MERIT SHOP E S S A G E
Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders and Contractors
Pandemic or Not, the Merit Shop Chooses Safety & Service Service and safety are in the Merit Shop’s DNA. Look no further than our members’ actions in the past month, on page 26.
Newsletter highlights: BRTC Open House...............................09 Topgolf Merit Mixer................................12 Fall 2019 Graduation............................13 2020 ABC Top Performers....................30 SWTC FFA Craft Competitions.............41 Young Professionals Look Ahead.........51
Spring 2020
A BC P E L I CA N P R E S E N TS
BUILD YOUR FUTURE DAY
2020
Oct
22
8:30 AM UNTIL 1:30 PM
LAMAR DIXON EXPO CENTER 9039 S ST LANDRY AVE, GONZALES, LA 70737
T O C E L E B R AT E C A R E E R S I N C O N S T R U C T I O N M O N T H , W E A R E I N V I T I N G 9 T H T H R O U G H 1 2 T H G R A D E HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM ACROSS LOUISIANA TO LEARN ABOUT THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AVA I L A B L E I N T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N I N D U S T RY F R O M I N D U S T RY P R O F E S S I O N A L S L I K E YO U. S T U D E N T S W I L L S E E A N D I N T E R A C T W I T H E X H I B I T S A N D D E M O N S T R AT I O N S F R O M A B C P E L I C A N M E M B E R S A N D PA R T N E R S. J O I N U S F O R T H I S A N N U A L E V E N T ! E M A I L D A N I E L L E AT D L A B B E @ A B C P E L I C A N .C O M I F YO U A R E I N T E R E S T E D I N PA R T I C I PAT I N G O R S E T T I N G U P A N E X H I B I T.
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MERIT SHOP MESSAGE Sp ring 2020 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair Carlos Guidry Turner Industries Group, LLC
Donnie Braud L.S. Womack, Inc.
Incoming Chair Shawn Worsham Worley Secretary Glen Redd Triad Electric & Controls, Inc. Treasurer Ryan Girouard Hancock Whitney Vice Chair Governmental Affairs Bryan Knost Wood Group Vice Chair Membership Growth Josh Rounds Performance Contractors, Inc. Vice Chair Member Services Scott Callaway Cajun Industries, Inc. Vice Chair Education Keith Coleman Beard Construction Group, LLC Vice Chair Outlying Areas Wes Mincin Triad Electric & Controls, Inc. Immediate Past Chair Donn Peterson GROUP Industries, LLC
Ben Brown Turner Industries Group, LLC
LE TTE R FRO M THE CHAIR MUCH IS UNCERTAIN RIGHT NOW, BUT SAFETY IS NOT
BY: CARLOS GUIDRY, TURNER INDUSTRIES GROUP
Tammy Corripio Primoris Services Corporation John Freeman Brown & Root Industrial Services Adam Landry Great River Industries Beau Leitner Doyle Electric, Inc. Scott McKnight BXS Insurance Aaron Partrich ISC Constructors, LLC Matt Shoriak EXCEL Group Andrew Thompson ISC Constructors, LLC BOARD ALTERNATE Seth Lemoine The Lemoine Company, LLC LEGAL COUNSEL Murphy J. Foster, III Breazeale Sachse & Wilson, LLP
MERIT SHOP MESSAGE: Spring 2020 EDITORIAL/DESIGN: Erika Walter EDITORIAL / SUBSCRIPTION / ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ewalter@abcpelican.com | 225.448.3348 This is a publication of the Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders & Contractors. ABC is a national trade association representing the merit shop construction industry. The Pelican Chapter represents more than 350 contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and industry professionals and represents 52 parishes in Louisiana. The Merit Shop Message is produced quarterly and distributed digitally to members.
When I started thinking about our Spring newsletter and what I wanted to share, I had a clear 2020 Vision. I would announce a significant milestone for the new Southwest Training Center, applaud our Baton Rouge campus for graduating 156 craft professionals in January, tout the FFA craft competition in Westlake, expand on the continued success of our partnership with the Junior League in bringing the community the fifth annual Touch a Truck, brag on the awards the Pelican Chapter racked up at the ABC National 2020 Convention in Nashville through the craft competition, Construction Management Competition and of course the National Excellence in Construction award winners. Well what a difference a couple of weeks make. We are now in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, with Louisiana under a Stay at Home Order, social distancing in effect, the closure of all CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
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LE T T E R F ROM T H E C H A I R c o n T I NUE D non-essential business, the price of oil the lowest since the crash of 98, the huge stock market correction and of course the closing of all schools including both training campuses and the ABC administrative office. Right now, our lives are turned upside down. In our industry and our association, safety is a core value and is always first. We must work with one another to stay focused on this priority during this time. We also need to continue to do everything we can to make our jobsites and facilities as safe as possible. I believe in unprecedented times like these, members of this association must lean on each other by sharing information and best practices. That said, below are some of the different things I have heard that companies and clients have implemented to ensure the priority of safety does not waiver.
THE MOST COMPLETE
INDUSTRIAL SERVICES PROVIDER In the Business
•Taking every employee’s temperature to insure it is below the 100.4F threshold •No handshakes, fist bumps, elbow bumps or other physical contact at this time •Instruct employees to stay at home if they are sick – even if the symptoms are mild •Promote regular and thorough (20 seconds) hand washing •Wash hands before touching all appliances – coffee pots, microwaves and refrigerators
Brown & Root has built a legacy of safety and operational excellence for over 100 years. Today, that legacy continues with nearly 10,000 dedicated team members working on over 150 locations throughout North America. See what we can do for you at BrownandRoot.com.
•Wash hands before touching water coolers, this includes in the field •Promote good cough/sneeze hygiene – cover mouth and nose with tissue or flexed elbow •Maintain a 6 foot distance between employees •Spreading out seating and limiting the number for lunch areas CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
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Brown & Root ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION
TURNAROUNDS
MAINTENANCE
SPECIALTY SERVICES
BROWN & ROOT INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, LLC
LETTE R F ROM T H E C H A I R c o n T I N UE D •Spreading out seating and limiting the number for transportation to and from job sites •Adding cleaning crews to disinfect, doorknobs, tables, vending machines, etc.
someone test positive for COVID-19 •Keep your employees informed of the current situation and any changes
•Adding additional hand wash stations
If we implement these or similar things, we can continue to give our employees a safe place to work. ABC Pelican has also created a COVID-19 resources page on its website; I’d encourage you to visit it, as it is full of a lot of great information and links.
•Making hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes readily available in prominent areas
We will surface on the other side of this pandemic stronger and smarter as individuals and workers.
•Working remotely if possible
God Bless and please stay safe!! Carlos Guidry, 2020 ABC Pelican Chairman
•Leaving doors open to keep from having to touch handles
•Utilizing telephone or video conferencing •Discontinuing all non-essential meetings, including hallway gatherings •No walking into another person’s cubicle or office •Have a plan in place so everyone knows what to do if
COVID-19 RECOMMENDED BEST PRACTICES FOR CONSTRUCTION JOBSITES
Educate employees on symptoms and require they stay home if symptomatic
Follow COVID-19 recommendations issued by CDC, WHO, national and local officials
Require health checks before employees enter job sites or office space
Abide by social distancing guidelines and shift schedules to separate employees Provide additional hand wash stations and hand sanitizers
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S PR I N G 2 0 2 0 Do you have a story suggestion? Would you like to advertise in the Merit Shop Message? Contact Erika at ewalter@abcpelican.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
01 Build Your Future Day 2020 Info 02 Letter from the Chair 08 Governmental Relations Update 09 BRTC Open House 12 Topgolf Merit Mixer
LOUISIANA STATE FIRE MARSHAL WEIGHS IN ON COVID-19
COVER STORY
ABC Pelican members prioritize safety and service, in times of crisis or not. Read about our community and industry impacts in the past month.
In these times of uncertainty, the SFM wants to reassure the construction industry of their partnership with you.
22 Legal Update 23 ABC National Updates 28 COVID-19 Resources for Members 30 Pelican Members named Top Performers 31 Spring Golf Tournament 33 & 44 State Convention Agenda and Sponsorships 36 - 39 Training Center Updates
CRAFT COMPETITIONS IN SWLA
GRADUATION
Our Southwest Campus has been hosting multiple craft competitions for high school students from across Southwest Louisiana.
In January, we celebrateed 156 craft professionals for completing craft training courses with the BRTC last semester.
41 SWTC FFA Craft Competitions 43 Membership Update 45 Welcome New Members 47 Letter from the President 48 Legal Guest Column 50 Updated Calendar of Events
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK
During the first week of March, the country celebrated Women in Construction Week to amplify the stories of the women who chose a career in construction.
51 YP Look Ahead
YPs KICK OFF THE YEAR
57 Staff Info & Committee Meetings
Connect with @abcpelican
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GOV E RN M E NTA L R EL A T I O N S U PDA TE
COVID-19, POLITICS AND THE MERIT SHOP BY: John Walters, VP of Governmental Relations for ABC of Louisiana The coronavirus (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan, China and reported by the World Health Organization on December 31, 2019. It has now spread to countries across our globe. The United States has also been impacted with cases reported in every state and the District of Columbia. As I write this article, Louisiana has 2,746 positive cases of COVID 19 with a total of 119 deaths. It’s important that we stay informed and prepared while following the advice from the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), relevant state and local authorities, and health care professionals. As we know, public health is a shared responsibility. As contractors, employers, members of our communities, and family members, we all need to take measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The CDC has advice on how families, schools, and businesses can plan for and respond to the virus. As COVID-19 advances across the United States, various industries and nearly all aspects of the supply chain continue to be impacted, including the construction industry – and by default, skilled workers, electricians, engineers, and more. Even if states don’t call for direct halts to construction (thankfully Louisiana hasn’t), the effects of coronavirus as a pandemic are far-reaching. Realizing that 30% of building products in the U.S. are imported from China, making it the nation’s largest single supplier, there is little doubt decreased manufacturing output and limited product importation will have a massive impact on construction in the United States. COVID-19 is already bringing several long-lasting and short-term consequences to the construction industry, yet it is making employers focus even further on the health and safety of employees. ABC members’ long-term dedication and commitment to jobsite safety and emphasis on the health and welfare of employees has positioned them in a unique position to be proactive and pivotal when making continued workplace safety decisions.
State of Louisiana Response On March 22, 2020 Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statewide Stay at Home Order to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The order went into effect on March 23, 2020 and is set to expire on Monday, April 13, though it may potentially be lengthened. In addition to the Governor’s previous order relating to limiting public access to restaurants, bars, and casinos, yesterday’s directive closes certain types of business such as amusement parks, malls, personal care and grooming. Members of the public will still be allowed to go to grocery stores and pharmacies to pick up food, medicine and necessary supplies, go to their essential jobs and to go outside for exercise. Here is what this Stay at Home Order mean for Louisiana’s construction industry: Prior to Governor Edwards order, ABC joined with other members of Louisiana’s construction community requesting that the Governor consider the essential nature of construction industry should a Stay at Home order be discussed. In defining essential jobs, Governor Edwards’ order states that “guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on what workers are essential.” Businesses and workers performing functions outlined in the CISA memo are deemed essential and may continue to work under the Governor’s directive. The Governor’s Office provided additional illustrative examples of Critical Infrastructure Businesses consistent with CISA Guidance. These examples indicate that Essential Infrastructure entails many business categories. Those relevant to the construction industry include: •Construction, including, but not limited to, construction required in response to this public health emergency, CONTINUED ON PAGE 52 www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
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BR T C Op e n H o u s e 20 20
“WE WANT YOU TO BE A PART OF ABC PELICAN” March 3, Baton Rouge Training Center “You have a place in the construction industry and you can find that place here at ABC Pelican.” Bryan Gerace with Turner Industries and 2020 Chair of our Education and Manpower Committee spoke these words at the open house we held at the Baton Rouge Training Center for high school students and their parents. “We want to find better opportunities for your children,” Gerace explained to the parents and students as he welcomed them to our campus. “We want you to be a part of ABC.” Members of our Education and Manpower Committee then provided a tour and answered questions for attendees. These prospective craft students learned about our training facility, course offerings, and connections to industry directly from these contractor members. They asked questions on cost structure, member sponsors, times the classes take place and job opportunities that exist after the students earn their credentials. We believe it’s important to inform both high schoolers and their parents about the different educational opportunities we offer to students in high school and what they can do when they graduate. Thank you to EXCEL Group, ISC Constructors, Performance Contractors, Primoris Services Corporation, Triad Electric & Controls and Turner Industries for meeting with these students and their parents!
