vermont with 2.1%.

“New Hampshire continues to experience record low unemployment in the construction sector,” said Josh Reap, president & CEO of ABC NH/VT. “Our unemployment rate is very low, only up by .2% from the record low we experienced earlier this year in April. Our state’s industry has the lowest unemployment rate in the region because the Granite State provides the most opportunity of any New England state.”

According to Reap, there are many job openings among New Hampshire employers who are willing and ready to train. “Contractors will always meet the demands of clients through innovation and investment. Many employers today are developing the next generation of skilled workforce through internships, on the job training and apprenticeships.”

“Our industry is a leading sector because our employers institute an ‘earn while you learn’ model that upskills people,” added Reap. “If anyone wants to learn how to find out about these opportunities, they can visit www.ibuildnh.org to learn more about them."

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 abcnhvt.org.

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ABC President Joshua Reap Talks Workforce Development on WFEA

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 17:22:56 GMT

What's it like to work in construction in 2023? Listen to this audio clip for an inside look at the industry.

ABC president Joshua Reap sat down with Mike Morin on WFEA to talk about the career opportunities available with NH contractors.

Click here to listen

Vermont Flooding Victims Now Eligible for Tax Relief

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 17:15:25 GMT

Written by Kelli D’Amore, Managing Director, Nathan Wechsler & Company, P.A.

Flooding victims anywhere in Vermont now have until Nov. 15, 2023, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced on July 13, 2023.

The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including postponing various tax-filing and tax-payment deadlines for any taxpayer with an address of record in the disaster area. This means that individuals and households that reside or have a business in any of Vermont’s 14 counties qualify for tax relief. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.

What returns and payments qualify for the Nov. 15 deadline?

The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred starting on July 9, 2023. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until Nov. 15, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due between July 9 and Nov. 15.

Eligible returns and payments include:

Individuals who had a valid extension to file their 2022 return due to run out on Oct. 16, 2023. The IRS noted, however, that because tax payments related to these 2022 returns were due on April 18, 2023, those payments are not eligible for this relief.
Quarterly estimated income tax payments, normally due on Sept. 15
Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns, normally due on July 31 and Oct. 31
Businesses with an original or extended due date including, among others, calendar-year partnerships and S corporations whose 2022 extensions run out on Sept. 15, and calendar-year corporations whose 2022 extensions run out on Oct. 16.

In addition, penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due after July 9 and before July 25, will be abated as long as the deposits are made by July 25.

Other returns, payments and tax-related actions also qualify for the additional time. See the IRS disaster relief page for details.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in the disaster area. Because it is automatic, these taxpayers need not contact the agency to get the relief. However, if an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original or extended filing, payment or deposit due date falling within the postponement period, the taxpayer should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated.

In addition, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who lives outside the disaster area but whose records necessary to meet a deadline occurring during the postponement period are located in the affected area. Taxpayers qualifying for relief who live outside the disaster area need to contact the IRS at 866-562-5227. This also includes workers assisting the relief activities who are affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization.

Claiming disaster losses

Individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2023 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (2022). Be sure to write the FEMA declaration number – 3595-EM − on any return claiming a loss. See Publication 547 for details.

The tax relief is part of a coordinated federal response to the damage caused by these storms and is based on local damage assessments by FEMA. For information on disaster recovery, visit disasterassistance.gov.

Source: Internal Revenue Service IR-2023-125

Monthly Construction Input Prices Decrease in May, Says ABC

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:19:20 GMT

WASHINGTON, June 14—Construction input prices fell 0.6% in May compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices declined 0.5% for the month.

Overall construction input prices are 3.7% lower than a year ago. Nonresidential construction input prices are 3.4% lower. Prices declined in all three energy subcategories. Crude petroleum prices were down 10.2% in May, while unprocessed energy materials were down 7.8%. Natural gas prices fell 2.0% for the month.

“The headline numbers suggest broad-based deflation in construction materials prices,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “But the declines in input prices are less broad than meets the eye. Much of the deflation is tied to energy, steel and softwood lumber.

