ISSUE 1 2018
MICHIGAN
A PUBLICATION OF ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OF MICHIGAN
ABC OF MICHIGAN WORKING FOR YOU:
LEGISLATION WE ARE MONITORING GET TO KNOW:
SENATOR TONYA SCHUITMAKER MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 1 2018
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CONTENTS ISSUE 1 2018
FEATURE
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From D.C. to Lansing, Legislative Day Brings Members and Lawmakers Together
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
10 ABC of Michigan working for you: legislation we are monitoring
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14 Get to Know Senator Tonya Schuitmaker FEDERAL AFFAIRS
12 President Trump’s Infrastructure and Tax Plan WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
18 A Strong Company Foundation Starts With Employee Engagement by Dan Harris DEPARTMENTS
5 Cover Photo: Nearly 100 ABC members and lawmakers filled the Capitol Room at the Radisson on February 21.
Executive Perspective by Jeff Wiggins
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EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE
Greetings, defenders of the merit shop! Spring has arrived and with that comes the beginning of baseball, warmer weather, and, at the State Capitol, the appropriations process. In the coming months, the state will determine how it will spend it’s $52 billion budget in the next fiscal year.
JEFF WIGGINS State Director ABC of Michigan 2018 BOARD of DIRECTORS Corey Hannahs, Chair Consolidated Electrical Contractors Greater Michigan Chapter Mike Houseman, Immediate Past Chair Wolverine Building Group Western Michigan Chapter Dave Sheffield, Secretary/Treasurer Onslow-Sheffield, Inc. Southeastern Michigan Chapter Chris Beckering Pioneer Construction Western Michigan Chapter Jim Cripps Cripps Fontaine Excavating, Inc. Western Michigan Chapter Rick Jackson Jackson Associates, Inc. Southeastern Michigan Chapter Dan Murphy MAG Insulation Greater Michigan Chapter Cort Niemi Lake Agency, Inc. Southeastern Michigan Chapter Brian Stadler Wolgast Corporation Greater Michigan Chapter
Part of that budget is Governor Snyder’s proposed Marshall Plan. In this edition of Merit Magazine, we take a look at this proposal, a $100 million investment designed to promote the expansion of training and education in high-demand, well-paid career opportunities available across the state. The proposal highlights several areas of necessary investment and focus required from both the public and private sector, while also emphasizing the need to prepare our students for the jobs of the future. Also included is an update on some of ABC of Michigan’s legislative priorities. It’s of great importance to ensure young talent is presented with the necessary educational opportunities to seek out successful careers in the trades. Legislative proposals to amend the Michigan Merit Curriculum, promote alternatives for skilled trades instructors in the classroom, and develop new ways to identify students with the skills necessary to succeed in the trades are all seeing progress in the state legislature. In case you weren’t here, inside is a recap of our successful 2018 State Legislative Day held in Lansing on February 21. We had a tremendous turnout from merit shop contractors across the state here to engage with their elected officials and promote the principles of free enterprise. From the informative federal panel discussion with Congressmen Walberg, Moolenaar, and Mitchell, to the rousing speeches from Attorney General Bill Schuette and Lt. Governor Brian Calley, it was obvious our message of freedom and fairness was being heard loud and clear. Legislators and ABC members alike agreed the best way to promote the free enterprise principles that make this state and country great is to repeal Michigan’s archaic prevailing wage law FINALLY. As the legislature gets closer to a vote on repeal in the coming weeks, members are reminded to contact their legislator to let them know we stand with them in their promotion of the free market and open competition. Enjoy reading about these issues and much more in the first Merit Magazine of 2018! Yours in Freedom,
Ed Tanzini Tancor Corporation Greater Michigan Chapter Tom Vitale Kotz Sangster Wysocki, PC Western Michigan Chapter Andy Weisbrodt Bouma Construction Western Michigan Chapte
MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 1 2018
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FEATURE
FROM D.C. TO LANSING, LEGISLATIVE DAY BRINGS MEMBERS AND LAWMAKERS TOGETHER February 21 was an important and informative morning in Lansing for members of ABC. More than 50 members from across the state and dozens of elected officials gathered at the Radisson for the 2018 ABC of Michigan State Legislative Day. Merit shop leaders and legislators engaged in productive discussions on many of the important policy issues currently progressing through the Michigan Legislature. Attendees also received detailed and passionate updates from ABC leaders, state lawmakers, and members of the United States Congress on how we can continue to grow jobs in the skilled trades, while also promoting fair and open competition by repealing Michigan’s archaic prevailing wage law. ABC of Michigan State Director Jeff Wiggins began the program by providing a legislative update on a few of the legislative proposals currently being discussed and advanced in legislative committees and on the floors of the Senate and House of