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2 02 0 M E RIT MI XER
TO TOP IT ALL OFF…
BY: MACIE MORGAN, MEMBER RELATIONS COORDINATOR February 20, Topgolf Baton Rouge
Topgolf brings together a high-tech golf game that just about everyone can enjoy, good food and beverage, climate-controlled bays and music, all in a sports entertainment complex. For the second year in a row, ABC Pelican hosted our first Member Merit Mixer of the year at Topgolf so that 300 or so of our members and their clients could enjoy the benefits of Topgolf, plus networking and friendly competition. Ben Fromenthal with Beard Construction Group serves as the 2020 Chair of the Member Services Committee. Fromenthal coordinated sponsorships, timelines and volunteer efforts to ensure this networking event was a total success. “We switched up the flow and format of this year’s Topgolf tournament so that members could mingle more, and received some positive feedback on this change,” Fromenthal remarked. “I was most impressed with the way our members interacted with one another from start to finish; the atmosphere and vibe was upbeat and friendly so folks could have quality conversation.” The three tournament winners racked up some impressive points throughout the evening. In third place, Garret Sheehan with EXCEL Group claimed 197 points, while Toby Waguespack with ISC Constructors took home second place with his 216 points. And DOW’s Mike Patton claimed the firstplace prize with his 225 points. Katherine Carver with EXCEL Group serves as the 2020 Co-Chair of the
Member Services Committee. Carver attended the mixer and served as a volunteer before and throughout the event. “Our aim for these mixers is for members to network in an authentic environment and to enjoy themselves, and I believe we accomplished those goals,” said Carver. “The new game challenges that incorporated the Topgolf staff added a layer of fun and competition as well.” The pro golfers also participated in three different competitions, included longest drive, beat-the-pro and holein-one. Drager, LRP Construction Co. and United Rental Services were the game bay sponsors for each of these competitions, which were a hit with attendees! 24HR Safety kindly supplied the beverages that flowed throughout the events. Bay sponsors included T. Baker Smith, American Rigging & Supply Company, Ardaman & Associates, Beard Construction Group, Brecheen Pipe & Steel Co., Cody’s Transportation Services, Tiger Industrial Rentals, Better Pumps & Solutions, Moore Industries, Bengal Crane & Rigging, Austin Industrial, SEMS, Inc., On-Site Medical Solutions, FallTech and GROUP Industries. Our generous sponsors, incredible volunteers and wonderful members make our events a success, and the Merit Mixer was no exception. This Topgolf tournament was the ideal way to kick off the #ABCMeritShopProud year ahead.
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BR T C FAL L 20 1 9 G R A D U A T I O N
YOU HAVE TO EARN IT
JANUARY 23, L’AUBERGE BATON ROUGE Images by Eye Wander Photo
“These guys and gals have earned what they came to school for.”
the graduates. Guidry is a former student of and instructor for our Baton Rouge Training Center.
Kelly Carpenter, ABC Pelican’s Director of Education, spoke these words as ABC Pelican staff, instructors, members, family and friends came together to celebrate 156 craft professionals for completing craft training courses with our Baton Rouge Training Center last semester.
Guidry learned about ABC Pelican by asking his supervisor how he could become a planner. “You gotta go to ABC,” was the response that had a lasting impact on Guidry. After exceling in the planning and estimating class, Guidry was presented with the opportunity to be an instructor for the training center.
ABC Pelican’s students graduated in electrical (11), heavy equipment (4), millwright (13), mobile crane (19), instrumentation (11), pipefitting (7), project supervision (16), site safety (12) and welding (63), and the skill sets these craft professionals have earned are in high demand.
“I became a teacher because it was a way to give back.” After teaching at ABC, Guidry’s career at Turner offered him some incredible opportunities, but he had to work for each one.
“Construction makes up an impressive 13 percent of the employment in our region and the projected demand for skilled craft professionals is up in our area,” said David Helveston, President and CEO of the Pelican Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. “ABC Pelican proudly prepares craft students like these 156 graduates with both book knowledge and hands-on experience to ensure the workforce meets the demand of our industry.” Wes Mincin with Triad Electric & Controls welcomed the crowd, thanked the families and friends for attending and touted some impressive stats about the Fall 2019 class, including its 76 percent retention rate and the eight students that would be representing ABC Pelican at the National Craft Championships in Nashville in March. Steve Bomar with Performance Contractors then led the audience in a moving prayer and pledge. Mincin then returned to the stage to introduce the guest speaker. Carlos Guidry, 2020 ABC Pelican Chairman and Senior Vice President of Construction at Turner Industries, delivered keynote remarks to 13
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“When I was sitting in your spot, never in my wildest dreams would I have believed my career would lead me to where I am today,” Guidry shared with the graduates. “It’s earned, and you earn everything in life. Never forget that.” Guidry also encouraged the graduates to remember these keys to success, wherever their career path takes them: •Get to work early. •Don’t watch the clock at the end of the day. •Check yourself before you finish a task. •If you don’t have anything to do, go find something to do. •Follow through. Ten of ABC Pelican’s Fall 2019 graduates are women, one of which is Tannah McAlister of Independence, LA. McAlister, 21, is a PALA employee who received her Mobile crane and rigging certifications through ABC Pelican. This past fall, McAlister scored the highest on her final exam in Mobile crane. “This is a huge accomplishment to me, and I’m proud of myself,” McAlister said. “I’m not sure who was more excited: my mom or me. I prepped extensively for the exam, creating well over 100 flashcards for myself, and that exam is still proudly hanging on my fridge.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
BR T C FAL L 2 0 1 9 G R A D U A T I O N Co n t.
McAlister first learned about ABC Pelican through her PALA colleagues in her current job at ExxonMobil in Baton Rouge. The three certifications she received through ABC Pelican have helped accelerate her career in construction “at a pace quicker than I ever imagined.” “ABC Pelican’s Baton Rouge Training Center, the staff and the instructors have done more for me than words can express,” McAlister recounted. “Through ABC Pelican’s education and PALA’s opportunities, I have accepted job positions just this YEAR that I envisioned would take me YEARS to achieve. My hope is that this certification will lead to my DREAM career of working as an ExxonMobil employee.” Another ABC Pelican student who has been a craft professional since he was 18 is Baton Rouge native Benjamin Noble. “Big Ben,” as his friends and family call him, completed craft courses with us last year and is now an electrician with Triad Electric & Controls. Noble, 36, began his career as a craft professional right after high school as a welder’s helper.
in electrical classes at BRCC. After he completed the second course, he earned a job with Triad. Triad then sponsored him to complete the third and final electrical courses at ABC Pelican. Noble applauds his mentors at Triad for encouraging him to finish the program because he now knows the electrical trade and takes home a bigger paycheck. “My experiences at ABC Pelican have been great, and I have learned a lot and met some quality people,” said Noble. “When I talk to new employees at Triad, I tell them ‘check out ABC Pelican, it’s a good investment.’” At this graduation, Noble was recognized for completing NCCER’s Construction Site Safety Technician program, and he believes his learning is not complete yet. Guidry echoed those thoughts at the ceremony by saying: “This is just the beginning for you.”
“I did this for a while but wanted to make more money, so I taught myself how to be a welder,” Noble said. “I became a great welder, but that wasn’t enough for me.” Noble then became a truck driver for eight years. “This was something I wanted to do since I was a little kid but driving a big truck can be intimidating to those who haven’t done it. Then one day, I saw an elderly woman hop out of the driver’s side of a truck, and she instantly boosted my confidence.” To this day, Noble is proud of his driving experiences. Searching for a new craft to master, Noble enrolled
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Everything that we do is based on our performance; it’s our namesake and our crowning jewel. We hang our hat on a good, safe day’s work and our ability to execute jobs at the highest level. By raising the bar and driving the standard of our industry forward, we’ve made a career out of changing what it means to be an industrial contractor.
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YOUN G P ROF E S S I O N A LS G R O U P UPDA TE
1/24TH OF A SECOND
BY: KATIE ROUTH, DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION FEBRUARY 12, MID-CITY BEER GARDEN, BATON ROUGE It takes 1/24th of a second to make an impression on someone. About 50 ABC Pelican Young Professionals learned this and much more from LSU personal branding guru and LSU Marketing Professor Dr Tommy Karam as they met for the first time of the decade. Dr. Karam has educated countless LSU student athletes, including Shaquille O’Neal and Joe Burrow, and LSU coaches learn and perfect their media presence and default look. Dr. Karam shared some of those best practices and tips with the future leaders of our industry. “How you set your company apart from your competition is YOU,” said Dr. Karam. “Your facial expression, your default look, is how people see you...Figure out your default look.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
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YOUN G P ROF E S S I O N A LS G R O U P UPDA TE c o n tin ue d To kick off the gathering on Government Street, Immediate Past-Chair Donn Peterson with GROUP Industries welcome the YPs and encourage them to be aware of our current political environment and the Fall elections. Peterson explained how the YPs could contribute to an ABC PAC. 2020 Chair of the YP Group for ABC Pelican is John Freeman with Brown & Root Industrial Services. Freeman thanked each YP for joining the group and explained the upcoming volunteer opportunities and events ABC Pelican is providing the YPs, including Touch A Truck, Day at the Capitol and ABC-LA Legislative Reception. Freeman also announced the details of a new YP event for 2020: a dodgeball tournament! Freeman then recognized his 2020 executive committee, including Josh Zumo with Cajun Industries, Lance Arvel with Baker Gulf Coast Industrial, Katherine Carver with EXCEL Group, Jeff Romig with Barriere Construction Company, Derek Foret with Hannis T. Bourgeois, Adam Landry with Great River Industries and Brian Hooks with Triad Electric and Controls. Hooks then encouraged the YPs to mentor an LSU Construction Management student as they prepare for the National CM Competition in Nashville next month. Before introducing the guest speaker, ABC Pelican Chapter President David Helveston reinforced Peterson’s remarks during the kick-off: “PAC is your method to get involved.” “You must get involved in politics, and a prime example of this is the recent US House passage of bills like the PRO Act, which changes the very fabric of the way this industry operates,” Helveston remarked. Helveston then welcomed Dr. Karam, remembering the professor as one of his favorites during his time at the university. “We have much to learn from the man who makes sure LSU’s student athletes look great in front of a camera and in front of the media.” Dr. Karam began his remarks recounting the time a 17 www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
young student athlete came to his office and asked for help in speaking in public. “That’s the time I met Shaquille O’Neal.” Personal branding is what people think of when they think about you. “That’s it!” Dr. Karam said. “And likeability is the emotional impact you have on someone.” He went on to emphasize that vocal delivery, and not eye contact is crucial to your likeability. The default look you have is important because people do not read hearts during that 1/24th of a second first impression. “We figure out the default look of every athlete and head coach at LSU and help them tweak it.” Dr. Karam had the opportunity to watch LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow give his Heisman speech in New York. “It started out rocky but ended up being one of the best because of his tone and authenticity.” He wrapped his remarks by comparing warmth and competency. “Every academic study says warmth trumps every time.” This impressive group and speakers set the tone for a great year ahead. Thanks to everyone who joined us!
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Wo m e n in C o n s t r u c t i o n w eek 20 20
CELEBRATING THE WOMEN IN OUR INDUSTRY
MARCH 1-7 Women totaled more than half of U.S. payroll jobs last December, just the second time women have outnumbered men in the workforce, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Yet while women made up just a fraction of the construction workforce at nearly 10% in 2018, that number is on the rise. In particular, we have seen an influx of women in craft professional roles, increasing from 3% of the workforce to 12% between 2013 and 2018, according to ABC’s 2019 Workforce Development Survey. That’s because construction offers numerous career opportunities with competitive salaries—especially compared to other industries. While women in the U.S. workforce earn an average of 81.1% of what their male counterparts make, the gender pay gap in the construction sector is signifyingly smaller, with women earning an average of 99.1% compared to men.
We are proudly educating 82 women this semester in craft and technical courses across both of our campuses. A recent mobile crane graduate is Tannah McAllister, who scored the highest on her final exam in the course. McAlister first learned about ABC Pelican through her PALA colleagues in her current job at ExxonMobil in Baton Rouge. The three certifications she received through ABC Pelican have helped accelerate her career in construction “at a pace quicker than I ever imagined.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
During the first week of March, the country celebrated Women in Construction Week to amplify the women who chose a career in construction and the successes of those women in this industry. ABC Pelican highlighted some of our women members and craft students to bring to life the stories of women in our chapter and industry. Tammy Corripio, Workforce Development Coordinator with Primoris Services Corporation, serves as a 2020 board member. Corripio is influential in the education and training of craft professionals at her company and brings those experiences to ABC Pelican as a board member. “As a training coordinator, I have the opportunity to directly interact with our workforce and aid in their growth professionally and within the company,” said Corripio. “It is what I love most about my job.” 19
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
Wom e n in C o n s t r u c t i o n w eek 20 20 CO N Tin ue d Olivia Habetz, a student at Hathaway High School, won first place at the Louisiana FFA District 9 craft competition, hosted at ABC Pelican’s Southwest campus in February. Before she competed in the Area 3 competition, we brought Habetz on local tv to share her perspective as a young woman in the industry. She was the only woman to compete in the electrical category of the District 9 competition. “It’s hard not to be boastful, because I beat about 14 boys,” Habetz remarked during the interview. “I guess it can be nerve wracking, but it’s hard not to say ‘look what I can do.’” She began electrical work in her 9th grade in ag class. Habetz realized early on she was good at the craft, as did her ag teacher, because he informed her about the craft competitions. Habetz said she finds the craft to be a good hobby & has plans to pursue electrical work after high school. There is no better time to start a construction career, especially as Associated Builders and Contractors estimated 440,000 jobs needed to be filled in 2019 alone just to meet construction backlog. At ABC Pelican, we are committed to recruiting and upskilling women so we can continue to develop the most capable workforce and industry.
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LE GAL up dat e
COVID-19: FAQs FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS BY: ATTORNEYS WITH BREAZEALE, SACHSE & WILSON, L.L.P.
