Spring 2022 Newsletter

Merit Shop Message | Spring 2022

MERIT SHOP MESSAGE Spring 2022

BUILDING THE FUTURE WORKFORCE Inside this issue ABC National Convention

Page 5

Build Your Future

Page 11

Touch A Truck

Page 18

Governmental Update

Page 21

Women in Construction

Page 28

Baton Rouge Crawfish Boil

Page 31

Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders & Contractors ABC Pelican is one of 69 chapters of a national construction industry trade association representing more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy in 1980, the Pelican Chapter helps our members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably, and for the betterment of the communities in which we work.

Merit Shop is a way of doing business in which companies reward employees based on performance and encourage them to reach their highest level of achievement, and in which contracts are awarded based on safety, quality and value, regardless of labor affiliation.

BOOMNATION.COM/ABC

Finally, a space where employers and skilled workers connect to find jobs and opportunities.

Bridge the gap between skilled workers and employers

Market jobs exclusively to a community of skilled workers

Hire the Best Skilled Workers in the Business, Fast. Contact Us Today!

Skilled Worker Platform The BoomNation mobile app (“Member App”) is a platform where workers can apply to industry specific jobs, promote their skills through a detailed profile builder and network with other workers across various industries.

Communicate directly with qualified skilled workers and candidates

Employer Platform

Organize job applicants and track your hiring process

The BoomNation desktop app (“Hiring App”) allows hiring managers to access BoomNation’s membership database for custom job fulfillment needs through an applicant tracking system. Employers can streamline the process of credential

Post jobs quickly to a community of skilled workers

verfication upon review of the candidate’s application.

SALES@BOOMNATION.COM

BOOMNATION.COM/ABC

MERIT SHOP MESSAGE SPRING 2022

Editorial/Design Macie Morgan Writers & Contributors LWCC LSFM Janie Arceneaux Carson DeLarue David Helveston Brenna LeMaire Josh Rounds

Table of Contents

A Letter from the Chair 3 ABC National Convention 5 Build Your Future Day 11 Letter from the President 15 Touch A Truck 18 Governmental Relations Update 21 Annual Spring Golf Tournament 25 Women in Construction Week 28 Baton Rouge Crawfish Boil 31 LSFM Update 33 Casino Night Merit Mixer 36 LWCC Update 37 New Members 39

CONNECT WITH US!

abcpelican abcpelican abcpelican abcpelican

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Ben Brown Josh Rounds Turner Industries Performance Contractors Beau Leitner Chair Elect Doyle Electric Bryan Knost Wood Group Adam Landry PALA - Interstate Secretary Scott Callaway Scott McKnight Cajun Industries BXS Insurance Treasurer Lauren Champagne Ryan Girouard EXCEL Group Hancock Whitney Bank Wes Mincin Vice Chair Education Performance Contractors Lance Arvel EXCEL Group Andrew Thompson ISC Constructors Vice Chair Membership Growth Ben Fromenthal Seth Lemoine Great River Industries LEMOINE Michelle Hardy Vice Chair Member Services Turner Industries John Freeman Brown & Root Danny Campbell Triad Electric & Controls Vice Chair Governmental Relations Alternate Board Members: John Cassagne Lance Glaseer MMR Group Performance Contractors Vice Chair Outlying Area Legal Counsel: Donnie Braud Murphy J. Foster, III L.S. Womack Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP Immediate Past Chair Shawn Worsham Worley

Editorial/Subscription/Advertising mmorgan@abcpelican.com 2

ALL EYES ON 2022 A letter from the 2022 ABC Pelican Chairman

by: JOSH ROUNDS, PERFORMANCE CONTRACTORS All eyes on 2022 and beyond! It feels good to put the last two years behind us and get back to normalcy. There is no doubt ABC Pelican and all our companies have faced many challenges over the past few years. We have faced these challenges and overcome them, and we are excited for the future. Many new initiatives are being discussed and will soon be presented, vetted, developed and deployed making ABC Pelican more effective and stronger than ever before.

It has been a busy season at ABC Pelican. Events and training are in full swing at both Pelican Chapter offices and training centers. ABC Pelican hosted its first event of 2022, the Casino Night Merit Mixer. All attendees enjoyed their time and the friendly competition. The always popular Spring Golf Tournament was a complete sell out and a fun day on the green. A few ABC Pelican board members and staff attended the ABC National Convention in San Antonio. ABC Pelican’s Baton Rouge Training Center took home three National Craft Competition Awards and ABC Pelican member companies took home 17 National Excellence in Construction (EIC) awards!

In March, both training centers held their 2022 Build Your Future Days. If you do not know, this is a day for high school aged students to learn from industry professionals about the careers in construction through hands-on activities and demonstrations. The Baton Rouge Training Center partnered with ABC Bayou to host the Baton Rouge Build Your Future on March 10th where Approximately 700 local high school students and 40 member companies attended. The Southwest Training Center hosted its Build Your Future Day on March 28th and it was the largest one to date with over 700 students and 20 exhibitors, students from local high schools were able to get a feel of what a career in the construction industry would be like.

Currently, the construction industry is facing a nationwide workforce shortage of 650,000 (up 66% since 2021), and days like Build Your Future Day are vital in helping to decrease this number. Educating these students on potential higher ed opportunities other than a four-year college degree is essential to building upon the number of professionals in the 3

next generation of our industry.

Now more than ever, training centers like ABC are vital for the future of the construction industry.

