Alabama Construction News October/November 2014

General Contractor of the Year Award

Subcontractor of the Year Award

Workforce Development

ALABAMA

CONSTRUCTION N EWS

2014 Excellence in Construction Awards

A Bond Issue for Bama PAGE 32

PAGE 42

Mr. M. James Gorrie 2014 Cornerstone Award Winner PAGE 37

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014

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We know that complications and delays turn successful projects into unsuccessful projects.

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FEATURES

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Southern Company Hosts Safety Forum Southern Company hosts an annual event to focus everyone’s attention on the importance of safety

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A Bond Issue for Bama ABC of Alabama is taking the initial steps to secure a bond issue

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Mr. M. James Gorrie: Building on Success This year’s Cornerstone Award winner is devoted to helping others succeed

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2014 Excellence in Construction Awards ABC of Alabama shines the spotlight on those advancing the industry

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2014 General Contractor of the Year: White-Spunner Construction White-Spunner Construction has always focused on putting its customers first

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2014 Subcontractor of the Year: Ivey Mechanical Company Long history of completing quality work leads Ivey Mechanical to receiving significant award

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DEPARTMENTS AERIAL FROM WEST

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October/November 2014

06 Message From ABC’s 2015 Chairman

BUILDING ALABAMA 08 Projects Updates & Reports 24 Outlook & Trends

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What is the latest news on industry outlooks and trends? See the information that predicts a shift in the construction trade.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 26 Take Two

ABC NEWS & NOTES 62 OSHA Announces New Requirements for

Reporting Severe Injuries & Updates List of Industries Exempt from Record-Keeping Requirements

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63 Alabama Department of Revenue Changes

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Policy on Issuing Government Contractor Exemption Certificates

Letter from 2015 ABC Chairman

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fter reviewing the list of ABC of Alabama’s 2015 Board of Directors, I am reminded and humbled that the membership of this association has elected me to serve as chairman. Basically, every aspect of our industry is represented and inclusive of across the state representation.

So, as the incoming chairman, I wanted to share with you the direction of this group and what the industry can expect from your investment in our association.

As our industry continues to rebound from unstable economic times, I will not veer from our core goals. We are convinced the best way to help our $10 billion dollar industry continue its growth is by: • Driving down the cost of doing business • Spurring economic development Robin Savage • Creating a safe sustainable workforce Chairman, ABC of Alabama • Preserving the merit shop, free enterprise way of doing business Over the last four years, most of ABC’s initiatives have clearly fit into one of these categories. In 2015 we will continue this emphasis.

So how will ABC ensure we work toward these goals? I am convinced under the leadership of our board and staff we are positioned as the strongest political advocate for construction in Alabama. Over the last three months, I have been involved in countless meetings to ensure a seamless transition into the chairman’s role and one item remains very clear. ABC of Alabama is consistently called upon to take the leadership role in legislation that impacts our industry. Within the past three months alone we have met with the Governor, Attorney General, President Pro Tem of the Senate, Speaker of the House and 30-plus legislators. Some of the issues discussed include progressive delivery methods for public works, the issuance of bonds to promote construction projects and economic incentive packages for our state. Through our close professional relationship with our key state officials, we are ensuring the relevance of your association and providing a great return on your time and financial investment in ABC. Outside of our governmental efforts, we plan to promote the strength of our organization internally. As the economy continues to improve, it will be more important than ever to maintain a strong industry network by presenting opportunities to promote business relationships. We are planning several functions with our members to assure this type of contact. Our efforts to continue good industry education will continue through several safety initiatives and our leadership training program. Also, the creation of a new committee, the Merit Shop Council, will help us monitor labor activities and promote the Merit Shop philosophy.

In closing, I would like to appeal to each and every one of you who have an interest in your business and the construction industry. ABC needs your help and involvement.

Whether your preference is committee participation, financial support or just simply sharing your ideas and input, your involvement is welcomed and important. Only through our collective effort can we continue to accomplish our goals as the voice of our industry and within our association.

I look forward to a great 2015 and working with all of you in the industry throughout the coming year.

Robin Savage,

Chairman - Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama

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ALABAMA

CONSTRUCTION N EWS

Publisher

Jay Reed Associate Publisher/ Managing Editor

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Alabama Construction News is published by Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. Copyright © 2014 ABC-Alabama All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Address all correspondence to: Alabama Construction News 1830 28th Avenue So. Birmingham, AL 35209

For advertising information: contact George Pierce at 205.870.9768 x100 or email george@abc-alabama.org.

For editorial information: contact Paige Townley at 205.616.6824 or email paige@abc-alabama.org.

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ALABAMA Compelling Projects, Updates & Reports For and By Alabama Firms

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Robins & Morton Becomes Only GC to Receive Multiple LEED Healthcare Certifications, Breaks Ground on Miami Cancer Institute, Completes Opelika High School Untitled-2 1

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• L E E D G O L D H E A LT H CA R E C E R T I F I CAT I O N S •

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obins & Morton earned two LEED for healthcare gold certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council for work on the new HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts and MaineGeneral Alfond Center for Health, making the company the only general contractor to receive multiple LEED Gold healthcare certifications.

MaineGeneral Alfond Center for Health is a 644,000-square foot hospital that opened in November 2013 and is the first healthcare facility in Maine to be built successfully to the new 2010 LEED gold for healthcare standards. Through the utilization of IPD and lean principles, the project team was able to meet MaineGeneral’s

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goal of significantly reducing the cost of energy consumption while creating a hospital environment that would meet the highest benchmark standards for patient wellness.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts opened its doors in November 2013 as well and marked an important first step in the revitalization efforts of the historical mill town of Ludlow, Massachusetts. The 74,000-square foot, 53-bed rehabilitation hospital is the largest newly-built facility of HealthSouth Corporation. The $27 million hospital is also one of only seven projects in the country to receive a LEED healthcare certification.

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Above: the renovated Opelika High School Indoor Practice Facility.

Left: the Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida.

• M I A M I CA N C E R I N S T I T U T E • Robins & Morton celebrated groundbreaking in August for the new Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida. The new facility will consolidate under one roof outpatient clinical services, a dedicated cancer research facility and signature technology platforms, including the first proton therapy center in South Florida. It will also offer diagnostic imaging, infusion chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant services. The $430 million facility is scheduled to open in 2016 with construction value estimated at $177 million.

“The Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida will be recognized as a world-class destination for providing

evidence-based, individualized care for our patients. It will be a state-ofthe-art facility that will be unmatched in our region in terms of clinical excellence and advanced cancer care, and we are recruiting nationally renowned experts to lead the Institute,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida.

The 444,000-square-foot cancer institute will include a 295,000-squarefoot clinical cancer center and a 149,000-square-foot research facility.

Designed especially for cancer patients, a brand-new inpatient floor will connect between Baptist Hospital and the Cancer Institute. There also will be two parking garages with 1,200 spaces for the convenience of patients and their families.

The stunning, four-story facility is designed by Miami-based MGE Architects and Portland-based ZGF Architects, both renowned for creating healthcare spaces that are beautiful and patient-centered.

• O P E L I K A H I G H S C H O O L’ S R E N O VAT E D CA M P U S • Robins & Morton completed a $39 million expansion and renovation project at Opelika High School at the beginning of August – just in time for students to kick off the 2014-2015 school year.

On the first day of school, students found that over 227,024 square feet of new classrooms, a new cafeteria and a new front canopy were added to the school, in addition to increased parking and lobby renovations.

Several of the new classrooms have been designated for art, consumer science, health science, driver’s education, special education, engineering, publishing and horticulture. Computer, science and interactive business technology labs have also been added to the campus.

During football season, fans will be able enjoy the renovations to all of the football facilities. Bulldog Stadium has upgraded to turf instead of grass and increased seating options with 900 extra seats. There is a new indoor practice facility and athletic building complete with locker rooms and coaches’ offices.

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Hargrove Engineers + Constructors One of Alabama’s 2014 Best Companies to Work For Business Alabama named Hargrove Engineers + Constructors No. 11 on their 2014 “Best Companies to Work For” list. The list is determined by an independent, confidential survey distributed to the company’s teammates that rates their feelings about items such as benefits, communication and company culture.

The company completed a short survey addressing their benefit plan, incentives and employee relation strategies. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Alabama, analyzed the data and determined the final rankings.

Inaugural Conference Announced to Address Environmental Management Challenges in the Southeast New federal regulations and heightened community awareness have created challenging environmental compliance and management issues for companies across the Southeast. To address these issues from a real world perspective, the UA SafeState division of The University of Alabama and its partners is planning “The Alabama Environmental Conference” on October 20-21 in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Conference planners from the City of Mobile, ZF Chassis Systems, Alabama Gas Corporation and other companies have designed the conference to create dialog and promote ideas to bring about meaningful, sustainable solutions to real environmental challenges that most companies are facing today. Individuals benefitting from attending the conference are those responsible for environmental issues within their companies, particularly

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“We are honored to be named one of Alabama’s best companies to work for,” said Chad Vinson, PHR, Hargrove Engineers + Constructors human resources leader. “We recognize that the best company starts with the best team, so we strive to create a company culture that people want to be a part of.”

manufacturers, utilities and municipalities.

“There are many conferences that focus on a specific area of the environment, but this is the only conference in the Southeast to address broader issues including energy and resources, waste reduction, compliance, management and sustainability,” said John Sikes, acting executive director of UA SafeState at The University of Alabama.

Keynote speaker, Mayor Sandy Stimpson, will address how a proactive approach to environmental management can help enhance economic development and prosperity for the region.

Additionally, environmental leaders with expertise in the Southeastern United States will lead breakout sessions over one and a half days to help attendees take away practical solutions they can apply right away.

“This is a teaching conference, but it’s not theoretical in subject material. Companies of all shapes and sizes are getting hit with new regulations and challenges from all sides and they need help. We chose our breakout sessions carefully to deliver value to the attendees…information they can really use,” stated planning committee member Kim Kimbrell of automotive supplier ZF Chassis Systems, LLC.

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Hoar Construction Announces the Grand Opening of Maxwell AFB Commissary Hoar Construction has announced the grand opening of the New Commissary at Maxwell Air Force Base – Gunter Annex.

This 45,000-square foot commissary in Montgomery, Alabama, replaces the former commissary built in 1975 and serves active military, their families, veterans and retired military in the community.

“This was Hoar’s first time to work with the Defense Commissary Agency, and we were honored to be trusted with the construction for the New Commissary at Maxwell Air Force Base – Gunter Annex,” said Nick Miele, senior project manager for Hoar Construction. “We feel this will be a great facility for those serving in the armed forces and are proud to have been part of the process.”

The design of the new Commissary is unique, as it is a design-

build project with inclusions that would certify the facility as a LEED Silver certified building. It was built on the site of a World War II airfield. The project consisted of four phases: site preparations for the new Commissary, construction of the new Commissary, demolition of the existing Commissary and site improvements to the surrounding area. Hoar Construction was able to maintain these multiple phases of the project without inhibiting everyday activities of all adjacent buildings including the existing Commissary. The interiors include high-end finishes, new equipment, new millwork and new mechanical/electrical plumbing systems, along with top of the line refrigeration systems.

Hoar will complete the final phase of the project by December 2014.

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Brasfield & Gorrie Completes College Football Hall of Fame & Chick-fil-A Fan Experience

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rasfield & Gorrie has announced the completion of construction for the $68.5 million College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience in Atlanta, Georgia.

“The ahead-of-schedule completion of this landmark attraction was made possible by the strong partnership between Atlanta Hall Management, Brasfield & Gorrie, Cousins Properties-Gude Management, tvsdesign, BenchMark Management and other team members,” said Brasfield & Gorrie Division Manager Chris Britton. “The commitment of each stakeholder was integral to this project’s success.”