Representatives. Wiggins emphasized the ongoing effort to repeal prevailing wage, an effort that will save taxpayers millions of dollars each year in state construction costs and eliminate a special-interest carve out which only benefits a select few. After the conclusion of the legislative update, ABC members took the time to enjoy breakfast and catch up with peers and crowd of lawmakers who joined them at their tables. After several minutes of productive discussion and catching up with old friends, Wiggins made his way to the podium to begin the portion of the program dedicated to honoring those who stood out in defense of the merit shop in 2017. The first honoree of the morning was Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, who was presented the ABC of Michigan Liberty Award. The award is not given on an annual basis but is presented when the ABC of Michigan’s volunteer leaders want to recognize a public figure who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure free enterprise and open competition are a priority in state government. Over the past decade, Sena6
tor Meekhof has been the most vocal advocate of the policies and principles ABC and the citizens of this state hold dear. He has remained a steadfast leader with a strong voice in the efforts to repeal Michigan’s prevailing wage law and continued to state he cannot wait to vote to repeal the law this year. The presentation of the Lawmaker of the Year award was next on the docket. The 2017 recipient was none other than Speaker of the House Tom Leonard for his leadership and dedication on a host of merit shop issues, such as prevailing wage repeal and skilled trade education reforms. As he accepted the award, he emphasized his colleagues in the House who were his partners in advocating for these important issues and the award being as much theirs as it was his. Speaker Leonard also impressed upon those in attendance that as citizens and business owners how important their voices are and how much they could make a difference in this effort. The final award for the morning was the 2nd annual “Chris Fisher” Chairman’s Award, which was created to recognize the dedicated efforts of someone outside of the Legislature who has gone above and beyond as a volunteer leader and member of the merit shop community to advance the cause of free enterprise. The 2017 winner was past Chairman of ABC of Michigan, Mike Houseman of Wolverine Building Group. In addition to his years of service to the board and ABC members, Mike was recognized as the person who answered the call and went the extra mile to put our organization in a place where the repeal of prevailing wage would be attainable by the end of 2018. Thanks to the efforts of Mike and volunteer leaders within our association, it looks like that will be the case.
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OF MICHIGAN
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1. Closing speaker Bill Ballenger gave insight into the 2018 races. 2. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley speaks to ABC members. 3. 2018 ABC of Michigan Chairman of the Board Corey Hannahs addresses attendees. 4. ABC of Michigan State Director Jeff Wiggins welcomes attendees. 5. Attorney General Bill Schuette addresses members. 6. Left to right: Congressmen John Moolenaar, Paul Mitchell, and Tim Walberg participated in a federal panel with ABC National’s Ben Brubeck. 7. The stage is set to begin the 2018 State Legislative Day.
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8. An eager room of attendees hear from many of Michigan’s political leaders. 9. Attorney General Bill Schuette mingles with attendees prior to speaking to members. 10. Congressman Paul Mitchell speaks with ABC Southeast Michigan Chapter President Keith Ledbetter and members.
MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 1 2018
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Representative Jim Tedder presents ABC with letters from President Ronald Reagan.
A letter from President Ronald Reagan.
Next, attendees were treated to a very special presentation from State Representative Jim Tedder. Representative Tedder got his start in the policy world working at ABC in Washington, D.C. During his time, he acquired a unique piece of history almost left behind during an office move, and that he wanted to ensure made its way back home. Tedder presented Jeff Wiggins with letters from President Ronald Reagan addressed to ABC in 1982 and 1983. Within the letters, Reagan offered his praise toward the ideals and economic contribution of ABC. The letters stated, “surely the strength and future success of America will be secure if we hold to the spirit and ideals of your organization for they nurture reliance on family and self-values that are the very foundation on which the greatness of our country is built.” ABC has upheld these values since our founding, and it is a privilege to be recognized in this manner. President Reagan concluded one of the letters saying, “Thank you for all of your wonderful support. Working together we can make America great again.” The letters will now be prominently displayed at the ABC Headquarters in Washington, D.C. After a short break, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette took the stage to discuss important issues facing Michigan including, prevailing wage repeal, and the necessity for more
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Letter two presented to ABC from President Ronald Reagan.