“Beyond those spheres, there is plenty of input price inflation,” said Basu. “For instance, concrete prices increased 1.1% for the month and more than 12% for the year. The price of construction machinery and equipment rose marginally for the month and is up more than 9% over the past year. Prices for brick and structural clay tile as well as adhesives and sealants are also up more than 9% over the past 12 months. In short, there are still supply chain challenges, but a weakening global economy has helped place downward pressure on several traded commodities. With so many public and private megaprojects under development in the United States, it is likely that many input price categories will continue to show inflationary tendencies even if the overall economy dips into recession.”

Visit abc.org/economics for the Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index, plus analysis of spending, employment, job openings and the Producer Price Index. 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.

First-of-its-Kind Military and Veterans Campus in the Granite State

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:29:14 GMT

Easterseals NH to Unveil Concept Designs of its To-Be-Developed Center of Excellence

Easterseals NH is hosting a press conference event to unveil design-build plans by ABC Member PROCON and update the public on the plans for the first-ever military and veterans campus in New Hampshire.

WHY: With $23M in COVID Relief Funding from the State of NH, Easterseals NH is on a quest to deepen its work with the military community. Easterseals NH will redevelop its 15-acre campus in Franklin, NH, into a first-of-its-kind in the state center of excellence. The campus will include affordable rental housing apartments for veterans, a hub of services for many military service providers, a retreat center, and therapeutic recreation opportunities.

WHO: Easterseals NH Board of Directors, Military and Veterans Campus Task Force Members, and Senior Leadership Staff; PROCON leadership and design build team; Governor Chris Sununu; Commissioner Taylor Caswell; Major General David Mikolaities; State of NH Executive Councilors; City of Franklin Mayor Jo Brown; Veteran Administration executives; and others.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

3:30 – 3:45 – Networking 3:45 – 4:10 – Speaking program: Maureen Beauregard, President & CEO, Easterseals NH; Andy MacWilliam, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Easterseals NH; Governor Chris Sununu, State of NH; Commissioner Taylor Caswell, NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs; John Stebbins, Managing Director, PROCON; and Major General Mikolaites, NH National Guard.

4:10 – 4:15 – Unveiling and viewing of campus design renderings

4:15 – 4:20 – Photo ops with speakers

4:20 – 4:30 – Interview opportunities with speakers

WHERE: 555 Auburn St., Manchester, NH (Parking lot is on the Lincoln Street side of building). Entry is through the main lobby (John A. Samenfeld entrance).

About Easterseals New Hampshire: Since 1936, Easterseals New Hampshire has provided exceptional services to ensure that all people with varied abilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. A leader in social services for individuals with disabilities and those underserved by traditional programs, Easterseals NH employs 1,400 individuals and provides essential services and supports to more than 19,000 people annually. Core programs include autism, early intervention, child care, housing, camping and recreation, residential and educational services, veteran services, substance use treatment, transportation, senior, employment, and community-based services. For more information, http://eastersealsnh.org/

About PROCON: ABC Member PROCON is a single-source, architecture, engineering and construction management firm serving commercial developers throughout the Northeast. For 88-years the 4th generation Company has been built on integrity, lasting partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to client success. The Company’s one-stop-shopping approach to design, engineering and construction services means that at PROCON, every solution is just down the hall. https://proconinc.com/

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Celebrating Safety, Education and Future Leaders in Construction

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 20:14:11 GMT

ABC NH/VT was honored to host a celebration on June 8 recognizing the accomplishments of many companies and individuals in our industry. ABC Construction Industry Safety Awards were given to 36 companies for their commendable safety performance. The 2023 ABC STEP Award was given to 7 member companies for demonstrating that they have gone above and beyond in all areas of health and safety excellence performance. There were 7 individuals honored for completing the Construction Supervision Certificate program and 29 graduates of the Future Leaders in Construction (FLiC) program.

"It’s great to see so many of our members invest in their workforce and be committed to creating a safety culture of excellence," said Joshua Reap, ABC NH/VT president.

SAFETY AWARDS

Safety Awards demonstrate the Associated Builders and Contractors strong support of safety performance in full recognition of the fact that each firm has the responsibility for execution of safety and to ensure an overall safe workplace. There are several categories, following Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code major groups as well as Suppliers.