Adjacent to the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park, the three-story, 94,256-square foot attraction is designed to entertain and educate visitors and serve as a venue to celebrate the traditions of college football. In addition to housing the national College Football Hall of Fame, previously located in South Bend, Indiana, the attraction offers a total “Fan Experience” matching traditional, museum-quality memorabilia with interactive, multi-media exhibits that will invite fans and visitors to engage with their favorite college football team or Hall of Famer. In addition to interactive exhibits, the attraction’s amenities include retail space and an indoor 45-yard turf field that

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can be rented for events.

The College Football Hall of Fame is the third major entertainment complex constructed by Brasfield & Gorrie in Atlanta. The company built the world’s largest aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, in 2005, and completed an 80,000-square foot expansion of the facility in 2010. The company also constructed the concrete structure of the Georgia Dome in 1991. Additionally, Brasfield & Gorrie is part of American Builders 2017, the joint venture team selected to build the new Atlanta Braves Ballpark.

Serving as general contractor, Brasfield & Gorrie teamed with Cousins Properties-Gude Management, tvsdesign and BenchMark Management to construct the new attraction for Atlanta Hall Management. Other team members included Sykes Consulting Inc., Syska Hennessy Group, Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. and Gallagher & Associates. The project, which began in January 2013 and was completed ahead of schedule, is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver certification.

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HCS Group, Patriot Design Receive Multi-Million Dollar Contracts from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

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CS Group, P.C. and Patriot Design, LLC have each received contracts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for architect and engineering services in support of the Mobile District’s Central, South America, the Caribbean and South Atlantic Divisions.

The terms of the contracts contain limitations of either six years or $36 million, whichever comes first.

Numerous projects will be completed through these contracts, such as a 150acre headquarters complex in Homestead, Florida for Special Operations Command (SOC) South. The multi-building complex, which is still in its preliminary stages,

will include more than a dozen facilities, including physical training facilities, vehicle shops, an aquatic training facility, fitness facility, indoor range and command operations centers.

The companies will soon be starting an intelligence facility in Nicaragua to support the counter-narcotics program in Latin America, as well as the Humanitarian Assistance Program that calls for the construction of schools, clinics, medical facilities and disaster relief warehouses throughout Latin America.

Additionally, numerous renewable energy projects are planned, including a solar farm project in Honduras that

KBR Wins Licensing, Design Services Contract or Two Ammonia Plants in Algeria

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BR, Inc. has been awarded a contract by Fertial SpA to provide licensing and basic engineering design services to revamp Fertial’s Annaba and Arzew ammonia plants in Algeria.

Under the terms of the contract, KBR will supply Fertial its proprietary ammonia technology to significantly increase the production capacity of the Annaba and Arzew plants while simultaneously helping Fertial increase energy efficiency and overall reliability.

is designed to carry three headquarters buildings at the Soto Cano Air Base. HCS will also design an electrical substation at Soto Cano Air Base.

“I have had a longstanding relationship working with the Mobile District USACE since 1983,” said Kent Hornsby, president and CEO of HCS Group. “I have worked throughout the Southeast United States and Central and South Americas with the Corp, and when I started HCS Group in 2009 the relationship continued to grow.

Maybe newer faces, but the same professional expectations.”

“Fertial has embarked on an ambitious plan to revamp its ammonia plants in Algeria and we are very pleased to enter into a contract with KBR to help us achieve our strategic objectives,” said Jorge Requena, Fertial’s chief executive officer.

Considered a world leader in ammonia technology, KBR has been involved in the licensing, design, engineering and/or construction of more than 230 ammonia plants worldwide.

“This contract is a testament to KBR’s expertise in the ammonia industry,” said Stuart Bradie, KBR’s president and chief executive officer. “We are pleased to continue our work with Fertial as it expands its Annaba and Arzew ammonia plants.”

The contract value was not disclosed. Expected revenue from the contract will be included in KBR’s third quarter 2014 backlog of unfilled orders for its Hydrocarbons segment.

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Doster Construction Completes Expansion at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital

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irmingham-based Doster Construction Company has completed the construction of the University of South Alabama’s Children’s & Women’s Hospital expansion. A gala was held on August 28 to celebrate the grand opening of the new courtyard and lobby.

Adjacent to the existing hospital, the five-level, 200,000-square foot New Patient Tower connects to the main campus with a pedestrian bridge. The new facility, which nearly doubled the hospital’s size, houses patient rooms, eight operating rooms, two endoscopy rooms, support areas and a fullservice cafeteria. The project also included a small parking garage located at basement level.

Work was completed in two phases: Phase I included construction of the New Patient Tower, the connecting bridge and a full-service cafeteria. Phase II included an interior renovation to the existing hospital’s main lobby and gift shop.

Doster Construction Company was the general contractor with TRO Jung/Brannen as the architect of record.

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The University of South Alabama’s Children’s & Women’s Hospital

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Caddell Construction Awarded Nuclear Power Training Facility Contract

Caddell Construction has been awarded the contract by NAVFAC/Southeast to build the Nuclear Power Training Facilities at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. The project scope includes the renovation of a multi-story training support building and construction of two new multi-story, blast hardened training opera-

tion and support buildings, a Secured Area Entry Point building, a new security checkpoint entrance/sally port and a berthing pier extension. Offsite electrical distribution system improvements and new site substations are also included. The project will be performed in various phases while existing facilities remain fully operational.

The contact also contains six options and two planned modifications, which could increase the contract value to $157,810,500 from the current amount of $110,809,000.

Work is expected to be completed by June 2018.

The University of Alabama I S PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE

Numerous Project Opportunities IN THE COMING MONTH S: • BRYCE CAMPUS BUILDING DEMOLITION — partial demolition of outermost sections of main building • BRYCE MAIN STABILIZATION & RENOVATION — exterior skin renovation as well as HVAC replacement • GENERAL CLASSROOM BUILDING — 83,790 square foot classroom building • KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY — 22,500 square foot house • KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA SORORITY — 40,000 square foot house • PARTLOW BUILDING RENOVATION — MEP upgrades and finish improvements • PETER BRYCE BOULEVARD — new connector road and infrastructure • PHI MU SORORITY — 40,000 square foot house • PRINTING & MAIL SERVICES — 22,271 square foot renovation and 22,271 square foot addition • ZETA TAU ALPHA — 40,000 square foot house • MISCELLANEOUS WINDOW AND ROOF REPLACEMENTS For information regarding these projects and others please visit the Construction Administration website at www.uafacilities.ua.edu/const-admin/index.html or contact Matt Skinner at 205.348.5950.

Please note that The University typically requires project specific prequalification of major trades. Susequent to a firm’s successful prequalification and upon written request, The University will waive this requirement for future projects of similar nature.

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BL Harbert Named One of America’s Safest Companies, Completes Addition to University of Alabama

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L Harbert has been recognized by EHS Today as one of America’s safest companies. The award was established to recognize safety excellence and the importance of all workers returning home safely every day. EHS Today is the nation’s leading publication for environmental, health and safety professionals in the manufacturing, construction and service sectors.

“What an incredible honor! We truly believe that safety is the foundation of our company at BL Harbert,” said Gary W. Savage, president of BL Harbert’s US Group.

“Being named as ‘One of America’s Safest Companies’ is a testimonial to all our workers and their commitment that nothing is more important than a safe workplace.”

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An awards presentation will take place during the EHS Today’s Safety Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the end of October.

BL Harbert International also recently completed an addition and renovations to the Ferguson Center Student Union Building on the campus of the University of Alabama. The project consisted of 75,326 square feet of new construction and 53,653 square feet of renovations. The most important component of the project was the “Supe” Store, the below-grade campus bookstore, food court and common area. Renovations included updates to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing sys-

tems of the building, including change from a chiller/internal system to a campus hot water and chilled water system. The second and third floors included construction of additional administrative and office space.

The Ferguson Center remained fully operational throughout completion of construction on a large, active college campus.

One project engineer described it best: “It’s like working on a car while it’s still moving.”

The project reached substantial completion on schedule on August 1 and was fully operational before the fall semester began.

The building features a Great Hall with fireplaces and skylights, additional office space, including the Office of the Dean of Students, The University Career Center, conference rooms and multipurpose classrooms.

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Harrison Construction Company Completes Two University of Alabama Projects

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arrison Construction Company recently finished work on the University of Alabama’s new Alpha Phi Sorority House. Phase one in part of an expansion of the school’s Greek System, the 39,276-square foot facility offers four floors, including a basement, as well as 33 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, one guest room and living quarters for the house director. Each bedroom has its own fan coil unit with constant fresh air supplied by air handling units in the basement.

Chilled water is supplied by an onsite 130ton air-cooled chiller, while hot air is supplied by two natural gas 1,500,000 btu/hr condensing boilers. The sorority house also features a fully functional commercial kitchen with a walk-in cooler/refrigerator, exhaust hood with return air, gas charbroiler, full-size combination oven, six burner range and fryer and griddle. Barganier Davis Sims Architects Associated served as architects on the project, and the final contract amount was $10.1 million.

Also recently completed were renovations to the Ferguson Center food court and corridor. Renovations included 40,000 square feet of finished space, which provided more seating for students and new restaurants including Auntie Anne’s, Panda Express and Wendy’s. The work was part of a complete renovation plan for the facility that began in 2013. Turner Batson Architects served as architects on the project, and the final contract amount was $5.5 million.

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Golden Construction Completes Project in Record Time, Begins Construction on Another • 2 7 0 0 CA P I T O L PA R K I N T U S CA L O O S A • Golden Construction opened the doors of the 2700 Capitol Park loft apartments in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This $20.2 million, 280,000-square foot multi-use structure provides 166 units, a parking deck and retail space to the urban downtown Tuscaloosa area. The 2700 Capitol Park project began on July 15, 2013, and was completed in less than 13 months. It was a monumental accomplishment by the entire project team.

“This was such a complex project, and we were focused on opening the building in August during our busy season,” said Charlie Sealy, vice president of Sealy Management Co. “Golden Construction delivering such a high quality product in this time frame was an incredible feat. We couldn’t be more pleased with their performance.

This is the third project we have done with Golden Construction in two years and based on their exceptional performance we will absolutely do more.”

Geoff Golden, president of Golden Construction, added, “2700 Capitol Park was a success because of a remarkable project team working tirelessly to ensure the highest quality product combined with our amazing subcontractor partners that went above and beyond in our critical times. We want to thank Sealy Management Co. for entrusting this beautiful project to us.”

• TH E VE N U E AT TH E BALLPAR K L U X U RY A PA R T M E N T S • Golden Construction has broken ground on The Venue at the Ballpark luxury apartments at Regions Field. The project is scheduled for completion in January

of 2016. The Venue at the Ballpark will include five stories of 236 apartment units over two levels of parking, elevated pool and garden courtyards on the second floor overlooking Regions Field, and a rooftop lounge and patio.

“Inland American Communities is proud to have developed a true partnership with the city of Birmingham and feels that The Venue at the Ballpark will contribute to the continuing growth and development of the downtown area,” said David Pierce, senior vice president of development.

Brad Stevens, Golden Project Manager, added, “It is an honor to be involved in another project with Inland American Communities and combine Inland’s progressive vision of urban living with Golden Construction’s innovative processes to provide the next step in the development and revitalization of the downtown Birmingham area. With its elegant styling, close proximity to Railroad Park and UAB and unmatched views of Regions Field and downtown Birmingham, The Venue at the Ballpark will be a premier multi-family development that will continue to attract residents for years to come.”

Golden previously worked with Inland on Cityville Block 121 at 20th St. and 2nd Avenue South.

