2016 VOTER’S GUIDE FISHER’S NEW ROLE AND HIS LASTING LEGACY GET TO KNOW REPRESENTATIVES GARCIA AND COX
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CONTENTS VOLUME X, ISSUE 2
FEATURES 6
2016 Voter’s Guide
12
Chris Fisher Leaves ABC After More than a Decade of Service
DEPARTMENTS
6
8
12
14
5
Executive Perspective by Jeff Wiggins
16
Industry Update: DOL’s New Overtime Rule Another Blow to Job Creators
18
Economic Outlook: U.S. Regulations Exceed Germany’s Economy by Alfredo Ortiz
20
Get to Know Your Lawmaker
26
Advertiser Index
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EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE
The “Special Election Edition” of Michigan Merit is one that we encourage you to review closely and carefully as the crucial November election draws near. Not only will we be choosing the leaders at the national and state level, but we will be sending a message as to what kind of business climate our members want for the next four to eight years.
JEFF WIGGINS State Director ABC of Michigan 2016 BOARD of DIRECTORS Mike Houseman, Chairman Wolverine Building Group Western Michigan Chapter Dave Sheffield, Secretary/Treasurer Onslow-Sheffield, Inc. Southeastern Michigan Chapter Dan Murphy, Immediate Past Chair MAG Insulation Greater 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 Michael Marks The MacKenzie Companies Greater Michigan Chapter Dave Mollitor Consolidated Electrical Contractors Greater Michigan Chapter Bill Molnar Wm. Molnar Roofing Co., Inc. Southeastern Michigan Chapter Brian Stadler Wolgast Corporation Southeastern Michigan Chapter Jack VandeGuchte Western Michigan Chapter Mike Waalkes Lighthouse Insurance Group Western Michigan Chapter
One area of particular importance is going to be the Michigan House of Representatives, which is going to see significant turnover with over 40 members term-limited. ABC of Michigan has made it a top priority to engage many of the candidates who will be running for those open seats, educating them on the importance of the merit shop and the free enterprise philosophy.
We must do all we can to protect our industry and the successes that have resulted in the promotion of the merit shop.
Over the past five years, ABC of Michigan has worked closely with members like you to promote the policies that have allowed the construction industry to grow significantly. From making Michigan a right-to-work state and the elimination of discriminatory project labor agreements, to expanding vocational education and creating reasonable electrician apprenticeship ratios, ABC of Michigan has made an impact on the Michigan economy that will be felt for years to come. But there is still more work to be done. That is why this election is so important. Opponents of the merit shop and free enterprise will continue to try and create special carve outs and government mandates that benefit the few while rolling back the common sense reforms that made Michigan the “comeback state.” We must do all we can to protect our industry and the successes that have resulted in the promotion of the merit shop. Please take the time to review the election guide in this edition and share it with those who care about having a more prosperous Michigan. Yours for the Merit Shop,
This is a big year for Associated Builders & Contractors
ABC of Michigan Political Action Committee (ABC MI PAC)
of Michigan and its members. Voters statewide have the op-
endorsed incumbents in 35 of the 110 seats. Also, 35 oth-
portunity to ensure the House of Representatives remains
ers are hoping to be elected to their first term and have
Merit Shop friendly and the many strides we have made can
received an endorsement from the ABC MI PAC. (The ABC
continue in years to come. Currently, Republicans hold a ma-
of MI questionnaire was sent to all candidates. Only those
jority with 63 of the 110 seats.
who returned the survey and committed to being a friend
All 110 seats in the House are up for reelection. The
of the Merit Shop were endorsed.)
MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPOTLIGHT RACES PAMELA HORNBERGER
TOM BARRETT
DISTRICT 32 www.pamelahornberger.com
DISTRICT 71 www.tomformichigan.com
Ms. Pamela Hornberger is running in the 32nd District looking to serve the citizens of Chesterfield Township, City of New Baltimore, Casco Township, Columbus Township, Ira Township, Kenockee Township, Kimball Township, part of the City of Memphis, part of the City of Richmond, Riley Township, and Wales Township. She is a lifelong educator who has been a K-12 Art Teacher for the past 22 years and has served on the L’Anse Creuse Public Schools Board of Education since 2011. Hornberger grew up the daughter of small business owners in Macomb County. She believes, “Government does not create jobs, small businesses do! Growing up in a family business I understand the challenges Michigan business owners face. I will work to cut government bureaucracy and the taxes which stand in the way of job creators. I will advocate for policies that make Michigan a magnet for new businesses.” 6
ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OF MICHIGAN
Representative Tom Barrett has been serving the citizens of Ionia County for the past two years and has been a great friend to ABC Members statewide. Rep. Barrett committed to being a friend for the Merit Shop. His voting record has proven his dedication, including his vote to support the elimination of the burdensome 1:1 ratio of electrical apprentices to journeymen and preempting local prevailing wage and employment laws. Rep. Barrett “will continue to support policies designed to help our local economies grow and prosper, in order to ensure that there is plenty of opportunities for families to stay in Michigan because there is not a better place to work, live, and raise a family.”
MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES District
Party Affiliation
Name
67
R
Leon Clark
70
R
James Lower
1
R
William Broman
71
R
Tom Barrett (i)
14
R
Darrell Stasik
72
R
Steve Johnson
15
R
Terrance Guido Gerin
73
R
Chris Afendoulis (i)
17
R
Joe Bellino
74
R
Rob VerHeulen (i)
19
R
Laura Cox (i)
76
R
Casey O’Neill
20
R
Jeff Noble
77
R
Tommy Brann
23
R
Bob Howey
78
R
Dave Pagel (i)
24
R
Steve Marino
79
R
Kim LaSata
25
R
Steve Naumovski
80
R
Mary Whiteford (i)
26
R
Randy LaFasseur
81
R
Dan Lauwers (i)
30
R
Diana Farrington
82
R
Gary Howell (i)
32
R
Pamela Hornberger
83
R
Shane Hernandez
36
R
Peter Lucido (i)
84
R
Edward Canfield (i)
37
R
Mitch Swoboda
85
R
Ben Frederick
38
R
Kathy Crawford (i)
86
R
Thomas Albert
39
R
Klint Kesto (i)
87
R
Julie Calley
40
R
Michael McCready (i)
88
R
Roger Victory (i)
41
R
Martin Howrylak (i)
89
R
Jim Lilly
42
R
Lana Theis (i)
90
R
Daniela Garcia (i)
43
R
Jim Tedder (i)
91
R
Holly Hughes (i)
44
R
Jim Runestad (i)
93
R
Tom Leonard (i)
45
R
Michael Webber (i)
94
R
Tim Kelly (i)
47
R
Henry Vaupel (i)
97
R
Jason Wentworth
51
R
Joseph Graves (i)
98
R
Gary Glenn (i)
52
R
Randy Clark
99
R
Roger Hauck
57
R
Bronna Kahle
100
R
Scott VanSingel
58
R
Eric Leutheuser (i)
101
R
Curt VanderWall
59
R
Aaron Miller (i)
102
R
Michele Hoitenga
61
R
Brandt Iden (i)
103
R
Daire Rendon
62
R
John Bizon (i)
104
R
Larry Inman (i)
63
R
David Maturen (i)
105
R
Triston Cole (i)
64
R
Julie Alexander
106
R
Sue Allor
65
R
Brett Roberts (i)
107
R
Lee Chatfield (i)
66
R
Beth Griffin
108
R
Beau LaFave
MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 2 2016
7
MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPOTLIGHT RACES (cont.) JIM LILLY
BRONNA KAHLE
DISTRICT 89 www.votejimlilly.com
DISTRICT 57 www.bronnakahleforstaterep.com
Mr. Jim Lilly is running for election to serve the people of Ottawa County including the townships of Grand Haven, Olive, Park, Port Sheldon, Robinson, Blendon, Crockery and Spring Lake, and the cities of Ferrysburg and Grand Haven. He is a Holland native with a background in commercial banking. Mr. Lilly is very active in the West Michigan community, playing an active role in many nonprofit and civic organizations. If elected, Mr. Lilly will, “promote dialogue that fosters collaboration between governments, nonprofits, and businesses, ultimately creating more efficient policies and programs that make the most of our resources.”