“Through this program, we recognize companies that exhibit a continued commitment to jobsite safety and whose safety performance and programs stand out,” said Reap. “Committing to a culture of safety creates the conditions for all to do their work without incident and go home safe and healthy every day. Today we recognize those efforts.”

General Contractor, Under 50,000 Personnel Hours

Charters Brothers Construction, 1st Place
Sullivan Construction, LLC, 2nd Place & Most Creative
Meridian Construction, 3rd Place & Most Improved
Turnstone Corporation, Honorable Mention

General Contractor, Under 100,000 Personnel Hours

Eckman Construction, 1st Place
Fulcrum Associates, 2nd Place
NorthPoint Construction Management, 3rd Place & Most Improved
Bonnette Page & Stone Corp, Honorable Mention
Cobb Hill Construction, Honorable Mention
HP Cummings Construction Co, Honorable Mention

General Contractor, Under 200,000 Personnel Hours

ReArch Company, 1st Place
PROCON, 2nd Place
Lewis Builders Development, 3rd Place & Most Improved
North Branch Construction, Honorable Mention & Most Creative

General Contractor, Over 200,000 Personnel Hours

DEW Construction, 1st Place

General Contractor, Over 300,000 Personnel Hours

PC Construction, 1st Place & Most Creative
Methuen Construction, 2nd Place

Heavy/Highway Contractor, Under 50,000 Personnel Hours

R.M. Piper, Inc., 1st Place

Heavy/Highway Contractor, Under 100,000 Personnel Hours

Leighton A. White, Inc., 1st Place
Andrews Construction Co., Inc., 2nd Place
St. Pierre, Inc., 3rd Place

Heavy/Highway Contractor, Under 300,000 Personnel Hours

Cianbro Corporation, 1st Place

Special Trade Contractor, Under 50,000 Personnel Hours

Multi-Weld Services Inc., 1st Place

Special Trade Contractor, Under 100,000 Personnel Hours

LHR Fire Protection, 1st Place
Rose Steel, Inc., 2nd Place

Special Trade Contractor, Under 200,000 Personnel Hours

Optiline Enterprises, LLC, 1st Place
Damon Insulations Co., Inc., 2nd Place

Special Trade Contractor, Over 200,000 Personnel Hours

Granite State Plumbing & Heating, 1st Place
Control Technologies, Inc., 2nd Place

Special Trade Contractor, Over 300,000 Personnel Hours

EnviroVantage, Inc., 1st Place
DECCO Inc., 2nd Place
Metro Walls, 3rd Place & Most Improved & Most Creative

Supplier

Doucet Survey, LLC, 1st Place
Milton Rents, 2nd Place
Novel Iron Works, Inc., 3rd Place
LaValley Middleton Building Supply, Honorable Mention & Most Improved

ABC STEP Award

The ABC STEP Safety Management System, the standard for developing world-class safety management systems in construction, is designed to help both large and small contractors evaluate every aspect of their corporate safety and health programs and identify opportunities for improvement.

The companies listed below have demonstrated that they have gone above and beyond in all areas of health and safety excellence performance. In addition to their commitment to world-class health and safety at the highest level of the organization, the leadership team is actively engaged in identifying new innovative ways to keep their employees healthy and safe.

Platinum
Multi-Weld Services, Inc.
R.H. White Construction Co., Inc.

Diamond
DECCIO, Inc.
CIANBRO

Silver
Structural Associates, Inc.

Bronze
North Branch Construction
DEW Construction

Construction Supervision Certificate Program

The ABC NH/VT Construction Supervision Certificate program is designed and instructed by construction industry professionals and subject matter experts. Program participants learn how to better plan, organize, communicate, and monitor daily activities. Participants listed below successfully completed all 10 courses and were awarded a Certificate of Achievement in Construction Supervision.

Keith Henderson, Cormack Construction Management
Tom Webb, Cormack Construction Management
Ryan Bogolin, Granite Roots Construction
Shayne Carruthers, North Branch Construction
Justin Willette, North Branch Construction
Richard Williams, North Branch Construction
Steven Plante, Palmer & Sicard, Inc.