skilled trade workers and jobs, something of which Michigan is suffering a shortage. General Schuette was acknowledged for his successful defense of the of Michigan’s ban on discriminatory Project Labor Agreements and thanked for his continued efforts to defend free enterprise. We were also honored to host three members of Congress on a panel moderated by Ben Brubeck, Vice President of Regulatory, Labor, and State Affairs with ABC National. Congressmen Paul Mitchell, John Moolenaar, and Tim Walberg joined us to provide detailed discussions surrounding all things skilled trades in D.C. Topics they covered included the passage of President Trump’s recent tax reform plan and the President’s proposal to invest in our nation’s infrastructure. The congressmen emphasized how these proposals are structured to put more money in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers, create new jobs, add an estimated $1.5 trillion to construction spending in the next decade, and overall greatly impact the industry. They also pointed out how these proposals will also help address the shortage of skilled professionals and how it could transform workforce development efforts both nationally and statewide. The opportunity to gain direct insight from three federal lawmakers resonated with those in attendance and will continue to be a focus of future legislative day events. Following the legislative panel, Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley spoke to attendees about the importance of continuing Michigan’s comeback. That comeback included the making Michigan a right-to-work state, banning project labor agreements, and eliminating thousands of burdensome rules and regulations. Calley also emphasized the importance of repealing the prevailing wage law and the importance of making a career in the trades an option for Michigan workers. Closing the morning was a presentation by Bill Ballenger, a powerhouse of election knowledge, with “The Ballenger Report.” Ballenger provided attendees with a detailed political update on all the races across the state, including Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. He also touched on potential propos-
A look at our award winners: SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE TOM LEONARD Lawmaker of the Year Award
SENATOR ARLAN MEEKHOF
Since becoming Speaker of the House, Tom Leonard has made it his top priority to create a better environment for skilled trade jobs. Since then, the House of Representatives has passed all of the bills that ABC has focused on, and continues to follow his leadership to advance skilled trades and career technical education.
Recipient of the Liberty Award The Liberty Award is given every few years to a recipient who has made exceptional progress and has demonstrated outstanding leadership. Senator Arlan Meekhof was the first to introduce prevailing wage repeal years ago, an issue that ABC has been focusing on for the last few years. He has continued to champion the efforts ever since, and has a 100% ABC voting record.
MIKE HOUSEMAN “Chris Fisher” Chairman’s Award Mike Houseman has been a volunteer leader for ABC for almost a decade. He has given selfless commitment that has benefitted ABC is many ways. Mike is in the second year of his second term on the ABC executive board. He has been the chairman of the for the last two years. Under his leadership on the board, Mike has repealed project labor agreements, helped make Michigan a right to work state and increased the electrical apprenticeship ratio. Under his leadership, ABC has reformed regulations and made significant advances. Nearly 100 ABC members and lawmakers filled the Capitol Room at the Radisson on February 21.
als voters might see on the upcoming ballot, and how they could impact the races. ABC members then peppered Mr. Ballenger with questions on specific contests and even got into a discussion about the President and the mood of the country. It made for an entertaining conclusion. Overall, the 2018 State Legislative Day was a successful morning full of networking and information in the Capital City. We heard from state and federal legislative leaders, received in-depth updates regarding the important policy proposals affecting the merit shop, and highlighted our triumphs from the past year. Thank you to all who attended and made the day a success. MM
What attendees had to say: • 100% of attendees rated the registration process as excellent or good • Over 80% of attendees rated the opportunity to network with lawmakers as excellent or good. • On average, 90% of attendees rated the speakers as excellent or good • Over 80% of attendees rated the Federal Legislative Panel as excellent or good
MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 1 2018
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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
ABC OF MICHIGAN WORKING FOR YOU: POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN LANSING INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Governor Snyder’s Marshall Plan Projections indicate that in the next decade, there will be 811,000 new jobs created in Michigan alone. The increasing need for skill-based training in Michigan has led Governor Rick Snyder to unveil what he has dubbed the “Michigan Marshall Plan.” The proposed plan calls for a $100 million investment, focusing on a competency-based learning approach which will be a result of collaboration between educators and those leaders in high demand career fields, including the trades. Specifically, the plan calls for an additional $11.6 million for state of the art equipment and technology, $25.5 million in scholarships dedicated to certificate completion in high demand fields, and $10.1 million toward “career development facilitators” that will help students find the right career path. In order to move forward with the plan, the legislature will have to act via the appropriations process, which will likely include the opportunity to modify and explore different options in this effort to invest in Michigan’s future.
EXPANDING CURRICULUM CHOICE FOR STUDENTS Merit Curriculum Reform Package (HB 4315 – 4318) In the Spring of 2017, House Republicans introduce this package of bills to create more flexibility in public school course curriculum that will assist pupils in identifying available career opportunities. ABC of Michigan, alongside other business group allies, testified in the House Workforce and Development Committee urging legislators to support this package of bills that will work to towards filling the talent gap in the trades, as well as other skilled industries.