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Jonathan Head Joins Balfour Beatty Construction

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onathan Head has joined Balfour Beatty Construction, Florida Division, as senior vice president and chief legal officer. Head spent the past 12 years with, and was a partner of, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP in Birmingham.

Throughout his tenure at Bradley Arant, Head practiced exclusively in construction law. As chief legal officer, he will be a business partner to the executive team and oversee litigation, transaction risk mitigation and compliance for the Florida Division.

In Birmingham, Head was an active member of ABC of Alabama and a frequent speaker to industry professionals. He is a co-author of the Construction Law Handbook and wrote the chapter on Contractors’ Remedies in Disputes.

Originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Head earned both his Civil Engineering and Law degrees from the University of Alabama. He cites Balfour Beatty’s outstanding reputation in the industry among the chief reasons he is excited to join the company. He is a true believer in the goodness of the construction industry and the people in it.

Head said, “I believe in the power of quality construction projects to help our country and our local areas thrive economically.”

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F. 205.969.3930 WWW.CMHARCH.COM

CMH is a proud member of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama

Experience is the teacher of all things.”

– Julius Caesar Construction companies have additional tax options not available to other companies, and CRI helps you evaluate alternatives to ensure you don’t pay a penny more than required.

Choose CRI, where our experience with 800+ construction clients is

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BUILDING

ALABAMA O UTLO O K & TREN DS

ABC of Alabama presents

Industry Outlook & Trends • F OR ALABAMA •

Architecture Billings Index Exhibits Continued Strength On the heels of recording its strongest pace of growth since 2007, there continues to be an increasing level of demand for

design services signaled in the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI). As a leading economic indicator of construction activ-

New U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo  DR

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“One of the key triggers for accelerating growth at architecture firms is that long-stalled construction projects are starting to come back to life in many areas across the country.” ity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the August ABI score was 53.0, down from a mark of 55.8 in July. This score reflects an increase in design activity (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 62.6, following a very strong mark of 66.0 the previous month.

The AIA has added a new indicator measuring the trends in new design contracts at architecture firms that can provide a strong signal of the direction of future architecture billings. The score for design contracts in August was 56.9.

“One of the key triggers for accelerating growth at architecture firms is that longstalled construction projects are starting to come back to life in many areas across the country,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “Long awaited access to credit from lending institutions and an increasing comfort level in the overall

BUILDING

ALABAMA O UTLO O K & TREN DS

economy has helped revitalize the commercial real estate sector in recent months. Additionally, though, a crucial component to a broader industry-wide recovery is the emerging demand for new projects such as education facilities, government buildings and, in some cases, hospitals.”

KEY AUGUST ABI HIGHLIGHTS •

Regional averages: Northeast (58.1) , South (55.1), West (52.5), Midwest (51.0)

•

Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (58.1), mixed practice (57.1), institutional (54.0), commercial / industrial (50.4)

•

Project inquiries index: 62.6

•

Design contracts index: 56.9

We Recommend: www.aia.org

RETREAT. REGROUP. RELAX. Reload.

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WOR KFORCE

DEVELOPMENT

Take Two

CraftTrain’s© first graduate proves that a second chance can lead to a bright future.

by PAIGE TOWNLEY

E

EVERY MORNING, DJ SMITH* WAKES UP WITH A PURPOSE. HIS daily objective takes him from his home in Phenix City just across the state line to Columbus, Georgia, where he is employed on a construction project at a local healthcare facility. While today Smith’s focus is on general carpentry work like knocking out walls, framing and installing new wall panels, not too very long ago he faced a much different scenario: serving time at a juvenile facility.

Earlier this year, Smith spent three months adjudicated at Mt. Meigs, a residential youth facility of the Alabama Department of Youth Services. It wasn’t Smith’s first time being adjudicated at Mt. Meigs. In fact, it was his second.

But luckily for Smith, the second time around Mt. Meigs offered CraftTrain, a work-readiness training program that provided Smith with the skills, knowledge and confidence he needed to pursue a successful life outside of the facility.

CraftTrain offers students a hands-on experience in one of four options within

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the construction industry: welding, masonry, building construction or business. The program is structured like a company model, requiring students to apply for positions and then be hired on based on their experience or qualification level. “When they do transition from being an adjudicated youth to a person in society, we don’t want that to be intimidating so that they don’t migrate back into what they knew that got them adjudicated in the first place,” said Dr. Mittie Cannon, director of training and workforce development with the Power and Industrial division of Robins & Morton, who is also one of the co-founders of the program. “CraftTrain exposes them to the expectations that would be placed on them in the workforce while also exposing them to a craft that provides skills and knowledge so that when they cross that threshold back into society they can transfer that knowledge and get back on

their feet and be productive.”

In addition to having the opportunity to learn a particular skill—as well as receiving actual credentialing based on the NCCER curriculum—students in the program learn about a variety of real world occupational issues, such as how to handle an interview, reporting to work on time, handling conflict resolution, managing sick time, reading a paycheck stub and even filling out tax forms. “Each student is unique in his or her needs and that’s what we value about our program,” said Dr. SoJuan Crenshaw, career/ technical education coordinator for the Alabama Department of Youth Services School District, who founded the program along with Dr. Cannon. “CraftTrain is not a cookie cutter program. We try to cater the curriculum to meet the individual needs of each student to help them create their own personal success story.

That’s the hallmark of the program.”

After coming to Mt. Meigs for the second time, Smith enrolled in the program, which officially launched earlier this year, and learned carpentry. He took classes that introduced him to basic

WOR KFORCE

DEVELOPMENT

safety, how to use hand and power tools, construction math and even blueprint drawing. “The training was great and the instructors were great,” Smith said.

“They taught me so much, and I really liked what I was doing.”

With his NCCER credentials under his belt and his release date coming up, Smith also went through CraftTrain’s mentoring program, which helped him prepare for finding employment by completing a resume and even holding mock interviews to practice answering questions. “They helped me from early in the mornings until the end of the school day,” Smith said. “They really made sure that I learned how to present myself in the job interview, and that was very helpful. I had never thought about a resume or interviews before.”

Just over a week after his release date, Smith was already in need of the resume he prepared while at Mt. Meigs. Thanks to the help of Dr. Cannon, he quickly had an interview lined up. “I really never thought I was going to get a job,” Smith said. “I didn’t realize they would actually help me like they did. It surprised me.

Dr. Cannon had told me to call her when I got out and that she would help me, but I really thought she might not be serious.

But I followed through and called her when I got out and she told me about the interview, so I went and got that job.”

Smith recently finished his first two weeks on the Robins & Morton jobsite.

And while he’s just starting out in the industry, he is already thinking about the long career that is ahead of him. “I want to be like my boss,” Smith said. “He started out at the bottom like me and has worked his way up. That’s what I’m hoping to do. I want to build my carpentry career.”

Growing up in Phenix City without a strong support system, Smith has been overwhelmed by the amount of support he has received through the CraftTrain program, which has helped him get back on track. “After I got out, Dr. Cannon would call or text me every day checking on me, making sure I was OK and telling me anything I needed to know,” Smith

said. “Where I’m from, I’m not used to that. It makes me feel good.”

The success of CraftTrain’s first graduate has Drs. Cannon and Crenshaw excited about the potential that other current students could achieve as well. With the number of students going through the program—the facility has approximately 90 students involved in the program on a daily basis and about 1,000 students total in the school year—the opportunity to change more lives through construction is almost endless. “Giving a group of individuals who are oftentimes overlooked because they have been stigmatized and labeled another chance to get it right makes it so worthwhile,” said Dr. Cannon. “They need the opportunity to become productive citizens, and CraftTrain offers that.

I’ve always wanted to create opportuni-

ties for others, and there’s a whole population of young people out there who got off on the wrong track but can be given another chance, and it’s not just any chance. Through CraftTrain they receive skill sets, knowledge and credentials so that they can go anywhere and seek employment because they have put forth time and effort. It feels good to know we’ve helped somebody with that.” *The name was changed to protect the individual’s identity.

ABROMS / ENGEL INSTITUITE FOR THE VISUAL ARTS BIRMINGHAM, AL

hoar.com

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Southern Company Hosts Safety Forum

by PAIGE TOWNLEY

O

On September 24 and 25, Southern Company held the Contractor Safety Forum, an annual event that helps align the safety cultures of the company and its contractors. “Every year, the construction industry looks forward to this event,” said ABC of Alabama President Jay Reed. “It is without fail always first class, relevant and truly reflects Southern Company’s commitment to safety.”

Southern Company started the Forum 13 years ago with fewer than 50 in attendance.

This year, the event drew more than 600 people with approximately 125 contractor companies in attendance. “The Forum provides an opportunity to listen to informative speakers and learn about new businesses and suppliers in the industry,” said Kimberly S. Greene, Southern Company’s chief operating officer. “But, most importantly, the event aligns our focus on how we can continue to improve safety at our organizations. Southern Company holds safety as a core value, and we expect our contractors to do the same.”

Throughout the two-day event, the Forum provided an opportunity for attendees to increase their safety knowledge and awareness, promoted the sharing of ideas and concepts, provided information that will help eliminate at-risk behaviors on jobsites, examined ways to influence behavior on jobsites and shared tips to increase management interaction and planning for safety. The Forum also offered a networking opportunity. “Many companies that often compete for work collabo-

Kimberly S. Greene, Southern Company COO

practices.”

The Forum featured numerous speakers and roundtable commentary that focused on a variety of topics, including keynote speaker Jim Spigener, SVP at Behavioral Science Technology, Inc. His speech, which was one of the most well-received messages of the event, focused on the fact that there are numerous systems and processes that all companies use but what differentiates a company’s safety performance is its leadership’s focus on safety. “Jim explained that buliding a safety-focused culture is about more than creating new programs,” Greene said. “A company’s leadership makes all the difference.”

A first to the event this year was the addition of vendor booths hosted by various companies and organizations. The booths allowed for attendees to learn even more about programs and companies that may be of particular interest to them.

With all of the success of this year’s Forum, Greene foresees the event only growing in the future. “Many contractors view the Forum as a must-attend event due to its many benefits, including the important information they receive while attending,” she said. “Continuous improvement is the cornerstone of Southern Company’s safety culture, and we plan to build on the momentum of this year’s event as we preprae for the future. When it comes to safety, we must always strive to be better.”

“When it comes to safety, we must always strive to be better.”

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rate through the Forum to help keep their employees safe,” Greene said. “A strong safety culture is directly correlated to a high-performing organization, so it’s very important to give employees the training, tools and information to work safely. As part of our companies’ shared commitment to safety, we must take the time to share best

McWhorter School of Building Science Auburn University Visiting Faculty Position Position: The McWhorter School of Building Science at Auburn University seeks applications for a full-time, visiting faculty position at the assistant/associate professor level for a two year appointment. We seek candidates who have the desire and potential to be a great teacher and who possess significant relevant industry experience. Salary will be based on a nine-month academic year appointment.

The individual in this position will be expected to: 1. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses within the School’s programs 2. Direct graduate students 3. Work with student organizations and/or mentor student competition teams 4. Collaborate with other disciplines and interact with the industry 5. Pursue scholarship of teaching, research, and/or outreach in accordance with the mission of the university Required Qualifications: 1) a Master’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related field and a Master of Business Administration, 2) evidence of strong communication skills, 3) a minimum of five years appropriate experience in the construction industry that is relevant to the advertised teaching areas, 4) evidence of the potential to be an excellent teacher, and 5) evidence of the potential to effectively relate to BSCI students.

Valued qualifications include evidence of curiosity and innovation; progressive responsibilities in industry experience and leadership over the applicant’s career; significant U.S. construction experience; evidence of the potential to effectively incorporate information technology into the classroom; and/or advanced education, certification, professional registration, licensure, or other relevant credentials.