GENERAL INFORMATION Is my business required to shut down because of the statewide Stay-at-Home order issued by Governor John Bel Edwards? The Stay at Home order issued by Governor Edwards on March 22, 2020 provides that all individuals within the State of Louisiana are under a general stay-at-home order, and are directed to stay home “unless performing an essential activity.” The Proclamation lists “essential” activities, including obtaining food, medicine and similar goods, as well as going to and from an individual’s workplace to perform a job function deemed as essential workplace functions. Essential workplaces include those providing food, medicine and similar goods, as well as non-elective medical care and similar vital services. Additional guidance as to what constitutes “essential” workplaces can be found at www.cisa.gov. The Proclamation further closes all state office buildings to the public, as well as all places of public amusement, including parks, aquariums, museums, playgrounds, concert venues and other similar businesses. All personal care and grooming businesses are also closed. See Proclamation Number JBE 2020-33, March 22, 2020, by Governor John Bel Edwards, for more information. Is my small business eligible for COVID-19 business aid? Yes, small businesses in all 64 Louisiana parishes are eligible to apply for federal Small Business Administration disaster aid in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Small businesses can visit www.SBA.gov/Disaster to begin the application process. Louisiana Economic Development is also offering an online guide regarding the assistance available for impacted businesses on its website at www. OpportunityLouisiana.com. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may include up to $2 million in assistance per small business, and may be structured with long-term repayments up to a maximum of 30 years in certain cases.
childcare has been closed or is otherwise unavailable due to the COVID-19 emergency as declared by federal, state or local authorities. The first 10 days of leave may be unpaid, and then paid leave is required. Compensation for such leave is calculated based on an amount not less than two-thirds of the employee’s regular rate of pay, and the number of hours the employee would otherwise normally be scheduled to work, not to exceed $200 per day and $10,000 in the aggregate. Certain conditions, exemptions, exceptions and special rules apply, and a tax credit may be available. For more information, see Division C of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. What are the rules regarding employee emergency paid sick leave? Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6201) signed by the President, which takes effect as of April 2, 2020, employers with fewer than 500 employees, and public employers of any size, must provide 80 hours of paid sick leave to full-time employees who are unable to work or telework for specific reasons related to the COVID-19 virus. Additionally, such employers must provide part-time employees with sick leave based on their average hours worked over a two week period. Note that employers are prohibited from requiring employees to find a replacement worker or use other sick time before this sick leave. For more information, see Division E of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Can I ask an employee to leave work or stay home if they show symptoms of the coronavirus? Yes, you are permitted to request that an employee leave work or stay at home if they show symptoms of the coronavirus. In a recent release from the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the EEOC asserts that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not conflict with employers following the advice of What are the requirements regarding employee emergency the Center for Disease Control (CDC) advising employees leave for child care? who become ill with symptoms of COVID-19 to leave the Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR workplace. The EEOC has indicated that an ADA-covered 6201) signed by the President, which takes effect as of employer may take the body temperature of employees April 2, 2020, employers with fewer than 500 employees during the COVID-19 pandemic as a precautionary must provide both paid and unpaid public health emergency measure. See What You Should Know About the ADA, leave to certain employees through December 31, 2020. the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19, March 19, 2020, Generally, this emergency leave is available when an from the EEOC (www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom) for more employee (employed for at least 30 days) is unable to work information. or telework due to the need to care for a son or daughter under the age of 18 because a school, place of care or How do I know if my business is a critical infrastructure CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
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Up dat e s f ro m A B C N A T I O N A L ABC COMMENTS ON DOL’S FINAL IRAP RULE WASHINGTON, D.C., March 11— Associated Builders and Contractors Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Development Greg Sizemore today issued the following statement on the release of the final Department of Labor industry-recognized apprenticeship rule: “All U.S. workers should have the opportunity to participate in DOL’s new industry programs, particularly as federal registered apprenticeship programs supply only a small fraction of the construction industry’s workforce. ABC, our 69 chapters and 21,000-plus members will continue to utilize an all-of-the-above education approach to ensure our workforce meets the highest standards for safety and quality craftsmanship, which has been and will remain our top priority. ABC members invested $1.6 billion to educate their employees in 2018, up from $1.1 billion in 2013, according to the results of ABC’s 2019 Workforce Development Survey. The 45% increase in spending resulted in nearly twice as many course attendees—more than 980,000—receiving craft, leadership and safety education to advance their careers in commercial and industrial construction.” ABC NAMES THE 2020 TOP PERFORMERS IN U.S. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION WASHINGTON, D.C., March 10— Associated Builders and Contractors today released its 2020 Top Performers lists, which recognize ABC member contractors’ achievements in safety, quality, diversity and project excellence ranked by work hours, with special designations identified. Published as a supplement to Construction Executive magazine, the ABC Top Performers lists identify the Top 200 Performers, Top 120 General Contractors, Top 30 Electrical Contractors, Top 20 Plumbing/HVAC Contractors and Top 30 Specialty 23 www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
Contractors, all of which have earned the elite Accredited Quality Contractor credential, as well as the Top 75 Performers With Special Designations. “ABC Top Performers demonstrate the highest commitment to worldclass safety, craftmanship, workforce development and community engagement in the merit shop construction industry,” said Michael Bellaman, president and chief executive officer of ABC. “These rankings highlight companies that are leading our industry as we adopt innovative technologies, tackle industry-wide challenges such as the workforce shortage and embrace the opportunities of a new decade.” To be eligible, Top Performers demonstrated world-class safety performance by achieving Gold status or higher in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System, which makes the top-performing contractors up to 827% safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average, according to the ABC 2020 Safety Performance Report. The Top Performers were ranked by size based on the number of hours worked in 2018, as reported in their 2019 STEP applications. The listings highlight contractors that have earned ABC’s Accredited Quality Contractor credential for their commitment to corporate responsibility in quality, safety, talent management, education, community relations and diversity; those that won national Excellence in Construction,® Safety Excellence and Diversity Excellence awards; and those that hold designations awarded to diverse companies to help procure work from government and private entities. Access the 2020 Top Performers list at abc.org/topperformers. ABC ANNOUNCES NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION WASHINGTON, D.C., March 9-
Associated Builders and Contractors announced today that Matthew Abeles has been appointed to the newly created role of vice president of construction technology and innovation. As a leader in this space, Abeles will spearhead efforts to integrate construction technology and innovation into all aspects of ABC’s strategic initiatives, particularly total human health, world-class safety and workforce development. “As technology and breakthrough innovations continue to transform the construction industry, we’re thrilled to have Matt’s expertise and counsel,” said Michael Bellaman, ABC’s president and chief executive officer. “In the last decade, construction technologies have revolutionized how we connect through the design, build and delivery processes, but our industry remains ripe for disruption. Matt’s contributions to our chapters, members and industry will be essential as we assess how to best integrate, advance and leverage the digital age in the years to come.” Abeles has advised and raised capital for many construction technology companies, as well as positioned himself as an industry leader in the technology construction field. He co-founded BuiltWorlds in 2014, a media company and digital network for construction, real estate, finance and development leaders, which hosts global events and produces industry research. In this role, he was responsible for outreach to established and emerging players in the construction and real estate sectors developing next-generation technologies, as well as talking to influential audiences about the future of the construction industry. Abeles holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and real estate from Indiana University Bloomington. He will be based in Chicago.
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COV E R S T ORY S PR I N G 20 20
PANDEMIC OR NOT, THE MERIT SHOP CHOOSES SAFETY & SERVICE
BY ERIKA WALTER, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
The first quarter of the new decade has brought our world, our country, our community and our industry unprecedented uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic.
We are grappling with a new reality in our homes, workplaces, churches and social lives and this new reality hit us hard and fast. As we beat COVID-19, we are in quarantine and standing six feet apart; we are working remotely and shifting schedules and on video conference calls; we are taking temperatures and washing hands and not touching our face and disinfecting everything around us. Yet in times of crisis or no crisis, we have seen and are continuing to see that ABC Pelican Members are choosing to prioritize safety and service because it’s in our DNA. “Priorities do not waiver for our industry, especially in times of uncertainty,” remarked David Helveston, President and CEO of ABC Pelican, after countless conference calls and emails with membership. “Our members evaluate and mitigate risks every day on and off the job site. As information surrounding the coronavirus evolves at a rapid pace, our member companies are keeping safety in the forefront of every decision they make and are adapting on a case-by-case basis while following the recommendations issued by CDC and local officials.” Some methods of implementing safety that we’ve seen in our member companies in the past month include: •requiring temperature checks before employees enter job sites or office space •offering paid leave if the employee is exhibiting symptoms or feeling sick •shifting schedules to separate people on job sites and lower the headcounts on the job •establishing social distancing measures for lunch breaks and job site transportation •postponing non-critical, non-essential projects •limiting business travel •constantly communicating changes and updates with
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COVE R S T ORy S P R I N G 20 20 C O N TIN UE D employees •reinforcing and requiring work-from-home policies Commitment to achieving safety in times like these or even under normal circumstances is a difficult process, involving leadership commitment, employee engagement, company culture transformation and implementation of processes. However, that commitment to safety is worth it, because there is no greater duty for ABC Pelican members than to keep their employees safe. As we have seen in this first quarter of 2020, our motto of “safety first, last and always” resounds even more loudly today for ABC members than it did nearly 70 years ago. “My hope is that this motto remains the watchword for our members and any workplace across the nation for generations to come,” Helveston said. “No matter the time of day, week or year, no priority is higher than safety on a jobsite, because every employee deserves to return home safely and without injury at the end of the workday, especially in times like these.” The resounding motto of safety, plus guidance from local officials, is one of the reasons the fifth annual Touch A Truck was cancelled, an event in which ABC Pelican was the premier partner and many of our members had planned to participate and serve our community. We would like to recognize and thank the more than 30 ABC Pelican member companies who had planned to join us and more than 10,000 Louisianans on the Baton Rouge Fairgrounds on March 21 for this one-day experience that gives children and their families an up-close look at trucks, equipment and machinery to encourage their consideration of careers in construction and industry. These nearly 35 members were to participate in the fifth annual Touch A Truck in the form of demonstrations, equipment, food donations: 24 Hour Safety, Ace Enterprises, Angelle Materials, Ardaman & Associates, Barriere Construction, Baton Rouge General, Beard Construction, Bengal Crane & 27
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Rigging, Bottom Line Equipment, Cajun Industries, Champion Graphics, Doggett Machinery, Emergent Method, Emery Equipment, Eustis Engineering, EXCEL, Five-S Group, Glenco Equipment, GROUP Industries, H&E Equipment, ISC Constructors, JPS Equipment, Louisiana CAT, MMR Group, Performance Contractors, Primoris Services, Quality Concrete, Rene Industries, Sochem Solutions, T Baker Smith, Trade Construction, Turner Industries, United Rentals and Wood Group. Thank you to each of these companies who invested time and resources in this community event. We hope that you’ll consider joining us for the next Touch A Truck! Another foundational pillar of this association is service, which is one of the reasons why Touch A Truck is such a rewarding way for our members to give back to the community we build. Prior to the safety and health concerns created by the rapid spread of COVID-19, ABC Pelican and Junior League of Baton Rouge were able to host two Touch A Truck preview events for children with communication disabilities and children in the hospital. In February, Junior League of Baton Rouge, ABC Pelican, Turner Industries and Angelle Materials held an event for students at The Emerge Center, a local educational institution that offers hope and possibilities to children and families facing a diagnosis of autism or communication challenges. In early March, we were greeted with smiles at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health as we held another Touch A Truck preview event with Turner and Angelle for some wonderful patients and their parents. Carlos Guidry, Senior VP of Construction with Turner Industries and 2020 Chair of ABC Pelican, attended both mini Touch A Truck events. “Our crew found it incredibly rewarding to help and watch these children and their caregivers interact with the equipment in a familiar and safe environment,” Guidry said. “For many of them, this was their first time to see, hear and experience heavy equipment.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
COVE R S T ORY S P R I N G 20 20 c o n tin ue d Just because our members could not serve the public at Touch A Truck this year, does not mean they have not been actively serving our community, and those who need it most, during the spread of COVID-19. ABC Pelican Member companies like Gulf Coast Occupational Medicine, Turner Industries, Bengal Crane & Rigging, Great River Industries, B&H Distributors, Brown & Root Industrial Services and many others have donated construction supplies to area hospitals like the Baton Rouge General, Our Lady of the Lake Health System, Ochsner and Woman’s Hospital. Because of ABC Pelican’s strong relationships with the local health care systems, we were able to spread the word about the critical need of these supplies so that our health care providers could continue testing for COVID-19 and treating patients safely. The following items have been collected and donated to support our local health care providers:
•Safety glasses •Nitrile Gloves •Any type of mask “Our health care providers are the true heroes in this war on COVID-19 and it has been rewarding to give back to them when, in the past, they are the ones who serve and give to our industry,” Helveston said. “Thank you to each of our companies who answered the call to donate any and all items that they could during this time.”
