APRIL 2015
Vol. 36 • No. 4 • $4.00
MASONRY Detroit and Masonry: A City and Craft Endures
2014
ANNUAL REPORT
CONCRETE Building Antarctica at the Detroit Zoo
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: The Latest in Rehabilitative Care: New Therapy Gym Opens in Shelby Township
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
38
50
SUSTAIN-ABILITY 12 Take a Closer Look: ICFs Offer ‘Positive
45 16
Cash Flow’ in Energy Savings-Not Just for Foundations Anymore
BUSINESS TAXES 14 Ever Thought About the “Health” of Your Business Taxes?
16 THE 2014 CAM ANNUAL REPORT ROUNDTABLE RECAP 32 State of the Construction Industry Roundtable Talks
MASONRY OUTLOOK 36 2015 Masonry Industry Construction MASONRY 38 A City and Craft Endures CONCRETE 40 Building Antarctica - Amalio Begins
DEPARTMENTS 8 10 54 57 58 59 59
Industry News Safety Tool Kit Products People in Construction / Corporate News CAM Welcomes New Members Construction Calendar Advertisers Index
Foundations for New Polk Penguin Conservation Center
45 Arisco Waterproofs New Detroit Area Gem in the Making
48 Concrete Moisture Mitigation Using Dehumidification
HIGHLIGHT 50 The Cadillac of Rehabilitative Care: Shelby
ABOUT THE COVER The 2015 CAM Board of Directors (top to bottom, left to right): Steve Hohenshil; Brad Leidal; Kevin Ryan; John Rieckhoff; John Raimondo; Joe Palazzolo; Joe Fontanesi; Donielle Wunderlich; Jennifer Panning; Preston Wallace; Tom Broad; Kevin Koehler; Larry Brinker, Jr. Photo by John Lacy, proshooter.com
Nursing Center Opens New Therapy Gym
4 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
“The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
PUBLISHER EDITOR
Kevin N. Koehler Amanda M. Tackett
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Mary E. Kremposky
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR GRAPHIC DESIGN DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Matthew J. Austermann Noelle E. Scharer Gregg A. Montowski Cathy A. Jones
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DIRECTORS OFFICERS Chairman
Larry S. Brinker, Jr. The Brinker Group
Vice Chairman
Stephen J. Hohenshil Glasco Corporation
Vice Chairman
Donielle Wunderlich George W. Auch Company
Treasurer
Joe S. Palazzolo Detroit Spectrum Painters, Inc.
President
Kevin N. Koehler
DIRECTORS
Thomas R. Broad Midwest Steel, Inc.
Joseph Fontanesi Fontanesi & Kann Company Architectural Building Components, Inc.
Brad Leidal Mason Contractors, Inc.
Jennifer T. Panning Artisan Tile, Inc.
John Raimondo Roncelli, Inc.
John W. Rieckhoff C.L. Rieckhoff Company, Inc.
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James Vargo Capac Construction Company, Inc. CAM Magazine (ISSN08837880) is published monthly by the Construction Association of Michigan, 43636 Woodward Ave., P.O. Box 3204, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-3204 (248) 972-1000. $24.00 of annual membership dues is allocated to a subscription to CAM Magazine. Additional subscriptions $40.00 annually. Periodical postage paid at Bloomfield Hills, MI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER, SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: CAM MAGAZINE, 43636 WOODWARD AVE., BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48302-3204.
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For editorial comment or more information: tackett@cam-online.com For reprints or to sell CAM Magazine: 248-972-1000 Copyright Š 2015 Construction Association of Michigan. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. CAM Magazine is a registered trademark of the Construction Association of Michigan.
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6 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
“The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
I N DU S TR Y N EW S
FOUR INDUCTED INTO MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION HALL OF FAME DURING FERRIS CEREMONY The Michigan Construction Hall of Fame welcomed four inductees during a formal ceremony in November 2014 at Ferris State University’s Granger Center for Construction and HVACR on its Big Rapids campus. Selection for the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame is based on nominees’ technical, managerial and leadership achievements within construction and related industries, as well as service to the profession and community. The 2014 inductees are:
JOHN BARTOS Bartos is president, CEO and founder of JS&B Associates and the founder of Three Rivers Construction Corporation, both in Midland, and Texas Rivers Construction in Freeport, TX. Three Rivers was chosen to build Dow Diamond ballpark in Midland, home of the Great Lakes Loons minor league baseball team, the Class A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bartos is a founding Board Member of multiple workforce development initiatives throughout Michigan, including MiTech Plus/STEM Talent, and he is a founding member of the Associated Builders and Contractors Saginaw Valley Chapter. He helped start the Greater Michigan Construction Academy to promote vocational education and training, and is past chairman of the National Center for Construction Education and Research Training. In the past four decades, he has served on 26 local and state Boards, task forces and initiatives.
BENJAMIN CAPP, JR. Capp became president of Wolverine Marble Company in Detroit in 1972 and served in that capacity for the next 20 years, before he handed the reins to his own son, Ron. Capp was behind Wolverine’s growth from residential and light commercial work to large commercial projects across Michigan and the Midwest. In 1980, the company – now Wolverine Stone – added a ceramic tile division that enabled them to broaden their services to the construction industry. Capp, whose work includes the State of Illinois Center in Chicago and the American Center in Southfield, MI, was active in labor-management negotiations. He is past chairman of the Association of Marble Contractors and Finishers of Detroit, was a trustee and chairman of the Tile, Terrazzo and Marble Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Fund for Local 32, and served as director and chairman of the Construction Association of Michigan.
PHILLIP V. FREDERICKSON Phillip Frederickson was hired in 1967 by the Lansing-based Christman Company and began building the foundation for a successful 35-year career. He was an advocate for a team-based
8 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
construction management approach as a method of project delivery at Christman as well as in the Michigan construction industry. He served Christman as vice president in charge of construction management services, executive vice president and general manager, president, chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of Directors. Frederickson oversaw Christman’s expansion into real estate development in 1991 and its effort to become a national expert in historic preservation. That effort netted a Build America award for historic preservation of the Golden Dome at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN in 2000. The company also oversaw restoration of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing and constructed the Breslin Student Events Center and Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, both at Michigan State University.
KENNETH LAWLESS Lawless joined Lansing-based Clark Construction Company in 1978 and began a nearly fourdecade career, serving as a project manager, project director, vice president, chief operating officer and executive vice president. A strong advocate of skilled training and personnel development, Lawless helped Clark develop a highly successfully training program that was recognized with the Cornerstone Award for Training Excellence and the Keystone Award for Education Excellence by the AGC of Michigan. Lawless is past chairman of the Board of Directors of the Associated General Contractors of Michigan, a former member of the State of Michigan Construction Code Commission, Michigan Energy Code Review Committee and State Construction Management Task Force. He is past president of the Construction Specifications Institute and Lansing Builders Exchange and former business manager of the Construction Managers Association of America. Michigan Construction Hall of Fame inductees are selected by a committee of professionals representing Associated Builders and “The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
I N DU S TR Y N EW S
Contractors, Associated General Contractors of Michigan, the Construction Association of Michigan, the Michigan Association of Home Builders, the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, and Ferris’ Construction Technology and Management programs. The Michigan Construction Hall of Fame is located in Ferris’ Granger Center and serves as a permanent place for leaders of the Michigan construction industry to be recognized and appreciated for their achievements. For more information and complete biographies of each of the inductees, visit http://www.ferris.edu/mchof/.
HOLLAND BPW & CITY COUNCIL APPROVE EPC CONTRACT WITH BARTON MALOW FOR ENERGY PARK
THE DETROIT CERAMIC TILE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS The Detroit Ceramic Tile Contractors Association (DCTCA) was pleased to announce the winners of their 2015 Scholarship Program at the association’s annual February cocktail party at Club Venetian in Madison Heights. The 2015 winners are: Jad Chedid of Lawrence Technological University, a graduate student in the School of Architecture; and Stephen Fournier of the University of Detroit/ Mercy, who is a graduate student in the School of Architecture. Also present for the presentations were Dean Will Wittig, Dean of the School of Architecture at U of D- Mercy, and Dean Glen LeRoy, Dean of the School of Architecture at Lawrence Technological University. The Detroit Ceramic Tile Contractors Association (DCTCA)
The Holland Board of Public Works (HBPW) and Holland City Council have approved an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract with Barton Malow, Southfield, for the design and construction of the Holland Energy Park natural gas power plant. Barton Malow previously was engaged in an engineering services agreement (ESA) to begin preliminary engineering for the plant and develop final language on the EPC contract. The Holland Energy Park consists of a new 125-megawatt combined cycle natural gas plant for the city of Holland, located on a 26-acre site at 5th St. and Fairbanks Avenue. The energy park is designed to be a natural, park-like setting complete with paths, a waterfall and extensive natural greenery and wildflowers. The new plant will replace the outdated coal-burning waterfront James DeYoung plant. “The level of care taken in planning Holland Energy Park shows a commitment to the Holland community that excites us and we are honored to join the team,” said Joe Benvenuto, vice president. “The Holland Energy Park is designed be a world-class energy center that not only meets the energy needs of Holland, but also commits to being socially, economically and environmentally responsible.” With construction set to begin in early 2015, the contract schedule calls for generation and testing in late 2016, and substantial completion by February 2017. Barton Malow put together a 3D graphics projection of the full construction process on the Holland Energy Park. For complete information, visit http://www.bartonmalow.com/voices/hollandenergy-park Visit us online at www.cammagazineonline.com
is a non-profit trade association, dedicated to the promotion, advancement, education and training of the Southeast Michigan Unionized Residential and Commercial Ceramic Tile Industry.
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Members of the DCTCA, from left to right: Robert Michielutti, Michielutti Brothers, Inc.; Ron Capp, Wolverine Stone Co.; Phil Bianchini, Empire Tile and Marble Co.; Jack DiGiovani, Eldorado Tile & Marble Co.; Mike Maiuri, Shores Tile Company, Inc.; Jad Chedid, scholarship recipient; and Dean Glen LeRoy, of Lawrence Technological University. CORRECTION: In the full-page ad for the Mason Contractors Association (MCA) that appeared on page 9 of the March 2015 issue, and the IFC of the April 2015 issue of CAM Magazine, the top photo depicting the John D. Dingell Transit Center in Dearborn was taken by John D’Angelo, photographer.
CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 9
EPA ISSUING STEEP FINES TO CONTRACTORS CAUGHT RED HANDED BY TRACEY ALFONSI CAM DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND EDUCATION In April 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began enforcing a new Lead Renovator, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. The purpose of the RRP Rule was to minimize exposure from lead-based paint dust during renovation, repair or painting activities. This was a key effort to reduce the prevalence of childhood lead poisoning, particularly lead poisoning caused by housing contaminated by renovation activities. It also minimizes exposure to older children and adults who are also adversely impacted by lead-based paint dust exposure. Lead paint was used in more than 38 million homes prior to its ban for residential use in 1978. This paint can form toxic dust when it is disturbed during normal home repair work. In the City of Detroit, six percent of all children six years of age and younger tested in 2004 were identified to have lead poisoning (Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion 2005a). Exposure to lead has serious neurological and behavioral effects on children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2005), the best studied effects of lead poisoning are cognitive impairments measured by IQ tests, but other aspects of brain or nerve function, especially behavior, may also be affected. The RRP Rule requires that renovators are trained in the use of lead-safe work practices, that renovators and firms be certified, that providers of renovation training be accredited, and that renovators follow specific work practice standards. The rule applies to all firms and individuals who are paid to perform renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, such as schools and childcare centers. This includes home improvement contractors, maintenance workers, painters and other specialty trades. In December 2014, the U.S. EPA announced 61 enforcement actions ranging from $100 to more than $100,000 in fines per company. One contractor from Kansas City, Missouri racked up $184,000 in fines for failure to comply with the RRP rules. If your company obtained certification in 2010, you are set to expire in 2015. To avoid penalty, you must attend a refresher training before your firm’s expiration date. CAMTEC will be hosting the Lead RRP Refresher training on April 15th and again on June 11th. If you need the initial training, register for our September 9th course. Online registration is available at www.cam-online.com. For more information about the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, visit http://www2.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-andpainting-program-rules.