Applicants should be prepared to teach in two or more of the following areas and capable and willing to teach in others: Construction Estimating and Pre-construction Services, Scheduling, Project Management, Contracting Business, and Project Delivery. The successful candidate would be expected to interact with students and faculty outside of class and must possess excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.

Auburn University: Auburn University is located in the city of Auburn, Alabama, where the university and the school engender a spirit of devotion and loyalty among its students and faculty that is remarked upon by many. Auburn is a land grant institution chartered in 1856, and offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 140 areas, including exemplary programs in architecture, agriculture, building science, business, engineering, industrial design, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. The institution currently enrolls roughly 25,000 students. For more information on Auburn University see http://www.auburn.edu.

Auburn’s 4-year Building Construction undergraduate program was established in 1945, making the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) one of the oldest construction education programs in the United States. BSCI maintains a proud tradition of practical and professional construction education, offering a Bachelor’s degree in Building Construction, a Master’s Degrees in Building Construction, as well as an interdisciplinary degree (MIDC) jointly offered with the School of Architecture within the College. BSCI is an active member of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), and is fully accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. For more information see http://cadc.auburn.edu/construction.

The School has 18 full-time faculty members with a student population of roughly 400. It has four named professorships and two endowed chairs, all generously supported by alumni. The McWhorter School of Building Science has more than 4,000 alumni, including many who lead the industry in top Engineering News Record ranked firms in the Southeastern U.S. and beyond.

The construction industry and BSCI alumni are extremely supportive of the School and its activities. The School has a unique Construction Industry Fund, supported by contractors’ licensing fees since 1992, and supports research for the construction industry, program enhancement, faculty development and continuing education. Substantial recurring funds have been committed to support the school in its mission to deliver the highest quality construction education. The dedicated 36,000sf LEED® Gold rated M. Miller Gorrie Center completed in 2007 was the result of industry and alumni generosity and leadership. The School also has significant endowment funds that also support research and program enhancement.

Many BSCI faculty members are engaged in the School’s Center for Construction Innovation and Collaboration (http://www.auburnccic.org), which fosters and supports several unique construction initiatives. The School has a two-acre Outdoor Lab that is available for research, instruction and outreach. BSCI has made a significant investment in information technology across construction; and a recently completed BIM lab has accelerated R&D in the School.

The City of Auburn: Auburn is an excellent place to live in east-central Alabama, and is 1.5 hours from Atlanta, 2 hours from Birmingham, 3 hours from Gulf of Mexico beaches, and 3 hours from Appalachian Mountain hiking and kayaking. It is a university town with just over 50,000 people where winters are mild; summers are warm and conducive for outdoor activities. Citizens welcome newcomers into a community of excellent healthcare, highly ranked public K-12 school systems, local fine arts, and nationally recognized golfing. Nearby Lake Martin offers exceptional recreation as one of the largest shorelines of man-made U.S. lakes.

If you would like to join a talented, dedicated and amiable faculty in a progressive learning environment for construction education, please send the following materials: 1) letter of application summarizing interest; 2) complete resume; and 3) name and contact information of three professional references.

Review of applications will begin October 1, 2014 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected and recommended for appointment.

The anticipated start date is January 1, 2015, or August 16, 2015. The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements in the U.S. at the time appointment is scheduled to begin and continue to work legally for the proposed term of employment.

APPLY ON LINE AT THE FOLLOWING URL: HTTP://AUFACULTYPOSITIONS.PEOPLEADMIN.COM/POSTINGS/621 Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer.

McWhorter School of Building Science Auburn University Tenure Track Faculty Position #1

Position: The McWhorter School of Building Science at Auburn University seeks applications for a full-time, tenure track faculty position at the assistant/associate professor level. We seek candidates who have the desire and potential to be a great teacher and who possess significant relevant industry experience. Applicants should be prepared to teach in areas of Construction Estimating and Pre-construction Services, and also in one or more of the following areas: Scheduling, Project Management, Contracting Business, and Project Delivery. Salary will be based on a nine-month academic year appointment.

The individual in this tenure-track position will be expected to: 1. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses within the School’s programs 2. Direct graduate students 3. Work with student organizations and/or mentor student competition teams 4. Collaborate with other disciplines and interact with the industry 5. Pursue scholarship of teaching, research, and/or outreach in accordance with the mission of the university Required Qualifications: 1) a Master’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related field and a Master of Business Administration, 2) evidence of strong communication skills, 3) a minimum of five years of appropriate experience in the construction industry that is relevant to the advertised teaching areas, 4) evidence of the potential to be an excellent teacher, and 5) evidence of the potential to effectively relate to and interact with BSCI students.

Valued Qualifications: Evidence of insightfulness and innovation; progressive responsibilities in industry experience and leadership over the applicant’s career; significant U.S. construction experience; evidence of the potential to effectively incorporate information technology into the classroom; and/or advanced education, certification, professional registration, licensure, or other relevant credentials. The successful candidate would also be expected to interact with students and faculty outside of class.

Review of applications will begin January 1, 2015 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected and recommended for appointment.

The anticipated start date is August 16, 2015. The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements in the U.S. at the time appointment is scheduled to begin and continue to work legally for the proposed term of employment.

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VIEW A FULL POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT AND APPLY ON LINE AT THE FOLLOWING URL: HTTP://AUFACULTYPOSITIONS.PEOPLEADMIN.COM/POSTINGS/695 Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer.

McWhorter School of Building Science Auburn University Tenure Track Faculty Position #2

Position: The McWhorter School of Building Science at Auburn University seeks applications for a full-time, tenure track faculty position at the assistant/associate professor level. We seek candidates who have the desire and potential to be a great teacher and who possess significant relevant industry experience. Applicants should be prepared to teach in areas of Construction Estimating and Pre-construction Services, and also in one or more of the following areas: Scheduling, Project Management, Contracting Business, and Project Delivery. Salary will be based on a nine-month academic year appointment.

The individual in this tenure-track position will be expected to: 1. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses within the School’s programs 2. Direct graduate students 3. Work with student organizations and/or mentor student competition teams 4. Collaborate with other disciplines and interact with the industry 5. Pursue scholarship of teaching, research, and/or outreach in accordance with the mission of the university Required Qualifications: 1) a Master’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related field and a Master of Business Administration, 2) evidence of strong communication skills, 3) a minimum of five years of appropriate experience in the construction industry that is relevant to the advertised teaching areas, 4) evidence of the potential to be an excellent teacher, and 5) evidence of the potential to effectively relate to and interact with BSCI students.

Valued Qualifications. Evidence of insightfulness and innovation; progressive responsibilities in industry experience and leadership over the applicant’s career; significant U.S. construction experience; evidence of the potential to effectively incorporate information technology into the classroom; and/or advanced education, certification, professional registration, licensure, or other relevant credentials. The successful candidate would also be expected to interact with students and faculty outside of class.

Review of applications will begin January 1, 2015 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected and recommended for appointment.

The anticipated start date is August 16, 2015. The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements in the U.S. at the time appointment is scheduled to begin and continue to work legally for the proposed term of employment.

VIEW A FULL POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT AND APPLY ON LINE AT THE FOLLOWING URL: HTTP://AUFACULTYPOSITIONS.PEOPLEADMIN.COM/POSTINGS/695 Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer.

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A

Bond Issue for Bama ABC of Alabama hopes to spur economic development with a bond issue

by PAIGE TOWNLEY

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T

Thanks to a 2012 economic impact study commissioned by ABC of Alabama, it’s well known that the construction industry is a valuable business in Alabama as construction alone generates 10 billion dollars a year. Despite the booming revenue, however, the industry continues to be one of the slowest to rebound and exhibit signs of growth. According to the Alabama Department of Labor, the construction industry only gained 200 employees in September.

While a slight increase from August, these numbers are still significantly lower than the same time period pre-recession. In fact, in August 2007 the state’s construction industry boasted an employment of 113,200.

To help get employment numbers back on track, ABC of Alabama is making a bond issue a top priority going into 2015. A bond issue would not only help a struggling industry recover, but also allow numerous state departments and programs to update and better maintain public buildings. “A bond issue has some really great potential to do a lot of great things,” said Robin Savage, ABC of Alabama’s incoming chairman of the board. “We are always looking to create jobs and spur economic development. A bond issue would be good for the public interest and it would certainly be good for construction.”

ture, the governor’s office and the education and construction communities, as well as decision makers in the education budget and the general fund budget. “Traditionally, groups might feel a lot of this information is best kept close to the chest,” said ABC of Alabama President Jay Reed. “However, this bond issue, unlike others, has no secret, is proven to work and is a win for everyone.

Therefore, why would we not want all information that we uncover on the table so that once this bond issue is approved and implemented it does exactly what the commercial construction industry knows it will do?”

Why a Bond Issue Now? About 10 months ago, Governor Robert Bentley’s office contacted Reed and basically reported that all of the major industries in the state post-recession have recovered, but that construction numbers were not up to pre-recession numbers. “With that statement, Governor Bentley’s questions were,

One major component of the success of the bond issue and the repayment of it will be cost savings realized as plans are for the bond issue to have an emphasis on energy efficiency measures, such as HVAC systems, roof systems and updating windows and doors. Savings created through methods such as these would be one way the bond would be repaid.

What Do We Already Know?

There are several examples of energysaving methods that could enhance a bond issue’s success, specifically in the Birmingham City Schools. In 2010, school board members began looking at ways to save money. One glaring issue they saw was the amount of money the school system was spending on utilities and maintenance. “We were spending over $12 million a year just on power, water and gas usage,” said Brian Giattina, CFO at Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio and a Birmingham City Schools board member representing District 3. “That’s one million dollars a month, just on utilities.”

To alleviate the high utility expenses, the school board focused on its 10 largest energy consuming schools with some much needed upgrades and maintenance. A major part of the project included adding a system so that one remote location could monitor the equipment at all of the schools. “We didn’t do anything too unbelievably elaborate, just a recommissioning and upgrade, and in 12 months we saved $1.9 million,” Giattina said. “We spent approximately $600,000 and saved $1.9 million in one year. And that money we saved went directly back into the classroom. It literally went to pay teachers’ salaries. Had we not instituted that program, we would have been paying that $1.9 million to utility companies instead.”

Birmingham City Schools’ board also implemented a water saving program on all of the mechanical equipment and cooling towers at the schools that consumed the most water. Spending just $89,000, the school board was able to save $125,000 in one year,

“A bond issue is a win-win because it would create work and create jobs, in addition to updating schools and improving the educational quality of the state’s children.”

What’s the First Step?

ABC of Alabama’s first step to secure a bond issue is to present an indisputable case that a construction bond issue will create jobs and save money for the state of Alabama. To do so, the association’s executive committee charged ABC of Alabama staff with aligning itself with partners who could contribute to a white paper that proves the need for a bond issue. The association’s immediate vision prior to engaging with consultants is the white paper, which will serve numerous tasks, including detailing the educational benefits of a bond issue and specifying shovel ready projects that could be started if funds were available.

After the white paper is complete, official copies will be given to the Alabama legisla-

‘Jay, what can we do to help construction?

What can my office can do to spur growth and create jobs for this state?’” said Reed.

“The one tride and true method is a well thought out, well orchestrated bond issue.”

As an association, ABC of Alabama has begun assembling information regarding what it would take to invest in the infrastructure in the public sector, thus generating a cost savings to the state that would, in turn, save taxpayers dollars, create jobs and spur economic development. The biggest obstacle to overcome with a bond issue is repayment, which is something the association’s leadership knows must be part of the discussion early on in the process. “That is how we arrived at assembling a team that would take an in-depth look at how to best move forward with the bond issue over the next couple of years,” Reed said.