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Spri n g gol f t o u r n a m en t 20 2 0
SWINGING IN TO SPRING
BY MACIE MORGAN, MEMBER SERVICES COORDINATOR MARCH 13, CARTER PLANTATION Springtime offers us warmer temps and longer days, so it is nice for our members to take a Friday in early Spring, network with Merit Shop colleagues, clients and competitors and enjoy a round of golf. ABC Pelican begins the season with a member favorite, the Spring Golf Tournament. On Friday, March 13 about 200 of our members came out to Carter Plantation in Springfield, Louisiana to play a round of golf, enjoy some excellent food and drinks, and mingle with other members. With the help and dedication of our 2020 Member Services Committee, this year’s Spring Golf Tournament was a complete sell out! 36 teams, 18 on-course sponsors, seven clubhouse sponsors, 18-hole sponsors, two beverage cart sponsors, one breakfast sponsor and two lunch sponsors. Wow! As always, our sponsors offered up great food and drinks. This year we also saw much hand sanitizer and “elbow bumps” because #safetyfirstlastalways! From breakfast sandwiches to bread pudding to truffle fries to seafood pasta to charbroiled oysters to fried shrimp and signature cocktails, the golfers did not leave with empty stomachs. Our 48 event sponsors made this a delicious and memorable event. We would also like to thank ACE Enterprises and Glen Elrod for donating four handwashing stations, placed around the golf course, for our golfers to clean their hands often. Full stomachs, friendly competition and lots of laughs were had on the golf course. Current members, new members and prospective members were competing for first, second and third place prizes and trophies. We also had two special competitions, longest drive and closest to the pin. Eric Faveau with Group Industries won the Closest to the Pin competition, sticking one close at 7’7” from the hole. Robert Stuart with Hancock Whitney Bank dropped a bomb and was the winner of the longest drive contest. The third-place winning team was Brown & Root Industrial Services. In second place was Performance Contractors and the first-place winner was Great River Industries. Congratulations to all the winning teams! On behalf of ABC Pelican, thank you again to all our members for making this golf tournament another success! We look forward to next year. 31
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Roaring 20
2020 state convention agenda Wednesday, July 29, 2020
3:00 – 7:00 PM: Convention Check-In 4:00 PM: Hotel Check In 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Breakout Session 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Welcome Reception 6:30 PM: Legislative Update 8:00 - 9:00 PM: Young Professionals Cocktail Hour 5:00 – 10:00 PM: Kids Krewe Welcome Reception
Thursday, July 30, 2020
7:00 – 8:00 AM: Convention Check-In re-opens 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Kids Krewe: Breakfast & Activities 8:00 – 9:30 AM: Breakfast & Keynote 9:45 – 10:45 AM: Educational Seminar 1 11:00 – 12:00 PM: Educational Seminar 2 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Kids Krewe: Parent’s Night Out 6:00 – 7:00 PM: PAC Cocktail Reception/SpeakEasy 6:30 – 8:00 PM: Cocktails & Dinner 8:00 – 11:00 PM: Casino night
Friday, July 31, 2020
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Kids Krewe 9:00 – 10:30 AM: Educational Breakfast 10:30 – 11: 30 AM: Breakout Session 1:30 – 4:00 PM: Family Beach Bash & Volleyball Tournament 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Family Dinner & Indoor Fun 8:00 – 8:30 PM: Glow Deck Party 8:45 PM: Fireworks Presentation & Farewell
Reserve your room today by calling 850.267.9500 (Group code LAA)
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2020 state convention
Roaring 20s Hilton Sandestin, Fla. July 29-31, 2020
sponsorship opportunities Secured by:
BEACH BASH: $6,000
FIREWORKS: $3,000
THURSDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT: $5,000 Secured by:
PHOTO BOOTH: $2,500 Secured by:
•Logo prominently displayed during event •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media •Sponsored posts on event app
•Logo prominently displayed during event •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media •Sponsored posts on event app
KEYNOTE BREAKFAST: $5,000 Secured by:
•Logo prominently displayed during event •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media •Sponsored posts on event app
FAMILY DINNER: $4,000
Secured by:
•Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media •Sponsored posts on event app
•Logo recognition on pictures printed in photo booth on Thursday night •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media
THURSDAY NIGHT DINNER (2 AVAILABLE): $2,000 Sponsored by: •Logo prominently displayed during event •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media •Sponsored posts on event app
Secured by:
•Logo prominently displayed during event •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media •Sponsored posts on event app
PIANO BAR: $1,500
WELCOME RECEPTION: $3,000 Secured by:
CONVENTION T-SHIRT (2 AVAILABLE): $1,500
•Logo prominently displayed during event •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media •Sponsored posts on event app
CONVENTION APP: $3,000
•Exclusive sponsor of the app used by attendees during convention •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media •Sponsored posts on event app
CONVENTION BAG: $3,000 Secured by:
•Logo prominently displayed on family giveaway bags •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media •Sponsored posts on event app
•Logo prominently displayed around piano bar Friday night •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media
Secured by: •Logo recognition on back of official convention t-shirt •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media
CASINO NIGHT PRIZE (11 AVAILABLE): $1,500 Sponsored by: •Logo recognition throughout casino night (prizes provide by ABC) •Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media
CONVENTION SPONSOR (14 AVAILABLE): $500
•Recognition on event signage, app, website, social media
Contact Macie at 225.753.2596 or mmorgan@abcpelican.com to secure your sponsorship. All sponsors can provide promotional items to include in family giveaway bags. For more info on accommodations and registrations visit abclouisiana.org. www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
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PELICAN CHAPTER, ASSOCIATED BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS
PERFECT YOUR TRADE THROUGH CRAFT & TECHNICAL COURSES IN BATON ROUGE Established in 1980, ABC Pelican has educated more than 25,000 craft professionals, provided a variety of professional continuing education offerings, and promoted construction as a career to tens of thousands. Perfect your trade with us through nationally accredited curriculum developed for the construction industry!
CRAFT COURSES • NCCER Core • NCCER Electrical Levels 1-4 • NCCER Millwright Levels 1-5 • NCCER Heavy Equipment Levels 1-2
• NCCER Instrumentation Levels 1-4 • NCCER Mobile Crane Levels 1-2 • NCCER Pipefitting Levels 1-4
Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, religion, sex, handicap, union affiliation or veteran status. Persons who enroll in ABC Training Center courses acknowledge that they are physically fit to participate in these courses. In the event of an accident or injury, participants will hold harmless from all liability and/or loss or damage, the Pelican Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. or its agents. This information is subject to change without notice due to enrollment numbers and requirements. Completion of all or part of a training program does not guarantee employment. While it is our goal to train for the construction/maintenance industry, our primary purpose is to train our members’ employees.
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(Must have at least 3.5 years field experience) •NCCER Construction Site Safety Technician (CSST) •Project Coordinator (three semesters) •First semester: Print Reading •Second semester: Estimating •Third semester: Planning and Scheduling
• AWS Welding Levels 1- 3
About ABC Pelican
19251 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70809
SUPERVISOR CLASSES
NEW: Fall 2020 Dates Spring 2021 Dates Early Registration: May 4 – 28 (current students only) ICC/GBRIA Registration:
Early Registration: October 1- 29 (current students only)
June 1 – 30
ICC/GBRIA Registration: November 2 - 30
Open Registration: July 1 - 30
Open Registration: December 1 - 22
Semester Begins: August 3, 2020
Semester Begins: January 11, 2021
Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday, 7:30a to 6:00p
225.752.0088
abcpelican.org
BA T ON ROUGE t r a i n i n g c en t e r update
A FULL BEGINNING OF SPRING; NOW CLOSED BECAUSE #SAFETYFIRST
BY KELLY CARPENTER, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION In response to COVID-19, our training center closed on March 16th. The training center staff is working remotely to answer any questions regarding the status of classes and assist our contractors and can be reached via email or cell phone. At this time, the staff and instructors have requested the students to study while classes are suspended. The contingency plan is to utilize the summer to complete the spring semester. If students cannot make up the time during the Summer, then we will offer an option to transfer to next semester. We welcomed 45 National Guard Job Challenge Program students on January 21 to our Baton Rouge Campus. These students are all graduates of the Youth Challenge Program and are expected to attend ABC until they complete this semester – first completing NCCER’s Core during the initial 6-7 weeks and then selecting a craft in which they will continue training in for the remainder of their time. Thanks to Brown & Root, EXCEL, and Turner for stopping by to welcome the students. Contractors and training center staff will work closely with the students this year to help develop them into entrylevel craft persons. Kelly Carpenter, ABC, Danielle Labbe, ABC and Steve Bomar, Performance, met with Tim Jordan, Zachary High School Principal, Lindsey Spencer, Zachary Freshmen Guidance Counselor and Jeff Hand, Zachary School District to discuss ABC Pelican hosting evening welding class at the Zachary High School welding shop. The discussion was well received, and an MOU was sent on January 20th for ZHS officials to approve. The plan is to start the recruiting process in April for the Fall Semester start date of August 3. During this meeting, ZHS indicated a strong interest in participating in ABC Course Choice Basic and Advanced Welding program as a satellite location. A detailed outline of the welding program with tuition information
was included with the MOU agreement. Mr. Jeff Hand with the Zachary Community Schools District mentioned the possibility of ABC using another facility owned by the school district. In 2014, the school district built the Zachary Career & Technical Center located a ½ mile off highway 61 with the hopes of their continued partnership between Georgia Pacific and BRCC. Unfortunately, the partnership did not kick off as planned and the facility has not been used for the purpose in which it was built. In fact, it’s been turned into an expensive climate control storage facility for the school district. The Superintendent voiced through Mr. Hand strong interest in letting ABC have full access to use the building during the day, night or both for craft training to help industry, surrounding communities, other parishes and Zachary students for continuing education. The school officials quickly set up a tour of the facility that same day. It is a magnificent space with the layout and design making an excellent location for industrial craft training in electrical, millwright and pipefitting. The building has an office, four classrooms (student capacity of 120) with adjoining lab space, covered exterior work area and plenty of parking. On March 9 we met again with Zachary Community School Superintendent, Scott Devillier and Jeffery Hand, Supervisor of Secondary Programs regarding the facility in Port Hudson. Both parties agreed that a partnership would be beneficial to the community as well as ABC Pelican and our industry. Mr. Hand shared the 14,000 square-foot blueprint of the building. The startup for Core and Level One classes in electrical, millwright and pipefitting is approximately $55K, which includes lab equipment and all related expenses. The evening classes would be offered at the traditional tuition rate of $200 per student. In addition to the evening training at the Port Hudson facility, Mr. Devillier and Mr. Hand are very interested in participating in Course Choice under CONTINUED ON PAGE 37
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BA T ON ROUGE t r a i n i n g c en t e r update c o n tin ue d the ABC umbrella. The tuition for Course Choice could potentially help offset some of the expense of these classes without having huge impact on the cents per manhour income. The proposal to the Zachary Community School would include $800 per month for rental based on the utility bills for the last six months. The Fall semester start would be covered by the grant request to LCEF. On January 27, ABC started an Incumbent Workforce Training Program in Specialty Welding for Performance Contractors. This course is designed to take an existing stick welder and educate them on the advanced levels of TIG and MIG processes to meet the demands of industry. When classes resume, it will be held two nights per week for three hours each night for a total of 120 hour of focused training. The Welding Taskforce Group met on January 30 to iron out a few details regarding enrollment of welding students in the evening program. The committee agreed to implement the following rules and policies for the upcoming Fall semester. For Course Choice students that never took a weld test for Level 1 and passed while in Course Choice (never passed the plate weld test), if they want to attend again in the future the following will take place: •They must sit out for at least one semester. The student will not be allowed to return for welding until at minimum the spring following their high school graduation. •The student will have a 60-hour (first half of the semester) probationary period where they must demonstrate that they are grasping the skill and making progress towards testing out of Level 1. •If the student does not make sufficient progress after the probationary 60-hour period, that student will be dropped and not permitted to return to welding unless approved by ABC Pelican’s welding coordinator, Ross Goynes. For a high school student to be enrolled in 3-6 or 6-9 welding, they must meet the following criteria: •At least 17 years of age and a high school senior. •If they are enrolled in the Course Choice program,
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they also must have an A/B average. •If a student does not meet this criterion (i.e. the student is 16 and/or a junior), they will be reviewed by the contractor or high school welding instructor or Goynes for an exception to be made. The welding supply list has been updated and we will be working with vendors to establish a “package” for students to purchase in the next couple of months. We are no longer offering Level 4 welding classes after this semester. There are three students that are currently enrolled, and ABC will allow them to finish this semester. In the next year, it is the intention that shorter specialty classes will be developed for those existing, employed welders that need specialty training. Goynes will initial ALL applications before we reenroll the student. Ross’s initials will mean that he approves them to re-enroll. Goynes will be in the orientation lab for new student enrollment, which is set for May 1 for the time being, during contractor enrollment and he will review all welding applications for his approval. Shifting gears, thank you to the PVF Roundtable for the kind donation. Laranda Andrews with PVF Roundtable delivered a generous check for $50K to the Baton Rouge Campus on February 4. A portion of these funds will be used for the Fall classes in Plaquemine. ABC Staff along with plant owners, site managers and contractors attended the GBRIA 50th Annual Conference and enjoyed listening to the guest speakers recap 50 years of industry history. The partnership with GBRIA has proven time and time again to be a win for all parties. As we move forward, we need to concentrate our efforts on enticing the young adults to pursue a promising career in industry. GBRIA’s two subcommittees regarding developing specialty and advanced millwright training for existing millwrights and expanding millwright training opportunities to high school students spoke
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BA T ON ROUGE t r a i n i n g c en t e r update c o n tin ue d during phone conference on February 5. There was conversation amongst both groups regarding providing internships and entry-level positions to help individuals get into the millwright craft. There was also conversation about better communication to schools and students regarding the opportunities to learn millwright and what the millwright craft entails. Tim Johnson, along with 20 East Iberville Site Managers, Councilmen and School Officials visited our training center on February 11. The group learned how ABC is a resource to high school students and community members to learn a craft or skill. The group also took a tour of the training center. Labbé and Richard Laird, Crane and Rigging instructor, traveled to the Chalmette Refinery to give three days of training. Laird provided basic rigging and carry deck training for some of the plant’s maintenance technicians. Upon completion of the training days, individuals took the corresponding NCCER assessment and practical exam to earn their certifications. Since May 2019, ABC has trained and tested 31 Chalmette employees, with a revenue just over $25,000.
introduces daughters and mothers to industry career pathways. This event allowed participants to become educated, engaged and explore through hands-on activities. In addition, there were informational sessions with successful women currently working in industry. In collaboration with GBRIA’s taskforce to expand millwright training opportunities to high school students, ABC participated at a presentation by BASF millwright personnel to Dutchtown high school students on March 13. The presentation was well received by the nearly 20 sophomore and juniors interested in attending ABC’s course choice program during the 2020-2021 school year. Many of the students did not know what a millwright was at the beginning of the presentation but learned a great deal about the craft and its career opportunities. Current enrollment for Spring 2020 is holding strong at 1096.