10 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
“The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
SUSTAIN | ABILITY I N D US T RY N EW S
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK:
ICF S OFFER ‘POSITIVE CASH FLOW’ IN ENERGY SAVINGS - NOT JUST FOR FOUNDATIONS ANYMORE
BY DOUGLAS ELBINGER ENERGY SYSTEMS ANALYST, NEWMAN CONSULTING GROUP, LLC DOUGE@NCGCONSULTING.US.COM PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAKE VIERZEN, R-VALUE HOMES
When I began my research for Michigan contractors using ICFs (Insulating Concrete Form) and dove deeper into the case studies and cost-benefit analysis, I quickly realized I would not have enough space here to reveal, as much as I’d like to, all the financial, energy and durability benefits of ICFs. So I’ll just start with the bottom line first: According to The Insulating Concrete Forms Association (ICFA), in actual case studies, estimates are that ICF homes cost three percent to five percent more than typical 2x4 frame construction. That’s about $10,000 for a $250,000 house. Financed with a conventional 30-year loan at 6.5 percent, it will add $62.55 to the monthly mortgage. However, actual results indicate the homeowner will be saving at least that much on energy bills. In other words, when energy costs are rolled into the equation, it’s actually less expensive to live in an ICF house. All of the other benefits - like quiet interiors, less maintenance, better indoor air quality, and disaster-proof walls - are added bonuses at no extra cost. One of the early adaptors and advocates for ICF is Jake Vierzen, of Caledonia, MI, who began R-Value Homes in 2004 and has very solid convictions about using ICFs. “I was raised in a large family on a West Michigan dairy farm, where long hours were the norm, complaining was taboo, and both conservation of energy and stewardship of resources was a way of life.” After working 10 years at a Michigan-based commercial concrete contractor starting as a laborer, he quickly moved into the position of a poured wall foreman. As Jake tells it best, “Once I learned of Insulating Concrete Forms, I immediately knew it was for me. Here was a building method that embodied high-performance, energy conservation, stewardship, durability and concrete all wrapped into one.”
WHAT IS AN ICF? In the last 10 years energy costs have risen dramatically, forcing many homeowners to change or reconsider their standards of living by utilizing a modern twist on an age-old building material: Concrete. ICF is a method of forming a structural concrete wall that leaves the foam forms in place; they are not removed after the pour like nearly any other poured concrete wall.
12 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
• ICFs come in many shapes and sizes. In some of the most common ones, the form is 16” tall and 48” long. The two sides of the form are typically 2.5” thick, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), held together - or apart, depending on your perspective - by polypropylene ties at 6”-8” on center. A typical concrete core is 6”, thus the overall width of an ICF block is 2.5” + 6” + 2.5” = 11”. • These forms have “teeth” on the top and bottom that lock the blocks to each other, similar to Lego™ blocks. Simply put, the ICF forms (blocks) are stacked in the shape of the home, reinforcing steel is added, and then filled with concrete; leaving a highly insulated concrete wall. • Within the foam, about ½” below the surface and on both sides of the form, the polypropylene ties connect to 1.5” wide polypropylene “studs” that run vertically within the forms. Like the ties, these are every 6” or 8” on center, depending on the brand of ICF chosen. Interior and exterior finishes are attached to these studs, using coarse thread screws. • While Insulating Concrete Forms started out primarily for foundations, it didn’t take long for people to realize that the comfort of an ICF wall would be even more desirable in the main and upper levels of a home. ICFs are now used to construct all the exterior walls of a home, starting at the footing and going all the way up to the bottom of the trusses.
WHY USE ICFs? Jakes listens to his clients and no two clients are alike. They all have somewhat different concerns, and have chosen to use Insulating Concrete Forms for different reasons. We hear almost monthly of another natural disaster, be it a super-storm, hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire, or even a long power outage; leaving families unprotected at a time when they need shelter and warmth the most. Mold-related lawsuits have made the headlines as asthma and other health problems plague more people. In some places, energy codes have made homes ever tighter, leading in many cases to serious durability concerns and air quality problems… and there also appears to be a trend toward Net Zero homes. Volatile lumber prices and changing energy codes squeeze out builders’ profits on one side, while the ever-changing weather threatens to delay construction schedules on the other. Concerned homeowners demand greater comfort, safety and lower maintenance, while at the same time requiring that their homes leave a smaller footprint on the environment.
HOW ICFs WORK TO CONSERVE ENERGY* Houses built in cold climates with ICF exterior walls require an estimated 44 percent less energy to heat, and 32 percent less energy to cool than comparable frame houses. Heating savings are highest in cold climates, and cooling savings highest in warm climates. “The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
• Higher R-Values: “R-Value” stands for thermal resistance, and the higher the R-Value, the better the wall is at stopping the flow of heat. Homes built using traditional frame construction typically have exterior walls rated between R-13 and R19. ICF walls, on the other hand, have an insulation value of R-22 or R-26. A frame wall would need to be a full 12 inches thick to achieve a similar rating. • Airtight Construction: “Tested R-Values,” however, don’t necessarily reflect real-world performance. For instance, laboratory tests don’t consider the level of airflow through the wall, which is one reason why ICF walls usually perform even better than lab tests indicate. For the past decade or so, homebuilders have tried to reduce air infiltration by covering exterior walls in a layer of paper-like “homewrap,” which has partially addressed the issue of air infiltration. ICF walls, on the other hand, are virtually airtight • Smaller HVAC Units: To maximize your energy savings, it’s important to ensure the HVAC system is right-sized for the home. In most cases, that means buying a unit that is significantly smaller, cutting construction costs by $500 to $2,000. Many times a 2,000-square-foot ICF house located in a Sun Belt state may need only oneand-a-half tons of cooling capacity, instead of the four tons needed for a wood-frame structure of equal size. • Thermal Mass: Even a modest ICF home uses dozens of yards of concrete, and that weight helps moderate temperature swings. The secret is that the walls take hours to heat up - even in the hot summer sun. And when the sunsets and temperatures drop, the stored-up heat keeps the interior pleasant through much of the night. Homeowners report that once their ICF homes reach room temperature, it takes very little energy to keep them there. • Conducts Ground Temperature: In most parts of North America, the ground stays a constant 50o to 55o Fahrenheit a few feet below the surface. Concrete actually conducts thermal energy fairly well, and in the winter months, it absorbs this extra heat from the earth and transfers it into your home. During the summer, it wicks that coolness from the ground and transfers part of it into the structure. For more information about ICF visit:
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Jake Vierzen standing in the interior side of a ICF radius turret. Nudura ICF radius blocks used.
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Installing the floor trusses. Nudura ICF radius blocks used. Installing brick ledge on a radius was particularly challenging.
u
Footing. Grade beam set up using Fastfoot to reduce forming and backfill requirements.
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A very large Pella windows installed in Nudura ICF.
R-Value Homes, Jake Vierzen: jakev@rvaluehomes.com www.rvaluehomes.com Insulating Concrete Forms Association: www.forms.org Holdfast Technologies: www.holdfast.com * Reprinted with permission from ICF BUILDER magazine: www.icfmag.com
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CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 13
B U SI N ES S TA X E S
EVER THOUGHT ABOUT THE “HEALTH” OF YOUR BUSINESS TAXES? BY PAUL FINEGOLD, CPA, MST STRATEGIC TAX SERVICES SR. MANAGER BAKER TILLY VIRCHOW KRAUSE, LLP If you hear a commercial about your health that catches your attention, you probably call your doctor. After all, your health is very important, right? Now think of this article as a commercial for the “health” of your business taxes. How much thought are you giving to that? Whether you realize it or not, even though the economic environment is improving, federal, state and local governments are scrambling to find additional tax revenue in order to minimize their budget deficits. As such, they have stepped up audit enforcement to try to capture more tax revenue. Here are some areas you should perform a “tax physical” on to see if they are in general good tax health.
UNCLAIMED PROPERTY Let’s say you are getting your books and records in order for your accounting firm to come in later in the week to prepare your year-end financial statements and tax returns. While gathering the required information, you notice that you still have a few un-cleared checks that were sent to your vendors over three years ago. You have tried unsuccessfully to reach out to these vendors to inquire as why these checks have not been cashed, but to no avail. You are wondering if you should reverse these items or just leave them as un-cleared checks on your bank statement. Many business owners might be surprised to hear that both options are incorrect. This common situation is actually covered by state escheat laws, commonly referred to as unclaimed property rules. Unclaimed property is any financial asset that someone is holding for which the owner of that asset cannot be located. After a certain period of time, depending on the type, the item is deemed to be abandoned by its rightful owner. Under state regulations and statutes this abandoned property must be ceded to the state. Once the property is turned over to the state, the state will attempt to locate its rightful owner. This is usually done through publishing potential owner names in newspapers, magazines, or more frequently on the state’s unclaimed property website. As states look for additional tax revenue, they are stepping up their escheats reporting enforcement. Failure to file and/or remit the funds to the state can result in severe penalties 14 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
being assessed. For example the penalties in Michigan range from $100 a day for not filing the unclaimed property report, to a penalty of 25 percent of the value of the property that should have been remitted to the state.
SALES AND USE TAX Surprisingly the biggest tax exposure for most companies when they are audited comes from sales and use tax and not from income taxes. It has become commonplace for businesses to start buying more items via the Internet. How often does your company go online to purchase some office equipment/supplies from a company whose only location is outside the state of Michigan? Most businesses/people do this in order to save the sales tax that they would otherwise have to pay if they purchased the item from a Michigan-based vendor. In order to combat this, every state has a sales tax companion called “use tax.” Use tax requires that when an in-state company purchases an item for use in-state and no sales tax was collected by the seller, the purchasers must selfassess the tax and remit it to the state. Most business computer systems do not accurately keep track of these out-of-state purchases and, upon audit, large use tax and penalty assessments are issued the state taxing authority. Companies should ensure that they have policies and procedures in place to accurately keep track of purchases that will require self-assessments. For companies in the construction business that operate in multiple states, the sales and use tax rules can become even more complex and confusing. Each state has different rules and regulations on how and who pays and collects sales or use tax. In many states, the contractor is deemed to be the ultimate consumer of the products and materials purchased. In these states, the contractor will pay the tax when the materials are purchased. While in other states, the contractor is treated as making a “retail sale” and might have to possibly collect sales tax on both the material and labor sold. Many times construction companies are surprised either during an audit or when they hire an accounting firm to review their potential sales tax exposure that (a) they either have not charged sales tax on items that they should be assessing tax on; and/or (b) have charged sales tax on
items that are not subject to sales tax. In many cases it is even discovered that they have misinterpreted their home state rules concerning sales tax.
INTEREST-CHARGE DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SALES CORPORATION (IC-DISC) In today’s global environment, it is not uncommon for companies located in the United States to have operations/projects in foreign countries. Companies that export products outside the United States could be able to reduce their federal income tax on this foreign income by as much as 50 percent. The U.S. tax code allows manufacturers to set up what is called an Interest Charge-Domestic International Sales Corporation, or IC-DISC. The IC-DISC itself pays no federal income tax and reduces the exporters tax liability by converting income that would be taxed at ordinary income tax rates that can be as high as 40 percent to income that is taxed as qualifying dividend income, which for the 2014 tax year is taxed at a maximum rate of 20 percent. As with many items in the U.S. tax code, what qualifies as an export is broader than most people think. Companies that provide architectural or engineering services in the U.S. where the construction project is located outside of the U.S. qualifies as an export for IC-DISC. For example, an architectural company located solely in Michigan was awarded a project to design a skyscraper in Canada. Even though all the work for this project was done in Michigan, the revenue earned by the architectural company qualifies as an export sale for IC-DISC purposes. You might be asking how all of this works. There are a number of steps and items that must be done first in order to properly set up an ICDISC, which should be addressed by a Certified Public Accountant. In essence the exporter is allowed to pay a tax-deductible commission to the IC-DISC. This commission is generally the greater of: a) of four percent of the qualified export receipts; or b) 50 percent of your company’s net income from qualified gross receipts. The IC-DISC then pays a qualified dividend back to its shareholders which are taxed at qualified dividend rates of 20 percent. Since the qualified dividend tax rate only applies to individuals, the IC-DISC must be owned by “The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
NEW individuals or a flow-through entity owned by individuals. During President Obama’s 2015 State of the Union address, he mentioned that the United States should simplify the tax system so small business owners can file their taxes based on their bank statement instead of the number of afforded accountants. It’s not really the number of accountants that one can afford that is critical for business owners. It’s selecting the right CPA for your business. Think of it as financial hygiene - just like choosing the right doctor is critical for maintaining your health, so is choosing the right CPA for maintaining the “tax health” of your business.