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WHO’S I N TH E GAM E? To make a bond issue happen in Alabama, there are many people who must be on board. Some of the key st ate officials we identified are below.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

A. Represent ative Bill Poole , 6 3rd District (Tuscaloosa) B. Senator Trip Pittman, 32nd District (B aldwin) C. Bill Newton, Acting Director, Alabama D epar tment of Finance D. Katherine Lynn, Director, Alabama B uilding C ommission E. Tommy Bice, State Superintendent, Alabama State B oard of Education F. Frank B arnes, Acting Director of Facilities, D epar tment of Postsecondary Education, Alabama C ommunity C ollege System G. Governor Robert Bentley

as well as 7.966 million gallons of water. “We also added life to the equipment, so it will last longer and run more efficiently,” Giattina said. “It will also hopefully provide better cooling to the schools.”

While the school system realized such extreme savings in the first year after initiating the changes, those savings have continued.

“When we look at the overall utility consumption, they have stayed down,” Giattina said. “So not only did we save money that first year but costs have not gone back up.

And, simultaneously, there is a tremendous amount of other added benefits. If our mechanical systems are running better, there’s a high probability that kids with asthma or other breathing conditions aren’t at home sick. They are at school if the air is cleaner.”

With 45 total schools in Birmingham City Schools, the potential for savings on utilities and maintenance is almost endless if the school system was able to introduce programs like this at all facilities. “We’ve really just begun to scratch the surface with the programs we’ve instituted,” Giattina said. “If bond issue funds were available, we would use the money to expand what we have already done that has proven to be successful. If a bond issue happened, there would then be a whole series of things we could implement.”

What Projects are Ready to Go? Another significant focus of ABC of Ala-

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bama’s white paper will be illuminating what shovel-ready projects are already identified in the public sector that would result in savings. Just in the educational system alone, there are numerous possibilities. The two-year college system, which operates 26 colleges at 84 different locations around the state, has approximately 1,000 facilities, many of which are in need some form of renovation or replacement as over half of them were built pre-1980. “There’s a lot of work out there that could be done if the money was available,” said Frank Barnes, acting director of facilities for the Department of Postsecondary Education.

“Budgets are so tight right now that we have to take care of just critical items and defer a lot of our maintenance.”

While having to defer some needed updates and maintenance, the two-year college system is trying to recommission some projects when possible to reduce energy costs. “We are reducing energy costs eight to 20 percent, depending on the project and age of the building,” Barnes said.

If more money was available, the college system would focus on energy efficiency at many more campus facilities. “A bond issue would give the schools more opportunities to do the upgrades needed to make buildings more energy efficient,” Barnes said. “There are a tremendous amount of processes that can be instituted into the renovation of buildings to make them

more energy efficient, and we have plenty of buildings that could use it.”

Two-year colleges aren’t the only systems that have projects lined up and ready to go if money was available. “We have numerous shovel-ready projects that would not only bring jobs to the construction industry immediately but would also allow the university to operate much more efficiently, which helps us provide more affordable education for the students,” said Tim Leopard, assistant vice president for construction for the University of Alabama.

Just a few of those projects include upgrading electrical distribution systems, HVAC mechanical upgrades and chiller replacements. Just upgrading the university’s electrical distribution alone would save approximately $300,000 a year , Leopard said.

“I have several other projects that are ready to go that would save upwards of $100,000 a year per building,” he added. “Another project would be updating roofs. You might not think of roofs in terms of energy efficiency, but we have some that are worn out, and if we could update them we would get the correct amount of insulation added, which would not only eliminate a deferred maintenance problem but improve the classroom experience because there would be no dripping water.”

With almost 15 million square feet in over 300 buildings, the University of Alabama, like any other school, would tremendously

benefit from a bond issue. “The potential of this bond issue on education in the state is remarkable in that we all face the challenge of trying to keep our facilities up to date,” Leopard said. “Not only can we provide systems that work better and more efficiently, but also save money and provide a better educational environment. There’s a direct correlation between quality of facilities and learning outcome. I appreciate ABC of Alabama for taking this on. It’s mutually beneficial for everyone. The association’s leadership position on a bond issue is very much appreciated by everyone in education.”

On the other end of the state, Auburn University has numerous needs as well that a bond issue could help meet, including new construction for academic facilities. “New construction would be high on our priority list if a bond issuance allowed new project funds,” said Dan King, Auburn University’s associate vice president for facilities.

With almost 11.5 million square feet of space in over 400 buildings, school administrators also hope for the chance to upgrade many mechanical systems through a bond issue that would improve energy efficiency and system reliability. In addition, King explained the school would convert pneumatic controls in buildings to digital control, which would allow them to be better monitored on a day-to day and even hour-byhour basis. “I think we could really improve the performance and reliability and reduce energy costs as a result of better equipment and new controls,” King said. “The ability to make substantial improvements in our facilities through a bond issue would represent a huge improvement for the campus and improve its quality and functionality.”

Where Do We Go From Here?

With so many examples as to how a bond issue would help Alabama’s educational system alone, ABC of Alabama is determined to move forward with the topic as it finalizes its priorities for the next few years. “A bond issue is a win-win because it would create work and create jobs, in addition to updating schools and improving the educational quality of the state’s children,” Savage said.

“When you start adding all of that together, we knew it should be a priority.”

While the association did not comment specifically on a dollar amount of the bond issue, based on several meetings with state leadership the association did feel confident the bond issue would be a reality over the next two years.

“Securing a bond issue of this magnitude requires hard work on the front end, indisputable facts from credible sources, a method of repayment and hard work, especially from our readers,” Reed stressed. “We encourage all involved in the construction industry, both members and nonmembers, to

contact us about what role you can play in your district to help us make this a reality.

We must have confidence from the public, support from the legislature, buy in from the educational community and the backing of the construction industry.”

“A bond issue is a win-win because it would create work and create jobs, in addition to updating schools and improving the educational quality of the state’s children. When you start adding all of that together, we knew it should be a priority.”

– Robin Savage

Powermotion, Inc., was established in 1972, as a full line fluid power distributor that provides an extensive line of pneumatic, hydraulic, filtration, and fluid connector products to the marketplace.

“Our mission is to be a hydraulic and pneumatic distributor that builds customer relationships based on quality products, on time delivery, competitive pricing, and knowledgeable customer service.”

Fluid Power Components and Systems 90 Robert Jemison Road Birmingham, AL 35209 www.powermotion.net Toll Free: 800 955 1931 | Phone: 205 945 1931 | Fax: 205 945 1938

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BUILDING

ALABAMA P R OJ E CTS

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2014 AWARDS

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2014 2012 CORNERSTONE AWARD WINNER

Mr. M. James Gorrie Building on Success

by PAIGE TOWNLEY

This year’s Cornerstone Award winner leads one of the nation’s largest construction firms with a focus on personal values and helping others.

F

For James (Jim) Gorrie, every day is a new opportunity. Whatever the day holds— a visit to a jobsite, a board meeting or a brief conversation in the hallway—it’s a chance to connect with others and ultimately lead by example. “Focusing on people first is very important at Brasfield & Gorrie,” said Jim. “Everything we do in our business is tied back to people. The culture of our company is to work as a collaborative team and never compromise our integrity. We talk about our values all the time, and they really do impact how we do business.”

This philosophy is certainly nothing new to Brasfield & Gorrie or to Jim. In fact, it’s engrained into the very DNA of both. When Jim’s father, Miller, founded the company in 1964, he did so with a serious work ethic and strong values. Growing up watching his father not only gave Jim the instincts to understand the business but also the morals to know how a company should be led. “I’ve always been a believer that actions speak louder than words and that it’s not about what you say but what you do,” Miller said.

“I tried to provide a model to follow that you respect every individual and treat others by the golden rule. I know Jim has a good sense of what is right—he always has. He’s a person of strong character.”

Jim first joined Brasfield & Gorrie as a teenager working during the summer months at the equipment shop or on jobsites as a laborer. He eventually joined the company full time in 1984 and through the years served in various positions including vice president and manager of the Commercial Division, senior project manager and estimator. He became president in 1994. When Miller decided to step down as CEO in 2011, he knew he needed to look no further than Jim to find the company’s next leader. “Jim has all of the skills needed for the job,” Miller said. “He’s really better equipped to run a big company than me. And he’s done a great job leading the company and getting it to the next level.”

Under Jim’s leadership, Brasfield & Gorrie has maintained its position as the largest privately-held general contractor in the Southeast and boasts an annual revenue of

more than $2 billion. As president and CEO, Jim oversees the company’s eight regional office, 30 operating divisions and 2,600 employees. Much like his father, Jim believes the best way to grow the company and build on its success is to focus on its people. “That’s what this company was built on, hiring great people and giving them a chance to have a career within Brasfield & Gorrie,” Jim said.

“Our growth has always been internal. We’ve focused on building our company on the talents of our people and the culture we’ve tried to generate from that. And now we’re entering our second and third generations of families that have worked here. It’s a family atmosphere at Brasfield & Gorrie, and that’s pretty special to me.”

Also special to Jim is the unique opportunity he has to encourage Brasfield & Gorrie employees to become better leaders. About 15 years ago, the company started a major initiative to promote leadership in addition to skill-based training through various leadership training classes. “It’s a way that we are able to show we truly believe what we claim

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M. JAMES GORRIE 2014 CORNERSTONE AWARD WINNER

“It’s a family atmosphere at Brasfield & Gorrie, and that’s pretty special to me.”

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BUILDING 2014 CORNERSTONE AWARD WINNER

ALABAMA

to believe, and that our people are important,” Jim said. “We really want to invest in their development and training.”

Jim focuses so much on the development and training of those around him, Miller believes, because Jim exudes such strong leadership himself. “The company is just as good as its people and the ability of its leaders to get everyone to work together, and that’s where Jim’s strength lies,” Miller said. “You can have a good group of people, but if they don’t work together they can’t get anything done. Jim has everyone working together as a team, and I think that’s where one of his biggest successes has been achieved. He’s got the company set up for a lot of good things in the future, and I’m just his cheerleader.”

Those who work with Brasfield & Gorrie also appreciate Jim’s leadership style. “Any employee you deal with at Brasfield & Gorrie consistently treats you fairly and treats you like one of the team, and that in itself shows you the type of leader they work for,” said Robert Joiner, president of Joiner Fire Sprinkler Company. “Jim ensures subcontractors are treated fairly and taken care of.”

But Jim’s leadership goes beyond the halls of Brasfield & Gorrie. To Jim, it’s just as important to make an impact on the community as it is his fellow co-workers. “Giving back is something that has been a part of me, and the company, from the very beginning,” Jim said. “It’s important to be a leader within the community and support the community.

From my own personal experience, the old cliché really is true: the more you give, the more you receive. I see it happen every day.”

In addition to United Way, an organization Brasfield & Gorrie is heavily involved with and one in which Jim recently served as fundraising chairman, Jim also volunteers his time with the Salvation Army. Until recently, Jim served as the local Salvation Army Board chairman. He recently became a National Salvation Army advisory board member. “The involvement Jim has had with us at the Salvation Army shows he has a heart for the mission and its ministry,” said Major Bob Parker, area commander for the Salvation Army’s Greater Birmingham Area Command. “His involvement in the community really speaks to his heart. He brings everything he is---his

heart, his mind and his passion—to make a difference. I think he really understands the need to try to lift others up who have found themselves in a time of crisis. His participation has been a real blessing.”