BEAU LaFAVE
SHANE HERNANDEZ
DISTRICT 108 www.beaulafave.com
DISTRICT 83 www.hernandez4rep.com
The citizens of Delta, Dickinson, and Menominee Counties will have a strong voice in Lansing with Mr. Beau LaFave. LaFave is committed to common sense conservative policies that make sense for Michigan. He is a lifelong resident of the 108th district, a graduate of Michigan State University, and currently pursuing his Juris Doctorate at Wayne State Univeristy Law School. On the issues of jobs and education, LaFave believes, “...the key to retaining and bringing back well-paying jobs to the Upper Peninsula lies in better training-based educations... He fully supports trade schools, dual-enrollment in community colleges, and apprenticeship programs.”
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ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OF MICHIGAN
Photo taken by Mark Sawyer
Ms. Bronna Kahle is looking to serve the people of Lenawee County as their State Representative. The district includes the cities of Adrian, Hudson, Morenci, and Tecumseh, in addition to the townships of Adrian, Blissfield, Clinton, Deerfield, Dover, Fairfield, Franklin, Hudson, Macon, Madison, Medina, Ogden, Palmyra, Raisin, Ridgeway, Riga, Rollin, Rome, Seneca, Tecumseh and Woodstock. Before her full-time commitment to her campaign, Ms. Kahle owned and successfully operated a small business, and was the director of the Adrian Senior Center. One of her top priorities if elected is, “improving the climate for job creation and business growth.” She will focus on job retention and creation, economic growth, and getting government out of the way.
Mr. Shane Hernadez is hoping to represent the citizens of Sanilac County and Burtchville Township, Fort Gratiot Township, and the city of Port Huron in St. Clair County soon. He is a lifelong resident of the 83rd District and a graduate of Lawrence Technological University with a Masters Degree in Architecture. He and his family are very involved in their community and church, and Mr. Hernandez is an active member of the St. Clair County Republican Party. Shane believes, “Entrepreneurs and small business owners, not government, build the economy. The keys are providing an even playing field where government does not pick winners and losers, regulations are kept at a minimum making it simple to start and grow your business, and taxes are simplified allowing owners to reinvest in growing their business.”
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JACK BERGMAN DISTRICT 01 www.bergmanforcongress.com
The 115th Congress will take office in January 2017, and Michigan will see a couple of significant changes. Congressman Dan Benishek (R-MI-01) and Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI10) have announced they will not be seeking reelection, so we will see two new candidates in those seats. Many incumbents will be seeking re-election, meaning ABC members need to come out and vote for candidates who will fight for ABC issues. District
Party Affiliation
1
R
Jack Bergman
2
R
Bill Huizenga (i)
3
R
Justin Amash (i)
4
R
John Moolenaar (i)
5
R
Al Hardwick
6
R
Fred Upton (i)
7
R
Tim Walberg (i)
TIM WALBERG
8
R
Mike Bishop (i)
DISTRICT 07 wwwwalbergforcongress.com
9
R
Christopher R. Morse
10
R
Paul Mitchell
11
R
David Trott (i)
12
R
Jeff Jones
13
R
Jeff Gorman
14
R
Howard Klausner
General Jack Bergman is running for election in the first district where Congressman Dan Benishek has decides not to seek reelection. Bergman was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Penisula and is committed to serving others. He served in the United States Marines, and launched two successful startup businesses. Bergman is running for Congress because he believes, “Americans know how to live their lives better than Washington does.”
Rep. Walberg is running for re-election in Michigan’s seventh district. He is a longtime Michigan resident having previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives. While in the U.S. House of Representatives he has been focused on encouraging job creation and economic growth, fiscal responsibility, affordable health care, and defending our values. He believes, “less power in Washington DC and more power in the hands of individuals, families, businesses, non-profit organizations, and local communities will build a healthy economy and stronger Michigan.”