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House Bills 4315 and 4316 are designed to create an alternative educational path by substituting a student’s language and arts course credit requirements with three credits of “21st century skills.” The current curriculum requires students to complete at least one credit in visual, performing, or applied arts, and two credits in a language other than English. The new 21st century skills alternative requirement could be met by completing a combination of courses that include computer science, computer skills, or career technical education. These bills would also eliminate a previous restriction that only allowed students graduating before 2021to substitute their language credit for a career tech course. House Bill 4317 provides yet another opportunity for a student looking to get a head start into the trades. Currently, the merit curriculum requires students to complete one (1) credit in health and physical education, or a half credit in health and a half credit regarding physical activity (e.g., extracurricular athletics) to be approved and awarded by the school. HB 4317 seeks to allow an additional option for a vocational-focused curriculum that would fill this requirement by completing the 30-
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hour training course provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The OSHA course includes health and safety training that one needs on a job site, helping to combat workplace hazards and create a safe, working environment. Students already enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs would be able to gain more practical life skills that will be valuable in exploring future career opportunities, making them more marketable to future employers. The final bill in the package, House Bill 4318, again seeks to amend the Michigan Merit Curriculum to allow for students to fulfill the required Algebra II course with a math course more focused on alternative educational path. Specifically, the change would allow students to enroll in a statistics course, rather than taking Algebra II. This package of bills received bipartisan support and was approved in the House of Representatives. The bills now sit in the Senate Subcommittee on Skilled Trades Education.
STRENGTHEN NEW CAREER PATHWAYS HB 5139 – 5142, 5145 In addition to amending the current curriculum options available to students, it is also necessary to provide administrative support in the development and fostering of a particular student’s educational interests. In October of 2017, House Bills 5139-5142 were introduced with the intent to create a better approach in the early years of a child’s education when it comes to learning about the different careers and future opportunities. House Bill 5139 aims to add career-development to course curriculums as early as kindergarten. The bill proposes that a model program of instruction be developed to deliver age-appropriate career exploration and engagement, including new strategies for engaging parents and local community business interests. Through this learning model and improved curriculum, students will be exposed to all real world career possibilities. House Bill 5140 establishes an optional tool that will provide the opportunity to create better communication between students, parents, and future employers, proprietary educators, or community colleges by providing names of stu-
dents to higher education institutions that offer skilledtrade opportunities. Another significant issue addressed by this package of legislation is shortage of available educators to teach courses that provide students a path to a career in the trades. House bills 5141 and 5142 would permit licensed or formally licensed professionals to instruct a course in an area where they have significant experience and expertise, without the need for an advanced teaching degree. By doing so, schools will be able to utilize successful, experienced professionals to expand the knowledge and learning options available to students. Finally, House Bill 5145 would allow educators who spend time engaging with and learning best practices from local employers or technical centers to apply that time toward the renewal of a teaching, professional teaching, advanced professional teaching, or school administrator’s certificate. This reform would place significant value on real world experience and allow educators to provide students with alternative perspectives on the opportunities available to them. This package of bills received strong bipartisan support in the House of Representatives and currently sits in the Senate Committee on Economic Development and International Investment since January 2018.
STUDENT – FOCUSED EDUCATION PLANNING SBs 684 & 685 Senate Bills 684 and 685, introduced by Senators Ken Horn and Peter MacGregor, aim to increase student exposure to careers that peak their interests while providing more information on career opportunities. The legislation promotes the expansion of current educational development plans, designed to ensure students progressing in their education, through the creation of talent portfolios. These portfolios would include the student’s experiences and accomplishments to demonstrate talent and marketable skills. Both Senate Bill 684 and 685 have been reported favorably out of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and International Investment to the senate floor. MM
MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 1 2018
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FEDERAL AFFAIRS
PRESIDENT TRUMP’S INFRASTRUCTURE AND TAX PLAN President Trump released his plan to fix America’s inadequate infrastructure on February 12, 2018, to fulfill a key campaign promise he made to supporters. ABC National president & CEO Michael Bellaman lauded the plan saying:
schools, energy and water through 2025 to maintain the United States’ economic competitiveness. Luckily the president has come up with a plan to attract foreign investors to curtail the amount of money that the federal government would have to spend to $1.5 trillion.
“ABC is pleased that the president’s plan mirrors many of the key principles ABC believes will deliver the most value to taxpayers. For example, addressing regulatory burdens, such as streamlining the federal infrastructure permitting process, will reduce costs and increase the speed of project approval and completion. And expanding efforts to train the next generation of skilled workers will give more Americans the chance to take advantage of the jobs created by these infrastructure projects and help reduce the construction industry’s workforce shortage.”