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APRIL 2015 15
C A M A N N U A L RE P O R T
CAM CELEBRATES 129TH ANNUAL MEETING AND TRADESHOW AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL BY AMANDA TACKETT, EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN LACY, PROSHOOTER.COM The 129th Annual Meeting of the Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) was held at Sound Board Theater inside MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit on Wednesday, February 4, 2015. The event took place in conjunction with the Michigan Construction & Design Tradeshow in a one-day construction extravaganza. This year’s Tradeshow attendance was 1,011 people, with 91 exhibitors taking 100 booths. Nearly 500 people attended the Annual Meeting luncheon. CAM president Kevin Koehler called the Meeting to order, and introduced a beautifully produced video narrated by the vice president of the Amalio Corporation and CAM’s 2014 Chairman of the Board, Eric Steck. The video showcased CAM’s accomplishments over the past year. The Annual Meeting Keynote speaker was Steve Marquardt, vice president of Olympia Development of Michigan (ODM). Mr. Marquardt is leading ODM's efforts in the $650 million catalyst development project – District Detroit - that will include residential, retail and office facilities in conjunction with an events and entertainment center that will be home to the Detroit Red Wings. The CAM Magazine 2014 Green Product of the Year Award, the 2014 Special Issue Awards, and the 2014 Project of the Year Award were also presented at the Meeting. The 2014 Green Product of the Year Award honored the most innovative and sustainable green product recently used in a project by a CAM Member firm. This year’s winner was PLEOTINT, LLC / SUNTUITIVE® Interlayer Manufacturer, and Thompson IG, LLC Fabricator, for use of their product at MAREC – Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in Muskegon. The Special Issue Awards honored each project that appeared in CAM Magazine’s Special Issue 2014, along with the project teams of contractor and architect. The 2014 Project of the Year was determined by online votes as well as votes from the CAM Magazine Editorial Advisory Committee. This year’s winner was the Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers Headquarters in St. Johns; Project Team: Wieland-Davco Corporation and Hobbs+Black Architects; Owner: Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers.
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The 2015 CAM Board of Directors (top to bottom, left to right): Steve Hohenshil; Brad Leidal; Kevin Ryan; John Rieckhoff; John Raimondo; Joe Palazzolo; Joe Fontanesi; Donielle Wunderlich; Jennifer Panning; Preston Wallace; Tom Broad; Kevin Koehler; Larry Brinker, Jr. 16 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Congratulations to Larry Brinker, Jr. on being elected as the Construction Association of Michigan Chairman of the Board
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2014 SPECIAL ISSUE AWARD WINNERS
Lowe Campbell Ewald Headquarters
Belle Isle Nature Zoo
The Garden Theater
Project Team: Turner Construction Company and Neumann/Smith Architecture Owner: Lowe Campbell Ewald
Project Team: KEO and Associates, Inc. and Ehresman Associates, Inc. Owner: The City of Detroit
Project Team: Construction Logistics (Monahan Company and Means Group Joint Venture), Quinn Evans Architects, and McIntosh Poris Associates Owner: Woodward SA-PK, LLC
Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers Headquarters Project Team: Wieland-Davco Corporation and Hobbs+Black Architects Owner: Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers
Gateway Marketplace
“the Z”
Project Team: Dailey-Jenkins Joint Venture and Rogvoy Architects, PC Owner: DGPOM Owner Representative: REDICO
Project Team: Colasanti/Sachse Joint Venture and Neumann/Smith Architecture Owner: Bedrock Real Estate Services
Delta College Health & Wellness, F-Wing Renovations
Detroit Public Safety Headquarters Building
Resource and Crisis Center
Project Team: Turner Construction Company-White Construction Company Joint Venture and SmithGroupJJR Owner: City of Detroit, Detroit Building Authority
Project Team: George W. Auch Company and DiClemente Siegel Design, Inc. Owner: Oakland County Mental Health Authority
Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
Detroit Medical Center Harper University Hospital Surgical Renovation Project
Project Team: Spence Brothers and Wigen Tincknell Associates Architects Owner: Delta College, University Center
Grand Valley State University, Mary Idema Pew Library, Learning and Information Commons Project Team: Pioneer Construction and SHW/Stantec Owner: Grand Valley State University 18 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Project Team: McCarthy & Smith, Inc. and Merritt Cieslak Design Owner: Our Lady of Victory Church
Project Team: Roncelli MPS Joint Venture and HKS Architects, PC Owner: Detroit Medical Center “The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
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CAM MAGAZINE 2014 PROJECT OF THE YEAR: AGRO-CULTURE LIQUID FERTILIZERS HEADQUARTERS Project Team: Wieland-Davco Corporation and Hobbs+Black Architects Owner: Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers To read about this project, as well as the other award-winning construction projects featured here, visit CAM Magazine online at www.cammagazineonline.com. Read online, print, or download the articles from our online viewer, or link them directly to your Web page.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD The association’s new officers and directors who will serve on the 2015 CAM Board of Directors were installed at the meeting. CAM’s new Chairman of the Board is Larry Brinker, Jr. Brinker, Jr. is president of Detroit-based L.S. Brinker Company, part of The Brinker Group. He started his career as a project engineer, quickly advanced to project manager, director of business development and now president. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan where he earned a B.S.E. in Civil and Environmental Engineering. At CAM, he is an active participant in the Boy Scouts of America Building Connections annual fundraising event and has served on its executive committee. Larry and his wife, Erica, live in Northville with his son and namesake, Larry III. CAM’s newly elected Vice Chairmen are Stephen Hohenshil of Glasco Corporation; Donielle Wunderlich of the George W. Auch Company; and new Treasurer, Joe Palazzolo of Detroit Spectrum Painters. Each year three directors retire from CAM’s Board, and three new directors are elected by the CAM Membership. The 2015 newly elected directors are: Thomas R. Broad, executive vice president, Midwest Steel, Inc., Detroit; Joseph Fontanesi, president, Fontanesi and Kann Company / Architectural Building Components, Inc., Ferndale; and Jennifer T. Panning, president, Artisan Tile, Inc., Brighton. Retiring after four years of service to CAM’s Board are Vice Chairman Todd Hill of Ventcon, Inc. and Vice Chairman Mary Marble of Marble Mechanical Services, LLC, WBE, DBE, SBE; and outgoing 2014 Chairman Eric Steck of Amalio Corporation, SBE. The other current member of the CAM Board of Directors are: Brad Leidal, Leidal & Hart Mason Contractors, Inc.; John Raimondo, Roncelli, Inc.; John Rieckhoff, C.L. Rieckhoff Company, Inc.; Kevin Ryan, Powerlink Facility Management Services; and Preston Wallace, Limbach Company, LLC. 20 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
OUTSTANDING GREEN PRODUCT OF THE YEAR: PLEOTINT, LLC / SUNTUITIVE® Interlayer Manufacturer, and Thompson IG, LLC Fabricator, for use of their product at MAREC – Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center in Muskegon.
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MEET YOUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS THOMAS R. BROAD EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT MIDWEST STEEL, INC. Tom has 25 years of experience in the structural steel fabrication and erection industry. At Midwest Steel, Detroit, Tom is charged with oversight of department leadership, strategic sales and client cultivation. He collaborates with the company president for implementing, updating and evaluating Midwest Steel’s strategic plan, as well as providing the vision and mindset for growing the business. Midwest Steel has been recognized as the largest specialty steel contractor since 2005. Tom developed and put into effect the collaborative Design Assist process to change the culture of Midwest Steel and the industry. Design Assist brings decision makers to the table in the conceptual stage of design and development historically reduces costs and schedule substantially. The process also incorporates 3D modeling and 4D animations into the request for proposal process for more accurate bids. Tom is a graduate of Macomb Community College with a background in Business Management and Marketing. He also attended the Construction Industry Institute (CII) and the University of Texas’s McCombs School of Business with emphasis on Executive Leadership. He is active in the Construction Association of Michigan (CAM), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), Construction Industry Institute (CII), and the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD). Tom is a member of the Detroit Athletic Club, along with Harbor Club North and the Clinton River Boat Club. He enjoys boating, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and sporting clays shooting. He participates in church activities and fundraising. Tom resides in Harrison Township with his wife, Debbie.
J OS E P H F O N TA NE S I PRESIDENT FONTANESI AND KANN COMPANY / ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING COMPONENTS, INC. Joe has 32 years of experience in the construction industry. He is President of Fontanesi and Kann Company and Architectural Building Components, Inc., of Ferndale. Fontanesi and Kann services the construction industry by providing HVAC equipment, building automation control systems, and electrical contracting services. Architectural Building Components, Inc. is a leading architectural materials supplier to the general and specialty trades. Joe is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, with a BBA degree in Finance. He also holds an MBA from the Sloan School of Management. He is a current Trustee of CAM-COMP, CAM’s Workers’ Comp Insurance program. Joe is also involved with ASHRAE, ASHE, UMH-Mott Foundation (Ex-Chair), and the Birmingham Brother Rice Facility Committee. He is a member of the Birmingham Country Club and serves on their Master Planning Committee. In his spare time, Joe enjoys sports, traveling, reading and playing music. He is a member of St. Regis Church. He and his wife, Sue, have been married for 32 years. They reside in Bloomfield Village and have four children.
22 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
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J EN N I F E R T. PA N N I N G PRESIDENT ARTISAN TILE, INC. Jennifer has been in the construction industry for 19 years, having founded her company, Artisan Tile, Inc., in March 1995. Artisan Tile, located in Brighton, is a WBE (Woman Business Enterprise) commercial ceramic tile, stone and terrazzo contractor. Jennifer is a graduate of Hartland High School and also Northwood University, where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration, Management/Marketing degree. She is currently a member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council WBENC (WBE); National Terrazzo Mosaic Association (NTMA) Education Committee; the Greater Detroit Terrazzo Contractors Association; past President of the Tile Contractors Association of North America (TCNA); past Secretary of the Detroit Ceramic Tile Contractors Association (DCTCA); the International Masonry Institute; and the West Michigan Construction Alliance. She is also a member of Lakelands Country Club in Brighton. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys water rowing, boating, sports, cooking and travel. She is married to her husband, Scott, and they reside in Pinckney. They attend Shalom Lutheran Church and have two daughters, Morgen and Sloan.
Visit us online at www.cammagazineonline.com
CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 23
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CAM DEPARTMENTS:
2014 CAMSAFETY & CAMTEC CAM TRI-CITIES CAM’s sales & marketing team will be focusing on growing the Saginaw regional office, CAM Tri-Cities, throughout 2015. The CAM News Operation will be working closely with the Saginaw location to ensure that the news reports for the region are strong and well-rounded. Through increased reporting efforts focused on the Tri-County region, CAM will also be bringing the new ITB delivery system to the areas GCs and design firms.
CPIG AND PLANROOM 2014 proved to be quite a year for the CAM News Operations (CPIG). The goal for this year was a ‘back-to-basics’ approach in the newsroom, taking a step back to reevaluate operations and return to fundamentals. In January 2014, several new processes were implemented into the newsroom operating procedures to increase productivity and efficiency. Staff members went through extensive training, both in-house and through group training efforts with various other news organizations. CPIG has implemented regularly scheduled discussions regarding day-to-day operations and reporting techniques, which allow the staff to fine-tune their skills and help support and build off of each other. As a result of these efforts, as of October 2014 CPIG had seen great increases in annual statistics.
While CPIG had greatly surpassed stats for 2013 for new projects and acquiring construction documents for those projects, it still lagged behind in privately-funded work. To that end, the news operation evaluated several new software platforms for its news service with the express intention of providing CAM Members with a strong and robust Invitation to Bid delivery system. CPIG met with the Virtual Builders Exchange (VBX), San Antonio, TX. Their planroom and news software, combined with the ITB delivery system of Smart Bid Net, Austin, TX, create the industry’s most robust, user-friendly, and all-encompassing software available for commercial contractors around the country. CAM is currently in discussions with VBX to finalize a deal that would allow utilization of this system for CAM Online News subscribers. CAM believes this new software will not only be the key to attracting more privately-funded work for existing members, but it will also produce new and lucrative revenue streams, access to more subcontractors, and solidify CAM’s overall news operation into a one-stop-shop for of Michigan’s Commercial Construction Industry information. For 2015 CPIG will be focused solely on the implementation and launch of OPUS. With extensive training programs for both staff and CAM Members, the implementation of the marketing program and the expansion of our reporting capabilities, 2015 should be prove to be an exciting time for CAM’s Construction News Operation.