Labbé attended the Youth Challenge Program career fair in Carville on February 13. The current program has just over 200 attendees. If the attendees continue to the Job Challenge Program, they have the potential to attend ABC Pelican as part of that program. ABC Pelican’s Kacie Blanchard began sharing her time between ABC and GBRIA in June 2019 to increase the awareness with plant owners of the partnership with ABC and GBRIA. In addition, it landed the opportunity to meet new plant personnel and share the value of cents per man hour regarding training. Year to date, Blanchard along with the GBRIA team have collected $95K not previously reported. The partnership has proven to be well worth the investment. Carpenter and Labbé traveled to Birmingham, AL on March 10 for a Power Up event. The evening celebration reflected on the on-going collaboration with community, education and industry, and further www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
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so ut h w e st t r a i n i n g c en t er update
CELEBRATING INDUSTRY STARS BEFORE COVID-19
BY BLAISE THEARD, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, SWTC
The ABC Pelican Southwest Training Center thoroughly enjoyed hosting the 2020 FFA District 9 and Area 3 electrical, small engine, and welding competitions. Students from Allen, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis Parish competed for the opportunity to advance to the Area 3 FFA Competition. Students from Avoyelles, Evangeline, Allen, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, Acadia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion Parish competed in the Area 3 FFA Welding and Small Engine Mechanics. More than 200 high school students traveled to our campus to participate in these competitions. We relish the opportunity to host these young men and women on our campus. Many of these students have a passion for the construction industry and ABC Pelican will do everything we can to help fulfill their dreams. Among the 27 welding teams who competed at the Area 3 competition, only four teams were able to punch their ticket to the state competition. We are absolutely thrilled and pleased, two of the top four teams advancing to state are ABC Pelican dualenrollment students. These students attend our satellite classes at Grand Lake High and Rayne High. Way to go guys!! Keeping up with tradition, the 2020 Southwest Jambalaya Cook-off was paired with the FFA competition on March 5. We were able to enjoy delicious Cajun cuisine while witnessing the next generation of craftsmen and craftswomen perfect their craft. Many thanks to the following members for participating in the cook-off and providing lunch for everyone in attendance: 24-HR Safety, Aptim, Performance Contractors and Turner Industries. Also, a big thanks to ISC Constructors for providing the beverages. 39 www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
A great number of industry professionals were also in attendance. The high school students truly enjoy a day full of competing and interacting with industry. Thank you to everyone for the support. Little did we know, these two events would soon be the last occasion for any type of large gathering at the ABC SWTC. Due to the rapid developments of COVID-19, all ABC Pelican classes were suspended until further notice, beginning March 16. This global crisis will undoubtedly impact our industry with great magnitude. Please know the ABC Pelican team is here to provide unwavering support to all our members. If we can be of help in any way throughout these trying times, please do not hesitate to reach out to anyone on our team.
PELICAN CHAPTER, ASSOCIATED BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS, INC.
PERFECT YOUR TRADE THROUGH CRAFT TRAINING IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA Established in 1980, ABC Pelican has trained more than 25,000 craft professionals, provided a variety of professional continuing education offerings, and promoted construction as a career to tens of thousands. Perfect your trade through nationally accredited curricula developed for the construction industry with us!
Questions? Contact: Kirby Bruchhaus, Director of Education (kbruchhaus@abcpelican.com | 337.882.0204) Blaise Theard, Workforce Development Specialist (btheard@abcpelican.com | 337.882.0204)
• NCCER Core Classroom • NCCER Scaffolding Level 1 • NCCER Electrical Levels 1-4 • NCCER Millwright Levels 1-5
CRAFT COURSES
• NCCER Heavy Equipment Levels 1-2
• AWS Welding Levels 1- 3 (afternoon & evening)
• NCCER Instrumentation Levels 1-4
• NCCER CSST Safety 100 Hours
• NCCER Pipefitting Levels 1-4
NCCER Accredited Assessment Center
About ABC Pelican Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, religion, sex, handicap, union affiliation or veteran status. Persons who enroll in ABC Training Center courses acknowledge that they are physically fit to participate in these courses. In the event of an accident or injury, participants will hold harmless from all liability and/or loss or damage, the Pelican Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. or its agents. This information is subject to change without notice due to enrollment numbers and requirements. Completion of all or part of a training program does not guarantee employment. While it is our goal to train for the construction/maintenance industry, our primary purpose is to train our members’ employees.
222 Walcot Road Westlake, LA 70669
NEW: Fall 2020 Dates Spring 2021 Dates Early Registration: May 4 – 28 (current students only)
Early Registration: October 1- 31 (current students only)
Contract Employee Registration: June 1 – 30 Open Registration: July 1 - 30
Contract Employee Registration: November 4 - 28 Open Registration: December 1 - 23
Semester Begins: August 3, 2020
Late Registration: December 1 – 31 (current students only)
Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday, 7:30a to 6:00p
337.882.0204
Semester Begins: January 4, 2021 abcpelican.org
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SWTC L OUISIA N A F FA C r a ft c ompe titio n S
CRAFT COMPETITIONS: WHERE INDUSTRY’S RISING STARS SHINE
FEBRUARY 20 AND MARCH 5, SOUTHWEST TRAINING CENTER In addition to hosting daytime, nighttime and satellite classes, ABC Pelican’s Southwest Training Center has been hard at work hosting multiple craft competitions for Louisiana FFA high school students from across Southwest Louisiana. “ABC Pelican is proud of our strong partnership with educational programs like Louisiana FFA,” said David Helveston, President and CEO of ABC Pelican. “Partnerships like these ensure rising stars in our industry have opportunities to display their impressive techniques and learn about how they can make a career out of their skill set.” The first craft competition took place on Thursday, February 20. Nearly 70 Louisiana FFA District 9 high school students from Allen, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis Parish competed in the categories of electrical, small engine and welding. Here are the winners of the District 9 Louisiana FFA Craft Competition: Electrical winners of the 2020 Louisiana FFA District 9 Craft Competition: •1st: Olivia Habetz, Hathaway High School •2nd: Canaan McFarlin, Jennings High School •3rd: Alex Richard, Jennings High School •4th: Carson Anderson, Fairview High School •5th: Gabe Courville, Kinder High School •6th: Christian Mikkelson, Welsh High School •7th: Jack Roberts, Kinder Welsh High School •8th: Corey Cottongin, Reeves High School •9th: Brennon Bort, Sam Houston High School •10th: Cameron Fuselier, Hathaway High School •11th: Zack Trahan, Welsh High School •12th: Cody Leger, Reeves High School •13th: Jacob Bott, Oakdale High School Small Engine winners of the 2020 Louisiana FFA District 9 Craft Competition (teams of two): •1st: Tanner LaComb and Benjamin West, Elton High School •2nd: Jaci Miller and Jadon Smith, Jennings High School •3rd: Joseph Rodriguez and Nicholas Boudreaux, Jennings High School •4th: Coby Bertrand and Owen Daigle, Sam Houston High School 41 www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
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SWTC L OUISIA N A F FA C r a ft c ompe titio n S CO N Tin ue d Welding winners of the 2020 Louisiana FFA District 9 Craft Competition (teams of two): •1st: Matthew Pascale and Brayden Manz, Grand Lake High School •2nd: Toby Johnson and Ryan Guillory, Kinder High School •3rd: Brian Aucoin and Jacob Fontenot, Sam Houston High School •4th: Tyler Bourque and Dylan Taylor, Reeves High School •5th: Kaleb Shuff and Jade Lejeune, Hathaway High School •6th: Kade Parker and Caleb Bushnell, DeQuincy High School •7th: Montana Thigpen and Deondre Lavan, Reeves High School •8th: Tyler Young and Branson Aguillard, Grand Lake High School
The winners listed above in each of the categories advanced to the Louisiana FFA Area III Craft Competition on March 5. The welding and small engine portion of the Area III Craft Competition took place on March 5 at ABC Pelican’s Southwest Campus. Avoyelles, Evangeline, Allen, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Acadia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion Parish were represented at the Louisiana FFA Area III Craft Competition. As the 100 high school students competed in the Area III competition in welding and small engine, ABC Pelican Member companies participated in a competition of their own: a jambalaya cook-off.
Welding winners of the Area III competition (teams of two): •1st: Tyler Simon and Devin Blanchard, Rayne High School •2nd: Triston Mayeux and Domingo Cooper, LASAS High School •3rd: Peyton Lemaire and Davyn Godeaux, North Vermilion High School •4th: Tyler Young and Brayden Manz, Grand Lake High School ABC Pelican Member companies 24HR Safety, Aptim, Performance Contractors and Turner Industries were part of the cook-off competition. The cuisine prepped by the companies fed competitors, educators and attendees. ABC Pelican Member companies also discussed careers in construction with these students. Here are the winners of the ABC Pelican jambalaya cookoff at our Southwest Campus: •1st: Performance Contractors •2nd: Turner Industries Many careers in or related to construction are projected to grow around 11 percent between 2018 and 2028, and this growth can only happen when we are doing our part to educate future craft professionals about their career options in this industry. Craft competitions like these are just one of the ways that ABC Pelican and our members invest in the future of our industry.
“Each of the Area III craft competitors did an outstanding job of displaying their skill sets, technical understanding and safety know-how at the competition,” remarked Helveston. Here are the winning teams of the Louisiana FFA Area III Craft Competition in small engine and welding. The welding winners advanced to the FFA State Competition at the ABC Pelican Baton Rouge campus on March 24. Small engine winners of the Area III competition (teams of two): •1st: Luke Roelle and Garrett Manuel, Northwest High School •2nd: Jaci Miller and Joseph Rodriguez, Jennings High School •3rd: Lane Nugent and Joshua Woodworth, LASAS High School •4th: Jadon Smith and Nicholas Boudreaux, Jennings High School
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MEM BE RS H IP U PDA T E
INVESTMENT IN YOUR ASSOCIATION BY ANNA ZEBEAU, DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP First, our thoughts and prayers are with you, your team members and families during this unfamiliar time. It’s encouraging to witness our industry rally together and continue business as close to normal as possible. As you navigate the uncertainty, ABC Pelican Chapter is here to support you and your employees. As a valuable member service, we have put some resources and information on our website to address common concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. I would like to thank you at this time for renewing your 2020 membership and supporting the Merit Shop construction industry. To date, the Pelican Chapter has reached a renewal rate of 84.5%. It is always so gratifying and humbling to see the association membership renewals come through each year. We take it as a sign of appreciation and trust from our members. Appreciation for what we have achieved on your behalf in the past and trust that we will continue to work diligently for you to accomplish more in the future. The dues that you pay as a member of ABC help not only to defray the cost of the day to day operations of your Association representing your interests, but entitles each of you the accessibility to benefit from the myriad of resources available and to
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participate in various service programs. Especially now, I encourage you to use our resources, that are available to you and your company, found on our website (www.abcpelican.org) and ABC National (www.abc.org). News around the COVID-19 Coronavirus is changing daily. Like all of our association members, ABC Pelican Chapter and ABC National are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the various State Departments of Health and posting the most current information available. We are always here to help and provide support in any way we can during this unprecedented time, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. God Bless you all and be safe!