ABC Pelican Training Centers currently have approximately 1,000 students in both the Baton Rouge and Southwest Training Centers. In June, 275 students will graduate and start their careers in the industry.

I recently visited the Baton Rouge Training center and was able to meet many of the students and have great conversations with the instructors.

It was refreshing to hear the passion in the instructors’ voices when they spoke about the young women and men learning our industry. I want to encourage you to stop by and see firsthand all the wonderful training going on at the ABC Pelican Training Center. Your feedback to myself and the instructors whether positive or negative is welcomed and appreciated. A schedule of classes can be found online.

Lastly, I want all members of ABC Pelican to know how honored I am to Chair the Board of Directors this year and I promise to serve this great association to the best of my abilities. It’s been a wonderful first quarter and many more exciting things are on the horizon. ABC Pelican’s Board is energetic, ambitious, and looking forward to making things happen in 2022!

NEED MORE DRIVERS? RECRUIT FROM WITHIN

COMPLETE READYDRIVER ANYTIME, ANYWHERE! THE COURSE PROVIDES YOUR ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVERS A FAST, CONVENIENT WAY TO PREPARE FOR CLASS A CDL PERMIT EXAMS THROUGH INTERACTIVE LESSONS, A STUDY GUIDE AND PRACTICE EXAMS.

Learn more at readydriver.org/business or call (877) 778-0607

ABC PELICAN STUDENTS AND MEMBER COMPANIES RECEIVE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION HONORS BY: MACIE MORGAN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER | MARCH 2022 In March, ABC Pelican members and students headed to San Antonio, Texas for ABC’s 2022 National Convention. The week was full of catching up, competitions and recognition of the best projects in the country. ABC Pelican members, students and representatives won a total of 20 awards at the annual convention, including, 17 awards for worldclass construction projects and three awards for craft work.

The National Craft Competition allows craft professionals to display their exceptional craft skills, technical knowledge, and safety practices. ABC Pelican students tested their knowledge and handson abilities against students from around the nation in electrical, instrumentation, millwright, pipefitting, and welding.

The Pelican craft students took home three awards for their craft work in instrumentation and millwright. Billy Boyd (ISC) placed first in instrument fitting, Elijah Ashcraft (Turner Industries) placed second in millwright and Trey Joseph (Turner Industries) placed third in millwright.

These ABC Pelican students competed in the 2022 National Craft Competition: • Pipe welding: Bailey Spillers (Turner Industries), Chance Hay (Brown & Root Industrial Services), Ashley Stewart (Performance Contractors)

“These 17 outstanding construction projects, executed by local contractors, meet the prestigious standards set by this industry’s premier competition,” said David Helveston, President and CEO of ABC Pelican. “But more importantly, these projects build a better nation and stronger communities by improving our transportation systems, building infrastructure that purifies our water, creating modern education spaces for high school and college students, and providing muchneeded electricity generation.”

The EIC awards honor every member of the construction team, including the contractor, owner, architect and engineer. The winning projects are judged on complexity, attractiveness, unique challenges overcome, completion time, workmanship, innovation and safety.

National Excellence in Construction Eagle Award Winners: • Westgate, LLC – Electrical: Industrial > Up to $2 million -IMTT Dock No. 4 E&I

• Structural welding: Cyrese Verdun (Performance Contractors)

• Triad Electric and Controls – Electrical > More than $10 million – Shintech Plaquemine CA Plant-3 Project

• Millwright: Elijah Ashcraft (Turner Industries), Trey Joseph (Turner Industries)

• Holes, Inc. – Commercial > Up to $2 million – P.A. Smith Hotel The Geisel House Renovation

• Pipefitting: Grant Durbin (Repcon)

• Cajun Industries – Industrial > Up to $10 million – DOW Chemical – LAO River Water Intake Line Replacement

• Electrical: Kaden Darbonne (TRIAD) • Instrument Fitting: Billy Boyd (ISC) “This challenging competition goes from sunup to sundown and displays the exceptional skills, technical knowledge and safety practices of a craft professional,” said Kelly Carpenter, ABC Pelican’s Director of Education. “Louisiana’s finest represented our state’s construction industry well.”

Ten ABC Pelican member companies won 17 national Excellence in Construction® awards, presented 5

during the 2022 ABC Convention in San Antonio, on March 16. The EIC awards are the construction industry’s leading national competition that honors general and specialty contractors for world-class, safety and innovative construction projects from across the nation.

• Moore Industries – Industrial > More than $10 million – ExxonMobil Quality Assurance Laboratory HVAC Modifications • Performance Contractors – Industrial > Up to $5 million – Innophos Evaporator Project • Beard Construction Group – Industrial > $5 to $15 million – Dow – Project Frigate

ABC PELICAN STUDENTS AND MEMBER COMPANIES RECEIVE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION HONORS CONTINUED • Performance Contractors – Industrial > $15 to $25 million – Marathon Dickinson Renewable Diesel Project • EXCEL Group – Industrial $25 to $100 million – Linde/Praxiar HyCO Plant National Excellence in Construction Pyramid Award Winners: • ISC Constructors – Electrical: Industrial > Up to $2 million – Plant Crist Hurricane Sally Restoration • Triad Electric and Controls – Electrical: Industrial > $2 to $10 million – MPLX Pit 7 Expansion Project

BILLY BOYD, ISC INSTRUMENT WELDING - 1ST PLACE

• Cajun Industries – Commercial > Up to $2 million – Amazon Project Pine Distribution Center • Cajun Industries – Commercial > $2 to $10 million – Entergy Gibson Substation Flood Mitigation • Moore Industries – Industrial Up to $10 million ExxonMobil Mont Belvieu Plastics Plant Laboratory HVAC and Domestic Water Replacement • GROUP Contractors – Industrial > Up to $5 million - Enbridge Pipeline Metering Station Elevated Compressor Deck

ELIJAH ASHCRAFT MILLWRIGHT- 2ND PLACE

• RES Contractors – Industrial > $15 to $25 million – Honeywell ACLON Unit 5 Train • Moore Industries – Pre-Engineered Building - Entergy Montgomery County Power Station Combined Cycle

TREY JOSEPH MILLWRIGHT- 3RD PLACE

TRIAD ELECTRIC & CONTROLS

6

Exceeding Expectations, Surpassing Standards.