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MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 2 2016
9
MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT DAVID VIVIANO
JOAN LARSEN
www.vivianoforjustice.com
www.justicejoan.com
The Michigan Supreme Court primarily reviews decisions by the Michigan Court of Appeals, granting review to cases with importance to the general public. Two of the seven seats are up for election this year. ABC has endorsed two rule of law judges (whose judicial philosophy is to interpret what the law is, not to decide what it should be); these individuals will protect the integrity of our political system within its mandated role. ABC endorses Justice David Viviano for a full term and Justice Joan Larsen for a partial term. Justice Viviano was first appointed
GBM
by Governor Rick Snyder in 2013 after Justice Diana Hathaway resigned. He is running for reelection now for his first full eightyear term. Justice Larson was appointed by Gov. Snyder in September 2015 and must run for reelection to complete the unfinished term of her predecessor, retired Justice Mary Beth Kelly. If elected, she will serve the remainder of Kelly’s term, which expires in 2019. She will then have the opportunity to run for reelection for a full eight-year term.
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UNIVERSITY BOARDS
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
ABC of Michigan endorses the candidates below for the state university boards. These candidates stand for free and open competition in the management of these taxpayer-funded institutions.
The Michigan State Board of Education provides critical policy guidance and direction for the state’s educational system. ABC endorses the candidates below. MM
District
Party Affiliation
MSU Trustee
R
MSU Trustee
Name
District
Party Affiliation
William Deary
State Board
R
Tom McMillin
R
Dan Kelly
State Board
R
Nikki Snyder
UofM Regent
R
Carl Meyers
UofM Regent
R
Ron Weiser
Wayne State Board
R
Michael J. Busuito
Wayne State Board
R
Kimberly Shmina
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4964 Technical Drive Milford, Michigan 48381
Contact Perry or Ray Merlo
Call 248-714-5486 Fax 248-714-5249
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ThornviewElectric.com MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 2 2016
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FEATURE
CHRIS FISHER LEAVES ABC AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE OF SERVICE
A
t the start of 2007, ABC of Michigan welcomed a new President & CEO, Chris Fisher. Little did they know, they would be hiring one of the greatest champions ABC has ever seen. Chris Fisher was born and raised in Michigan, graduating from Hillsdale College with dual degrees in political science and history. His career took him a few places before he began his tenure at ABC. Fisher started working for ABC National in September 2005 as a Regional Political Manager. Over the years, he developed strong relationships with ABC Michigan members and a reputation as a fighter for free enterprise. When an opening for a new President & CEO of ABC of Michigan opened up, the choice was obvious. “We knew Chris through his role at ABC National, and when looking for a new executive director and lobbyist, we thought he would be a good fit,” Dave Sheffield, ABC of Michigan Board Treasurer & Secretary said. “Chris was born and raised in Michigan. He has a passion for Michigan politics and cares deeply about the state’s success. And most importantly, he bleeds ABC. There is not a bigger supporter of free enterprise in this state.” For more than ten years Fisher has fought tirelessly for the merit shop and free enterprise. He has successfully lobbied the legislature for huge victories, raised funds through the ABC MI PAC to support pro-ABC candidates, established and supported programs to help member companies, and so much more. His victories have been monumental. While his achievements are endless, some of his greatest feats include: • Prevailing in a huge merit shop victory with the legislation making Michigan the twenty-fourth Right-to-Work state in 2012.
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• W o r k i n g hand in hand with Gov. Snyder and lawmakers to pass House Bills 4465 & 4466 of 2014 to change the Michigan Merit Curriculum, encouraging student success in rewarding careers. (Photo 1 below) • Negotiating an alliance between ABC & MIOSHA, to ensure safer construction industry. Through improved communications and shared resources, the public/private partnership works to enhance safety in the industry for statewide Michigan construction workforce employed by ABC firms. (Photo 2 below) • Succeeding in a 75-year long fight to prohibit Project Labor Agreements in Michigan. The Fair and Open Competition in Governmental Construction Act (PA 98) was signed on July 19, 2011. (Photo 3 below) • Winning the highest honor from the Michigan Society of Association Executives, the Diamond Award in the public relations campaign category for their campaign by the PLA Task Force to aggressively battle union-only PLAs. (Photo 4 below) • Backing legislation that strengthened the state’s Unemployment Insurance program and updates workers’ compensation laws.