Reaching beyond his local community, Jim also donates his time, knowledge and resources to But God Ministries, an organization that seeks to construct sustainable communities in Haiti. While he got involved with the group by chance—his daughter first came to him wanting to go on a mission trip with the organization—Jim has continued to assist the group with his time and construction experience since his first trip to Haiti in early 2012. In fact, he already has two more trips to Haiti scheduled and he’s constantly recruiting others to help as well. Through Jim’s encouragement, some professors in Auburn University’s building science and architecture programs, and even a few students, went to Haiti in September 2013 with Jim. This past May, Jim took about 15 of his employees and the professors back down to Haiti, where they continue to build medical and dental facilities, houses, churches and schools to help those in need. “His enormous amount of expertise and his connections have really helped,” said Stan Buckley, executive director of But God Ministries. “His ability to evaluate needs and offer solutions is amazing. Jim has even helped mentor our Haitian contractor when he has made visits to the States. He is making a huge difference in the lives of desperately poor people.”

While Jim, this year’s Cornerstone Award winner, may not speak up and take any credit in his role helping and encouraging others—whether at Brasfield & Gorrie or in the community—those who know him best are certainly quick to speak about him.

“I’ve known Jim both personally and professionally for many years, and he has always been a very modest and unassuming person who will give credit to others before he takes it himself, ” said Jack Darnall, regional president at Brasfield & Gorrie. “That’s just one of the many qualities that makes him a tremendously dynamic leader. I don’t know if I have ever known anyone more true and committed to his mission, and that guides every decision he makes.”

PAST CORNERSTONE RECIPIENTS Presented in conjunction with ABC of Alabama

John Harbert of Harbert Construction (1994) Ted C. Kennedy of BE&K, Inc (1995) Winton Blount of Blount, Inc (1996) Houston Brice of Brice Building Company (1997) M. Miller Gorrie of Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC (1998) Barry Morton of The Robins & Morton Group (1999) Bobby Keith of Hoar Construction LLC. (2000) John E. Swindal of Masonry Arts, Inc. (2001) T. Michael Goodrich of BE & K (2002) John P. Darnall, III of Brasfield & Gorrie LLC. (2003) John Caddell of Caddell Construction (2004) Thomas E. Doster, III of Doster Construction (2005) Gary C. Wyatt of Gary C. Wyatt GC, LLC (2006) Bill L. Harbert of B.L. Harbert International (2007) Larry Argo, Marathon Electrical Contractors (2008) Charles McCrary, Alabama Power (2009) James S. M. French of Dunn Investment Company (2010) Rob Burton of Hoar Construction, LLC (2011) Jim Rein of BL Harbert International (2012) Danny Rodgers of Dunn Investment Company (2013) “The Cornerstone Award is presented to an individual who has made an exemplary lifelong commitment to Alabama Construction and has brought favorable recognition to the industry as a result of his personal integrity, business ethics and community involvement.”

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Congratulations Jim on a welldeserved accomplishment. From your friends at Ivey Mechanical Company. Proverbs 22:1

Congratulations, Jim, on a much-deserved award.

Ivey Mechanical Company, LLC 7354 Cahaba Valley Road Birmingham, AL 35242 205.949.6000 www.iveymechanical.com

Dunn Construction Company, Inc. 3905 Messer Airport Highway Birmingham, AL 35222 205.592.3866 www.dunnconstruction.com

Congratulations! Through your hard work and dedication, the industry is a better place.

Marathon Electrical Contractors, Inc. 614 38th Street South Birmingham, AL 35222 205.323.8500 www.marathonelectrical.com

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Hardy Corporation Congratulates Jim Gorrie

350 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE BIRMINGHAM AL 35211 205.252.7191 hardycorp.com MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR SINCE 1943 Air Conditioning - Heating - Ventilation - Plumbing - Refrigeration Systems - Process Piping - Sheet Metal Fabrication Energy Management - Mechanical Maintenance Services

Jim, The industry is better because of you.

– Robert Joiner

Congratulations, Jim! From Your Friends at CS Beatty

Joiner Fire Sprinkler Company, Inc. 3408 Messer Airport Highway Birmingham, AL 35222 205.716.1317 www.joinerfire.com

C.S. Beatty Construction, Inc. 2129 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205.879.5788 www.csbeattyconstruction.com

DECADES OF ESTIMATING HUNDREDS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS THOUSANDS OF GALLONS OF PAINT ZERO CLAIMS, LIENS OR LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

Thanks Jim!

DRAFT

9-30-2014

Congratulations, Jim! We are proud of the many Congratulations, Jim! We are proud of the many years we have years we have partnered with youandand the Brasfield partnered with you the Brasfield and Gorrie team! and Gorrie team!

Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc.

VULCAN PAINTERS INC. 2400 WOODWARD ROAD BESSEMER, AL 35021 (205) 428-0556

WAYNE J. GRIFFINBrook ELECTRIC, 116 Hopping RoadINC. 116Holliston, HOPPINGMA BROOK ROAD 01746 HOLLISTON, MA 01746 (800) 421-0151 (800) 421-0151

Surface preparation and painting of structures, equipment, floors, and pipe

Pelham, • Duluth,GA GA•• Charlotte, Charlotte, NC • Durham, NC NC Pelham, AL •ALDuluth, NC • Durham,

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ABC of Alabama hosts annual celebration to honor the construction industry’s elite

T

he industry gathered together on October 2 for ABC of Alabama’s 25th Annual Excellence in Construction Awards Banquet. Held at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, the event was attended by more than 600 industry professionals and shined the spotlight on those who have made a significant contribution to the industry in the past year. “Without fail, every year this banquet amazes me,” said ABC of Alabama President Jay Reed. “It is so rewarding to see the entire industry pause for one evening and celebrate the successes of the past year. I do not think even we as an industry understand the magnitude of the commercial construction industry in our state.

It really brings a new meaning to the term ‘go build Alabama’.

Simply put, contractors not only go build Alabama but they also go build the U.S. and they go build internationally.”

During the evening’s event, 21 Merit Awards and 44 Obelisk Awards were presented, which were awarded based on quality, value, performance and ability.

David Pugh, the event’s master of ceremonies and a partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, began the evening by thanking attendees for their dedication to the industry and noting the impact the winners have had around the state and country.

“The men and women in this room represent some great companies and they work hard 364 days each year, but tonight we take time to pay homage for your hard work,” Pugh said. “The winning projects took place in 14 of 50 states and in 13 of 67 counties in Alabama.”

A highlight of the evening was this year’s Cornerstone Award, which was first started by Alabama Construction News in 1994.

“This award was an opportunity for the magazine to highlight one individual who had made an exemplary lifelong commitment to Alabama construction along with bringing favorable recognition to the industry as a result of his personal integrity, business ethics and community involvement each year,” Pugh said. This year’s award was presented to Jim Gorrie, president and CEO of Brasfield & Gorrie. “It has been such an honor and privilege to work with the Brasfield & Gorrie team over the years,” Gorrie said as he accepted the award. “I thank you all for the recognition

as I am very grateful. I truly appreciate it.”

Making the award extra special to Gorrie was the fact that it is the same award his father, Miller, won years ago. “My father has always been a great mentor and a close friend, and so it is very special to be recognized in a similar way,” he said.

Also presented during the evening were the coveted General Contractor and Subcontractor of the Year Awards. WhiteSpunner Construction was named General Contractor of the Year, while Ivey Mechanical Company received the Subcontractor of the Year Award. “This award is a real honor,” said John White-Spunner, CEO and chairman of the board for WhiteSpunner Construction. “It’s a real testament to those who work here. It’s a big deal to the company to receive this award, and it’s very much appreciated.”

Buddy Stewart, president of Ivey Mechanical Company, resonated White-Spunner’s sentiments about the significance of receiving the honor. “To be singled out among the best subcontrators in the state is truly an honor,” Stewart said. “When I walked back to the table after receiving the award, I saw the smiles on the faces of our team members who made that recognition possible, and that made the gratification even more clear to me.”

While the event is meant to look back at accomplishments and celebrate the past year, the association’s leadership also made sure the opportunity was taken to look forward to next year’s goals as well. “The Excellence banquet gives us a chance to stop for a moment and recognize some of our accomplishments for 2014,” said Robin Savage, ABC of Alabama’s incoming chairman of the board. “We sometimes forget how complex our projects can be with all of the issues related to safety, costs, governmental affairs and the logistics involved in each and every one of them.

It truly takes good professionalism to be successful. The banquet also gives us a chance to discuss a few of our plans as we look forward to the challenges of 2015. ABC has always taken a proactive approach to developing goals for the future and our look into next year is no exception. If we continue to build upon our efforts of the last few years, we have an opportunity to accomplish some special things in 2015.”

“It is so rewarding to see the entire industry pause for one evening and celebrate the successes of the past year. I do not think even we as an industry understand the magnitude of the commercial construction industry in our state. It really brings a new meaning to the term go build Alabama.”

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POWER TO

THEIR DREAM HOME

Š 2014 Alabama Power Company

Homes that save your clients money and keep them comfortable for years to come — what more could you ask for? An all-electric home, one with both an energy-efficient electric heat pump and an electric water heater, will help your clients save money while staying comfortable. Call 1.800.990.APCO (2726) or visit AlabamaPower.com to find more solutions that give you the power to save.

OCT/NOV 2014

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COMMERCIAL UNDER $5 MILLION

COMMERCIAL $5 – 10 MILLION

Cooper Construction FedEx Packaging Lab Collierville, TN

Bailey-Harris Construction Co., Inc. Dixie Electric Cooperative, Union Springs, AL This project involved complete site demolition and improvements of roughly 10 acres inside the city limits of Union Springs. Interior/exterior demolition of the existing office facility, adding 2,900 sf of space to increase the office footprint to 10,440 sf, construction of a new 9,792 sf warehouse, a new 22,464 sf, 12 bay truck shed with maintenance shop and truck wash, a new 5,000 sf equipment shed and 2,000 sf fuel depot/canopy.

Bailey-Harris Construction Co., Inc. 1552 Bailey Harris Drive Auburn, AL 36831 334-821-0807 www.bailey-harris.com

Bright Future Electric, LLC

Greenhouse Office Park Katy, TX

HealthSouth Emergency Power Upgrades

ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIAL UNDER $2 MILLION

The Stewart Perry Company, Inc. University Commons Knoxville, TN

OCT/NOV 2014

Brookwood Medical Center Surgery Electrical Birmingham, AL

Hoar Construction

COMMERCIAL $50-100 MILLION

AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Bright Future Electric, LLC

ELECTRICAL COMMERCIAL $2 – $10 MILLION

COMMERCIAL $10 – $25 MILLION

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ELECTRICAL COMMERCIAL UNDER $2 MILLION

Bright Future Electric, LLC SKF Moody, AL

ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIAL $2-10 MILLION

EXTERIOR

Eldeco, Inc. Kobalt Roanoke, VA

Selective Masonry, Inc.

ENGINEER

Presidential II, University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL This new building on the campus of the University of Alabama will house 873 students and has a total of 358,000 square feet of space. This is an 8 story concrete structure featuring an exterior of concrete masonry units, facebrick and architectural precast concrete and includes 200 parking stalls.

Selective Masonry, Inc. 2701 Pelham Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 205-621-2876 www.selectivemasonry.com

Building & Earth Sciences

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT / MILITARY UNDER $10 MILLION

John P. Madgett Generation Station | Alma, Wisconsin Building & Earth Sciences was selected to provide a broad range of geotechnical engineering, materials testing, pile monitoring and steel inspections services for multiple phases of a $150+ Million installation of a state of the art SCR-DSI/ACI emissions control system upgrade for the John P. Madgett Generation Station, a 387 MW power plant owned and operated by one of the largest utility companies in the upper Midwest.