Construction Civil, Structural Services, Mechanical, E&I, and Midstream/Pipeline Maintenance Mechanical, E&I, and Plant Services Shop Fabrication Certified with ASME Code Stamps, ‘S’ and ‘U’ as well as ‘R’ and ‘NB’ certified from the National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors Government & Infrastructure

p 985.252.3400 | f 985.252.3401 | e info@res-usa.net

www.res-usa.net

ABC PELICAN STUDENTS AND MEMBER COMPANIES RECEIVE NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION HONORS CONTINUED

MOORE INDUSTRIES

CAJUN INDUSTRIES

EXCEL GROUP

GROUP CONTRACTORS

RES CONTRACTORS

BEARD CONSTRUCTION GROUP

PERFORMANCE CONTRACTORS

WESTGATE

8

A premier provider of specialty electrical and instrumentation services across multiple process industries, Ardent is well known for its ability to furnish quality power, control and process automation services safely, on time and on budget.

Protecting Health, Safety & the Environment is an integral part of our culture. The welfare of our employees and our environment is our leading core value.

www.ardent.us Mission First.

People Always.

CALL 985.792.3000 FAX 985.792.3001 EMAIL

info@ardent.us

BUILDING THE FUTURE WORKFORCE Baton Rouge & Southwest Build Your Future Day

BY: MACIE MORGAN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER | MARCH 2022 On March 10th, ABC Pelican Baton Rouge Training Center hosted its 13th annual Build Your Future Day at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. ABC Pelican along with industry experts from 40 construction companies hosted approximately 1,000 high school students from schools across south Louisiana.

On March 31st the Southwest Training Center hosted its 7th Annual Build Your Future Day at the West Cal Arena in Sulphur. Approximately 700 students and 20 exhibitors attended.

Build Your Future Day is a day where students in the ninth through twelfth grade learn about the career possibilities available in the construction industry.

Stevie Toups, President and CEO of Turner Industries Group and longtime supporter of ABC represented his company at Build Your Future Day 2022. “The lives that this can change and the opportunities it can put in front of the high schoolers of Louisiana are absolutely second to none,” said Toups. “On behalf of all of the contractors out here I want to thank ABC and the schools for making this a priority in our state.”

The educational event was filled with constructionrelated exhibits and demonstrations. The students safely interacted with various pieces of heavy equipment and simulators so that they can better 11

understand how the equipment operates. They also viewed power tool demonstrations.

Chase Smith is a sophomore at Holden High School. He is just starting to think about what he wants to do when he graduates from high school and has taken a recent interest in the construction industry. “I came to Build Your Future today to learn about the different jobs the construction industry has to offer,” Smith said. He is excited to learn more about crafts in the construction industry to determine which one is the best fit for him.

The construction industry currently faces a nationwide workforce shortage of 650,000 (up 66% since 2021), and Louisiana falls in the top 15 group of states with the highest demand for craft professionals. The need to recruit the next generation of craft professionals is great.

Connor Haynie is a senior at Grand Lake High School.

After graduation he would like to work in the plants.

“Coming to this event gave me exposure to the companies that can help get me to my goal,” he said. He is eager to learn more about what ABC can offer him to help him obtain the job he wants.

One of the core missions of ABC Pelican is to introduce young Louisianans to the countless long-term, wellpaying career opportunities available in industry.

Kalep Rambin with Shell is familiar with the increasing need for craft professionals.

Rambin is the maintenance specialist and dedicated contract holder at Shell. “At our job sites, we are seeing the number of trained craft professionals diminish. Giving these young men and women the opportunity to see what we do is vital to the growth of our industry,” said Rambin.

Demp Suchanek, Regional Human Resources Manager of Performance Contractors and longtime supporter of ABC, represented his company at the Southwest Build Your Future Day 2022. He ask the question “what are you doing today to invest in your future?” to the students that were visiting the Performance booth. “If you are not doing things to invest in your future, today, you are just spinning your wheels. Now is the time to start thinking about your future,” he said.

12

BUILDING THE FUTURE WORKFORCE CONTINUED

POWERING THE FUTURE TRAINING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE TODAY

AT ISC, OUR PEOPLE POWER OUR SUCCESS, and the development of our people drives our industry-leading reputation. With a safety-first culture, thorough training initiatives, career development programs, and community outreach, we’re committed to growing the skills and leadership capabilities of each team member to comprehensively serve our clients for years to come.

Ready to build your career with ISC? Learn more about joining our team: iscgrp.com

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT BY: DAVID HELVESTON, PRESIDENT/CEO, ABC PELICAN As the construction industry begins to recover in 2022, finding and hiring skilled workers continues to be one of its greatest challenges. Despite the labor and material shortages over the last few years, there has been a steady increase in demand for new construction, especially since the Infrastructure and Jobs Act was signed into law in November 2021. ABC National reported that 650,000 new workers would need to be hired in the next year to keep up with the demand for new construction.