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Kicking off 2014, CAMTEC – the CAM Training and Education Center - held six seminars at the Construction & Design Tradeshow in February. In the Laws & Regulations Room, Patty Meyer, MIOSHA Director of Construction, provided the MIOSHA update, discussed previous incidents and the focus for 2014. Eric Urbain, representing MISS DIG, Michigan’s one-call notification center for underground utility protection, hit the highlights of new legislation that significantly changed the MISS DIG law. Attorneys Michael Novarra and Paul Catenacci, together with Priority Health’s Director of Sales, Lenny Brucato, held a workshop to instruct employers in calculating their Full Time Employee (FTE) number and its significance under the new healthcare act. In the Software Solutions Room, the topics of Building Information Modeling (BIM), Quickbooks®, and other programs available for project management and estimating were addressed. Between January and the end of September 2014, CAMTEC held 40 classes attended by over 600 students, and collected more than $43,900 in tuition. Those numbers represent an increase of 200 attendees over 2013 figures. The Core Curriculum focused on Construction Management, Construction Law, and Safety & Health. CAMTEC also held a four-day class to provide basic training in Building Information Management (BIM) software, a workshop on becoming certified to bid on MDOT projects, a Residential Builders License Update Course, and a seminar on Succession Planning for the Business Owner. 88 individuals became certified in First Aid/CPR/AED, 65 received OSHA 10 or 30 cards, and 78 attended through CAMTEC’s affiliation with the MIOSHA Training Institute (MTI). 2015 plans include a five-day Project Management Bootcamp scheduled for May and access to an online Project Management Professional Exam Prep Course. In 2014, CAMTEC kept in touch with CAM Members through various communication methods: the Constant Contact program; fax-blasts; mailings; information in the CAM E-Newletter; and up-to-date information on newly added classes or changes through CAM’s website. CAMSAFETY continued offering free training under the MIOSHA-CET Grant. During the fiscal year October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014, CAMSAFETY conducted training sessions for almost 900 individuals. Topics included the four main causes of fatalities in the construction industry: falls, electrocutions, being struck-by and being caught-in something. In addition, CAMSAFETY met with 23 companies, reviewed their existing programs, and provided solutions to their problems. CAMSAFETY was invited to tour several high profile jobsites including The Elmore, St. Josaphat Church and Detroit Metro Airport. 2015 funds have been approved and the free training is available through September 30th. In addition, through an alliance partnership with MIOSHA, CAMSAFETY connected five CAM member companies with a MIOSHA Consultation, Education and Training representative for a free, no-penalty jobsite inspection. In January 2014, Safety Committee members, Carl Granger of Woods Construction and Aaron Munoz of Limbach Company, were featured as “celebrity bartenders” at CAM’s annual fundraising event at Lily’s Seafood in Royal Oak. On May 9, 2014, CAMSAFETY provided training to enrolled participants of Project Accelerate, a program organized and executed by the Detroit Chapter of National Association of Women in Construction. As part of the Safety Achievement Award program, member companies were encouraged to tally and submit their injury & illness data for the 2013 calendar year. 28 companies provided their information. All of the entries received combined to equal 5,466,710 hours worked. More than half of “The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
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the entrants reported ZERO injuries in 2013. The winners received their award in May, where they were treated to breakfast and an informative presentation by Ronald Weglarz, attorney with Lacey & Jones, LLP. Weglarz discussed workers’ compensation law and recommended strategies for properly documenting an incident and how to speed return to work for an injured employee.
CAM E-NEWSLETTER In 2014, the CAM E-Newsletter continued to be released to the membership twice monthly – on the 15th and last day of each month. The awardwinning CAM E-Newsletter is the one-stop news-in-brief service that CAM provides for its members. It contains all the latest CAM events, educational classes, legislative updates, member news and human interest features.
CAM WEBSITE Found at www.cam-online.com, the CAM website displays an informationfilled, user-friendly format with all the information anyone would need to know about the association. Among its features are: an interactive CAM Buyers Guide Online; ECommerce built-in for website purchases of CAM educational classes, social events and products; calendars for CAMTEC classes and industry events; a CAMTEC class section; YouTube integration on key pages for news, events and demos; social media integration throughout the site; interactive maps for CAM Newsroom coverage areas; and much more. All CAM website maintenance continues to be in-house, and the CAM staff remains responsible for its content, upkeep and layout.
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In December 2014, CAMSAFETY presented the Safety Leadership Conference. This all-day event featured training on Conflict Resolution, Safety Apps, Dealing with the Media, Medical Marijuana, At-Risk Behavior Traits, the Aging Workforce, Difficult Workers Compensation Cases, Process Safety Management, Temporary Workers, Electrical Safe Work Practices, and a panel discussion with well- known leaders in the workplace safety arena. Throughout 2014, CAMSAFETY contributed a Safety Tool Kit article in each edition of CAM Magazine. 2014 topics included Fatigue, Complacent Workers, Pre-Task Planning, Heat Illness, and changes to Michigan’s Department of Transportation Medical Requirements. CAMSAFETY also added a consultation service available to members on a contractual basis. Three member companies currently benefit from an ongoing relationship with the department that includes scheduled site visits, review of subcontractor safety manuals, and assistance with pre-task planning.
CAM PUBLIC RELATIONS CAM and the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan (HBA) hosted their fourth annual Mid-Year Economic Forecast and State of the Industry Luncheon on June 10, 2014 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Switching the event from a breakfast to a luncheon did not impair attendance, with nearly 300 attendees and 38 tabletop display booths taken. Guest speakers were L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive, and Mitch Bean, Former Director of the Michigan House Fiscal Agency. The presentations were followed by an audience Q&A session. The event began with a tour of several tabletop vendors, along with a meet & greet with the speakers. A plated lunch was served prior to the presentations. Look for the fourth annual Mid-Year Forecast and State of the Industry Luncheon in June 2015.
26 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
In 2014, CAM Magazine - The Voice of the Construction Industry - continued to grow its online presence, distribution and readership. While still primarily distributed in printed format, CAM Magazine had a strong online presence with nearly 500 electronic subscribers; over 3,000 Twitter followers; over 400 Facebook followers; and 3,000 LinkedIn connections (stats as of October 2014). CAM Magazine revised its physical layout, look and feel over the past year, moving to a more modern, light, san-serif typeface, and a larger type sizeto-leading ratio throughout its pages. This created more visual white space within the articles. The Industry News and Products sections evolved, with larger photos and more emphasis on 2-column layouts, with light-colored boxes to separate stories and sections. Headlines and sub-headings adopted a clean, modern look that is unified throughout the publication. The October 2014 Special Issue sported an even further evolved design that set a new standard for CAM Magazine’s modern evolution in print. Most notably is the larger amount of active white space with the use of smaller supporting photos to improve readability and make a greater impression on the reader. Feature articles now have a cleaner, sophisticated layout that leads the reader through each article visually along with the text. In February 2014, CAM Magazine presented its tenth annual Special Issue Award ceremonies at the Michigan Construction & Design Tradeshow. Plaques were presented to the architects and general contractors whose projects appeared in the Special Issue 2013. The 2013 Project of the Year went to the Human Health Building at Oakland University in Rochester. The August 2014 Construction Law issue featured coverage on the CAM Construction Industry Roundtable Sessions, a Legislative Update from CAM’s lobbyist, Kindsvatter Dalling & Associates, and an interview with Michigan Senator Mike Kowall. This issue was sent directly to members of the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives, who are now regular recipients of the publication on a monthly basis.
“The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
In September 2014, CAM Magazine was honored by the Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) with the Silver Honorable Mention in the Best Magazine Publishing, $1 Million and Greater category. The awards banquet was held at The Royal Park Hotel in Rochester on Wednesday, September 17, 2014.
CAM GUIDE
BUYERS
The most widely used construction directory in the state, the 2014 CAM Buyers Guide was distributed to 8,000 contractors, architects, buyers and users of construction. The Buyers Guide provides useful information, and remains a specialized marketing tool for CAM Members. The 2014 Buyers Guide continued to feature a Special Business Enterprises section, as well as a LEED section, featuring companies who employ LEED Accredited Professionals. Again, for the third year in a row, the 2014 Buyers Guide allowed 4-color advertisements from CAM Members. Distributed throughout the book, the ads were again popular with the membership, and complemented the Buyers Guide’s clean and efficient appearance. The 2014 retained its plastic spiral binding, color-coded sections, and indexed pages. The CAM Buyers Guide continued to be accessible online via the CAM website.
• The CAM Southeast Michigan Wage Directory with contact information for the local Labor Organizations and Contractor Associations, updated annually; • Informational bulletins relating to current developments in the labor relations arena; • Advice regarding the proper interpretation of collective bargaining agreements; • Assistance in resolving disputed issues with labor unions related to both contractual and noncontractual matters; and • Advice regarding proper work assignments, and assistance in resolving conflicting work claims. During this past year, the CAM Labor Relations Program finalized language for a previously agreed upon Hiring Hall/Employee Referral Agreement, effective June 1, 2014 with the Operating Engineers, and
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CAM LABOR RELATIONS PROGRAM In its twelfth year, the CAM Labor Relations Program continues to be the largest provider of labor relations services in Michigan. Over 400 union contractors, who employ either Carpenters, Laborers, Operating Engineers or Cement Masons in Southeast Michigan, as well as Carpenters, Laborers and Operating Engineers in Outstate Michigan, are presently participating in the CAM Labor Relations Program. All benefits of the Labor Program are available at no additional cost to our union contractors. CAM’s Labor Relations Program is making contractors more productive and competitive by providing the best advice and information available. Among the benefits, participating contractors receive: Visit us online at www.cammagazineonline.com
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CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 27
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successfully negotiated a Table Settlement with one of the local Cement Mason Labor Unions. Additionally, the Carpenters and Millwrights Joint Apprenticeship and Training Funds merged into one statewide Fund with seven separate JATC Schools located throughout the state. By virtue of the merger, CAM attained its first management trustee position on the JATC Ferndale School Board, effective September 1, 2014. Moreover, recent changes in the law, including the $0.75 increase in Michigan’s minimum wage rate from $7.40 to $8.15 per hour, effective September 1, 2014, prompted the Labor Relations Program to update the CAM all-in-one, plastic-laminated, 30” X 50” Jobsite Poster. CAM’s Labor Relations Program continues to grow as union contactors realize the quality and extent of the assistance available. Jim Oleksinski, M.A., J.D., LL.M., is CAM’s Director of Labor Relations and Government Affairs. Mr. Oleksinski is a labor attorney with over 20 years of experience in the practice of law.
CAM GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE The CAM Government Affairs Committee is dedicated to identifying, shaping and promoting pro-business and pro-construction policies and legislation on behalf of the CAM membership and the Michigan construction industry. Now in its fourth year, the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) remains under the capable leadership of its Chairman John Raimondo, PE, Director, Roncelli, Inc., along with the assistance of CAM’s Lobbyists, Derek Dalling and Jason Wadaga from the firm of Kindsvatter, Dalling and Associates, Inc. Also, the GAC has both an established Political Action Committee (CAMPAC) headed by Bruce Pregler, Esq., Facca, Richter, & Pregler, PC, as well as an Advocacy Committee to raise funds to impact the legislative process in Lansing. During this past year, the GAC identified CAM’s top 5 construction industry-related issues as follows: • Comprehensive Road/Transportation Funding Reform; • Retention between the Owners, General Contractors and Subcontractors; • Shortage of qualified labor in both the current and future construction workforce and the need for increased training opportunities for young adults; • Reinstating CAM’s access to the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network relative to public sector job projects; and 28 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
• Maintaining Michigan’s current Prevailing Wage Law as is. The GAC, through its Lobbyist Firm, monitored several legislative bills potentially impacting the CAM membership and the Michigan construction industry, attended state legislative receptions hosted by CAM’s Lobbyist Firm for both Republican and Democratic leaders in the Senate and House and financially supported those Michigan Legislators supportive of Michigan’s construction industry during the 2014 election cycle. Michigan State Senator Mike Kowall of the 15th District and Chair of the Senate Economic Development Subcommittee visited the CAM offices to be interviewed for an article that appeared in the August edition [Construction Law Issue] of the CAM Magazine. Also, the August edition featured both an article written by GAC ExCom Vice Chairman Gary Quesada concerning Michigan’s Construction Lien/Bond and Trust Fund Statutes and the Legislative Update Report submitted by CAM Lobbyist Jason Wadaga. Starting with the August edition, CAM began mailing its monthly award winning Magazine to the Governor’s Office and all 144 state legislators. The first mailing included a letter of introduction written by Mr. John Raimondo, GAC ExCom Chair. Senator Kowall invited CAM to provide testimony before his Subcommittee regarding the “Skilled Trades and the Direct Correlation to Michigan’s Economic Resurgence.” Mr. Oleksinski testified in front of the committee on the subject. Representatives of the GAC actively participated in CAM’s Construction Industry Breakfast Roundtables Sessions. The Roundtables involve representatives of the various sectors of the construction industry (i.e., Owners, General Contractors, Subcontractors, Suppliers and Design Community) raising concerns and offering solutions in an open, giveand-take forum, in order to advance the interests of Michigan’s construction industry as whole. The Governmental Affairs Committee is coordinated by Jim Oleksinski, M.A., J.D., LL.M., Director of Labor Relations and Government Affairs.
numbers in membership we continue to be strong. Our ultimate goal is Membership +1!