The White House has already taken steps towards streamlining federally funded projects with an executive order in August 2017 that would cut down the wait time for a permit from five to ten years down to two. The hope is that the shortened wait time for permit approval would help attract investors who otherwise would be weary of inflated project costs due to long permit approval times.
“We look forward to working with the White House and Congress as the infrastructure plan moves through the legislative process.” President Trump’s infrastructure plan is coming in the wake of the American Society of Civil Engineers estimate that it would take a $4.6 trillion investment into the nation’s highways, bridges, ports, railways, airports,
A section of the infrastructure plan worth noting is the White House’s support of skilled trades. The plan includes expanding the Pell Grant eligibility to “high quality, short-term programs” that would allow students to pursue credential or certification for an “in-demand field.” Another component of the plan includes a modified version of the Perkins Career and Technical Education Bill which would direct a majority of its funds to high schools to promote apprenticeships, workbased learning, and dual-enrollment, including authorizing activities to promote and expand apprenticeships. MM
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INFRASTRUCTURE: “ABC is encouraged by the president’s commitment to rebuild America’s infrastructure. The president’s remarks mirror many of the principles ABC wants to ultimately be included in the forthcoming infrastructure plan. Lawmakers and regulators must capitalize on the president’s executive order to reduce project approval timelines while continuing to respect sensible environmental regulations. ABC also advocates for increasing the use of public-private partnerships, embracing technology that improves efficiency and safety and championing an inclusive policy of promoting robust competition that welcomes all qualified Americans and businesses to fairly compete to rebuild America’s taxpayer-funded infrastructure.”
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: “With the promise of an infrastructure bill that could create hundreds of thousands of construction jobs over the next ten years, ABC is pleased to hear the president promote the benefits of vocational schools and repeat his push for America to invest in workforce development. This is a critical time for the construction industry, which already needs to hire an estimated 500,000 skilled workers to fill a backlog of existing jobs. Reducing barriers to meet the workforce development needs of the construction industry and America’s skilled workforce is a crucial component of rebuilding America’s infrastructure and driving economic growth.”
TAX REFORM: “ABC has witnessed the positive effects that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is already having on job creation and company confidence. Thanks to tax savings, ABC members are planning to invest in new equipment, ideas and talent.” MM
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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
GET TO KNOW SENATOR TONYA SCHUITMAKER SEN. SCHUITMAKER REPRESENTS THE 26TH DISTRICT OF THE MICHIGAN SENATE. She was first elected in November 2010 after serving three terms in the House of Representatives. During her first term she was chosen by her Senate colleagues to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Senate, only the second woman in Michigan’s history to hold this position. She continues to hold this position in her second term. Sen. Schuitmaker has been a strong ally to ABC over the years, and continues to fight for free enterprise and pro-merit shop policies.
1. Why did you run for office, and what are you most passionate about in your position? Public service has always been a priority for our family and with Governor Granholm recently elected and already moving Michigan in the wrong direction, I decided it was time to run for the legislature. I’m most passionate about standing for the principles that expand freedom, opportunity, and law-and-order, and bringing people together on these issues to achieve actual results. Tax relief, Right to Work, eliminating burdensome government regulations, providing law enforcement more tools to protect seniors from physical and financial abuse, balancing budgets and paying down debt are all big wins for Michigan. 2. Do you remember your first interaction with ABC? What impact has it had on your legislative effort? My first prominent interaction with ABC was during the Right to Work debate, and as we know, this effort was very successful. Michigan workers have the freedom to choose, our state is much more competitive for attracting job providers and our economy is stronger and growing. 14
3. Of which legislative effort are you most proud of? The effort, led by ABC, to pass Right to Work was a proud time. I appeared on Fox News and CNN to promote Right to Work, and despite massive protests by the left, we held together and achieved this monumental accomplishment for freedom. 4. What do you believe is the single biggest issue facing Michigan now and what do you think is the best solution to that issue? The opioid and drug addiction epidemic is damaging lives throughout our state, causing so much potential to be lost, along with the tremendous hurt inflicted on families and friends who witness the effects firsthand. Law enforcement, businesses, families, elected officials and the education and healthcare communities are working together to raise awareness, promote treatment, utilize technology to prevent incorrect prescribing, and a host of other efforts. It is very troubling because we don’t necessarily have a solution, but this is a battle we must fight and win.