ABC Pelican is committed to helping fill these open jobs with workforce development efforts such as Build Your Future, Touch A Truck, area craft competitions, and of course, the education programs provided at our two training centers and many satellite locations.

As our cover story illustrated, ABC Pelican’s workforce development efforts start at a young age. Our Build Your Future Days in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles exposed approximately 2,000 Louisiana high school students to the various career opportunities in the construction industry through interactive demonstrations and conversations with industry professionals.

Exposing these students to the industry earlier helps them when they are considering postgraduation and career plans.

Recently, we partnered with the Junior League of Baton Rouge to host the 7th Annual Touch A Truck event. Touch a Truck, an interactive community event, exposes children and families to the various career opportunities the construction industry has to offer through hands-on demonstrations and fun activities for children of all ages to participate in. Over 7,000 people saw some of the best of our industry at this fun, family-oriented event.

ABC Pelican also hosted two FFA competitions at our Southwest and Baton Rouge Training Centers, last month. These are fierce craft competitions where students can show off their skills. It is impressive to see these young students with so much talent and dedication to their future.

I am proud to say that ABC Pelican has a hand in educating the next generation of craft professionals. We have educated more than 30,000 15

craft professionals since opening our doors in 1980.

Through our two training facilities, students who are in high school, just beginning their careers, or eager to improve their skills can perfect their trade through nationally accredited curriculum in classes we offer year-round. The skills our students learn are marketable, valuable, and transferrable. The credentials they earn are portable and recognized industry-wide.

To our members who participate in our workforce development efforts, thank you! For those of you who are looking for a fun and fulfilling way to get involved with ABC, please reach out to someone on our team to learn how you can get engaged in one of our upcoming career-focused events.

A TRUCKTASTIC DAY!

BY: MACIE MORGAN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER | MARCH 2022 On Saturday, March 26th ABC Pelican joined the Junior League of Baton Rouge to host the 7th annual Touch-A-Truck at the BREC Fair Grounds.

At this event, children can learn about, sit in and operate different construction and first responder vehicles. ABC Pelican members brought their bulldozers, front loaders, excavators, cement mixers, dump trucks, concrete pump trucks and even an 18-wheeler! Thank you to our members; Entergy, Bottom Line Equipment, Eustis Engineering, Louisiana CAT, Barriere Construction Company, Angelle Concrete Group, Emery Equipment, Primoris Services Corporation, EXCEL and United Rentals for helping us educate the next generation about construction through some fun and interactive activities.

ABC Pelican members also brought out their incredible cooking skills. 2022 Pelican Board of Directors Member, Michelle Hardy with Turner Industries, organized the “Grub Zone” featuring Great River Industries, ISC Constructors, Turner Industries, FallTech, Performance Contractors and Cajun Industries.

18

BUILDING ON A TRADITION OF SUCCESS FOR

SERVICES

(225) 756-5090 | MMRGRP.COM

Cajun’s unique GC/ EPC service offering provides multi-discipline engineering and directhire construction under one roof.

This construction-driven approach delivers engineering packages which ultimately result in measurable cost savings, enhanced safety performance, and the quality and productivity you have come to expect from Cajun.

GC/EPC SERVICES

BATON ROUGE | HOUSTON (800) 944-5857 | (225) 753-5857 | cajunusa.com ENGINEERING | DEEP FOUNDATIONS | CIVIL MECHANICAL | FABRICATION | BUILDING | MARINE

2022 LOUISIANA LEGISLATIVE SESSION UPDATE BY: CARSON DELARUE, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS We are almost two months into the 2022 Louisiana Legislative Session. We have read over 1,000 bills to identify potential impact on the merit shop construction industry and are actively supporting the bills that advance the merit shop principles, while vehemently opposing those that undermine Louisiana’s progress. Additionally, we are monitoring numerous bills to ensure that any potential amendments do not hinder our industry.

Thus far, the legislators and bystanders at the capitol have been amicable. However, the friendliness is unlikely to last as the pace picks up and interests collide over how to spend Louisiana’s $3.4 billion in one-time money and committees start hearing the more controversial social bills.

ABC of Louisiana will continue to focus on the fight to promote our industry and merit shop values.

We have strong allies in the legislature, a solid support coalition, and a knowledgeable member base – all of which position us for a successful session.

On Tuesday, March 29th, the Senate and House voted to adjourn the regular session to hold a veto override session regarding Governor Edwards’ veto of HB1, which provided for Louisiana’s new U.S. congressional districts.

At noon on Wednesday, March 30th, the House and Senate gaveled into the veto session. After about 30 minutes of debate the House voted 7231 to override the Governor’s veto. The Senate soon followed by voting 27-11 in favor of the override. For the first time in 31 years, legislators successfully overturned a gubernatorial veto.

The legal impact of this veto override remains unclear, as the maps will inevitably get challenged in the courts. However, this dealt a severe blow to Governor Edwards’ political clout, as Speaker Schexnayder rallied the Republican Delegation and obtained additional votes from one Democrat and three Independents. Sometime in the near future we will likely discover what deals the Speaker had to make in order to secure these votes.

On Friday, April 8th, ABC of Louisiana hosted a legislative bill review. We had great dialogue 21

and created a clear path forward to defend and promote the merit shop construction industry during the 2022 Legislative Session.