CAM SOCIAL EVENTS In 2014 CAM’s dedicated staff, assisted by strong committee support, facilitated many social events for CAM Members. The list includes a well-attended Men’s Bowling Doubles Classic; an afternoon Bowling League; an evening Bowling League; four Summer Golf Outings; two Sporting Clays Shoots; a European Pheasant Hunt; and several CAM Connect networking events that included both Tigers and Lions tailgate parties. All were complete successes and some were even sellouts. These outings are a great opportunity to network, socialize with friends, clients and colleagues. 2014 was a very successful year for the CAM Connect networking events. CAM brought together well over 1,000 members to network in different venues to further their businesses. These are free or low-cost events. The first was a scholarship fundraiser at Lily’s Seafood in Royal Oak; the second was tailgate party for the Detroit Tigers Opening Day in Detroit; the third was a Tigers Baseball Game; the fourth was the Woodward Dream Cruise; the fifth was a Detroit Lions tailgate party. The 2015 schedule is available on the CAM website Calendar of Events. Get involved and join us! Check out our website at www.cam-online.com.
CAM MEMBERSHIP
MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN TRADESHOW
In 2014, CAM Membership welcomed both new companies and past Members back to the association. Goals for 2015 are to continue working hard to assist our Members with the goods and services that we have to offer, and to continue to bring in new Members to our association. With
In early 2014, CAM hosted its one-day industrywide event, The Michigan Construction & Design Tradeshow. It returned to the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit on February 5th. This year, the exhibit space reached capacity and was sold out. Attendance for the second consecutive year in a row was over 1,100. Along with the tradeshow, CAM’s 128th Annual Meeting celebrating CAM’s 129th Anniversary as an Association occurred, along “The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
with the CAM Magazine 2013 Special Issue Awards; CAMTEC educational classes; and countless opportunities for networking. The Tradeshow provides an opportunity for companies to market their products and services to the Michigan construction industry. Several new exhibitors were able to take advantage of this opportunity, introducing their products and services at the 2014 show.
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CAM BENEFIT PROGRAM (CBP) - A Group Health Insurance Program Sponsored by CAM for its Members; CAM Administrative Services, Inc. (CAMADS), a Third Party Administrator (TPA): The CAM Benefit Program (CBP) is the CAMsponsored Group Health Benefit Program, and for the past 50 years has provided hundreds of employers with comprehensive health benefits. The CBP program has evolved over the past 15 months and now offers a new Self-Funded Medical and Prescription Drug Option called “Employers Advantage” (the fullyinsured Medical and Prescription Drug coverages are insured by Priority Health, rated A“excellent” by A.M. Best Company). In addition, CBP offers Fully-Insured Medical and Prescription Drug Coverages (the new self-funded medical and prescription drug option includes aggregate stop loss coverage that is provided by a carrier rated A+ “superior” by A.M. Best Company), and fully-insured Dental, Vision, and Group Term Life and AD & D. Employers can package the above coverages to meet the specific needs of their employers. Employers Advantage is available to employers with five or more enrolled employees. The plan offers design flexibility along with potential cost savings, while maintaining an attractive option for their employees. Employers Advantage features level funding and aggregate stop loss coverage. Level funding consists of a predetermined portion of the claims along with stop loss insurance premium and administrative costs on a monthly basis. When eligible claims exceed the employer’s claims funding, funds are released by the stop loss carrier to the employer claim fund to reimburse claims. Employers Advantage features the Cofinity PPO Network as the primary network and Private Health Care Systems (PHCS) will serve as the travel/student/out-of-state network. CAM Administrative Services (CAMADS) will quote, medically underwrite, provide eligibility management, group invoicing, claims Visit us online at www.cammagazineonline.com
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CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 29
C A M A N N U A L RE P O R T
adjudication, claims payments and stop loss management for groups within the Self-Funded program. CAMADS would welcome the opportunity to provide CAM members with a cost effective quote. Please have your current agent contact Rob Walters in our Marketing Department for program details (248) 233-2114 or Rwalters@camads.com.
CAM WORKERS’ COMP
CAM Comp has returned 47 percent of collected premium and investment income. A growing number of members are taking advantage of the convenience of CAM Comp’s new services including online payments, the safety center, monthly E-blasts and webinars. CAM Comp continued efforts to grow in the cyber world with social media. Find us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. In 2013, CAM Comp introduced the CAM Comp Safety Award Program. In conjunction with CAM’s Safety Award program CAM Comp has awarded 10 top firms with safety awards.
4,000 Insured Employees - Low 6.9% Loss Ratio - Largest Single Dividend Return Ever. In 2014, CAM Comp provided Workers’ Compensation Insurance to over 300 contractor employers, providing coverage to more than 4,000 employees. Over the year, there were 34 claims reported, representing a 6.9 percent loss ratio, a testament that SAFETY PAYS. CAM Comp’s latest return of excess premiums and investment income exceeded $2 million, the largest single return to date. Since its inception,
CONSTRUCTION FEDERAL CREDIT UNION (CFCU) Construction Federal Credit Union is one of the strongest credit unions in the nation. Having earned and maintained a 5-Star rating for 72 consecutive quarters, Construction Federal Credit Union has earned an even more elite designation as an “Exceptional Performance Credit Union”.
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This distinction is reserved for those institutions that have earned 5-Stars for ten consecutive years or longer. “While the national economy saw modest growth in 2013,” reflects Karen L. Dorway, president of the rating firm, Bauer Financial, “through its strength and commitment, Construction Federal Credit Union has been able to shine. The people who work at Construction Federal Credit Union know that its well-being and that of its membership are inextricably tied to one another. By supporting and promoting their members, employees of Construction Federal Credit Union are making a positive difference for the credit union, as well.” Construction Federal Credit Union has been working to earn members’ trust since 1974. Its commitment to its membership has not faltered in those 40 years. Offering everything from low rate VISAs to auto and boat loans and mortgages, Construction Federal Credit Union (www.cfcuonline.com) is a member of the NCUA and an Equal Housing Lender. ”Celebrating 40 Years of “Banking Made Better.”
THE MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN TRADESHOW 2015 RECAP
Taking place at MotorCity Casino Hotel on Wednesday, February 4th, 2015, the Michigan Construction & Design Tradeshow was another sold-out success. This well-attended industry event hosted over 1300 attendees, with 91 exhibitors taking 100 booths and four tabletop displays, exhibiting the latest in today’s construction products, supplies and services. Next year’s show has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016 at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. Boot space is already being reserved! To secure your booth space for next year’s show, contact Ron Riegel, manager of expositions, at (248)972-1000. Be sure to watch for more information on the CAM website at www.cam-online.com.
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30 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
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CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 31
ROUNDTABLE RECAP
TALK OF THE TOWNSEND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLES ARE TURNING TALK INTO ACTION BY MARY E. KREMPOSKY ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The conversation was indeed “constructive” as a series of three Construction Industry Roundtables convened at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, beginning in March 2014. Over 40 thought-leaders in the industry participated in the Construction Association of Michigan’s (CAM) groundbreaking initiative to dig deep and identify issues of concern at the first roundtable. “Michigan’s best and brightest thought leaders – Owners, Architects, Engineers, Suppliers, Subcontractors and Contractors – came together to identify those issues most important to their business success,” said Roncelli Director, CAM Director, and Chairman of CAM’s Government Affairs Committee John A. Raimondo, PE. “They worked together to develop real solutions, and a direction for CAM to then take action.” CAM surveyed all participants on their main issues of concern after the first roundtable meeting. At the second roundtable in June 2014, industry
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CAM has begun something very special, and with the right personnel and determination, in due time this can be a game changer for the Michigan construction industry. It will be challenging but very rewarding when progress is made, and to have CAM spearheading the effort, it will feel even better.
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Giuseppe (Joe) S. Palazzolo CAM Treasurer Detroit Spectrum Painters
woes were distilled to four core issues: workforce development, collaboration, contract language and funding. In a frank, open exchange of ideas, stakeholders shared their perspective on these concerns to find common ground, for what unites the interests of each stakeholder is the mutually beneficial goal of delivering a successful project. Straight talk is now leading to direct action. In September 2014, four different subcommittees, focused on the four core concerns, met in breakout sessions to generate possible solutions before presenting them to the 32 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
larger group assembled for the third roundtable in October 2014. As a result, specific initiatives are now being launched as the baton of leadership is passed from past CAM Chairman Eric C. Steck, the Amalio Corp. vice president who was the driving force behind the creation of the roundtables, to new CAM Chairman Larry S. Brinker, Jr., president of L.S. Brinker Company, part of The Brinker Group, and the chairperson of the Workforce Development Group. Of the roundtables in general, Brinker says, “The creation and establishment of the Construction Association of Michigan roundtable series has been tremendous for our industry locally. The fact that we could bring together major stakeholders from The University of Michigan, Oakland County, private developers and other owners, along with all the stakeholders in the industry, was a feat in and of itself. The fact that the discussions were so meaningful is the key point. We really took a deep dive into hot topics from many different angles. “Every stakeholder has a different business model,” continued Brinker, “but ultimately we are looking for solutions that are mutually beneficial to the whole project, and as a result, they are beneficial to the owner, designer, contractor, subcontractor and supplier.” The roundtables have spawned a host of initiatives and have forged stronger communication pathways between stakeholders. “All the feedback from the roundtables has been positive,” said Steck. “The dialogue needs to continue in order to create a healthy industry. I have gotten a commitment from CAM’s President Kevin Koehler and from the new CAM Chairman Larry Brinker to continue the roundtable discussions.” According to Steck, a formalized CAM Roundtable Committee will be created to address not only the four identified core issues, but also so-called “hot topics” – issues that materialize swiftly and the industry needs to address promptly, such as the emerging debate on Prevailing Wage laws.
REBUILDING MIchIGaN, REBUILDING thE WoRkfoRcE Rebuilding Michigan’s depleted construction workforce is a crucial need for meeting the rising demand for buildings in the wake of the recent recession. “We don’t have enough construction labor, either professionally or in the skilled trades, to meet the needs of Michigan,” said Brinker, “or even the needs of Metro Detroit stakeholders who are looking to build in the next four to five years.” Brinker outlined the problem and strategies to alleviate this top industry concern at CAM’s Annual Meeting held at MotorCity Casino Hotel’s Soundboard in early February 2015. “Based on a 2013 report from the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, we lost over 82,000 skilled trade construction jobs, and saw employment drop by 40 percent between 2007 and 2009. Three in four construction skilled “The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
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The concept of the Construction Industry roundtable was conceived by Eric Steck, past chairman of CAM and current Vice President of Amalio Corp. The idea was unique in that it brought all levels of the industry together in one room to voice their concerns. I truly believe that all who participated left with greater insight into our industry’s problems and potential solutions. Eric Steck should be commended for being the impetus in making the roundtable discussions a reality.