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5. How can ABC members continue keeping lawmakers up to date on key issues and priorities for their business and employees? ABC does a tremendous job keeping us apprised of business realities and how policies would improve or damage economic opportunity. Like I have said before, those of us who believe in free markets should be very grateful for ABC of Michigan’s courage, principled leadership and effectiveness. You led the fight for Right to Work, are leading the fight to repeal Prevailing Wage, and you constantly are on the forefront advancing and defending economic freedom. MM
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J & D Plumbing & Heating, Ltd. 342 West Saginaw Road | P.O. Box 409 | Sanford, MI 48657 | (989) 687-7336 | Fax (989) 687-5450
L O O M I S , E W E R T, PA R S L E Y, D A V I S & G O T T I N G P. C . A
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CONSTRUCTION & BUSINESS LAWYERS
JIMCO FIRE PROTECTION, INC. P.O. Box 568, 313 N. Court St. • Au Gres, MI 48703 Phone: (989) 876-6566 Fax (989) 876-7606 jimco@jimcofire.com
Wall Sawing | Slab Sawing | Core Drilling Curb Sawing and Removal 517-482-7600 Office | 517-482-9329 Fax 800-270-4109 Toll Free 3503 West St. Joseph | Lansing, MI 48917 dave@kandhcutting.com www.kandhcutting.com
Dave Tebben
Tony Noel
Mobile: (248) 688-5816
Fax: (248) 689-4342
k-Value Insulation Mechanical Insulation
Email: kvalue.insulation@gmail.com P.O. Box 4481 Troy, MI 48099-4481
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JEFFREY S. THEUER jstheuer@loomislaw.com
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124 WEST ALLEGAN, SUITE 700 LANSING, MI 48933 (517) 482-2400
Summit
electric, inc.
Commercial & Industrial Contractors Since 1983
2544 Acacia Troy Michigan 48083 248-689-0300 689-1750 fax www.summitelectric.ws
21610 Meyers Road Oak Park, MI 48237
877.446.4352 midlandtool.com
TOOLS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
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MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 1 2018
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
A STRONG COMPANY FOUNDATION STARTS WITH EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
BY DAN HARRIS
W
hen people are asked to picture construction employees, what often comes to mind are hardworking, clock-in and clock-out, push-throughthe-day professionals. Their level of dedication to and passion for their work are not typically considered. However, a recent report by Quantum Workplace, “Engaging AEC Employees,” found nearly 73 percent of construction professionals identified as engaged—almost 7 percent more than the national average. As it turns out, the majority of construction employees have strong mental and emotional connections with their workplaces. Employee engagement is a phrase frequently thrown around in the professional world, stemming from a 18
variety of influencing factors. This, in turn, positively affects a company’s profitability, revenue, client experience, turnover rate, talent acquisition, employer brand and even workplace safety. Although a high level of engagement should be celebrated, construction industry leaders also must proactively address threats, including the rapid shrinkage in the number of skilled workers, the overhaul of contract and building processes, and workers’ changing expectations. The good news is that these obstacles are surmountable if construction leaders understand exactly what motivates their teams. Following are three drivers of employee engagement in construction that need to be put into practice.
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OF MICHIGAN
BUILD AND DEVELOP TRUST From how projects are structured to how work is executed and projects are paid for, the construction industry is constantly changing right in front of employees’ eyes. Many high-risk situations, including changes in contract scope that put employees out of work and unpredictable outcomes of bidding wars, make it crucial for employees to trust that leaders are effectively planning for their future. According to the Quantum Workplace report, the number one driver of employee engagement for construction workers is “trusting senior leaders to lead the company to future success.” No matter what changes the company encounters, leaders need to regularly reassure team members that the company’s future is strong and that they have a clear place in it. To build this trust, leaders must understand what future success means to their team. Ask each employee to write down where they see the company in one, three and five years. Encourage them to dig deep, be honest about where they see room for improvement, and offer suggestions for making that happen. Next, brainstorm goals and the steps to reach them as a team. The more active employees are in planning for the company’s future, the easier it will be for them to envision their own success in the company. Be sure to revisit this process as the industry and company evolves.
However, employers are seeing a rapid shrinkage in skilled workers, which means efficiently putting those strengths to good use and helping employees develop new skills is more critical than ever. Encourage foremen, supervisors and managers to start taking note of employees’ specific skills. Have them sit down in a one-on-one setting to discuss their observations and see how they align with what employees feel their personal strengths are. Then, determine if there are any other skills employees would like to put to use or brush up on. Once everyone is on the same page, it’s time to get to work. Make a strategic plan based on how employees can use these skills now and identify what the company can do to help them continue to grow from their strengths and weaknesses. As employees put their newly developed skills to use, the need to hire from the shrinking talent pool will become less urgent and current employees will become more dedicated and engaged.