MEM BE RS H IP D I S C O U N T S
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WE L C OM E T O O U R N EW M EM B ER S
GET TO KNOW OUR NEW MEMBERS Pot O Gold Waste Daniel Pena 41248 East I-55 Service Road, Hammond, LA 70404 985.542.5101 www.potogoldwaste.com Joined: January 2020 Supplier: Portable Toilets Sponsor: Dale LeBlanc, Cajun Industries About Pot-O-Gold Waste Services: With a long history in the Gulf South, Pot-O-Gold is equipped to quickly manage emergency and disaster scenarios including hurricanes, flooding, and much more. PotO-Gold always provide clean and well-maintained equipment paired with excellent service and competitive pricing, so their customer benefits every time. Rauch-Milliken International Van A. Meador Jr. 4400 Trenton Street, Metairie, LA 70006 800.237.8430 www.racuchmilliken.com Joined: January 2020 Industry Professional: Business Services Sponsor: Chris Guillot, Sochem Solutions About Rauch-Milliken Industrial: Rauch-Milliken International, Inc. (RMI) was founded in 1989 by Thomas R. Milliken and Steve Rauch with a philosophy steeply based in providing the most ethical and professional method of third party accounts receivables management in the market place. Rauch-Milliken International, Inc. is committed to serving the cash management needs of commercial businesses. Quality and value are instilled in each transaction and within each established relationship. RMI will continue to nurture and develop customer relationships in order to further position itself as a leader in the credit and collection industry. United Site Services Wendy Friedrichs 5227 River Road, Port Allen, LA 70767 504.494.6731 www.unitedsiteservices.com 45
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Joined: January 2020 Supplier: Portable Toilets Sponsor: Patrick McKenna, Zachry Group About United Site Services: United Site Services is the nation’s leader in the portable toilet and temporary fence rental services. With 100+ locations coast to coast and the largest fleet of portable sanitation equipment. Our wide selection of solutions, products, and our fast, courteous customer service provides peace of mind during all phases of your project or event. Austin Industrial Michael Taranto 4981 Bluebonnet Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 225.772.9408 www.austin-ind.com/industrial Joined: February 2020 Contractor: G.C. Industrial Maintenance Sponsor: Beth Olinde, Workbox LLC About Austin Industrial: Austin Industries is one of the nation’s largest, most diversified U.S.-based construction companies. With more than 6,500 employee-owners, Austin Industries provides nearly every type of civil, commercial and industrial construction services through the expertise of our operating companies: Austin Bridge & Road, Austin Commercial and Austin Industrial. EnviroCon Systems, Inc. Bobbi Schmelter 1910 Rankin Road, Houston, Texas 77073 281.443.2597 www.enviroconsystems.com Joined: February 2020 Contractor: G.C. Other Specialty Constructions Sponsor: Andy Lopez, Cajun Industries About EnviroCon Systems, Inc.: EnviroCon Systems, Inc. is a geomembrane installation and consulting company that specializes in the supply and installation of geosynthetic liners for Environmental, Industrial, Architectural, Commercial, and Agricultural uses. In addition, EnviroCon offers a full service pipe and welding fabrication division for prefabrication of stock items or onsite custom
WEL C OM E T O O U R N EW M EM B ERS C O N TIN UE D fabrication for specialty applications. Percy J. Matherne Contractor Don Matherne 5762 Hooper Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70874 225.356.4416 www.pjmcontractor.com Joined: February 2020 Contactor: G.C. Commercial Sponsor: Mike Scallan, ISC Constructors RIGID Constructors, LLC Wendell Welch 3861 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, Lafayette, LA 70503 225.454.8003 www.rigidconstructors.com Joined: February 2020 Contractor: G.C. Commercial Sponsor: Kevin Alexander, MMR Constructors About RIGID Constructors, LLC: A Louisiana-based privately held construction company that started with the idea that innovation and technology are key components in providing first class construction services and developing strong client relationships. They are committed to providing safe and quality service to our client base located throughout the Gulf Coast Region of the United States. Breaux Petroleum Products Blake Breaux 237 North Barrios Street, Lockport, LA 70374 800.375.3358 www.breauxpetroleum.com Joined: March 2020 Supplier: Fuel, Lubricants, Chemicals Sponsor: Jeremiah Johnson, Bottom Line Equipment About Breaux Petroleum Products: Breaux Petroleum Products in Lockport is an established distributor of quality products for energy, automotive, marine, industrial and aviation needs in South Louisiana. Momentum Rental & Sales Danny Castaneda 36559 Luke Drive, Geismar, LA 70734 225.744.7368 www.momentemrentalandsales.com
Joined: March 2020 Suppler: Equipment Sales/Rentals Sponsor: Chad Pierce, EXCEL Group About Momentum Rental & Sales: Momentum Rental & Sales was created to provide customers with superior service and product selection. We are a full-service facility that strives to provide you with the highest level of service – we stress safety and efficiency, and pride ourselves in getting you the lowest price possible on the best equipment available. Sun Coast Resources, Inc. Caressa Bateman 6405 Cavalcade Street, Building 1, Houston, TX 77026 800.677.3835 www.suncoastresources.com Joined: March 2020 Supplier: Fuels, Lubricants, Chemicals Sponsor: Wesley Littleton, 24HR Safety About Sun Coast Resources, Inc.: Sun Coast Resources, Inc. is one of the largest wholesale petroleum marketers in the nation. Licensed in over 40 states with 18 locations in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, they offer a vast array of products and services including: fuels, lubricants, chemicals, oil transportation, emergency response fuel services and much more. Sun Coast has the breadth and depth of products, equipment and resources to support your business’ needs. Champion Civil Services, LLC Michael LeBlanc 3185 Balis Drive, Suite 120, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 225.328.2767 www.championcivilservices.net Joined: April 2020 Contractor: Concrete Contractor Sponsor: Steve Moore, Moore Construction About Champion Civil Services, LLC: Champion Civil Services is a newly launched business that serves general and industrial contractors throughout the Southern United States. Their management team has nearly 60 years of industry experience, they go above and beyond what is expected to deliver exceptional concrete services every time. www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
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Fr om t he p r es i d en t
CONNECTING IN THE MIDST OF A CRISIS BY: DAVID HELVESTON, PELICAN CHAPTER, ABC The first word of our organization’s name is Associated. According to Webster’s Dictionary, associated means related, connected, or combined together. That word has taken on new meanings for me in this unprecedented time as the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite having less physical contact with others, I realize more and more how connected we all are. We cannot come together in person right now, which is one of the main functions of an association. Yet now more than ever, it’s important that we are unified as builders, contractors, suppliers, and industry professionals. One common commitment must be to the health and safety of our employees and communities. Safety is paramount in Louisiana’s construction industry and that priority does not waiver, especially during our response to the coronavirus. While the focus on safety remains at the forefront, the measures implemented are certainly different from normal operations: requiring temperature checks before entering job sites, abiding by social distancing guidelines, lowering headcounts on jobsites and shifting schedules to separate people, and providing additional wash stations. Another joint effort is ensuring that the construction industry continues to be recognized by federal, state, and local officials as an essential service that is necessary for the critical infrastructure of our communities. Guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) highlight the importance of industrial, commercial, and residential construction, even in times of crisis. Our association has been in constant discussions with Governor Edwards’ Administration since COVID-19 cases began growing in Louisiana. We’ve provided valuable information and answered industry-specific questions on the vital role of the construction industry. 47 www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
As we shift to working remotely, we each have our own unique challenges with our new arrangements. I’ve experienced connection issues with conference calls as the virtual meeting providers have been overwhelmed by surging volume. I’ve been amused and annoyed by callers who forget to press “mute.” I’ve missed my talented co-workers and the ease of walking down the hall for a quick conversation and face-to-face collaboration. My biggest personal challenge has been finding space from a curious twoyear old who wants to join all of her dad’s phone calls. When our nation fully returns to work, weeks or months from now, we will incorporate many of the lessons we learn from this time of crisis. The way that we choose to associate will undoubtably look different, but I believe that our unified association for the common good will remain as important as ever. Our nation will lean on the construction industry to be an economic engine that provides for its employees, their families, and their communities. The members of Associated Builders and Contractors will be there to lead the way.
Le gal gue st c o lu m n
PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS AND THE INDEMNIFICATION DANCE BY: JESS FREY, TAYLOR PORTER SPECIAL COUNSEL, TAYLOR PORTER LAW FIRM So, you are a contractor that provides services, or supplies goods, to chemical plants in the area. There is one chemical plant you have been targeting for months and hope to land it as your next big customer. Your team has worked hours putting together presentations, proposals and bids, and you just received a call from the customer letting you know that you have been awarded the contract. Time to celebrate, right? Well, not yet. The customer sends you its form of contract, which you forward to your legal department, and your legal department tells you that the indemnity provision is not acceptable. What do you do now? You start the indemnification dance. Chemical plants (and companies in other industries) that put time into developing their procurement contracts have a well-designed indemnity provision that is very favorable to the chemical plants. Generally, this indemnity provision states that the contractor assumes sole liability for all injuries to persons and damages to property in any way connected with the performance of the contract and the services by the contractor and its employees or agents, regardless of the Customer’s negligence, fault or their conduct or status that might subject them to strict liability under whatever theory. Your legal department’s reaction to this provision will be that the indemnification obligations your company is assuming under the contract are too broad. Your first step is to limit the indemnity provision to your company’s negligence. The customer should agree to limit your company’s indemnity obligations to its negligence, with one caveat. If the customer doesn’t, it is being unreasonable. The one caveat is the customer may insist that your company’s indemnity obligations for claims asserted by your company’s employees or agents should not be limited to your company’s negligence because the customer wants to align itself with the company for purposes of availing itself to the limitations on liability in the workers’ compensation statutes. If such claims are brought as negligence claims, the customer would not be able to take advantage of the limitations on liability in the workers’ compensation
statutes. Also, the customer would argue that it has no control over who your company hires as its employees, or engages as its agents, and thus your company should be fully responsible for claims made by these individuals. The customer’s position, and reasoning, regarding these claims as outlined in this paragraph are reasonable. Such claims should not be limited to your company’s negligence. Your next step, which is at least as important as the first step above, is to add an overall limitation on, or cap to limit, your company’s indemnification obligations under the contract. You should start by asking for a cap on all your company’s liabilities under the contract, which is referred to as a blanket cap. The customer will probably push back on capping all of your company’s liabilities. At that point, you should focus on capping the liabilities or risks that (1) are likely to occur, and (2) if they occur, are likely to have a material adverse effect on your company. Chemical plants generally agree to limit a service provider’s, or supplier’s, warranty obligations to the value of the purchase order giving rise to the damage. In my experience, chemical plants also generally agree to limit a service provider’s, or supplier’s, liability for damages to the chemical plant’s property. The reason a chemical plant should agree to limit your company’s liability for damages to its property is because the chemical plant is insured (or has made a conscious decision to self-insure) for such damages. But beyond that, it has been my experience that chemical plants will not agree to a cap on a contractor’s, or supplier’s, other liabilities. Chemical plants will push hard to carve liabilities for personal injuries, third party property damages, intellectual property damages and confidentiality obligations out of any cap you add to the contract. Unless you have the leverage, getting a chemical plant to cap these damages will be very difficult. Disclaimer & Privacy: This article is for general information purposes only. Information posted is not intended to be legal advice.
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Louis iana S tat e F i r e M a r s h al UPDA TE
CONTINUING CONSTRUCTION THROUGH COVID-19 BY: ASHLEY RODRIGUE, STATE FIRE MARSHAL PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR In these times of professional and personal uncertainty, the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) wants to reassure the construction industry of our partnership with you. Despite the statewide “stay home” order issued by Gov. John Bel Edwards, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the list of critical infrastructure businesses allowed to continue includes “construction, including but not limited to, construction required in response to this public health emergency, hospital construction, construction of long-term care facilities, public works construction, and housing construction,” according to an addendum to the order issued by the governor’s office. Also on that list includes the occupation of construction engineers as well as functions including building management and maintenance. Because your role in keeping our economies moving forward in the physical sense is so important, the SFM is maintaining several functions to continue to help you. Those functions include still receiving and processing all plan review projects pending and/or submitted to our office. The plan review division is also assisting local building officials with issues related to LSUCC enforcement and permitting. In the field, our enforcement deputies are continuing to conduct final inspections on your completed construction projects, as well as courtesy midconstruction visits to assist you through your ongoing work. Our deputies are also responding to critical issues, otherwise known as red tag, with life safety 49 www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
and property protection systems (fire sprinklers, fire alarms, etc.) that we are alerted to through our impairment system. On the topic of life safety and property protection (LSPP) systems, those businesses and individuals, licensed by our agency, are also considered critical infrastructure businesses and are still conducting code-required inspections on those systems, whether in new construction or an existing building. Please comply with, and advise any business owners you work with and/or for, to continue to comply with those inspection requirements as well. Our Special Services staff still continues to receive and analyze new and renewal licensing applications for LSPP, amusement and firework/pyrotechnic industries. And any inspections of boiler systems on the books are being completed. The SFM stands with you to keep Louisiana’s economic infrastructure moving forward in anticipation of the day COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our health, safety, and quality of life. Thank you for what you do!
January 09: Installation Banquet 23: BRTC Fall Graduation February 13: Young Professionals Kick-Off 13-14: Critical Issues Summit with AGC 20: SWTC FFA District Competition 20: Merit Mixer: TOPGOLF 17-20: BRTC Blood Drive March 03: BRTC Open House 05: SWTC FFA Area Competition & Jambalaya Cookoff 13: Spring Golf Tournament 21: CANCELED: Touch A Truck with Junior League April 02: CANCELED: BRTC HS Craft Competition 09: POSTPONED: ICC/Membership Breakfast 21: CANCELED: ABC of LA Legislative Day at the Capitol 21: ABC of LA Legislative Reception May 07: BR Crawfish Boil 14-16: ABC of LA Fishing Rodeo 27: NEW DATE: YP Lunch 28: NEW DATE: SW Crawfish Boil
June 14-18: ABC Legislative Week in D.C. 18: POSTPONED: BRTC Spring Graduation 26: SW Brunch & Learn XX: SWTC Spring Graduation July 14: EIC 101 15: YP Luncheon 29-31: ABC of LA State Convention August 06: Uncommon Leadership Kickoff 17-19: NEW DATE: ABC National Convention (EIC Awards Gala, National Craft Competition) September 18: SW Fishing Tournament 28: Fall Golf Classic October X: Update on Labor & Employment Law 16: Annual Clay Shoot 22: BRTC Build Your Future Day XX: SWTC Build Your Future Day November XX: BRTC Craft Competition XX: CFMA/ABC Construction Forum December 09: Excellence in Construction Awards
19251 Highland Road • Baton Rouge, LA 70809 • 225.752.1415 • 225.751.9470 222 Walcot Road • Westlake, LA 70669 • 337.882-0204 • 337.882.6757 Register for events at www.abcpelican.org or by contacting Macie at mmorgan@abcpelican.com www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
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A LOOK AHEAD FOR OUR 2020 YPS BY: KATIE ROUTH, DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION At the close of 2019, our Young Professionals membership had reached a total of 85 members, up from 64 in 2018. Three months into 2020, our numbers are continuing to rise as we have already hit a membership total of 86 Young Professionals and continue to accept additional Contractor member registrations. A 2018 strategic initiative of the Pelican Chapter was to increase engagement amongst the young professionals within our membership. Not only has the participation from contractor members increased, but in 2018, the ABC Pelican Young Professionals Executive Committee made the decision to open-up membership to non-contractor member young professionals; historically, the YP Group was closed to contractor members only. Although the non-contractor members are required to submit nominations and are reviewed by the YP executive committee for approval to join, we have seen great interest from this sector of membership! As we continue to encourage involvement amongst the young professionals, we have also continued to develop new, exciting, fun and educational opportunities for this group. As you may have seen in the Winter 2019 newsletter, this group participated in several volunteer events, heard from past and present Board Chairmen and learned that we need them to stay engaged as we continue to pursue the mission and vision of ABC Pelican. These up and coming young leaders are the future of ABC and the construction industry. So what do we have in store for 2020?