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Bruce M. Pregler, Facca, Richter & Pregler, P.C., CAM PAC Chairman
trade vacancies through 2020 will be based on the need to replace existing workers due to retirement. These statistics do not factor in the number of construction professionals we are losing to other states.” What is part of the way forward? “CAM is working on a partnership with the State of Michigan, specifically with the Michigan Talent Investment Agency,” said Brinker. “The agency has established different incentives to attract people back to Michigan who left during the downturn. It also has certain incentives for employers to hire people in skilled trade apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs.” For example, the Detroit Registered Apprenticeship Pilot Program (DRAPP) is designed to recruit and prepare Detroit residents with marketable skills, allowing them to earn and learn in high-demand fields. Created in 2012, D-RAPP offers training to assist residents in preparing to become apprentices. Each employer agrees to register their apprenticeship program with the U.S. Department of Labor and provide apprenticeship opportunities for lowincome Detroiters. Each participant attends a 60-hour pre-apprentice training program. For each Detroit resident placed into a registered apprenticeship program, the Michigan Workforce Development Agency and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation provide an incentive of $5,000 to the apprenticeship program or employer, which can then be used to help provide classroom training and/or tools. As part of the partnership, CAM is disseminating information, not only on these incentives, but also on job opportunities in both skilled trade labor and in professional construction careers. CAM has established a website exclusively dedicated to workforce development. “We plan to make the CAM-CORE (Construction Opportunity Resources Education) website the home portal for people who want to work in construction,” said Brinker. The website was only recently launched, but it already contains information on specific trades, professional opportunities and various incentive programs. The www.cam-core.com website has links to the following information: • Information on specific skilled trades and the average wage per hour • Construction management programs at various Michigan universities • Scholarship programs and other education funding sources • Professional development for existing construction professionals, including links to CAM-TEC
Visit us online at www.cammagazineonline.com
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“Our goal is to make this website the one people go to first for construction jobs and careers,” said Brinker. “By partnering with the State of Michigan, we plan to link with their websites on workforce development and their information on job opportunities.” This mutually beneficial partnership between CAM and the State of Michigan will round out the information available on the CAM-CORE website, but it will also help the State of Michigan be successful in their own promotional campaign to attract workers and businesses to the Great Lake State. “If they are successful, we will be successful and vice versa,” said Brinker. CAM Treasurer, Detroit Spectrum Painters Owner Giuseppe (Joe) S. Palazzolo also took part in the Workforce initiative. He offers his thoughts on how to inspire the youth of today to enter the construction workforce of tomorrow. “Going into high schools on career days or even to colleges to share information on trade labor wages and benefits, both short and long term, is one avenue,” said Palazzolo. “We should inform high school and college students that a typical four-year apprenticeship program comes without any school loans after completion of the program, as well as great pension and healthcare benefits.” Billboards, social media and print news magazines and even pamphlets are all ways to send out this important message. The actual message should give a shout-out to the construction industry and “show how much pride one can feel after actually building or beautifying a project,” said Palazzolo. “The message should show how exciting the construction industry is every day.” Overall, CAM has identified four target populations in its workforce initiative: • The promotion of the construction industry to middle and high school students to get them excited about construction • The provision of meaningful skilled labor and professional opportunities to high school graduates who may not be college bound • Creating a focus on retaining Michigan’s college degree construction professionals after graduation • Incentivizing experienced construction talent to come back to Michigan
LEt’s taLk coNtRacts Past CAM Chairman Bruce M. Pregler, partner in the law practice of Facca, Richter & Pregler, PC, co-chaired the Contract Language Group that identified three main challenges within this sector: flawed industry payment practices; inefficient industry practices; and an adversarial industry culture. Pregler offers a succinct summary of the solutions crafted by the Contract Language Group: FLAWED INDUSTRY PAYMENT PRACTICES: Implement contract provisions that release retention as work is completed; utilize contract language which speeds up the change order process; and get paid for work performed. INEFFICIENT INDUSTRY PRACTICES: Develop a CAM Best Practices contract agreement(s); apply LEAN principles to contracts; and utilize CAM Government Affairs Committee to influence legislation.
I felt that the roundtables were a great first step in two areas: narrowing down issues that affect all disciplines in our construction industry, and establishing the goals and identifying the steps that will lead to actual resolutions. We should continue the discussion, and finalize plans for the way forward. Donielle Wunderlich, CAM Vice-Chairman, George W. Auch Company CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 33
ROUNDTABLE RECAP
ADVERSARIAL INDUSTRY CULTURE: Participate in the collaborative process; utilize fair contract boiler plate language and educate industry participants.
retention at the end of their work rather than at the conclusion of the entire project. The general contractor then offered zero retainage, and Amalio presented a slightly more reduced price. “Because they knew the quality of our work, they trusted us,” said Steck. “We helped them with their budget, and in return, I am getting paid in a timely manner without any retention at all. This is an example where contract language and collaboration work together to create a win for the general contractor and the subcontractor.” Open dialogue is a way of getting results and building trust, trust being the mortar holding together the bricks of an entire building or project. “I think in our industry there is a trust issue
promote collaboration within public procurement practices and project execution. “In promoting the business case for change in owner procurement practices, CAM will sponsor the development of both quantitative and qualitative benefits necessary to inspire a targeted group of owners. These benefits will streamline processes to reduce unwanted cost from capital projects and deliver improved performance to more fully support both Owner and industry profitability. CAM’s message will focus on the Owner’s best interest through education, shared knowledge and advocacy.”
“In real terms, our industry needs to erase the adversarial culture through education and utilization of fair contract language,” said Pregler. “If all participants in the construction of a project understand the process from start to finish, money can be saved, projects completed on time, and contractors can be promptly paid for work performed. CAM believes that a best practices contract with fair and comprehensive language foLLoW thE MoNEy would go a long way in shortening contract The September break-out negotiation time, result in prompt session on funding and the payment, speed up the change subsequent October order process, result in timely roundtable focused on that completion of projects and Under then CAM Chairman Eric Steck’s basic building block of ultimately save owners and vision, along with our sponsor Doeren every project: money. developers money. Funding is a core concern, “In addition, utilization of Mayhew, the roundtables’ primary objective and to address the CAM’s Government Affairs was to identify key issues within Michigan’s concerns outlined below, Committee to influence and craft construction industry and then develop CAM will sponsor an legislation would greatly improve industry symposium on our industry,”Pregler continued. strategies aimed at improving the industry’s both project and contractor “There are many existing laws performance and Michigan’s competitive funding in late summer that need to be tweaked and advantage. 2015, said CAM President updated. There are also many Kevin Koehler. laws that should and need to be John A. Raimondo, PE, CAM Director, Roncelli, Inc. Chaired by introduced. CAM through its Donielle Wunderlich, GAC can be a leader in the George W. Auch Company, industry to ensure that proper the Funding Task Force Committee examined four between owners and contractors, contractors and legislation is introduced and that outdated or core concerns in this vital arena: Lender designers and contractors and subcontractors,” cumbersome laws are modified or repealed.” Support/Project Funding; Bonding; Profitability – said Steck. “It is something we as an industry According to Steck, the roundtable’s Contract Profit Margins, Cash Flow, Retention; and must work on.” Language Group is currently examining prompt Sustainable Growth. pay and retainage legislation enacted in coLLaBoRatIoN foR chaNGE Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. “Those states Raimondo served as chairman for the LENDER sUppoRt/pRojEct fUNDING have favorable contract language for contractors Collaboration Task Force. He is also part of the Discussions examined the issue from the in their legislation,” said Steck. “We are continuing strategy team that formulated and implemented perspective of different stakeholders. First, owners those discussions on contract language in our the roundtable series. Raimondo provides an need reliable budgeting to complete funding committee to evaluate if the language in those overview of the task force’s work on collaboration: packages. With contractors’ reliance on a credit states could be applicable to Michigan, and if it “Working together with some of Michigan’s best line because of lack of cash flow, suppliers are could be presented to the Michigan Legislature and brightest thought leaders within our industry, hesitant to provide material to contractors, through CAM’s Government Affairs Committee.” we developed two primary solutions: change the because of this lagging cash flow. Other concerns The most recently enacted law, the tradition of ‘silo mentality’ pervasive within our include the fact that fewer construction lenders Massachusetts Retainage Law, went into effect on industry, and promote the business case for even exist today. Nov. 6, 2014. According to the website of Holland change with owner procurement practices,” said General advice for contractors is to ensure that & Knight, part of the law states that “retainage shall Raimondo. funding is in place prior to construction. As part be limited to five percent of each progress “To address the ‘silo mentality’ issue, CAM will of a general lending assessment, the task force payment and new timing requirements apply to take a leadership position in sponsoring best offered some encouraging news: Lending is better retainage release.” practice activities that both define and shape the than in 2008, 2009 and 2010, but has not risen to Steck, also an integral participant in the industry’s use of collaboration,” Raimondo 2005 levels. roundtable’s Collaboration Group, offers a great continued. “CAM will develop and strengthen its As a way forward in this arena, the task force example of obtaining favorable contract provisions CAMTEC programs, including leadership getadvocated that CAM educate lenders about our from an open, collaborative dialogue on a recent togethers to support collaboration and will educate industry, that lenders who want to service our project for a large national corporation. “The CAM members on collaborative protocols and industry be identified, and that part of lender project was a general contracting bid, so having a practices. In addition, the task force advocates education is to send CAM Magazine to lenders fixed-dollar value, the general contractor wanted leveraging CAM’s legislative influence as ‘the voice and bonding companies. to tighten up the numbers,” said Steck. Amalio of the construction industry’ to both define and offered a reduced price in return for payment of
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34 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
“The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
ROUNDTABLE RECAP
BoNDING The rising cost of bonds, coupled with shrinking revenues and requests for collateral and personal guarantees, have created consternation in the industry. But for many in the industry, the process of obtaining a bond is fraught with some uncertainty. As a way forward, tackling the often confusing bonding process itself could involve providing educational services to CAM members on how to best research and prepare financial statements to obtain bonding. As another proposal, CAM could also create an industry best practices document in the bonding arena.
researching prompt pay legislation successfully enacted in other states, with the hope of developing hybrid legislation for Michigan. In addition, planning has begun for a contractor symposium to assist contractors in securing the best financing and surety options available. “And, of course, we will continue to work for industry-wide collaboration. Effective collaboration from pre-project planning through construction is
the key to delivering a project on time and on budget,” said Koehler. Clearly, the CAM Roundtables are becoming a force for change, thanks to Eric Steck and the five members of the strategy team who made it all happen. The five members of the strategy team are CAM President Kevin Koehler, John Raimondo, Eric Steck, Bruce Pregler, and Matthew J. Gurwin, Doeren Mayhew roundtable moderator.
pRofItaBILIty – pRofIt MaRGINs/cash fLoW/REtENtIoN The task force talked about the “elephant in the room” in the construction industry: retention. The amount and length of time that retention is held impacts cash flow, profitability and the ability to secure more work. Plus, retention reflects on financial reporting as a write-off. The way forward? The task force advocated addressing payment clauses on standard contractors with auditors; encouraging owners to incorporate payout schedules for retention to show benefits to the owner; and to craft best practices that will include non-punitive use of retention dollars.
sUstaINaBLE coNtRactoRs
GRoWth
foR
The Funding Task Force advocates pitching CAM to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, owners, the Michigan Small Business Owners, and others to promote the use of CAM members. Another way forward is the development of industry best practices.