Review of Session (as of April 12, 2022): HB 221, by Representative Magee, revises public bid and quote requirements. Specifically, it requires all purchases of materials or supplies exceeding the sum of $60,000 paid out by public funds be advertised and let by contracts to the lowest responsible bidder. It also requires that purchases exceeding the sum of $20,000 but less than $60,000 paid out by public funds be made by obtaining no fewer than three quotes. HB221 passed off the House Floor with a 93-0 vote and is awaiting a committee assignment in the Senate.

ABC-LA is monitoring HB 221.

HB 230, by Representative Stuart Bishop, extends the deadline to apply for rebates in the Louisiana Quality Jobs Program. HB 571 passed off the House Floor with a 91-0 vote and is awaiting a committee assignment in the Senate. ABC-LA is supporting HB 230.

HB 571, by Representative Gadberry, provides the State Uniform Construction Code Council with the authority, under extraordinary circumstances, to extend the deadline to adopt new versions of the State Uniform Construction Code by one-year.

HB571 passed off the House Floor with a 94-0 vote and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce. ABC-LA is monitoring HB 571.

HB 581, by Representative St. Blanc, modifies the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law found within La. R.S. 40:1749.11 et seq. The modifications add “unplanned utility outages” to the statutory definition of “emergency”, revises the list of holidays observed by regional notification centers, and reduces the timeframe whereby an excavator or demolisher must provide notice of an emergency excavation. HB581 passed off the House Floor by a vote of 95-0 and was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce. ABC-LA is monitoring HB 581.

CONSTRUCTION | FABRICATION | MAINTENANCE | TURNAROUNDS | DISASTER RECOVERY

Your Vision

EXCELLED A SELF-PERFORMANCE APPROACH TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS

EXCEL provides turn-key solutions for every project stage.

We specialize in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Instrumentation,

Midstream,

and

Disaster

Recovery

projects, delivering on faster timelines and exceptional

WE DELIVER EXCELLENCE 8641 United Plaza Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 +1 225.408.1300 | info@excelusa.com

value. Our dedication to safety, breadth of project experience,

highly

skilled

craft

personnel,

and

solutions-focused culture allow us to provide our partners with best-in-class services.

Visit EXCELUSA.com to learn more.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATED CONTINUED HB 598, by Representative Selders, prevents building inspectors from using their discretion in determining the applicability of building codes.

HB598 reported out of the House Commerce Committee with amendments and is now awaiting a vote on the House Floor. ABC-LA is monitoring HB 598.

HB 602, by Representative Davis, revises and reorganizes provisions of La. R.S. Title 37 regarding the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. HB 602 passed of the House Floor with a 97-0 vote and is awaiting a Senate committee assignment. ABC-LA is monitoring HB 602.

HB 487, by Representative Riser, requires that contractors for state projects designate at least 2% of all man-hours to registered apprentices.

We provided opposition testimony in the House Committee on Labor & Industrial Relations and secured a 5-5 vote. The tie vote resulted HB 487’s deferment. ABC-LA opposes HB 487.

HB 412, by Representative Goudeau, improves unemployment fraud policing and provides for unemployment benefit revocation if one fails to attend employment interviews without good cause. HB 412 reported favorably from the House Committee on Labor & Industrial Relations. ABCLA is supporting HB 412.

HB 710, by Representative Stefanski, redefines the requirements and procedures for the construction management at risk (CMAR) project delivery method, including the request for qualifications, selection review committee members, and all selection review committee meetings. ABC-LA is monitoring HB 710.

SB 248, by Senator Luneau, requires that certain contractors for designate at least 2% of all man-hours to registered apprentices. This bill was heard in the Senate Committee on Labor & Industrial Relations at the same time as Representative Riser’s similar bill. After hearing testimony, Senator Luneau voluntarily deferred SB 248. ABC-LA opposes SB 248.

23

NEW

TM

The MX FUEL™ Equipment System revolutionizes the light equipment market by delivering the performance, run-time and durability demanded by the trades without the hazards associated with emissions, noise, vibration and the frustrations of gas maintenance. This completely compatible system goes beyond the limitations of gasoline and power-cord units, utilizing the industry’s most advanced batteries, motors and electronics to deliver a best-in-class experience for users.

THIS IS EQUIPMENT REDEFINED.

TM

EQUIPMENT REDEFINED TRADE FOCUSED SYSTEM WIDE

ALL MX FUEL™ BATTERIES FIT ALL MX FUEL™ EQUIPMENT

ANNUAL SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT BY: MACIE MORGAN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER | MARCH 2022 Our always popular Spring Golf Tournament was held on Friday, March 11 at Pelican Point. This was ABC Pelican’s first time hosting a tournament at Pelican Point and it was a great one, thanks to our members! Over 50 teams and 30 sponsors helped make this day one to remember.

The morning started off like it usually does with a rush of golfers strapping in their bags and enjoying a bite to eat, provided by Peri Formwork Systems and Griffin Dewatering. At 9am the golfers took off to enjoy a day on the course with great food and even better company. Thank you to our tent sponsors for providing the delicious food and drinks, Ardent Services, RelaDyne, Diversified Materials & Consulting (DMC), L’Auberge, Universal Data, Doggett Machinery, Pipe & Steel Industrial, 3S Team, Enterprise Truck Rental, Bottom Line Equipment, Ferrara Transport Services, Contech Control Services, Repcon, Engineering & Inspection Services, Braun Intertec, W-Industries, Infinity Energy Services, Claymar Construction, Merit Electrical, Emery Equipment Sales & Rentals, I&I, Berard Transportation, Sealevel Construction, 24HR Safety, Holes Golden Triangle, Barriere Construction Company, Fresh Market, Eustis Engineering, Gainey’s Concrete Products, United Rentals, GLO Resources, Brecheen Pipe & Steel, All Crane Rental of Louisiana, SJB Group, LAPCO Manufacturing and Modern Metals Recycling. We would also like to thank our two beverage sponsors for keeping the teams hydrated, Mobilease and APC Construction.