2022-2023 Future Leaders in Construction (FLiC) Graduates

From emerging leaders to established professionals, FLiC is designed for anyone who wants to make a positive impact on work and in life. Whether in the field or in the office, the shared experiences among participants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences is one of the features that makes this program unique and impactful.

"It was another outstanding year. It's always exciting to see the progress over the course of the year," said Jennifer Landon, vice president of education and workforce development. "This year's Return on Investment (ROI) projects and presentations demonstrated the growth and development of these future leaders."

Here is a list of this year's graduates and their company sponsor:

Steph Marx, Cobb Hill Construction, Inc.
Nathan Alander, Cormack Construction Management
Greg Boelzner, Cormack Construction Management
Jason Fortier, Cormack Construction Management
James Hounsell, Cormack Construction Management
Matthew Smith, Cormack Construction Management
John Lavin, EnviroVantage, Inc.
Omar Lazu, EnviroVantage, Inc.
Cory Hildebrand, Fulcrum Associates, LLC
Nevin Houle, Fulcrum Associates, LLC
Mario Paradiso, Fulcrum Associates, LLC
Jeffrey Caillouette, Lewis Builders Development, Inc.
November Jalbert, Lewis Builders Development, Inc.
Jeremy Nicolaisen, Lewis Builders Development, Inc.
Richard Bouchard, North Branch Construction
Carlye Brandl, North Branch Construction
Liam Conners, NorthPoint Construction Management, LLC
Michael Cote, Optiline Enterprises, LLC
Karen Duffy, Optiline Enterprises, LLC
John D. Hanley, Optiline Enterprises, LLC
Brad Diver, PROCON
Kelsey Flinkstrom, PROCON
Ronald Salvatore, PROCON
Joel Witham PROCON
Zachary Dill, R.M. Piper, Inc.
Nicholas DiGeronimo,RediMix Companies, Inc.
Taylor Farrow, RediMix Companies, Inc.
Jeff Trovato, Team Engineering, PLLC
Jared Goudreau, Turnstone Corporation

Thank you to our sponsors for this year’s FLiC program:

Leadership Sponsor: Lewis Builders Development, Inc.
Team Sponsors: LHR Fire Protection, LLC
Lunch-n-Learn Sponsors: Fulcrum Associates, Inc., Methuen Construction Co., Inc., Optiline Enterprises, LLC

Thank you to this year’s FLiC facilitators, Dr. Sophia Koustas and Jennifer Landon.

Falling Short: Construction Must Prioritize Worker Safety

Wed, 24 May 2023 17:30:02 GMT

Written by Mark McGhiey, Senior Associate Vice President of Loss Control Services, Nationwide. Republished with permission from Construction Executive , May 3, 2023, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.

A building boom across the United States, particularly in nonresidential projects, has many construction firms and contractors concerned about the availability of workers. To keep up with demand, some contractors have resorted to lowering their hiring standards. But in one of the most perilous professions in America, these actions could have serious implications for the safety of workers.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows construction and extraction occupations had the second most occupational deaths in 2021—the most recent data available—at a rate of 12.3 fatalities for every 100,000 workers. Falls continue to be a leading cause of construction deaths and injuries on jobsites, with more than 300 fall-related deaths each year and thousands of serious injuries. Despite increased awareness and stringent regulations, these incidents continue to disrupt workers’ lives and livelihoods, as well as businesses’ abilities to operate.

There has not been a notable reduction in construction fall-related deaths or injuries over the past 10 years, but these accidents are mainly preventable. Increased focus, education and training are vital to combatting these hazards in the construction industry.

LESS EXPERIENCED WORKERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER FALLS ON JOBSITES

It’s critical that construction employers pay close attention to the experience level of workers. Nationwide claims data show construction workers with less than two years of experience with a company account for more than half (53%) of all reported construction fall claims since 2020. This underscores the importance for builders to ensure all workers, and especially those new to their company, are properly trained and equipped with the necessary safety gear to prevent such accidents from occurring.

This issue isn’t just about complying with regulations. It’s about protecting the lives of our workforce and ensuring their well-being on the job.