MovING INto thE fUtURE CAM President Kevin Koehler offered his overview of the past roundtable discussions and a vision of their future role. “Getting all the stakeholders in a room at one time is no easy task, but the effort is definitely worth the result,” said Koehler. “The creation and continuance of the CAM Construction Industry Roundtable Series is of paramount importance to our organization and our industry. The information gleaned from our discussions, as well as open and frank dialogue and creative thinking, will shape the direction of CAM for years to come. “Workforce initiatives are our major focus this year. Education and recruiting talent to the trades and the industry is our top priority. We are excited about our www.CAM-CORE.com campaign; the development of our Young Professionals Committee; and our partnership with state and local agencies to promote construction as a career. “Our Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is Visit us online at www.cammagazineonline.com
STRENGTH THR ROUGH KNOWLEDGE AND D SKILL
Weebsite: www..realapprenticceship.com
Dave Pehrson
Jack Russell, Secretary Art Hug Jr.. Dan Damico Patrick Landry Chad Nienhuis John Doan James Oleksinski CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 35
Masonry Industry
MASONRY OUTLOOK
2015
By Joe Neussendorfer Aff.M.ASCE, ESD
Construction
The main marketing messages for Michigan’s masonry construction industry in 2015 is “Green Buildings Sell,” and the “Economics of Masonry Trumps Other Construction Materials.” Energy conservation, interior health impacts, and easy expandability and remodeling are the significant qualities that construction owners and users will be looking for, and masonry envelopes and elements fit their bill on every count. Why is all of this important? Because in 2015 and 2016, new construction activity in Michigan, across the board for the masonry industry, will probably be no less than the remodeling and retrofitting of existing buildings and facilities. That is where the action will be. This will hold true for both private and public construction. Retail, healthcare, office, medical, educational and nursing home facilities will all experience some degree of remodeling and restoration. On the new construction side, Michigan will see enthusiastic growth in the apartment building, new single-family home construction, especially in areas such as Washington Township, Shelby Township and Macomb Township. In Southeastern Michigan, Macomb County stands out as being the recipient of new population and business growth and increasing demands for services. Now a look at some statistical information. According to the January 26, 2015 issue of Engineering News-Record (ENR), “Total new construction starts in Michigan are up 8.1 percent from a year ago, according to Dodge Data & Analytics’ 12-month rolling average, which stood at $9.7 billion last November. Most of the growth came in the non-residential building markets, which were up 23.4 percent from a year ago. Homebuilding showed an annual gain of 6.7 percent.” In January 2015, the Miss Dig office released statistics stating, “Based on historical numbers for January to September, non-residential building
1916 - A GREAT YEAR FOR THE DETROIT REGION’S MASONRY INDUSTRY BY JOE NEUSSENDORFER, AFF.M.ASCE, ESD
Following is a novel look back at the Detroit masonry industry in Detroit for the year 1916. World War I was raging in Europe, while the local construction industry was hard at work building on the home front. Information was obtained from the old “Brick and Clay Record,” copies of which are in the author’s extensive library.
36 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
construction starts in dollars, Michigan should see $3,281,507,780 spent in 2015.” Miss Dig also reported in January 2015 that, “For non-residential building construction starts, we should see 596,409 new “tickets” placed from January to September 2015.” The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) published the FMI 2014 Q3 Construction Outlook Report. FMI is a leading provider of management consulting to the engineering and construction industry. Their forecast calls for solid, slow growth. According to the report, “Contributing factors include relatively low energy prices, low inflation, unemployment holding around 6.2 percent and GDP slowly growing. Additionally, consumer confidence is rising steadily, building permits and housing starts bounced back in July, and banks are starting to lend again; that is, if the applicant has good credit and cash flow.” A copy of the complete FMI report can be downloaded at no cost at www.masoncontractors.org. Another aspect of Michigan’s masonry economy is not generally discussed in construction outlooks, but it is just as important to material suppliers and manufacturers. It is the non-fuel mineral production in Michigan. These are sand, crushed stone, and Portland cement mined in Michigan. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, in its Mineral Commodity Summaries 2015, “In 2014, 12 states each produced more than $2 billion in these non-fuel mineral commodities. Michigan was included in a group that accounted for 62 percent of the total output value.” A copy of the full report is available online at no cost at www.usgs.gov. About the Author: Joe Neussendorfer is an Affiliate Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has been reporting on construction economics for 40 years, He has served as a construction economy consultant to both Governor William Milliken and Governor James Blanchard. He is a 40-year member of the Engineering Society of Detroit. His email address is: joseph.neussendor@alumni.kettering.edu. He is also the president and CEO of U.S. Construction Research. His website is: www.constructionanswerman.org.
James Couzens, formerly general manager of the Ford Motor Company and the president of Highland Park State Bank, announced that he will erect an eighteen-story office building at Fort and Shelby Streets, which will be brick faced with terra cotta. Work will start this spring and the building completed by April 1, 1917. Never in the history of Detroit have there been so many new subdivisions put on the market as now, and never were the architects and contractors so busy on plans for spring and summer. Thousands of contractors are buying new lots, and several architects have stated they have been instructed to build brick houses and apartment buildings. On February 1, 1916 the price for common brick in Detroit advanced from $7.50 to $8.00 per thousand and on March 1, 1916 there was another fifty cent advance, making the present price $8.50 per thousand. This advance was made by all of the common brick manufacturers
operating in Detroit. The $8.50 price is destined to remain throughout the ensuing year. The advance is not having any material effect on the demand for common brick, which is just as active as it has been for some months past. According to local prophets, if the weather is unfavorable in Detroit this spring, there will be plenty of common brick to supply the market; but if the weather is fine, there may be a shortage. Such a shortage would probably only last until June 1, as Detroit brick makers are increasing the capacity of their plants by 65,000,000 units. There is hardly a clay plant near the city that is not doing something towards improving equipment. John S. Haggerty will increase his plant production by 20,000,000 units, George H. Clippert and Brothers Brick Company by 15,000,00 units, William Clippert by 10,000,000 units, and Mercier-Bryan-Larkins Brick Company by 13,000,000. “The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
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MASONRY
DETROIT & MASONRY A CITY AND CRAFT ENDURES p
young Detroiters work on window infills at the abandoned Dixon school.
BY TOM WARD TRAINING DIRECTOR AND APPRENTICE COORDINATOR, INTERNATIONAL MASONRY TRAINING AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION
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students were eager to learn the masonry trade and took great pride in their accomplishments.
Grit and determination have never left Detroit. These fundamental principles are its heart and soul, and will be the driving force that rebuilds it. This year, we will see and hear plenty of media coverage as we witness the rebirth of a great city, our city; and with all the new, cool, hip hangouts and exciting places to work and play, The D will be all the buzz. Lots of members of the design and construction community may receive well-deserved accolades, but perhaps not much will be said about the thousands of building tradespeople who put it all together, pouring their heart and soul into their work. The Metro Detroit Building Trades build our places of work, play, study and worship, not to mention every road or bridge to get there. If you were ever curious and asked them how they got their start, some are certain to mention their fathers and grandfathers, and some may say they fell into the trade or a friend referred them. Whether fallen into or carrying on the family tradition, they may also mention that what at first looked like just a job eventually turned into a passion and a career. Ask them how they made it or how they honed their skills, and they will speak of the many Craftworkers who took them under their wings and taught them everything they knew. 38 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
We call this process an apprenticeship; most take from three to five years to complete and some, such as those in the trowel trades, take an additional two to six years to master their respective craft. Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local #2 of Michigan is proud to be part of a craft as ancient as mankind’s first buildings, yet as modern as an architect’s dream. Their commitment to their craft and city has never been stronger. For decades, the BAC has quietly built more than just buildings. Relationships forged with outreach partners within the city have produced career pathways for countless Detroiters and DPS graduates. A. Philip Randolph Technical High School, for example, continues to produce some of our finest Masons. When it comes to opportunity for today’s youth, we are at a unique point in time, a time like never before. The boomers are retiring, our workforce has aged, and recruitment has been at or near idle for the better part of a decade. There has been little to no need to replenish the rank-and-file since the beginning of the downturn in 2008. In addition, many who began a career in construction from 2004 - 2007 did not survive the hardship and are no longer in the business. Our economy is finally picking up and so has “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
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IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES MAY, AND MUST, BE INFLEXIBLE – ABRAHAM LINCOLN
the average age of our existing workforce. The opportunity for today’s youth is real and right now. That skills gap that everyone has been talking about is not on our heels any more - it is in our lap, and part of our challenge now is overcoming some stereotypes associated with construction workers. They are not transients roaming the county from dead-end job to job, nor can they be temporary workers; not all cuss like sailors or heckle women as they walk by. They are your neighbors, friends, brothers and sisters, living in every community across Michigan. A high-level of skill and performance is required to sustain the construction industry; this work requires stable dependable workers who share principle core values of family first, community and a hard day’s work for a fair wage. To that end, supporting their families and a dignified retirement is their American Dream. This is hard work and an honest living, deserving of our deepest respect and admiration. Among the most demanding are the trowel trades. Anyone who has ever made a living in our craft understands, and will tell you that it builds strength, confidence and independence – attributes any parent or counselor wishes for in today’s youth. Masonry and its related trades are an excellent fit for any youngster looking to build character and a career.
A unique opportunity presented to BAC Business Manager Mark King in early 2014 came from DPS emergency manager Jack Martin. The request: engage a group of young Detroiters with meaningful work for six weeks. Active in their communities, each were participants with SER Metro Detroit (Service Employment Redevelopment) or LA SED (Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development). Thanks to City Connect Detroit’s summer jobs campaign, these young men and women earned extra money while being introduced to our craft. Our assignment was to use masonry to secure vacant schools ravaged by scrappers. In some cases, every doorframe and window was missing. The previous quick and easy attempts securing with plywood failed - scrappers carry screwdrivers and hammers and made short work of getting back in. Tasked with this mission, as BAC’s Apprentice Coordinator, I wasn’t sure what to expect, or knew if any of the youngsters would engage themselves completely. Safety was a huge concern, so care was taken selecting two schools with groundwork. Before any fieldwork could begin, students spent the first week at BAC’s Warren Training Center learning the principles of masonry, masonry restoration, and of course, safety. By the end of day one, I could
see each student light up with a sense of accomplishment and personal pride, and by the end of the week, hope was in their eyes. I knew the mission would be successful. Truth is, this was the real mission. Masonry is demanding, and it is rewarding on many levels. The craft has always had a special pride associated with its work; with our hands, our legacy is laid in brick and mortar. Knowing someday our grandchildren will drive by one of our buildings and say, “My grandpa or grandma built that,” is a legacy that will always endure. aBoUt thE aUthoR Tom Ward began his career in masonry in 1991. He worked through the ranks, eventually serving as a project foreman for over a decade. His mission on every assignment was safely delivering the highest quality masonry and total customer satisfaction, while realizing a fair profit. While serving on a prominent mason contractor’s quality steering team, he authored and coauthored several Best Practices. Ward is a contributing writer for the Smart Dynamics of Masonry Magazine and has lead several volunteer projects, giving back to the community through his craft. Now with the same passion and principles sharpened in the field, Ward is at the helm of his alma mater, the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (formerly the International Masonry Institute). His official title is Training Director and Apprentice Coordinator. In addition to those roles, he is an active OSHA and MSHA outreach trainer.
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team members who used masonry to secure vacant schools ravaged by scrappers.
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BUILDING ANTARCTICA A M A L I O B E G I N S FO U N D AT I O N S F O R N E W P O L K P E N G U IN C O N S E R VAT I O N C E N T ER BY MARY E. KREMPOSKY
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMALIO CORP.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
RENDERING COURTESY OF THE DETROIT ZOO
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once complete, the exterior of the new polk penguin conservation center will resemble a tabular iceberg. photo courtesy of the Detroit Zoo
A different kind of Polar Plunge is coming to Metro Detroit in 2016. But stay warm and leave the frigid swan dives to the experts ... namely the 80 penguins that will be swimming happily in the Detroit Zoo’s new Polk Penguin Conservation Center. Thanks to a chilled 326,000-gallon, 25foot-deep aquatic area, visitors will be able to observe what is virtually impossible to see in the wild: penguins actually deep diving underwater. A joint venture of DeMaria Building Company, Novi, and Wharton-Smith, Inc., Sanford, Florida is now constructing what promises to be an incredible 33,000-square-foot building. The exhibit will house the Detroit Zoo’s king, rockhopper and macaroni penguins, as well as a new “bird on the block”: the long-tailed gentoo penguin, the fastest-diving bird in the world and one capable of reaching speeds of 22 miles an hour under water, according to a Detroit Zoo press release. Designed by Albert Kahn Associates, Inc., Detroit, and Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects, Ltd., Seattle, Washington, this structural steel-framed building, wrapped in metal panels, will be shaped like a tabular iceberg. As concrete contractor, Amalio Corp., 40 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Sterling Heights, has been laboring far below what will ultimately become the tip of this future, faux iceberg. The Sterling Heights-based company has been working almost 35 feet below grade to form the concrete foundations for what is believed to be the largest penguin center in the United States. The foundation walls will form the sides of the deep underwater pool, and a complex assembly of angled walls and intersecting concrete beams will be part of the “living room” or habitat area for these South Pole denizens. This is Amalio’s second Detroit Zoo project, having worked on Amphibiville, a national conservation center for amphibians. At the new Polk Penguin Conservation center, visitors will be able to view the penguins at the water’s surface, before descending a winding ramp and emerging into underwater viewing areas that will envelope them in the underwater world of this hardy Antarctic bird. Penguins will swim overhead and even underfoot via entrance and exit acrylic glass tunnels and even a stretch of transparent flooring. The entry tunnel will open into a space hosting the star attraction: a massive “radius viewing window topped by a four-foot-thick, 50-inch-
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the elimination of the use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) on the project. “Because selfconsolidating concrete is like liquid concrete, the formwork has to be that much more sophisticated,” said Steck. “It requires a heavier duty form system, so the cost for the formwork goes up exponentially.” Michigan State University’s Broad Art Museum used SCC primarily for its ability to produce a flawless canvas of concrete, but at the Polk Center, the concrete will be buried or covered with Shotcrete. Although SCC is also used for its waterproofing capabilities, the project team accepted Amalio’s suggestion to employ the targeted use of the crystalline admixture in its place. McCoig Materials, Romulus, is the concrete supplier. All of these value-engineering suggestions reduce costs project wide. “It is a collaborative way of working for the betterment of the entire project and as a way for the entire project team to save money for the owner,” said Steck.