Winners of the tournament were determined by which course you played, there are three winners in each place. Third place winners go to EXCEL Group with a score of 55, Doggett with a score of 57 and Milwaukee with a score of 57, also. Second place winners were I&I with a score of 56, Prime Occupational Medicine with a score of 57 and Hancock Whitney with a score of 54. And our first place trophies were given to United Rentals with a score of 53, 3S Team with a score of 56 and Cajun Industries with a score of 55.

We also awarded three closest to the pin and longest drive winners. Justin White, Barriere, Sydney Cavin, United Rentals and Chad Hort, EXCEL all won closest to the pin trophies. Longest drive trophies were awarded to Ryan Breedlove, I&I, Melissa Gaffney, Alliant and Sarah Thrash, Five-S Group. Congratulations to all the tournament winners!

25

We would also like to recognize our hole sponsors, Terracon Consultants, Waskey, Red Ball Oxygen, H&E Equipment Services, CORE Occupational Medicine, Willscot, Bilfinger, Milwaukee Tool, Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana, Infinity Energy Services, Michelli Weighing & Measurement, ParFab and Brecheen Pipe & Steel.

ANNUAL SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT CONTINUED

26

Constructive Solutions for Any Project

Hannis T. Bourgeois, CPAs & Business Advisors Baton Rouge • Denham Springs • New Orleans • Hammond

www.HTBCPA.com 225.928.4770

2022 WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK BY: MACIE MORGAN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER | MARCH 2022

Every March ABC Pelican recognizes the women of our chapter. Women in Construction week is a week to recognize the changes that women are making in the construction industry. This year, we recognized two ABC Pelican board members, a few training center students and a long time chapter member. Michelle Hardy, Turner Industries, Lauren Champagne, EXCEL Group, Victoria McGee, student, Kayla Edwards, student and Lisa Roache, Gainey’s Concrete.

28

PERFORMANCE STARTS HERE BUILDING A FUTURE OF SUCCESS From entry-level craftsmen to management and leadership positions, Performance Contractors is opening a world of career opportunities through innovative workforce development initiatives. Our people are our best asset, and our investment in growth—including expansive mentorship and training services—paves the way for continuous improvement.

Ready to build your career? We’re always looking for new talent to join our growing team.

WORK WITH US | PERFORMANCE-CONTRACTORS.COM

3D MOBILE SCANNING WHY COLLECT FIELD DATA THE OLD WAY? Great for redesigns, renovations, buildings without drawings, preservations, and permitting applications.

Precise high-speed as-built documentation of structural and MEP features.

Eliminate site disruption and revisits, reducing cost and delays.

NavVis VLX Scanner

Receive cloud-based digital twin for 360° virtual walkthroughs, planning meetings, and job scope walkdowns.

An Added Value to Your Company!

Scan Completed by EIS:

AIA New Orleans Center for Architecture and Design

ACCESS TO POINT CLOUD

CREATE POINTS OF INTEREST

TAKE MEASUREMENTS

ENGINEERING & INSPECTION SERVICES, LLC info@eisllc.net

•

www.eisllc.net

•

504.837.3310

BATON ROUGE CRAWFISH BOIL

BY: MACIE MORGAN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER | APRIL 2022 The best season of the year… crawfish season!

There is nothing better than mingling while enjoying some perfectly spiced crawfish and a cold drink. Thank you to our crawfish sponsor, SitePro Rentals. Our station sponsors provided the delicious drinks – Bengal Crane & Rigging, Smashr Waste, 24HR Safety, Troop Industrial, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Lard Oil Company, Gallagher, Brecheen Pipe & Steel, Synchrony Aerial Site Services, Equipment Share and Braun Intertec.

Congrats to new member, Troop Industrial for winning the drink competition!

We also want to thank ACE Waste for providing garbage cans and Berard Transportation, Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel, APC Construction, and Infinity Energy Services for sponsoring the event.

31

BATON ROUGE CRAWFISH BOIL CONTINUED

32

BOARD BY BOARD: BUILDING TALL WITH TIMBER BY: ASHLEY RODRIGUE | STATE FIRE MARSHALL PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR As we enter into the second quarter of 2022, Louisiana finds itself in the throes of an active legislative session and reevaluation of the state’s building codes.

State law requires the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council (LSUCCC) to review, evaluate, and update the State Uniform Construction Code no later than five years from the date of publication. As such, the council is currently reviewing the 2021 editions of the “I” codes and is planning to begin the promulgation process in June of 2022.

Some of the hot topics recently taken up by the IBC/IEBC Review Committee were Mass Timber, TWB (Tall Wood Building), and HT (Heavy Timber) construction. The committee voted to accept all code language as written on all three topics. The most notable are: • Type IV-A is allowed to build to 18 stories and 270 feet • Type IV-B is allowed to build to 12 stories and 180 feet • Type IV-C is allowed to build to 9 stories and 85 feet • Type IV-HT is allowed to build to 6 stories and 85 Feet While the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) has no position on this step forward, we’re watching its progress and the conversations surrounding it and we believe you should too.