Building & Earth Sciences, Inc. 5545 Derby Drive Birmingham, AL 35210 205-836-6300 www.buildingandearth.com

Robins & Morton

ELECTRICAL OVER $10 MILLION

Marathon Electrical Contractors

Vertical Acceleration Tower & Building Fort Rucker, AL The Vertical Acceleration Tower (VAT) and Building 8825 at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) at Fort Rucker, Ala., is a one-of-a-kind research facility that supports USAARL’s mission to provide medical research in the military operations environment to sustain combat soldiers’ performance.

BirminghamShuttlesworth International Airport Terminal Modernization

Robins & Morton 400 Shades Creek Parkway, Ste 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1000 www.robinsmorton.com

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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT / MILITARY $10-25 MILLION

HEALTHCARE UNDER $10 MILLION

Robins & Morton

Robins & Morton

Robins & Morton was charged with transforming a 1950s-era, drab, two-story concrete building Love Dental Clinic into an aesthetically appealing, energy efficient, modern structure that is home to one of the Fort Benning, GA U.S. Army’s largest and most advanced dental facilities. The fully renovated, 64-chair Love Dental Clinic at Fort Benning, Ga., is a 39,734-square-foot facility that features a built-in Sterisil System, a technologically advanced water sterilization system. Robins & Morton created temporary transitional space and successfully relocated the entire clinic so operations could resume unimpeded during construction. The contractor completed the project with no safety incidents and satisfied the requirements of multiple stakeholders for speed of delivery, cost, and functionality for the end users – medical staff and patients.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Dothan HealthSouth Rehabilitation of Western Massachusetts was a landmark project for Robins & Morton as well as the city of Ludlow. WestMass Development received federal grants to clean up the site of the old Ludlow Mills that had been non-operational since the 60s, and turn it into a thriving light-industrial, commercial and residential community.

Robins & Morton 400 Shades Creek Parkway, Ste 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1000 www.robinsmorton.com

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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT / MILITARY $25–100 MILLION

HEALTHCARE UNDER $10 MILLION

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Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC

Golden Construction, LLC

Kimberly Hampton Primary School, Fort Bragg, NC

Alabama Pediatric Dentistry, Homewood, AL

The Kimberly Hampton Primary School is a design-build project of a new 138,421 sq ft facility at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The school, which is part of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) system, serves children of Army families in pre-kindergarten through second grade.

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC 3021 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 205-328-4000 www.brasfieldgorrie.com

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Robins & Morton 400 Shades Creek Parkway, Ste 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1000 www.robinsmorton.com

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The Alabama Pediatric Dentistry project was a complete transformation of a building that had been sitting vacant for some time in Homewood, AL. The addition of the front of the building served to create the needed additional space for treatment rooms, but also provided the opportunity to reconceive the front of the building into a completely new architectural style. The owner, Dr. Bajjalieh, was focused on maintaining a highly creative and technical exterior and interior design.

Golden Construction, LLC 2212 First Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-7726 www.goldenconstruction.com

HEALTHCARE $10-25 MILLION

HISTORICAL RESTORATION UNDER $25 MILLION

Robins & Morton

Golden Construction, LLC

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts, Ludlow, MA

Birmingham School of Law, Birmingham, AL

HealthSouth Rehabilitation of Western Massachusetts was a landmark project for Robins & Morton as well as the city of Ludlow. WestMass Development received federal grants to clean up the site of the old Ludlow Mills that had been non-operational since the 60s, and turn it into a thriving light-industrial, commercial and residential community.

Golden Construction was selected by the Birmingham School of Law to transform the 1929 J.F. Oates Motor Company Building into a state-ofthe-art education facility. Through a tremendous effort by the entire Team, the historical building was able to meet the requirements of the National Park Service and impact revitalization efforts in the City of Birmingham.

Robins & Morton 400 Shades Creek Parkway, Ste 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1000 www.robinsmorton.com

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Golden Construction, LLC 2212 First Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-7726 www.goldenconstruction.com

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HEALTHCARE $25-50 MILLION

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Dunn Building Company Airbus Military North Face Hangar Expansion Mobile, AL

Robins & Morton Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL

INDUSTRIAL $25 – $50 MILLION

BL Harbert International

Robins & Morton is provided construction for a two phase vertical addition project that completed in February 2014. Phase one consisted of a two floor (floor 7 and 8) addition to the existing bed tower, and sixth floor build out for the purpose of bed expansion. The phase yielded a net of 92 additional beds. Phase two consisted of the Davis Building Addition.

Mercedes-Benz Logistics Center Vance, AL

Robins & Morton 400 Shades Creek Parkway, Ste 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1000 www.robinsmorton.com

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INDUSTRIAL $5 – $10 MILLION

INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY

Dunn Construction Company Alabama Highway 280 Jefferson & Shelby County, AL

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC Cheyenne Prairie Generating Station, Cheyenne, WY Brasfield & Gorrie was selected as the civil substructure contractor for the new Cheyenne Prairie Generating Station, a green-field power generation facility. The civil and substructure component of the overall power station is a vital piece in that it is the basis and foundation for aboveground construction, equipment, and systems and Brasfield & Gorrie is proud to perform this work.

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC 3021 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 205-328-4000 www.brasfieldgorrie.com

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INSTITUTIONAL $5 - 10 MILLION

BL Harbert International Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL

INSTITUTIONAL $10 – $25 MILLION

Hoar Construction, LLC Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts Birmingham, AL

Robins & Morton

Grassroots Ceramic Proppant Facility | Millen, GA Safe, ahead of schedule completion of a new, grassroots manufacturing facility in Millen, Ga. made it possible for CARBO Ceramics Inc., the world’s largest supplier of ceramic proppant, to quickly get to market an additional 250 Million pounds per year of superior quality product that is critical to the oil and gas industry.

Robins & Morton 400 Shades Creek Parkway, Ste 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1000 www.robinsmorton.com

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INSTITUTIONAL $25 – $50 MILLION

Juneau Construction Company University of Alabama Student Center Tuscaloosa, AL

MECHANICAL COMMERCIAL $2-10 MILLION

INSTITUTIONAL $25-50 MILLION

Ivey Mechanical Company Carpenter Technology Tanner, AL

Robins & Morton

MECHANICAL UNDER $2 MILLION

Opelika High School | Opelika, AL Brasfield & Gorrie was selected as the civil substructure contractor for the new Cheyenne Prairie Generating Station, a green-field power generation facility. The civil and substructure component of the overall power station is a vital piece in that it is the basis and foundation for aboveground construction, equipment, and systems and Brasfield & Gorrie is proud to perform this work. The development of this plant is significant given the current climate of the energy market sector.

Adkins & Kimbrough Mechanical Oxmoor Road, AFRC Birmingham, AL

Robins & Morton 400 Shades Creek Parkway, Ste 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1000 www.robinsmorton.com

INSTITUTIONAL $50 – $100 MILLION

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MEGA

The Lemoine Company/ Brasfield & Gorrie, Joint Venture Tiger Stadium Expansion Baton Rouge, LA

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC

INTERIOR

Memorial Hospital Expansion | Chattanooga, TN

David Allen Company Ferguson Center Additions & Renovation Tuscaloosa, AL

The Memorial Hospital Expansion project transformed the hospital’s campus master plan by providing state-of-the-art facilities to serve the Chattanooga area with healthcare excellence. This 485,692 sq. ft. mega project includes two large building additions as well as multiple renovation projects. The 360,000 sq. ft. 7-story North Tower addition provides cardiovascular, emergency, critical care, and radiology services.

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC 3021 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 205-328-4000 www.brasfieldgorrie.com

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OTHER CONSTRUCTION $2-100 MILLION

PUBLIC WORK/ENVIRONMENTAL

Bailey-Harris Construction

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC

Located in the new Auburn Technology Park, Auburn, AL, the first syringe medical device manufacturing plant located in the Southeast was a Design-Build exploit between Bailey-Harris Construction and SiO2 of New York. As a high security installation and with the requirement to be able to withstand an F-5 category tornado, the Design team consisting of Alabama subcontractors and architect, and Clean Room Engineers from Georgia and Minnesota collaborated to assure the customer’s comfort level in the pharmaceutical sector.

Brasfield & Gorrie served as general contractor for the Dodson Chapel Equalization Tank and Wastewater Pump Station project, which is a part of the Clean Water Nashville Overflow Abatement Program by Metropolitan Water Services (MWS). The Dodson Chapel project is part of this effort to clean up the current system and waterways as well as bring existing sites up to current, strict regulatory requirements, which is vital to the Nashville community.

SiO2 Medical Products | Auburn, AL

Dodson Chapel Equalization Tank and Wastewater Pump Station | Nashville, TN

Bailey-Harris Construction Co., Inc. 1552 Bailey Harris Drive Auburn, AL 36831 334-821-0807 www.bailey-harris.com

PRE-ENGINEERED UP TO $100 MILLION

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC 3021 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 205-328-4000 www.brasfieldgorrie.com

RENOVATION UNDER $4 MILLION

Blalock Building Company HewittTrussville Stadium & Sports Complex

Robins & Morton

RENOVATION $4– $10 MILLION

Sylacauga Obstetrics and Gynecology | Sylacauga, AL

Hoar Construction, LLC

The Sylacauga Obstetrics and Gynecology Office Renovation is a great success story of taking an abandoned building and giving it new life and purpose. The former funeral home received a lot of attention from the local community when the project began. Because of its original purpose, everyone in the surrounding areas had memories of saying goodbye to loved ones in that building and it was unanimous that no one wanted to see it demolished.

Robins & Morton 400 Shades Creek Parkway, Ste 200 Birmingham, AL 35209 205-870-1000 www.robinsmorton.com

Children’s of Alabama Adaptive Reuse Birmingham, AL

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RENOVATION $10–100 MILLION

SPECIALTY OTHER COMMERCIAL UNDER $10 MILLION

Hoar Construction, LLC Contemporary Hotel Renovations Orlando, FL

RESIDENTIAL / MULTI FAMILY $10–100 MILLION

Hoar Construction, LLC M2 Apartments, Denver, CO

RESIDENTIAL / MULTI FAMILY UNDER $10 MILLION

C.S. Beatty Construction, Inc.

Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport Terminal Modernization C.S. Beatty Construction, Inc. recently completed a three year project, in conjunction with Brasfield and Gorrie/BLOC, performing all site-work and underground utility installations for the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport Terminal Modernization project. The project was performed while keeping the operations at the airport functioning on a daily basis.

C.S. Beatty Construction, Inc. 2129 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. South Birmingham, AL 35209 205-879-5788 www.csbeattyconstruction.com

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Ard Contracting, Inc. Wind Creek Parking Garage Wetumpka, AL

Golden Construction, LLC

Belk Hudson Lofts | Huntsville, AL

SUPPLIER

Golden Construction was hired by Sealy Management Company to complete Belk Hudson Lofts in Huntsville, AL. Belk Hudson Lofts is a $9.2 million, 75-unit high-density Class A urban infill project totaling 125,000-SF. One significant challenge on the project was preserving the existing historic 3-story facade. Steel bracing was designed and installed to support the façade from the outside while the remaining building was demolished.

Ready Mix USA Mercedes-Benz Logistics Center Vance, AL

Golden Construction, LLC 2212 First Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233 205-322-7726 www.goldenconstruction.com

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on budget and on time for more than 30 Years

White-Spunner Construction 2014 General Contractor of the Year

I

n its 30-plus years, much has changed at WhiteSpunner Construction. Based in Mobile, Alabama, the company has grown from a small company concentrating on local projects along the Gulf Coast to one of the largest privately held contracting firms in the Southeast managing major projects across the country. But as much as things have changed since the company was founded in 1981, the more they’ve really stayed the same.