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• Celebrating 50 years of supporting the merit shop and free enterprise in 2012 at the ABC of Michigan Anniversary Gala. (Photos 5 and 6 below) • Passing legislation eliminating the burdensome 1:1 ratio of electrical apprentices to master electricians or journeymen with HB 4361 of 2016. • Creating the new Michigan Construction Leadership Summit, which brings together member companies for three days of leadership development. To cap off his time at ABC of Michigan and in honor of his service, the Board of Directors established the ABC of Michigan “Chris Fisher” Chairman’s Award. At the July 2016 Board Meeting, Chris Fisher received the award. Fisher’s tremendous positive impact he has had on government policies that directly affect ABC members throughout Michigan influenced the decision to develop this new award. An individual who has made a significant
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contribution to state policy that affects our members and is a nonlegislator will receive the award each year. The plaque commemorating the awardee is on display in the ABC of Michigan office. “Chris Fisher was the “Champion of ABC.” He represented the members of all three Michigan chapters with incredible passion and foresight,” said ABC of Michigan Board Chair, Mike Houseman. “He always kept a close eye on all state government activities that affected our members and was instrumental in making significant changes to policies in Michigan that protected all members. Chris’ influence on behalf of ABC indeed put our association at the top of all of the state legislators list of importance, and we are grateful for his hard work. I have never met anyone more passionate about ABC, Merit Shops, and Free Market Principles. His influence on state policies for ABC will continue to benefit our members for many years to come.”
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MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 2 2016
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FEATURE
His dedication and commitment to ABC were proven even more when he moved on to a Partnership at Midwest Strategy Group but still didn’t leave ABC behind. “ABC has been a true love throughout the years and I am forever indebted to the lifelong friends and knowledge I have gained along the way,” Fisher said. “The 11 years I have been at ABC will forever stand out as some of the best of my life and I’m grateful we were able to do some incredible things together. The men and women who belong to ABC are some of the best people I have ever met and I am blessed to stand with them. As I officially embark on the next stage of my career at Midwest Strategy Group I am fortunate to have the honor of continuing to represent ABC of Michigan and the freedom fighters who make this organization so great. I appreciate the continued friendship, support, confidence, and guidance in helping to make ABC of Michigan and the Merit Shop better today than it was when we started our journey together 11 years ago. I look forward to what is next for ABC and the statewide membership who make it great because of the principles for which they have stood for over half a century.” ABC of Michigan is pleased Fisher is continuing to work with its new State Director, Jeff Wiggins, to ensure the construction industry continues to thrive in Michigan. MM
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Clockwise from Top Left: Fisher meets with Gov. Rick Snyder; Fisher speaking with local reporter defending the Merit Shop in 2016; Fisher with members at ABC of Michigan 2011 Legislative Day; Gov. Rick Snyder, Wolverine Building Group North American Division President & 2016 ABC of Michigan Board Chair, Mike Houseman, and Fisher; Lt. Gov. Calley and Fisher at ABC of Michigan 2016 Legislative Day; Fisher and members at the 2014 ABC of Michigan Legislative Day. Opposite, Bottom Right: Fisher presenting Attorney General Bill Schuette the ABC of Michigan Liberty Award in July 2014
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INDUSTRY UPDATE
DOL’S NEW OVERTIME RULE ANOTHER BLOW TO JOB CREATORS As of December 1, 2016, a new rule will go into effect that will significantly impact employers in all industry’s across the country, including construction. Not only will this new rule restrict an employer’s ability to manage their business as they see fit, but it will also increase operating costs and hinder job creation. This new obstacle is known as the “Overtime Rule.” For years, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has required employers to pay 1.5 times the regular hourly rate to non-exempt employees who register more than 40 hours in a standard workweek. However, FLSA includes an exemption for employees who tend to be salaried, which exempts employers from having to pay overtime wages to any employees classified as executive, administrative, professional, or computer professionals. The exempt employees also must be paid an annual salary of at least $23,660. In March of 2014, President Obama instructed the United States Department of Labor (DOL) to “modernize” this rule. However, what the DOL concocted and labeled as “modernized,” business owners and job creators see as an unprecedented overreach into the free market. Of the many things the new rule would do, there are a couple of changes that would have a significant negative impact on busi-