“It’s important that buildings are resilient from Day 1 of their life span,” said State Fire Marshal Butch Browning.

From the fire protection standpoint, the proposed changes require additional fire protection once the currently allowed heights are exceeded. Current evidence and testing show protected heavy timber standing longer than steel in a hot fire.

It appears that NFPA 5000 is also proposing height increases for the 2021 edition – which in some cases are actually higher than those proposed by ICC. Building height & area limitations are only 33

addressed by NFPA 101 for a few occupancy types, however, the threshold for high-rise requirements remains at 75 feet for all buildings. Also, full NFPA 13 systems are still required when the stories exceed four or the height exceeds 60 feet. NPFA 101:8.2.1.2 references NFPA 220 for construction classification, which references NFPA 5000.

That “Day 1 resiliency” includes addressing an overshadowed issue for communities like ours on the Gulf Coast: it’s one thing to ensure these types of buildings are safe from fire, it’s another to answer to their strength against one of the highest wind zones in the United States.

It was brought to the committees’ attention that in most Type IV structures built over six stories, the first “few” stories are built using conventional concrete and steel construction then changing over to the tall wood structure allowances. Those first “few” stories are counted in the overall height restrictions. The committee asked were there any tall wood structures either under construction or already built along the Gulf Coast. The industry was unable to supply any information about any of these types of structures currently built along the Gulf Coast at this time but informed the committee that several were in the planning stages waiting on the states to allow/adopt language to address them.

Wood is also susceptible to moisture changes, more so in Louisiana.

We believe what Florida does will set the tone for the rest of the Gulf Coast as they develop and follow their own code that references life safety and IBC. Again, the SFM has no position on this step forward, but we’re staying informed and we hope you will as well.

Equipment, wherever and whenever you need it.

With the largest, most diverse fleet of construction and industrial equipment in North America, we are a one-stop shop for whatever you need, delivered on time and ready to go.

UnitedRentals.com | 800.UR.RENTS © 2022 United Rentals, Inc.

Turner Industries provides turnkey

Headquartered in Baton Rouge Since 1961

industrial services and solutions to the

Employees Working Across the Country

companies that produce fuel, energy,

Client Relationships Around the World

and the materials essential to modern life.

W W W.T U R N E R - I N D U S T R I E S . C O M

CONSTRUCTION | EQUIPMENT | FABRICATION | MAINTENANCE | TURNAROUNDS | SPECIALTY SERVICES

ROLLING INTO 2022

BY: BRENNA LEMAIRE, MEMBER SERVICES COORDINATOR | FEBRUARY 2022 ABC Pelican’s Casino Night was the first merit mixer of the year held at The Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU and it was a hit! We had food, drinks, and of course, lots of healthy competition! Our members played Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Poker with a goal of winning the most “money” by the end of the night for a prize. Each member started with $1000 and PAC donors got an extra $500 of play money to get started. Some members ended their gaming early and networked with the over 150 members in attendance while others multiplied their starting amounts at the tables!

We thank our prize sponsors DeWalt and L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge for their donations of two of our awesome prizes. We also could not have had such a successful night without the help of our event sponsors: SJB Group, LLC, Louisiana CAT, Gerry Lane Buick – GMC, and new member KDF Safety Services!

Our top 5 winners were: 1st Place: Joel Jones- $62,500 2nd Place: Matt Myers- $45,275 3rd Place: Tim Achord- $43,000 4th Place: Ryan Sykes- $32,000 5th Place: David Johnson- $24,000

36

SAFETY NOTICE

Don’t Just Hydrate, Acclimate Louisiana summers are notoriously hot. The state experiences temperatures from June to September that can feel as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Unfortunately, as temperatures rise, so does the risk of job site injury, illness, and even death.

LWCC delivers best-in-class workers’ comp insurance, focused not just on life-long care of the injured worker, but providing improved safety, health, and wellness to workers across the state. We are Louisiana Loyal. Always.

For those in the construction industry, the extreme Louisiana heat can be especially dangerous. From 1992 to 2016, construction workers accounted for more than one-third of all occupational heat-related fatalities in the United States1. In most cases, deaths related to heat exposure occur within the first week of work2, highlighting the need for heat acclimatization plans on all sites where excessive temperatures are a factor.

What is a Heat Acclimatization Plan?

A heat acclimatization plan works to gradually increase an individual’s heat tolerance by progressively increasing the time or intensity of work performed in hot conditions over several days. Taking the time to acclimate properly will reduce a worker’s risk of: Heat exhaustion and heat stroke Slowed response time Cramps and muscle fatigue

Dehydration Dizziness Impaired thinking

Heat acclimatization plans are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

They must be structured specifically for each worker, based on their experience. For more information on developing a heat acclimatization plan, visit lwcc.com/heat.

1 2

CDC, NIOSH Science Blog, “Heat Stress in Construction” OSHA.gov/Heat

remains dedicated to helping our state thrive, as we continue to better Louisiana one business and one worker at a time. Learn more about our commitment to Louisiana at lwcc.com/louisianaloyal.

YOUR E&I SOLUTION

WE POWER BUSINESS: Westgate, LLC is the premier instrumentation and electrical specialty contractor in the Gulf South, safely delivering costeffective, customer-oriented services to our valued clients since 1974. We specialize in turnaround management, planning, scheduling, maintenance, and construction. We focus on cost control, reliability, quality, productivity, and safety. Our entire team utilizes the very latest management and construction technologies to help ensure that every project is completed on time and on budget! With safety and excellence as benchmarks, Westgate can power your business!