The company remains rooted in the same values as when it first began: to always meet the clients’ needs no matter what. “We do what it takes to be part of the solution,” said John White-Spunner, the company’s CEO and chairman of the board. “Safety is always first of course, but we also really focus on being on time and on budget, which are important for a client. That focus is just part of our culture.”

That focus on quality, timing and budget is what has led White-Spunner to receive recurring business from many of its customers. In fact, the company is still working with numerous clients it had when it first began. “We’ve always focused on creating long term relationships with clients and trades and vendors and then building on them,” White-Spunner said. “Because of that we’ve traveled across the country with many of the those same clients over the years.”

White-Spunner always hoped to start his own business, but he never dreamed he would start WhiteSpunner Construction quite as early on as he did. He

was given the opportunity to run his own construction company when he was in his mid-20s when the owners of the company he worked for, Toinsmeire Construction, decided to quit the business. “I didn’t have a ‘Plan B’ when they decided to pursue other interests,” he explained. “The only thing I knew was construction. So fortunately, even though I was young and just kind of fell into it, I had a great team of people around me and a strong work ethic thanks to the influence of my father, Blacksher.”

From those early days, White-Spunner has gone on to complete jobs for major corporations like Coca-Cola, Lowes and Home Depot, as well as various healthcare, commercial and retail projects. One aspect that has made the company unique is that in addition to its construction management work, the company has also partnered with many of its clients to invest in properties. “Over the years we have been invited by some clients and developers both locally and out of state to invest with them in various projects,” White-Spunner said. “These relationships have also grown over the years.”

While partnering with clients on various jobs may make the company unique, it really just speaks to what White-Spunner is all about: building relationships. “Everything is really about people,” WhiteSpunner said. “It’s not about the project. It’s about the relationships you build because in the end, that’s what matters.”

www.white-spunner.com

WHITE-SPUNNER BY THE NUMBERS

1981 THE YEAR THE COMPANY WAS FOUNDED

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AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS

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20+ NUMBER OF STATES IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LICENSED TO WORK

$2.3

$118

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION VALUE THE COMPANY COMPLETED SINCE 1981

AVERAGE ANNUAL VOLUME IN PROJECTS OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS

BILLION

MILLION

Ivey Mechanical Company 2014 Subcontractor of the Year

A

t Ivey Mechanical Company the mission is clear: provide quality mechanical services to satisfied customers. That’s been the goal of the company since it was first established more than 60 years ago.

Kermit Ivey first formed Ivey’s Plumbing and Electrical Company in 1947 in Kosciusko, Mississippi.

Back then, the small shop mainly focused on residential and small commercial construction.

Over the years, the company grew significantly and eventually ventured into doing work with the government and medical facilities and by the early 1990s was one of the largest mechanical contractors in the country. In fact, during the 90s, Ivey—which eventually changed its name to Ivey Mechanical Company—grew in revenue from $50 million to over $140 million. And the company has yet to slow down. Today, the company boasts revenues of approximately $200 million and offices all over the southeast. “We’ve tried to evolve and follow the market,” said Buddy Stewart, the company’s business unit president in Birmingham. “We’ve been in business long enough that we have an enormous amount of experience in just about everything.”

Stewart first joined the company in 1980 as an apprentice. Working his way up over the years, including serving in positions such as assistant project manager

and project manager, Stewart eventually became president of the Birmingham division when it was started in 2005. “Ivey Mechanical is a family-oriented business made up of great people,” Stewart said. “I’m proud to be a part of them.”

Stewart credits the company’s longstanding success, as well as its receiving this year’s Subcontractor of the Year award, to the longevity of its employees. “It’s unbelievable how many employees have been here for so many years,” he said. “So it’s that consistency that means so much. Ivey Mechanical being a family-oriented business attracts people, as does the company’s strong leadership that supports everyone.”

This year marks the second time Ivey Mechanical has won the annual ABC award, and Stewart couldn’t be more proud of the company and its accomplishments, as well as the association itself. “The award is truly an honor, but it is also a real blessing to work alongside the ABC of Alabama chapter,” he said. “This association constantly strives to push the construction industry to the forefront and we enjoy being a part of that. So to be picked as the best subcontractor of the year among all of the other great subcontractors in this state is truly an honor.”

IVEY MECHANICAL BY THE NUMBERS

1947 THE YEAR THE COMPANY WAS FOUNDED

10 NUMBER OF LOCATIONS

$200 MILLION

THE COMPANY’S APPROXIMATE ANNUAL REVENUE

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2014 Merit Award Winners COMMERCIAL $10 - 25 MILLION

Cooper Construction SKF Solutions Factory | Moody, AL

ELECTRICAL COMMERCIAL UNDER $2 MILLION

Bailey-Harris Construction Kemmerich Metal Engineering | Auburn, AL

ELECTRICAL OVER $10 MILLION

Bailey-Harris Construction Auburn University Wellness Kitchen | Auburn, AL

ENGINEER

BL Harbert International Homewood Community Center | Homewood, AL

EXTERIOR

BL Harbert International Ferguson Center Addition & Renovations, University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa

Bright Future Electric, LLC Grabow Outdoors | Fultondale, AL

Marathon Electrical Contractors, Inc. Carpenter Tech Duct Bank, Tanner, AL Sain Associates Martin Army Community Hospital Fort Benning, GA

Selective Masonry, Inc. The Ferguson Center—Additions & Renovations University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT / MILITARY $25-100 MILLION

INDUSTRIAL $5-15 MILLION

INSTITUTIONAL $5-10 MILLION

INSTITUTIONAL $10-25 MILLION INSTITUTIONAL $25-50 MILLION

MEGA

Hoar Construction, LLC NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital and Clinic Jonesboro, AR

PUBLIC WORK/ENVIRONMENTAL

BL Harbert International 19th Engineer Battalion Complex Fort Knox, Kentucky

G.A. West & Co. Algae Systems Pilot Plant Project | Daphne, AL

Caddell Construction Design/Build NCO Academy Complex I Fort Benning, GA

Golden Construction, LLC St. Rose Academy | Birmingham, AL

HEALTHCARE UNDER $10 MILLION

RENOVATION UNDER $4 MILLION RENOVATION $4-10 MILLION

Robins & Morton Carolinas Medical Center Hematologic Oncology Unit | Charlotte, NC

Doster Construction Children’s Hospital of Alabama Child Psychiatry Center & PTOT Renovation | Birmingham, AL

HEALTHCARE $10-25 MILLION

RESIDENTIAL / MULTI FAMILY $10 – 100 MILLION

Hoar Construction, LLC NEA Baptist Cancer Center | Jonesboro, AR

HEALTHCARE $25-50 MILLION

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC St. Vincent Medical Center Northeast Inpatient Expansion | Fishers, Indiana

HISTORICAL RESTORATION/ RENOVATION UNDER $25 MILLION

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC Alabama Media Group | Birmingham, AL

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INDUSTRIAL UNDER $5 MILLION

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC C Spire Systems Operations Center, Starkville, MS

AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS

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Doster Construction Solara | Sanford, FL

SUPPLIER

Block USA University of Alabama Presidential Village II Tuscaloosa, AL

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Ready Mix USA

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The Stewart Perry Company, Inc.

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THANKS TO OUR JUDGES ABC of Alabama would like to thank this year’s judges for their contribution to making the Excellence in Construction Awards a success: Doug Carlson (ABC Carolinas Chapter) Bill Anderson (ABC Georgia Chapter) Katherine Lynn (Alabama State Building Commission) Jerry Rivera (Regional Safety Director, Power Design, Inc.) Shelly Sutton (Safety Director, hth Companies, Inc.)

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OCT/NOV 2014

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57

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AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS OCT/NOV 2014 © 2012 caterpillar all rights reserved. cat, catErpILLar, their respective logos, “caterpillar Yellow,” the “power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com www.caterpillar.com

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AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS

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A S S O C I ATE D B U I L D E R S & C O NTR A CTO R S

News & Notes

News & Notes

OSHA Announces New Requirements for Reporting Severe Injuries and Updates List of Industries Exempt from Record-Keeping Requirements

T

he U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced a final rule requiring employers to notify OSHA when an employee is killed on the job or suffers a workrelated hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye.

The rule, which also updates the list of employers partially exempt from OSHA record-keeping requirements, will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015, for workplaces under federal OSHA jurisdiction.

The announcement follows preliminary results from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2013 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.

“Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 4,405 workers were killed on the job in 2013. We can and must do more to keep America’s workers safe and healthy,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “Workplace injuries and fatalities are absolutely preventable, and these new requirements will help OSHA focus its resources and hold employers accountable for preventing them.”

Under the revised rule, employers will be required to notify OSHA of work-related fatalities within eight hours, and workrelated in-patient hospitalizations, amputations or losses of an eye within 24 hours.

Previously, OSHA’s regulations required an employer to report only work-related fatalities and in-patient hospitalizations of three or more employees. Reporting single hospitalizations, amputations or loss of an eye was not required under the previous rule.

All employers covered by the Occupa-

tional Safety and Health Act, even those who are exempt from maintaining injury and illness records, are required to comply with OSHA’s new severe injury and illness

reporting requirements. To assist employers in fulfilling these requirements, OSHA is developing a Web portal for employers to report incidents electronically, in addition to the phone reporting options.

“Hospitalizations and amputations are sentinel events, indicating that serious hazards are

“Workplace injuries and fatalities are absolutely preventable, and these new requirements will help OSHA focus its resources and hold employers accountable for preventing them.”

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likely to be present at a workplace and that an intervention is warranted to protect the other workers at the establishment,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health.

In addition to the new reporting requirements, OSHA has also updated the list of industries that, due to relatively low occupational injury and illness rates, are exempt from the requirement to routinely keep injury and illness records. The previous list of exempt industries was based on the old Standard Industrial Classification system and the new rule uses the North American Industry Classification System to classify establishments by industry. The new list is based on updated injury and illness data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The new rule maintains the exemption for any employer with 10 or fewer employees, regardless of their industry classification, from the requirement to routinely keep records of worker injuries and illnesses.

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Alabama Department of Revenue Changes Policy on Issuing Government Contractor Exemption Certificates Article provided by Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP

T

he new Government Contractor Exemption Law (Act 2013-205) became effective on January 1, 2014, and since that time several contractors have applied for a “Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption For a Government Entity Contract” under the Act. In the last few months, the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) has made changes to the Act that may affect your application.

In the past, the ADOR representative signing the exemption certificate would, in at least some circumstances, back date the certificate to a date that corresponded with

the start date of the project if the project had already commenced. Thus, the exemption was made retroactive to a date earlier than the date the application was submitted to, or approved by, the ADOR. This favorable practice seems to have changed. On September 8, the ADOR quietly posted on its website (Sales and Use Tax Division, “What’s New?”) a terse warning to government contractors, subcontractors and Alabama governmental entities that may qualify for the exemption, as follows: NOTE: Exemption Certificates will be issued as of the project start date or the

received date of the application. If, upon receipt of the application, the project has already commenced, the certificate will be issued as of the received date of the application. Any purchases made prior to the issuance of a certificate will not be exempt.

Please be aware of this new guidance issued by the ADOR if you are in the process of bidding for a tax-exempt project or applying for one of these exemption certificates.

OCT/NOV 2014

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Visit Cowin today and start hauling in profits.

1-800-239-2694 www.cowin.com

Volvo Construction Equipment 68

AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS

OCT/NOV 2014

Birmingham, AL (205) 841-6666

Mobile, AL (251) 633-4020

Pensacola, FL (850) 479-3004

Madison, AL (256) 350-0006

Montgomery, AL (334) 262-6642

Atlanta, GA (404) 696-7210

Oxford, AL (256) 832-5053