nesses. One change would nearly double the minimum salary level for the exemption from overtime pay from $23,660 to $47,476. The rule would also automatically update the standard salary level every three years. The first update will occur on January 1, 2020. From the beginning, ABC has been a consistent, vocal opponent of this latest attempt at vast government overreach into the free market. ABC and more than 900 members have submitted comments criticizing the proposal and asking for it to be withdrawn. Instead, ABC and members of the Partnership to Protect Workplace Opportunity have advocated for the adoption of the Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act in Congress, which would prohibit the DOL from implementing this rule and require economic effects are evaluated before these type of rules can be enacted. At the time of publication, ABC and a coalition of business groups made the decision to continue to fight back and have filed suit against the DOL, to combat this costly and burdensome rule. MM IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS NEW RULE AND THE EFFORTS BEING TAKEN TO COMBAT ITS IMPLEMENTATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.PROTECTINGOPPORTUNITY.ORG OR WWW.ABC.ORG.
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U.S. REGULATIONS EXCEED GERMANY’S ECONOMY BY ALFREDO ORTIZ, PRESIDENT AND CEO JOB CREATORS NETWORK Government regulations pose a big problem. A recent poll conducted by Job Creators Network found that more than 60 percent of small business owners believe red tape threatens the viability of their business. And it might be a bigger problem than originally thought. According to a study conducted by the Mercatus Center, an education, research and outreach organization at George Mason Univer-
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
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ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OF MICHIGAN
sity, the total cost of U.S. regulations is $4 trillion without even taking into account state and local red tape. If America’s regulatory burden was a country, it would boast the fourth-largest gross domestic product (GDP) in the world—surpassing the economies of Germany, France, Brazil, Russia, and India. The Mercatus study also concluded that government regulations have gotten in the way of investment and innovation, resulting in an average economic contraction of 0.8 percent every year. “If regulations had been held constant at levels observed in 1980, the American economy would have been 25 percent larger than it was in 2012,” the report stated. In other words, the U.S. economy was $4 trillion smaller in 2012 than it would have been without such regulatory growth since 1980. What does this mean for taxpayers and job creators? That $4 trillion loss for the American economy comes out at a loss of $13,000 per person, meaning that the American people now have less money on hand due to regulations than they would have had otherwise. The reason is that employers are forced to spend time, effort, and money complying with new rules and mandates. Small businesses are projected to pay an average of $10,585 per employee in regulatory costs, which makes it more difficult for them to expand their business and create more jobs. Every dollar spent on red tape is a dollar that could have been spent on a new product or more employees. And when compliance gets in the way of job creation, it hurts the American people— whether they’re job creators or those depending on them. MM
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REPRESENTATIVE LAURA COX State Rep. Laura Cox was first elected to the House of Representatives in November 2014, representing residents of Livonia. She serves on the House Appropriations Committee, chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and is vice chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Judiciary. Cox is also a member of the appropriations subcommittees on the Department of Community Health and Higher Education. Rep. Cox has been a friend of the Merit Shop during her first two years in the legislature. She strongly supports the rights of Michigan businesses to have a competitive place to do business. Why did you run for office, and what are you most passionate about in your position? I am running for office because I want to remain in Lansing as a strong voice for fiscal responsibility and ensure Michigan continues
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to attract new residents and encourage job growth. I am passionate about limited government and responsible fiscal policies. Do you remember your first interaction with ABC? What impact has that had on your legislative efforts? When I made the decision to run for the office of State Representative, I traveled to Lansing and met with a coalition of small business associations, including ABC. I walked away from that meeting with a thorough understanding of the unique concerns Michigan’s small business builders and contractors face every day and how important it is to have their voice heard in Lansing. Of which legislative effort are you most proud? As Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, I worked with colleagues in both the House and Senate to pass the General Government budget out of conference committee. Within the General Government budget, skilled trades funding was increased by $5.3 million dollars.