Electrical

Instrumentation

Technical Assistance

Project Management

Turnarounds

Fiber optics, and more!

225-749-2635

Mail@westgatellc.com

1355 Beaulieu Lane, Port Allen LA 70767

www.westgatellc.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! FEBRUARY - APRIL 2022

Mike Anderson’s Seafood Gonazales Mike Anderson’s was established over 3 decades ago and is famous for serving fresh South Louisiana Seafood.

While Mike Anderson’s Gonzales is known for providing excellent service, it is the consistency of the delicious food that truly sets us apart. Whether you are local or visiting, our team will make your dining experience one to remember! The Food, the Service, and the Ambiance are... ‘Where It’s At’! The Gonzales location’s new patio is perfect for events or meetings.

KDF Safety & Services The difference between KDF and the other “staffing agencies” is our Quality, Commitment, and Dedication.

This is a team of Board of Certified Safety Professional credential holders, OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainers, and Certified Master Instructors that are at your service 24/7. When you work with us, you partner with us! As a partner, we are available for calls on any safety-related matters free of charge for all of our direct contacts at any time of day—no questions asked. This resource has proved invaluable to our clients when time is of the essence and you feel as if you have no one to confide in for direction. KDF Safety is here for you anytime, no matter the issue.

Synchrony Aerial Site Services Synchrony Aerial Site Services provides aerial site surveying, analysis, project progression, and 3D models for machine control.

Trillium Construction Services The Trillium brand of companies offers more than 35 years of experience in staffing and recruiting. Their network of more than 90 branch offices across the United States has allowed them to assist more than 22,000 companies nationwide with their staffing and recruiting needs. Whether you are seeking a short term or a long term career solution, let the dedicated Recruiters at Trillium provide you with your best options!

SitePro Rentals SitePro Rentals is a regional equipment rental company serving the Southeast that’s based out of Carrollton, Texas. With a value proposition built around service, customer relationships and technology, SitePro was founded by rental industry veterans wanting to create a better way to rent. SitePro carries a full line, general rental offering and has 12 locations in Louisiana, Georgia and Texas. SitePro is growing rapidly. It’s fleet will double in size in 2022, with the addition of $85 million of new fleet. SitePro carries equipment from top brands and maintains it to factory specs. SitePro opened for business in Lafayette in 2020 and Baton Rouge in 2021.

Both branches are managed by rental pro Jeff Shows.

Combined rental fleet in the two locations will grow to $20 million by the end of 2022. The Baton Rouge branch is conveniently located at 7962 Airline Hwy. SitePro has plans to expand into Shreveport in and Geismar in 2023

Badger Daylighting Badger Daylighting is the industry leader in non­-destructive hydroexcavation (hydrovac) services. Since 1992, Badger has been innovating cutting-edge technology and providing services to a diverse customer base including oil and gas, energy, industrial, construction, transportation, and other markets, as well as numerous government agencies within Canada and the United States

39

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! FEBRUARY - APRIL 2022

Gexpro Millions of US electrical customers trust the expertise, resources and relationships of Gexpro as the US presence of one of the world’s largest electrical distributors, we apply our knowhow, productivity tools and hands-on business-building initiatives to help our customers thrive. Not satisfied with simply delivering products, nearly half of our employees are dedicated to improving how we connect customers with the supplies, solutions, and services they need. We’ve developed supply chain models that reduce inventory, raise productivity, and cut installation costs. We also help our customers uncover new opportunities.

Our energy teams can slash the cost and raise the performance across a facility – from lighting upgrades to complete energy management solutions.

Law Firm Award

The Personnel Consulting Group Since 1969, it has been the mission of the men and women of PCG to offer the most professional and caring direct hire and temporary personnel placement services available. It is not a mission we take lightly. What we do affects the lives of so many people. It is sobering and humbling that we have the ability to build bridges in peoples lives that bring companies, families and successes together. Our results are measured by the long term success of individuals in the position for which they have been recruited – and that means success for the companies in which they work as well. We know we are doing our job when our clients continue to come back to us for their recruiting needs and professionals thank us for locating them for the right position.

Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson is proud to serve as General Counsel to Pelican Chapter of the Associated Builders’ and Contractors.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! FEBRUARY - APRIL 2022

Standard Constructors

Trash Rangers of LA Commercial

Standard Constructors, Inc. is 4th generation family owned company with its roots dating back to the 1930’s. They specialize in industrial/ commercial site development, underground utilities, piling, civil concrete foundations and paving, mechanical, marine construction, railroad construction and maintenance, and trucking services. Standard Constructors owns a fleet of state of the art heavy construction equipment, self-performs all projects, maintains one of the best safety track records in our industry and is nationally recognized for Safety, Project Execution and Construction Excellence receiving multiple ABC Eagle and Curt Awards. With offices in Houston, TX, Freeport, TX, Port Arthur, TX, and Baton Rouge, LA, we support Gulf Coast projects from Corpus Christi, TX to Florida.

Trash Rangers proudly offers commercial and industrial waste management services designed around our customers unique needs. Front load and roll-off dumpster rentals are available across the southern parishes of Louisiana, and our disaster response clean-up and recovery services extend into the greater Gulf Coast. We pride ourselves on offering our customers the reliable, prompt service they deserve to eliminate unwanted waste.

42

Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders & Contractors

19251 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70809

19251 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70809

www.abcpelican.org

225.752.1415