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As announced at the Young Professionals Kick-Off event at the Mid-City Beer Garden on Government Street, the 2020 Young Professionals group will be offered the following opportunities (barring any additional cancellation caused by the COVID-19 outbreak). •Leadership Panel Luncheon – May 27 @ Baton Rouge Training Center (again, as mentioned, this event will only take place if deemed safe enough to do so) •Young Professionals Reception – July 29 @ Hilton SanDestin – ABC of Louisiana State Convention •Young Professionals/Past Presidents Council Meet & Greet – September 9 @ Baton Rouge Country Club •LSU Construction Management Fundraiser Volunteer Event – October 16th @ TBD •End of Year Young Professionals [Presentation & Social] – Date/Location TBD *Dodgeball Tournament – Date and location TBD. Details coming soon *Stay tuned for additional events and volunteer opportunities We thank our membership for your commitment to passing the torch to the next generation of leadership within ABC and the construction industry by keeping your Young Professionals engaged and informed. We look forward to the year ahead. For more information on joining ABC Pelican Young Professionals, contact krouth@abcpelican.com or visit our website, www.abcpelican.org/youngprofessionals.
Gov e rn m e nta l R el at i o n s U p date c o n tin ue d fro m page 8 hospital construction, construction of long-term care facilities, public works construction, and housing construction •Construction Engineers •Building management and maintenance The additional examples also included Critical Trades: Building and Construction Tradesmen and Tradeswomen, and other trades including but not limited to: •Plumbers •Electricians •Exterminators •Cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties •Operating engineers •HVAC •Painting •Moving and relocation services ABC has been in constant discussions with Governor Edwards’ Administration since COVID-19 cases began growing in Louisiana. We’ve provided valuable information and answered industry specific questions regarding the essential role of the construction industry during this outbreak. State Legislative Response On March 16, 2020 after meeting with medical professionals, fellow legislators, and other state officials, Senate President Page Cortez and Speaker of the House of Representatives Clay Schexnayder, decided to temporarily adjourn the 2020 Regular Legislative Session until March 31, 2020. Medical professionals anticipated that rapid growth could put a strain on health care access and facilities. That rapid growth is best curbed by social distancing. With that in mind, the decision to temporarily adjourn was made. “The public health crisis at hand has placed the legislature in unchartered waters,” said President Cortez. “With every decision we make, we are balancing the health and welfare of our citizens, staff, and legislators with our constitutional responsibilities. At this time, we believe it is in the best interest of our state to temporarily adjourn the session.” Legislators have been directed by Senate and House leadership to contact those stakeholders and citizens who have requested bills to update them on the status of the session.
session are important, nothing is more important than the safety and welfare of each and every Louisiana citizen,” added Speaker Schexnayder. “The President and I have been in constant communication about what is best for the state and at this point, the best course of action is to adjourn temporarily and come back ready to work when the risk has diminished.” The President and the Speaker continue to encourage everyone to take the proactive steps recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect the health of themselves and those around them and remind constituents that social distancing and immediate testing for symptomatic individuals are the best tools to slow down the spread of the virus. Legislative leadership will continue to diligently monitor the spread of COVID-19 and its impact on the state. The President and the Speaker will be in constant communication regarding future decisions concerning the legislative session. Federal Response President Trump recently signed the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. This sweeping, $2 trillion coronavirus relief package will provide immediate assistance to many Americans, small businesses and major industries during the ongoing pandemic. Below are the major takeaways from ABC National on the bill’s small business and tax provisions Paycheck Protection Program Overview: The bill authorizes $2 trillion in federal funding for programs to support our nation’s hospitals and businesses, and the most critical of these programs for ABC and our members (a majority of which are small businesses) is the Paycheck Protection Program that authorizes $349 billion in forgivable loans from the Small Business Administration. PPP loans must be made during the period prior to June 30, 2020.
The bill defines eligibility for these loans as a small business, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a 501(c)(19) veteran’s organization, or Tribal business concern described in section 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act with not more than 500 employees, or the applicable size standard for the industry as provided by SBA, if higher. It also includes sole-proprietors, independent contractors, and other self-employed individuals as eligible for loans and allows businesses with more than one physical All involved are encouraged to work together via telephone location that employs no more than 500 employees per and e-mail to finalize potential issues with legislation so that physical location in certain industries, mainly franchise and those issues can be addressed when the legislature convenes food services, to be eligible. CONTINUED ON PAGE 53 again. “While the matters being considered at the legislative www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
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Gov e rn m e nta l R el at i o n s U p date c o n tin ue d fro m page 8 The bill requires eligible borrowers to make a good faith certification that the loan is necessary due to the uncertainty of current economic conditions caused by COVID-19, and that they will use the funds to retain workers and maintain payroll, lease, and utility payments; and are not receiving duplicative funds for the same uses from another SBA program. PPP Loans: PPP loans can be as large as 250% of a business’s average monthly payroll costs over the last 12 months, however, the maximum loan amount under this program is $10 million through December 31, 2020. It also specifies allowable uses of the loan to include payroll support, such as employee salaries, paid sick or medical leave, insurance premiums, and mortgage, rent, and utility payments. PPP loans are made by SBA-certified lenders (over 800 financial institutions currently), in all 50 states, through delegated authority from the SBA. In addition, the SBA Administrator and Secretary of Treasury may further authorize additional lenders to join the program, as needed. SBA-certified lenders simply need to verify that a small business was in operation on February 15, 2020, and paid employee salaries and payroll taxes or paid independent contractors, as reported on Form 1099- MISC, for eligibility in the PPP. The SBA is required to issue regulations on the application process within 15 days after the enactment of the CARES Act, and ABC will be sure to provide updates on any agency guidance that comes out. Loan Forgiveness: Principal amounts on PPP loans, for the first 8-week period from when the PPP Loan is made, may be forgiven, if loan funds are used to cover payroll costs, interest payments on mortgages (not including prepayments or principal), rent and utilities. The amount of a PPP loan that may be forgiven cannot exceed the principal amount of the loan. The amount forgiven will be reduced proportionally by any reduction in employees retained compared to the prior year and reduced by the reduction in pay of any employee beyond 25 percent of their prior year compensation. To encourage employers to rehire any employees who have already been laid off due to the COVID-19 crisis, borrowers that re-hire workers previously laid off will not be penalized for having a reduced payroll at the beginning of the period.
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Tax Provisions: Other critical provisions in the bill include tax provisions that will help businesses maintain liquidity through this national crisis. •Retention Tax Credit. Creates a refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by employers to employees during the COVID-19 crisis. •Qualifying Employers are those whose (1) operations were fully or partially suspended, due to a COVID-19-related shut- down order, or (2) gross receipts declined by more than 50 percent when compared to the same quarter in the prior year. •For employers with greater than 100 full-time employees, qualified wages are wages paid to employees when they are not providing services due to the COVID-19-related circumstances described above. •For eligible employers with 100 or fewer full-time employees, all employee wages qualify for the credit, whether the employer is open for business or subject to a shut-down order. •The credit is capped at $10,000/quarter per employee, including health benefits paid. •The credit is provided for wages paid or incurred from 3/13/2020 through 12/31/2020. •Delay of payment of employer payroll taxes. Payment would be due over the course of two years with half due 12/31/2021 and the balance due 12/31/2022. •Modification for net operating losses (NOL). This provision would allow five-year carryback for 2018, 2019, and 2020 tax years, respectively. Louisiana Business Resources Gov. Edwards and Secretary Pierson of Louisiana Economic Development have established an LED help desk that provides email and hotline support for Louisiana businesses impacted by COVID-19. Email, hotline support from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; more resources at: www.opportunitylouisiana.com/covid19 For COVID-19 business questions, LED may be reached at LEDbiz@la.gov or via the toll-free hotline, (833) 457-0531. The COVID-19 hotline is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Be aware that high call volumes might result in delays. Callers are encouraged to keep trying, leave a voice mail or contact LED via email.
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business? The Department of Homeland Security has issued guidance as to what may be considered an essential critical infrastructure workforce. While this list is advisory in nature, and not considered to be a federal law or standard, it provides some direction as to the workers and businesses that may be considered critical. Healthcare and public health workers of various types are described on the list, as well as law enforcement, public safety and first responders. Certain workers in the food and agriculture industry are listed, as well as certain workers in the energy, utility, transportation, communication, information technology, manufacturing, financial services and other related sectors. More information can be found at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security: www.cisa.gov.
expenses could also make filing insurance claims more expedient.
Can I terminate my employees? Generally, you are not prohibited from terminating at-will employees for a legitimate business reason, so long as you comply with all generally applicable employment laws, including the WARN Act and COBRA. You must also timely pay the employees all wages, compensation, commissions and accrued benefits that are owed as of the date of termination. However, Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) includes an anti-retaliation provision which prevents the employer from discharging, disciplining, or in any way discriminating against an employee who takes leave under the Act or seeks to enforce the Act against his or her employer. And, under the legislation, an employer cannot require employees to find a replacement worker or require them to use other paid time off.
How do I know if I am a critical infrastructure worker? The Department of Homeland Security has issued guidance as to what may be considered the essential critical infrastructure workforce. While this list is advisory in nature, and not considered to be a federal law or standard, it provides some direction as to what workers and businesses may be considered critical. Healthcare and public health workers of various types are described on the list, as well as law enforcement, public safety and first responders. Certain workers in the food and agriculture industry are listed, as well as certain workers in the energy, utility, transportation, communication, information technology, manufacturing, financial services and other related sectors. More information can be found at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Homeland Security: www.cisa.gov.
Can I take a hardship distribution from my retirement plan or IRA to cover COVID-19 issues? The proposed Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES ACT), as currently drafted, has certain provisions intended to allow individuals impacted by COVID-19 more access to funds via retirement plan hardship and loan rules. These revisions have not yet been passed by Congress, but we are continuing to monitor the draft legislation.
Can a law be suspended in an emergency? According to guidance[1] published by the Louisiana Attorney General, the Louisiana Constitution vests the Louisiana Legislature with the authority to suspend laws via joint resolution. Have legal deadlines been extended? Under Proclamation Number JBE 2020-30, issued on March 16, 2020, by Governor John Bel Edwards, all legal deadlines have been suspended until April 13, 2020. This includes all liberative prescription and preemptive periods applicable to legal proceedings, as well as tax legal proceedings, and legal proceedings of administrative agencies and boards.
What about school testing, accountability and assessment requirements? The provisions of state law and regulation that mandate annual administration of testing by public and private schools have generally been suspended for the 2019-2020 school year. See Proclamation Number JBE 2020-32 on March 19, 2020, by Governor John Bel Edwards, for more information. _______________________________________ INSURANCE Should I track my COVID-19 costs and expenses Will my business interruption insurance cover my business separately? losses from COVID-19? Business and individuals should consider tracking their costs and expenses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic The answer to that question depends upon the specific language of your business interruption insurance policy, as separately from ordinary costs and expenses. Because of well as how the courts eventually sort out the facts of any the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic as a national COVID-19-specific factors. If your business interruption emergency, federal funds, including monies from FEMA insurance only covers losses incurred as a result of actual and other federal sources, may be available at some point in the future, and separate accounting could help ease your “physical damage� or similar language, some insurance application for such resources. Additionally, tracking such carriers may take the position that the closing of a business CONTINUED ON PAGE 55
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as a result of precautionary measures by the state or federal government is not covered, without any actual physical damage. However, a court may find that because the COVID-19 virus could be present on the surfaces of business equipment and facilities for several days, such could constitute “physical damage” and trigger insurance coverage. Additionally, other forms of business insurance may also be implicated in such a case. We recommend you have your policy reviewed by an experienced insurance attorney to help you determine what factors may be at issue with your specific insurance coverage.