What do you believe is the single biggest issue facing Michigan now and what do you think is the best solution to that issue? Rebuilding Michigan’s economy to ensure that our state attracts and retains new businesses and reduce the cost of doing business in our great state.
Tony Noel
Mobile: (248) 688-5816
k-Value Insulation Mechanical Insulation
How can ABC members continue keeping lawmakers up to date on key issues and priorities for their businesses and employees? Communication with ABC members and their legislators is crucial to ensure their interests are represented. Contacting a legislative office directly as well as participating in advocacy events and call to action campaigns are all effective means to reach out to lawmakers. What are your top legislative priorities for 2016-2017? Continue to support legislation that encourages a competitive economy, like the repeal of the outdated prevailing wage law. Also, I am committed to reducing the cost of government and burden on Michigan taxpayers.
Fax: (248) 689-4342
Email: kvalue.insulation@gmail.com P.O. Box 4481 Troy, MI 48099-4481
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{Build.}
P: 734.676.4488 F: 734.676.6183 www.expertheatcool.com 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
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REPRESENTATIVE DANIELA GARCIA Rep. Daniela Garcia is currently serving in her first term of the Michigan House of Representatives. She was born and raised in Holland, Michigan and continues to reside there today. She is a true fiscal conservative committed to creating economic opportunity through sound policy that will help employers create new jobs, retain current talent, and recruit new talent to Michigan. Why did you run for office, and what are you most passionate about in your position? I have had the privilege to serve three accomplished United States Congressmen where I learned the value of commitment to the residents of the district and the importance of supporting the common sense conservative legislation.
The 90th District is a beautiful place to call home and it has been my goal to give back to the community that provided me with a solid foundation for my future. Running for office and being elected as state representative has given me a platform to be a strong advocate for my district. Specifically, I am passionate about providing quality education options to parents and students so that our students can thrive in the workforce as well as providing our businesses the tools to be successful in creating jobs and recruiting and retaining talent in Michigan. Do you remember your first interaction with ABC? What impact has that had on your legislative efforts? My first interaction with ABC was an introductory meeting that consisted of a comprehensive discussion on the merits of eliminating prevailing wage in Michigan. Since that first meeting the lines of communication have remained open, and ABC has been an excellent resource for me on issues important to the ABC membership. Of which legislative effort are you most proud? I sponsored and led the effort to provide financial and academic reform for Detroit Public Schools. The students of DPS have been trapped in a system that has failed them for decades. It
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Occupational Health and Wellness Saginaw - Bay City - Midland Contact: Tony Holstine Marketing Liaison (989) 751-7667 www.covenanthealthcare.com/Main/OccupationalHealth.aspx
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was imperative to find a solution that solved their short-term crisis while allowing the students of the district hope for a brighter future. DPS opened their doors for the new school year with a renewed optimism that students will be able to have a stable learning environment. What do you believe is the single biggest issue facing Michigan now and what do you think is the best solution to that issue? It is imperative we continue Michigan’s comeback. Our state economy has rebounded, and our unemployment rate is at its lowest rate since January 2001. I am committed to introducing and supporting policies that simplify Michigan’s regulatory structure, reduce the burden placed on taxpayers and continue to make our state the most business-friendly in the nation. How can ABC members continue keeping lawmakers up to date on key issues and priorities for their businesses and employees? The most effective method to inform legislators is to have ABC members make personal contacts with members by attending indistrict office hours and scheduling meetings in the Lansing office.
Generator Sales, Installation and Service Residential - Commercial - Industrial 616-452-7990 7986 Clyde Park Ave. SW • Byron Center, MI 49315 www.MichiganCriticalPower.com
What are your top legislative priorities for 2016-2017? 1. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, it is vital that we continue to adopt a balanced and fiscally conservative budget that respects the taxpayers. 2. Education in Michigan remains a priority for me. I will continue to advocate for policies that hold schools accountable and improve academic standards for students. 3. Keeping the economy strong is critical for Michigan. Passing policies that continue to foster job growth and repeal unnecessary regulations will be key to ensuring the strength of our state economy. MM
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(248) 520-2474 www.michigansolarsolutions.com MICHIGAN MERIT • ISSUE 2 2016
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MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2017
Save the Date Wednesday, October 4 - Saturday, October 7, 2017 The Grand Hotel Mackinac Island Stay tuned to abcmi.com for more information!