GROWING COSTS OF WORKER INJURIES

In addition to the human cost of falls on jobsites, there is a significant financial burden that companies must bear. Across all industries, the average workers’ compensation claim cost in 2022 rose by 15% over 2021, Nationwide’s data reveals.

A variety of factors are driving up workers’ compensation costs in the industry, including the high-risk nature of construction and increasing health-care costs. The costs of employee falls not only impact a company's bottom line but can also result in increased insurance premiums and damage to a company's reputation.

SAFETY AS A CULTURE

To prevent falls and mitigate the risk of safety incidents, companies must prioritize safety in all aspects of their operations. This includes providing workers with proper training and equipment, conducting regular safety inspections and implementing safety protocols and procedures that align with regulatory requirements. By creating a work environment that prioritizes safety, construction companies can reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring and improve their overall safety record.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s 10th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction takes place from May 1-5, 2023. This is a good time for construction safety leaders to lead toolbox talks, conduct safety equipment inspections, discuss job-specific hazards or conduct other safety activities to draw attention to the life-changing dangers of falls on jobsites.

For construction businesses and the broader industry, Nationwide has developed an interactive Fall Protection Guide to help address these underlying causes of falls and reduce their frequency. The guide is designed to help understand the critical roles, responsibilities and best practices for hazard analysis and review the various types of fall protection and rescue planning needed to create a general fall protection program as well as a site-specific program.

In order to reduce falls in construction, organizations need to commit at all levels. Any construction business, whether a Nationwide member or not, can leverage the Interactive Fall Protection Guide to not only comply with basic fall protection requirements, but also to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce hazards across their company and jobsites.

Written by Mark McGhiey - Senior Associate Vice President of Loss Control Services, Nationwide

Mark McGhiey, CSP, CFPS, is the senior associate vice president of Nationwide’s Loss Control Services, which provides safety and risk management support to the company’s book of standard commercial business. Mark has more than 23 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is also a Certified Safety Professional and a Certified Fire Protection Specialist. Mark lives in Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, visit Nationwide’s blog, Loss Control Services site and OSHA’s Stand-Down campaign page.

ABC Hosts Trench Safety Summit

Thu, 04 May 2023 23:15:44 GMT

Concord, NH – In construction, the hazards of trenches are well-known, yet far too many workers continue to be injured or killed during excavation work. According to OSHA, trench collapses, or cave-ins, are more likely than other excavation-related incidents to result in worker fatalities. It only takes seconds to become buried in thousands of pounds of soil.

The Associated Builders and Contractors NH/VT Chapter, in partnership with the OSHA Training Institute Education Center, hosted a Trench Safety Summit in Concord, NH to address these risks and provide resources to help keep workers safe. Galen Blanton, the US Department of Labor OSHA Regional Administrator, was in attendance to help raise awareness of this important issue, along with leadership from the ABC.

“Our training today is about empowering people with knowledge to be jobsite leaders in trench safety,” said Josh Reap, president and CEO of ABC NH/VT. “It’s incumbent upon everyone working in and around a trench to know the conditions to protect human life from even the slightest risk of cave-ins, which are avoidable with the right equipment and training. We are pleased to see so many employers and their employees are committed to fostering that mindset and it’s that commitment to safety and full human health which makes this one of the best industries to work in.”

ABC, OSHA, Concord Fire, Dig Safe, NH Dept. of Energy and more than 22 employers came together for the Trench Safety Summit to participate in classroom and live outdoor demonstrations. The knowledge gained by participants can be used at their own companies and to help raise awareness of general trench safety. Visit the OSHA website for more information about Trench Safety.

Get into Politics or Get Out of Business

Tue, 02 May 2023 15:50:30 GMT

Save the date for June 1 to join the ABC for a legislative luncheon at the NH state Capitol. The lunch will be an opportunity for legislators to learn how ABC NH/VT is working to address our industry's workforce shortage through the work and outreach of I Build NH and I Build VT .

The highlight of the event is an opportunity for you and other ABC members to engage your state elected officials in a friendly and professional environment.

We would appreciate your participation because it is important for legislators to hear directly from us about the issues and challenges in our industry. The event is free, but registration is required.

ABC members interested in attending the legislative luncheon at the NH Capitol can find more details and register here.