of sick leave and emergency leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act? Yes, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act establishes certain employment tax credits for employers to cover amounts paid to employees for emergency paid sick leave and emergency leave for child care. Section 7001 and Section 7003 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act provide more information. Employers can offset their qualified sick leave and qualified Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) leave payments against their federal employment tax deposits, including income tax withholdings and employment tax withholdings (employee Is insurance an “essential” part of the workforce? portion) and the employer match tax. The refund procedure The Department of Homeland Security has issued guidance for when the qualified sick leave and qualified FMLA leave as to what may be considered the essential critical payments exceed the 941 taxes is not yet finalized, but the infrastructure workforce. While this list is advisory in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expects to process these nature, and not considered to be a federal law or standard, it refunds in two weeks or less. Self-employed individuals provides some direction as to what workers and businesses can receive an equivalent credit. With respect to the FMLA may be considered critical. With respect to financial small business exemption (fewer than 50 employees), services, the guidance indicates that the following may be the IRS states that the exemption will be available on the considered essential critical infrastructure workers: basis of simple and clear criteria that make it available Workers who are needed to process and maintain systems in circumstances involving jeopardy to the viability of a for processing financial transactions and services (e.g., business as a going concern. payment, clearing, and settlement; wholesale funding; insurance services; and capital markets activities) Are there tax credits available for self-employed More information can be found at the Cybersecurity and individuals? Infrastructure Security Agency of the Department of Yes, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Homeland Security: www.cisa.gov. certain refundable tax credits are available for self-employed ________________________________________ individuals against the self-employment tax. Generally, TAXES these credits cover all of a self-employed individual’s sick Has the April 15th deadline for federal taxes been extended leave equivalent amount, or 67% of the individual’s sick for individuals? leave equivalent amount if the individual is taking care of Yes. The deadline for both income tax filings and payments a sick family member or child following the child’s school has been pushed back from April 15, 2020, until July 15, closing for up to 10 days. See Section 7002 of the Families 2020. Suggestion: Even though payment is being extended, First Coronavirus Response Act for more information. if you are not a W-2 employee and must pay estimated tax, this is just a loan from the IRS. If you have the money, pay Have the deadlines for unemployment taxes been extended? the normal quarterly payments. If you are expecting a tax Yes, the payment deadline has been extended but not refund, however, the IRS is encouraging you to file your the filing deadline. On March 19, 2020, the Louisiana return as soon as possible in order to receive your refund Workforce Commission (LWC) announced a deferral sooner. for payment of first quarter state unemployment taxes. Employers will still be required to make appropriate filings Has the April 15th deadline for federal taxes been extended by April 30, 2020, but any payments associated with for businesses? unemployment taxes will be deferred until June 30, 2020. Yes. The deadline for both income tax filings and payments In the announcement, LWC also clarified that an employer’s has been pushed back from April 15, 2020, until July 15, unemployment insurance experience tax rate will not be 2020. This is an automatic extension and no extension impacted by claims related to COVID-19. request is necessary. No penalties or interest will be assessed provided that the return and payment are submitted to the Has the deadline been extended for sales and use taxes? Department of Revenue by the July 15, 2020 extension date. The February 2020 sales tax returns and payments were originally due on March 20, 2020. The filing and payment Are there tax credits available with respect to the provision deadline for the February 2020 sales tax period is extended 55 www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
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to May 20, 2020. This is an automatic extension and no extension request is necessary. The Louisiana Department of Revenue will waive delinquency penalties and compromise interest associated with delinquent sales tax remittances as long as the return and payment are received by the extended due date of May 20, 2020. Taxpayers cannot utilize the Parish E-File or Sales Tax Online filing systems to take advantage of this filing and payment extension relief. Sales tax returns and payments must be submitted via LaTAP or by paper filing. All electronic filing and payment mandates contained within Title 61 of the Louisiana Administrative Code relative to sales tax are temporarily suspended. No penalties will be assessed for a taxpayer’s failure to file a sales tax return electronically or remit sales tax by electronic funds transfer. ________________________________________ PUBLIC BODIES Have the attendance and quorum requirements of public bodies changed in light of COVID-19? According to the guidance[3] published by the Louisiana Attorney General, the answer is yes and no. The quorum requirements applicable to public bodies (as defined by La. R.S. 42:13), remain in effect, and a quorum of members must be present to conduct business, as required by the Open Meetings Law (La. R.S. 42:11, et seq.). Members are generally not permitted to attend public meetings remotely via teleconference or video conference. However, Proclamation Number JBE 2020-30 on March 16, 2020, by Governor John Bel Edwards, purports to allow all state agencies, boards, commissions and local political subdivisions of the state to permit attendance at essential governmental meetings via teleconference or video conference during the pendency of the COVID-19 emergency. All other provisions of the Open Meetings Law remain in effect, including the quorum requirements and the requirement to prepare written minutes of the proceedings, which must be made available to the public within a reasonable time after the meeting. For more information, see Proclamation Number JBE 2020-30, March 16, 2020, Governor John Bel Edwards. Are notice requirements applicable in an emergency? In an extraordinary emergency, written public notice shall not be required, according to the guidance[4] published by the Louisiana Attorney General, although the public body should give notice as it deems appropriate and circumstances permit. However, if the public body is conducting a meeting via teleconference or video conference, under Section 4 of Proclamation Number JBE 2020-30, March 16, 2020, by Governor John Bel Edwards, the public body shall provide reasonable notice in the form of a written certification that the public body will otherwise be unable to operate due to the quorum requirements. This
certification must be posted in the same manner, place and time as it would post a normal agenda, in compliance with La. R.S. 42:19. For more information, see Proclamation Number JBE 2020-30, March 16, 2020, Governor John Bel Edwards. Can a public body enter executive session and restrict attendance? Under La. R.S. 42:16-17, a public body is allowed to hold an executive session and restrict attendance upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the constituent members present at a duly noticed and held open meeting. Executive session may be held for the specific reasons enumerated in La. R.S. 42:17, including matters of extraordinary emergencies such as the threat of an epidemic. For more information, see Memorandum Re: Additional Open Meetings Guidance in light of COVID-19; Jeff Landry, Attorney General; March 19, 2020. Do the public comment requirements change during an emergency? No, according to guidance[5] published by the Louisiana Attorney General. La. R.S. 42:14 requires public bodies to allow a public comment period before acting on an agenda item upon which a vote is to be taken. Reasonable rules and restrictions are allowed regarding such comment periods, such as limiting the amount of time for each speaker, or limiting the number of people in a meeting room to comply with Proclamation Number JBE 2020-30, March 16, 2020, Governor John Bel Edwards. For more information, see Memorandum Re: Additional Open Meetings Guidance in light of COVID-19; Jeff Landry, Attorney General; March 19, 2020. Are public bid laws suspended? The Louisiana Public Bid Law (La. R.S. 38:221, et seq.) and its corresponding rules and regulations relating to deadlines for advertisement for bids and public works contracts are suspended during the COVID-19 emergency. The provisions of La. R.S. 39:124 through 126 regarding periodic meetings and/or inspection of capital outlay projects and prior approval of change orders are also suspended. See Proclamation Number JBE 2020-32, March 19, 2020, Governor John Bel Edwards, for more information. [1] Memorandum Re: Additional Open Meetings Guidance in light of COVID-19; Jeff Landry, Attorney General; March 19, 2020. [2] Revenue Information Bulletin No. 20-009, March 23, 2020, Louisiana Department of Revenue. [3] Memorandum Re: Additional Open Meetings Guidance in light of COVID-19; Jeff Landry, Attorney General; March 19, 2020. [4] Memorandum Re: Additional Open Meetings Guidance in light of COVID-19; Jeff Landry, Attorney General; March 19, 2020. [5] Memorandum Re: Additional Open Meetings Guidance in light of COVID-19; Jeff Landry, Attorney General; March 19, 2020. www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
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PELICAN CHAPTER STAFF
AT TH E TI M E O F P UB LICAT ION , OUR a d mi n o f f i ce & tra in in g ca m puse s a r e cl o s e d TO COM PLY WIT H T H E S TAY AT H O M E O R D ER & t o e n sure a ll r e m a i n s a f e . E MA IL IS T H E BEST WAY T O G ET I N TO U CH W IT H US AT T H IS T IM E. IF YO U A R E O N A COM M IT T EE, E M A IL YOUR S TA F F l i a i s o ns A B OUT UPCOM IN G Co mm i tte e M EET IN GS. CHAPTER OPERATIONS (225) 752-1415 David Helveston President & CEO
dhelveston@abcpelican.com
Macie Morgan Member Relations Coordinator
mmorgan@abcpelican.com
Katie Routh Director of Administration krouth@abcpelican.com
Lindsey Russ Director of Member Services lruss@abcpelican.com Erika Walter Director of Communications ewalter@abcpelican.com Anna Zebeau Director of Membership azebeau@abcpelican.com
FINANCE (225) 752-1415 Janie Arceneaux Director of Finance
jarceneaux@abcpelican.com
Kathy Serwan Senior Accountant
kswerwan@abcpelican.com
Mikah Armstrong Finance Assistant
marmstrong@abcpelican.com
BATON ROUGE TRAINING CENTER (225) 752-0088 Kacie Blanchard Associate Director of Workforce Support
Danielle Labbe Director of Workforce Development kblanchard@abcpelican.com dlabbe@abcpelican.com Tiffany Buuck Alexis Montelius Administration Administration tbuuck@abcpelican.com amontelius@abcpelican.com Kelly Carpenter Director of Education
kcarpenter@abcpelican.com
SOUTHWEST TRAINING CENTER (337) 882-0204 Kirby Bruchhaus Director of Education
Justina T Montgomery Administration jthomas@abcpelican.com
Christina Domingue Administration
Blaise Theard Workforce Development Specialist btheard@abcpelican.com
kbruchhaus@abcpelican.com
cfrederick@abcpelican.com
Ivelynn Soileau Administration ifuselier@abcpelican.com 55 www.abcpelican.org/newsletter
20 20 UPCO MIN G C O MMITTE E MEETINGS AP RIL
Member Services Wednesday, April 8 8:30 a.m. HELD VIRTUALLY mmorgan@abcpelican.com Health, Safety & Environment Thursday, April 9 7:30 a.m. HELD VIRTUALLY kblanchard@abcpelican.com Education & Manpower Thursday, April 9 2:00 p.m. HELD VIRTUALLY kblanchard@abcpelican.com CANCELED: SW Steering Tuesday, April 14 Membership Growth Wednesday, April 15 8:00 a.m. VIA TELECONFERENCE azebeau@abcpelican.com Budget & Finance Wednesday, April 15 4:00 p.m. ABC Board Room jarceneaux@abcpelican.com
M ay
SW Steering Tuesday, May 12 11:30 a.m. SW Training Center btheard@abcpelican.com Member Services Wednesday, May 13 8:30 a.m. LOCATION TBD mmorgan@abcpelican.com Health, Safety & Environment Thursday, May 14 7:30 a.m. BR Training Center kblanchard@abcpelican.com Education & Manpower Thursday, May 14 2:00 p.m. BR Training Center kblanchard@abcpelican.com Membership Growth Wednesday, May 20 8:00 a.m. VIA TELECONFERENCE azebeau@abcpelican.com Budget & Finance Wednesday, May 20 4:00 p.m. ABC Board Room jarceneaux@abcpelican.com
J un e
SW Steering Tuesday, June 9 11:30 a.m. SW Training Center btheard@abcpelican.com
Member Services Wednesday, June 10 8:30 a.m. ABC Board Room mmorgan@abcpelican.com
Budget & Finance Wednesday, July 22 4:00 p.m. ABC Board Room jarceneaux@abcpelican.com
Health, Safety & Environment Thursday, June 11 7:30 a.m. BR Training Center kblanchard@abcpelican.com
ICC Monday, July 27 12:00 p.m. ABC Board Room
Education & Manpower Thursday, June 11 2:00 p.m. BR Training Center kblanchard@abcpelican.com Membership Growth Wednesday, June 17 8:00 a.m. VIA TELECONFERENCE azebeau@abcpelican.com Budget & Finance Wednesday, June 17 4:00 p.m. ABC Board Room jarceneaux@abcpelican.com ICC Monday, June 22 12:00 p.m. ABC Board Room ABC Pelican BOD Meeting Tuesday, June 23 3:30 p.m. ABC Board Room krouth@abcpelican.com ABC-LA Govt Affairs Call Tuesday, June 30 3:30 p.m. ewalter@abcpelican.com
J uly
Member Services Wednesday, July 8 8:30 a.m. ABC Board Room lruss@abcpelican.com Health, Safety & Environment Thursday, July 9 7:30 a.m. BR Training Center kblanchard@abcpelican.com Education & Manpower Thursday, July 9 2:00 p.m. BR Training Center kblanchard@abcpelican.com SW Steering Tuesday, July 14 11:30 a.m. SW Training Center btheard@abcpelican.com Membership Growth Wednesday, July 15 8:00 a.m. VIA TELECONFERENCE azebeau@abcpelican.com
ABC Pelican BOD Meeting *Joint with ABC Bayou Wednesday, July 28 3:30 p.m. Hilton SanDestin krouth@abcpelican.com
A ugust
SW Steering Tuesday, August 11 11:30 a.m. SW Training Center btheard@abcpelican.com Member Services Wednesday, August 12 8:30 a.m. ABC Board Room lruss@abcpelican.com Health, Safety & Environment Thursday, August 13 7:30 a.m. BR Training Center Kblanchard@abcpelican.com Education & Manpower Thursday, August 13 2:00 p.m. BR Training Center kblanchard@abcpelican.com Membership Growth Wednesday, August 19 8:00 a.m. VIA TELECONFERENCE azebeau@abcpelican.com Budget & Finance Wednesday, August 19 4:00 p.m. ABC Board Room Jarceneaux@abcpelican.com ICC Monday, August 24 12:00 p.m. ABC Board Room
Se pte m b er
SW Steering Tuesday, September 8 11:30 a.m. SW Training Center btheard@abcpelican.com Member Services Wednesday, September 9 8:30AM ABC Board Room lruss@abcpelican.com Health, Safety & Environment Thursday, September 10 7:30 a.m. BR Training Center kblanchard@abcpelican.com
Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders and Contractors 19251 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
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19251 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70809
225.752.0088
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