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GENERAL CONTRACTING DIVISION
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ADVERTISER INDEX ISSUE 2 2016
MICHIGAN
A PUBLICATION OF ASSOCIATED BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OF MICHIGAN
ABC Self Insured Workers Comp Fund........28
Jimco Fire Protection....................................18
Accurate Construction Services......................2
K&S Plumbing Co., Inc................................16
Aerotek........................................................25
K-Value Insulation........................................21
AIS Equipment...............................................4
Laux Construction........................................11
Albin Hengesbach Carpentry..........................2
Liqui-Force Sewer Services...........................19
MANAGING EDITOR Breanna Cope cope@abcmi.com
Andrews Hooper Pavlik, PLC.........................4
Liquid Calcium Chloride Sales.....................10
Arrow Concrete Cutting...............................21
Livingston County Concrete...........................9
ASHA Safety...................................................2
Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis, Gotting..........15
GRAPHIC DESIGN Melissa Travis Ink Ideas Graphic Design, LLC www.inkideasgraphicdesign.com
Attitude & Experience..................................11
Maltese Construction....................................10
Bailey Agency...............................................19
Maner Costerisan.........................................11
BCT Benefits Plan...........................................4
Merlo Construction......................................11
Blackstar Building Group...............................2
Michigan Cat................................................11
PRINTING Keystone Millbrook www.keystonemillbrook.com
Blevins Sanborn Jezdimir Zack.....................22
Michigan Critical Power...............................23
Brigade Fire Protection.................................19
Michigan Solar & Wind Power Solutions.....23
Capital Steel & Builders Supply....................21
Midwest Mosaic Inc......................................11
ADVERTISING Strategic Value Media www.svmmedia.com
Carleton Equipment.......................................4
Miss Dig System Inc.......................................9
Constructive Sheet Metal..............................11
Pamar Enterprises........................................16
Covenant Occupational Health & Wellness........................................22
Parrish Excavating........................................16
CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER Jeff Wiggins wiggins@abcmi.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 230 N. Washington Sq., Suite 202, 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.”
Creative Window Treatments........................19 Crowe Horwath LLP.....................................21 CSM Mechanical..........................................25 Desai Nasr Consulting Engineers..................10 Expert Heating & Cooling............................21 Fair and Square Construction.........................2 FCCI Insurance Group.................................17 Fire Pros Inc.................................................10 Fisher Companies.........................................23 Focal 5 Group..............................................21 G&G Electric...............................................19 Garber Chevrolet..........................................19 GBM Recycled Concrete...............................10 Great Lakes Industrial Supply......................25 Great Lakes Striping & Sealing.....................25 Guy Hurley Blaser Heuer..............................17 HD Supply Waterworks................................20 Hickey Electric.............................................10 HNI........................................................25, 27 Independence Commercial Construction......24 Jackson Associates, Inc.................................22 JBS Contracting, Inc.....................................27 JE Johnson...................................................17
Plante Moran................................................21 PM Technologies............................................9 R Bruton Electric..........................................16 RCI Electric..................................................18 Rock Products..............................................16 Ronald B Rich.................................................2 RW Mercer...................................................24 Scientific Brake & Equipment......................16 Summit Electric............................................15 Thompson Stewart.......................................25 Thornview Electric.......................................11 Timpson Transport, Inc................................11 Titan Interiors..............................................25 Tradesmen International...............................14 Turn-Key Mergers & Acquisitions.................25 Universal Spiral Air......................................24 V Pizzo Electric............................................27 Valenti Trobec Chandler...............................27 Valley Electrical Contractors.........................24 Van Laan Concrete Construction..................19 Vanguard Fire Security Systems....................27 Walton Agency...............................................2 Wm. Molnar Roofing, Inc.............................19
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