RISE TO MEET EMPLOYEE EXPECTATIONS To meet employees’ changing expectations, leaders need to be in tune with their team and understand exactly what they need to succeed. continued on page 20
KNOW THE TEAM’S STRENGTHS Strong, sturdy and resilient are great strengths for any employee, but barely graze the surface of skills and qualities found among construction professionals. These men and women are brimming with talent, and leaders who make the most of their skills will see the most engaged workforce. In fact, construction employees ranked “my job allows me to use my strengths” as the number two driver of employee engagement.
248-669-5155 Fire Protection Specialists Since 1979 www.jacksonassociatesinc.com
1111 W. Oakley Park Rd, Ste 201 Commerce Township, MI 48390
MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 1 2018
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continued from page 19
Building a team of highly engaged construction employees can only be accomplished if leaders truly listen to employees and show them how much they’re valued by the entire company. In fact, the final driver of employee engagement, according to the Quantum Workplace report, is “when senior leaders value employees as their most important resource.” Because expectations are different for each person and change over time, constant communication is key. Give employees the opportunity to speak in oneon-one sessions about their wants and needs in the
workplace. Focus on what makes each employee feel like an essential part of the team. Then, let them know leaders are listening and value their opinion by offering solutions for helping them meet their true potential. Employees who feel heard, who have input in the business and who know they’re part of building the company’s future will remain motivated and passionate about their careers. MM Originally posted on constructionexec.com, February 2, 2018
Your Industry, Our Focus. Full-Service Fire-Protection:
800.444.8719
KYLE BARNHART TRUCKING, LLC 2510 E TOWNSEND ROAD | ST. JOHNS, MI 48879
(517) 719-5654
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FIRE & SECURITY SYSTEMS, INC.
Protecting People, Property, and Products
1284 EAST CHICAGO ROAD, QUINCY, MI 49082 Phone: 517.639.4656 Fax: 517.639.3361 www.parrish-excavating.com Believe It – Let’s All Build Michigan Our #1 Priority
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WWW.VANGUARD-FIRE.COM 2101 Martindale Ave. SW | Grand Rapids, MI 49509 | 616.245.8719
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ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OF MICHIGAN
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Thornview
Electric LLC 616-301-0186
ThornviewElectric.com ~All Types of Roofing & Related Sheet Metal~Crane Services Available~ Commercial & Industrial
Wm. MOLNAR ROOFING, Inc. Riverview, MI
12455 Hale • P.O. Box 2272 • Riverview, MI 48193 WILLIAM MOLNAR, President Office: 734.281.0591 Cell: 313.304.1160 Fax: 734.281.7303 william@molnarroofing.com
3290 Torrey Rd., • Flint, MI 48507
810.919.7039 CRUSHED AGGREGATE
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MON - FRI: 7 - 5 • SAT: 7 - 12 MDOT PIT#25-040
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Michigan Air Compressor Technologies
6875 Dutton Industrial Dr. SE Dutton, MI 49316 616-698-6397 Fax: 616-698-6317
www.vanlaan.com
INDUSTRIAL * COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL * GENERATORS * COMMUNICATIONS 3079 E COMMERCIAL DR P.O. BOX 2264 OFFICE: 989-835-2154 MIDLAND, MI 48641-2264 FAX: 989-835-2693 www.valleyelectricalmidland.com
Fire Sprinklers Save Lives
989-671-2171
• Air Compressor Parts & Service • New & Used Equipment • 2 through 600 HP • Reciprocating or Rotary Screw • Filters, Dryers, Air Tools • Installation and Piping • Onsite or In-shop Service • 24/7 Emergency Service
www.brigadefire.com
5701 Safety Drive, Belmont, MI 49306 • Phone: 800-886-1614 • Fax: 616-784-1140
4964 Technical Drive Milford, Michigan 48381
Contact Perry or Ray Merlo
Call 248-714-5486 Fax 248-714-5249
MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 1 2018
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ISSUE 1 2018
MICHIGAN
ADVERTISER INDEX
A PUBLICATION OF ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OF MICHIGAN
CONTRIBUTORS
ABC Self Insured Workers Comp Fund.......... 24
K-Value Insulation......................................... 17
Accurate Construction Services, LLC............. 13
Kyle Barnhart Trucking, LLC......................... 20
PUBLISHER Jeff Wiggins wiggins@abcmi.com
AIS EQUIPMENT.......................................... 2
Laux Construction......................................... 17
Andrews Hooper Pavlik, PLC......................... 23
Liquid Calcium Chloride Sales....................... 16
Arrow Concrete Cutting................................. 16
Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis, Gotting, PC.... 17
MANAGING EDITOR Breanna Cope cope@abcmi.com
Asha................................................................. 2
Maltese Construction LLC............................. 21
Attitude & Experience, Inc............................... 2
Merlo Construction Co., Inc.......................... 21
BCT Benefits Plan............................................ 2
Michigan Air Compressor Technologies......... 21
Blackstar Building Group............................... 16
Midland Tool & Supply Co., Inc.................... 17
Brigade Fire Protection................................... 21
Modern Concrete........................................... 21
C & M Contracting Inc................................... 2
Pamar Enterprises........................................... 23
Cloverleaf Electric, LLC................................... 4
Parrish Excavating Incorporated..................... 20
Constructive Sheet Metal, Inc.......................... 8
Pm Technologies............................................ 23
Core & Main................................................... 2
RCI Electric................................................... 16
CSM Mechanical, LLC.................................. 23
Redi Wall LLC............................................... 12
Desai/Nasr Consulting Engineers, Inc............ 16
Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc..................... 12
E J H Construction, Inc................................. 15
Rock Products Co.......................................... 16
EMGS Michigan............................................ 16
Scientific Brake & Equipment........................ 19
Enterprise Fleet.............................................. 16
Standard Supply & Lumber Co........................ 4
Expert Heating & Cooling, Inc...................... 23
Summit Electric Inc....................................... 17
Fair and Square Construction, Inc.................. 16
Superior Asphalt............................................. 13
Fisher Companies........................................... 21
Thornview Electric......................................... 20
Garber Chevrolet............................................. 4
Timpson Transport, Inc.................................. 23
GBM Recycled Concrete, LLC......................... 2
Tradesmen International................................. 17
Great Lakes Industrial Supply Co., Inc........... 16
TRP Crushed Aggregate................................. 21
Guy Hurley, LLC............................................. 4
Universal Spiral Air........................................ 13
Hickey Electric, Inc........................................ 17
Universal Wall Systems................................... 15
Independence Commercial Construction, Inc..16
Valenti Trobec Chandler................................. 13
J & D Plumbing & Heating........................... 17
Valley Electrical Contractors........................... 21
Jackson Associates, Inc................................... 19
Van Laan Concrete Construction................... 21
JBS Contracting, Inc...................................... 22
Vanguard Fire & Security Systems, Inc........... 20
Jimco Fire Protection, Inc............................... 17
Wm. Molnar Roofing, Inc.............................. 20
GRAPHIC DESIGN Sally Bancroft Bancroft Graphics www.bancroftgraphics.com PRINTING Keystone Millbrook www.keystonemillbrook.com ADVERTISING Strategic Value Media www.svmmedia.com Michigan Merit (ISSN# 1938-9051) is the official publication of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan (ABC of Michigan) and is published quarterly at 118 W. Ottawa Street Lansing, MI 48933, (517) 853-2545. Please direct all inquiries to the previous address. Articles written by outside authors do not necessarily reflect the views of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan. ABC of Michigan reserves the right to reject or edit all material submitted for publication. The appearance of an advertisement in Michigan Merit does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, its products or services, nor do Michigan Merit or Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan guarantee or warrant any claims or offers made by the advertisers. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided the following credit line is used: “Reprinted by permission from Michigan Merit, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. of Michigan.”
K & H Concrete Cutting, Inc........................ 17
Quality | Integrity | Dependability | Diversity
Helping your community grow! √ General Contracting √ Construction Management √ Design Build
P.O. Box 370 | Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804
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P: 844-EXPERT-1 www.expertheatcool.com Commercial HVAC Services 24400 Northline Rd. Taylor, MI 48180 Residential Heating and Cooling Services Expert’s dedicated employees are ready not just to meet your expectation but to exceed them. • Emergency service & maintenance • Preventative maintenance agreements • City certifications • Furnace replacement • Air conditioning replacement • New construction HVAC systems • Humidifiers • Air cleaners/Air purifiers • Wi-Fi thermostats
Expert Heating and Cooling offers a wide range of commercial HVAC services including: • Emergency service & maintenance • Preventative maintenance agreements • Air quality solutions • Design & build HVAC systems • Rooftop units • Make-up air/ exhaust system • Retrofit and replacement • Performance Verification • Building automation system
MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 1 2018
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PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LANSING, MI PERMIT NO. 75
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS OF MICHIGAN 118 W. Ottawa Street Lansing, MI 48933 www.abcmi.com
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Returning Millions Back to Members
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