pRojEct pENGUIN BEGINs
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It’s the perfect weather for penguins, but less than ideal for working on the habitat area walls of the Detroit Zoo’s polk penguin conservation center. amalio is making it happen as the concrete walls rise on the two-acre site.
wide concrete beam,” said Amalio Vice President Eric C. Steck. Amalio is tasked with marrying the concrete to the thick acrylic viewing glass within this remarkable facility.
fINDING thE RIGht MIX Amalio brought their A Game and a host of valueengineering ideas to the project. The site’s high water table - and the basic necessity of keeping the groundwater out and the pool water in called for the use of two types of waterproofing. Arisco Contracting Group, Fraser, is placing the external waterproofing. “The concrete itself has a crystalline waterproofing product manufactured by BASF called MasterLife 300D that is integral 42 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
to the concrete,” said Steck. “If moisture should by any chance penetrate the waterproofing system, the water would hit the concrete and crystallize. Essentially, the MasterLife 300D is a backup system capable of sealing the concrete on contact with water.” The product is amazing but expensive. Initially, the crystalline waterproofing admixture was specified for use in all of the concrete, but Amalio identified select areas not requiring this level of coverage. The judicious use of MasterLife 300D reduced project costs. “Our voluntary alternate was submitted and accepted, yielding savings of $82,000,” said Steck. Amalio also submitted a voluntary alternate for
Amalio mobilized on site on Nov. 3, 2014. The first task was pouring a 3-inch-thick mud mat at the bottom of what will become Metro Detroit’s very own version of the South Pole. This layer rests directly on the soil and offers a buildable surface for the external waterproofing application. “The mud mat is a working table, if you will,” said Steck. “It provides a substrate on which to apply the waterproofing for the next layer: the two- to three-foot-thick structural concrete base mat. Without a mud mat, the soil could erode or degrade over the course of the two weeks spent installing the base mat’s reinforcing steel.” The structural concrete base mat has three different levels, the deepest being in the diving pool. “The base mat steps up to the second level in the habitat area, located in the south central portion of the building, and near the west exit of the last viewing tunnel,” said Steck. “The third level is in the mechanical and life support area located on the north end of the building.” Amalio coordinated its mud and base mat with Arisco’s waterproofing. The two firms basically “chased” each other’s work in a synchronized sequence of mud mat, waterproofing, re-steel and pouring of the base mat until completing this first phase of the concrete work in approximately three to four weeks. “The base mat was on the verge of completion in mid-December 2014,” said Steck. “We had also started foundation wall construction on portions of the project. The walls will range in thickness from 12 to 27 inches, and up to 25 feet in height.” Two core challenges are schedule and the logistics of working on a very tight site. After forming the base mat, Amalio had to work the schedule around exceptionally brutal winter
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temperatures, plummeting wind chills and a 13inch snowstorm – conditions unsuitable for pouring concrete and probably only slightly more balmy than Antarctica, itself. Amalio also worked on a tight site. “It’s all just-in-time delivery,” said Steck. “There is not any extra room for material lay down or stockpiling, requiring us to schedule daily re-steel deliveries.” Going forward, the plan calls for the use of two crews and two cranes. One crane and crew will be stationed on the base mat foundation to build the perimeter walls, and the second crane and crew will be stationed on the south side of the site to build the complex, angled walls of the habitat area. The first option is possible, because an access ramp was carved down into the excavation from the beginning of work below grade. It came about because of another Amalio-inspired voluntary alternate. “Instead of using two large cranes on the top of the excavation, we brought a smaller crane down into the opening,” said Steck. “DeMaria and Wharton-Smith provided an east ramp into the excavation to accommodate us. If the crane was placed on top of the opening, it
would need a greater reach capacity. The larger crane with a 200-foot reach would cost $13,000 a month to rent, whereas a smaller 60-ton crane with a 75-foot reach in the excavation rents for approximately $6,000 a month.”
BIM GoEs to thE soUth poLE The third core challenge is the need for close attention to detail to construct the building’s complex assembly of walls. The concrete placed may tally a modest 3,750 cubic yards, but in the habitat area few of those yards are square and straight. “The basic foundation is a conventional rectangle, but much of the rest of the building has complicated angled walls,” said Steck. Given the project’s complexities, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is being employed to detect clashes and ease construction in the field. “We are using the BIM model to proactively look at details in areas that we will work on in two or more weeks,” said Steck. “We are using BIM to help us avoid conflicts with other trades and materials, and to identify clashes that might occur in the formwork and re-steel installation.” Using BIM, Amalio pinpointed a beam “designed to a certain depth that was going to
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the new concrete foundation walls of the exciting new polk penguin conservation center are creating a new foundation of success and economic growth both for the Detroit Zoo and the Detroit metropolitan area.
clash with a glass viewing area,” Steck said. “We brought it to the attention of the designer three weeks before we were going to actually form the beam. That shows the importance of BIM. If the clash was discovered in the field, it would have delayed the work.” BIM is only part of a proactive sensibility able to ease work in the field. Being proactive can identify and resolve issues long before manpower, machinery and materials are assembled but stopped in their tracks on a jobsite. At the penguin center, this approach helped in the placement of the proper amount of rebar in the 40-foot-long concrete beam that will top the main radius viewing window in the dive pool. “Initially, the project called for four No. 9 rebar top and bottom,” said Steck. “Being proactive, we asked, ‘Are they four straight bars or are you fanning them out?’ The question prompted the engineers and designers to reexamine the rebar, and they determined that the beam actually needed six more bars. If a contractor looks ahead, asks questions and works as part of a team, these types of concerns can be mitigated.”
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BUILDING thE BIG pIctURE This massive concrete beam over the Polk Center’s broad picture window highlights another facet of this demanding project. The concrete is the “picture frame” around a host of acrylic glass windows, ranging from port holes to the largescale viewing glass. With over 300,000 gallons of water to be placed on the other side of this assembly, the concrete and acrylic must fit. Calculating the massive beam’s camber is one of the keys to a proper fit. “We have to take into consideration the loads that will make the finished concrete droop or settle,” said Steck. “Camber is calculating how much settling will occur in advance. We put a camber or curve in our formwork of the designed amount, so when the formwork is stripped, the concrete will end up being perfectly level.” Amalio launched construction in the south habitat area and will be moving clockwise from west to east. “As we come to the end, we will close up our east ramp,” said Steck. Once the foundation wall is backfilled and the structural deck is in place, the stage is set for the launch of structural steel and creation of the rest of this simulated Antarctic outpost. The Polk Penguin Conservation Center is a difficult and demanding undertaking, but one sure to reward the region with an amazing cultural resource and a potent economic stimulus. To catch a sneak preview, watch the Detroit Zoo’s YouTube animation and see penguin center’s exterior waterfall cascading over the roof edge and into an area doubling as a summer splash pond and a winter ice rink. The interior will have 4D effects of blowing snow, wind and waves. The long, winding ramp down into the underwater viewing areas will celebrate the legendary voyages of early 20th Century Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose ship, aptly named the Endurance, was stranded in and then crushed by the Antarctic ice. His crew camped on an ice floe and then on nearby Elephant Island. A carpenter on the voyage reinforced a life boat and select people braved over 720 miles of open sea to reach South Georgia Island and ultimately be rescued, along with the entire crew waiting on Elephant Island. Through teamwork, tenacity, and leadership, every man survived an almost impossible ordeal. Facing a high water table, brutal weather and other daunting demands, the project team may be looking to the Endurance’s teamwork and tenacity as they bring this incredible building out of the ground. With its value engineering suggestions and proactive approach, Amalio Corp. has already shown itself to be a valuable member of the construction team on an exciting project that joins the wonder of the natural world to the creativity and craft of the design and construction industry. “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
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ARISCO WATERPROOFS NEW DETROIT AREA GEM IN THE MAKING BY MARY E. KREMPOSKY ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARISCO CONTRACTING GROUP
In the animal kingdom, the thinnest of membranes aids survival. The Emperor penguin has a transparent membrane over the eye, covering the bird’s eye while swimming and offering protection from the cold. In the built environment, Arisco Contracting Group, Inc. is a master of installing the thinnest, but among the most vital, of building systems: the waterproofing membrane. The Fraser-based company is now hard at work on the Detroit Zoo’s Polk Penguin Conservation Center, a phenomenal project making full use of Arisco’s abilities. DeMaria Building Company, Detroit-Novi, and Wharton-Smith, Inc., Sanford, Florida are the joint venture contracting team for the project designed by Albert Kahn Associates, Inc., Detroit and Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects, Ltd., Seattle, Washington.
phasE I: savING aBoUt a QUaRtERMILLIoN DoLLaRs p
arisco contracting Group arrived on the site of the polk penguin conservation center in November to install a waterproofing layer between the mud mat and the concrete structural floor at the bottom of the 35-foot-deep excavation.
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Arisco is applying several types of waterproofing to protect the concrete in a building now emerging on a two-acre site near the Detroit Zoo entrance. With four different waterproofing phases, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center ranks among Arisco’s largest and most complex projects in the waterproofing arena. Arisco arrived on site in November 2014 to install a waterproofing layer between the mud mat and the concrete structural floor at the bottom of the 35-foot-deep excavation. As thin, soft and seemingly insubstantial as a piece of felt, approximately 12,000 square feet of this waterproofing material is now in place between the mud mat and the structural concrete base mat to prevent groundwater from leaching into the concrete.
CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 45
This thin but hardy material is “a sheet of woven fabric made of a bentonite polymer alloy,” said Arisco Operation Manager Tim Frankland. Minute granules of natural bentonite clay are trapped between two sheets, one side being a geotextile material and the other the polymer with the felt-like look and feel. “Bentonite is usually used on jobs with a high water table,” said Frankland. The Polk Center site certainly fits the bill for the use of this material. “If the bentonite becomes hydrated, it actually swells and creates a monolithic sheet,” said Arisco Estimator Todd Goss. “When the concrete is poured, the warmth of the concrete in its curing state will also make the waterproofing sheet automatically stick to the concrete.” For its part, the polymer alloy protects the waterproofing from penetration. “Stones and nails can’t make it through this waterproofing, because the polymer protects the clay from penetration,” Frankland added. In addition to the use of this time-tested product, Arisco’s own ingenuity aided the job. After discussing it with the manufacturer, Arisco suggested, and the project team accepted, the
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In the mud mat phase, arisco made sure that each bentonite polymer alloy sheet overlapped at the manufacturer’s marked lap line.
installation of a single versus a double-layer of this waterproofing membrane. “It shaved off about a quarter-of-a- million dollars from the project,” said Frankland. Arisco coordinated its work in sections with Amalio Corp., the Sterling Heights-based concrete contractor on the project. “We had to
arisco installed approximately 12,000 square feet of bentonite polymer alloy waterproofing in the lower reaches of the Detroit Zoo’s emerging polk penguin conservation center.
46 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
make sure that once they were done with placing their area of concrete mud mat, we placed our waterproofing as soon as possible,” said Frankland. “This was important, because Amalio had to instantly begin to place the re-steel for the structural mat on top of our work. “They usually gave us about 2,000 to 3,000 square feet of area to do at one time before they would start placing re-steel,” Frankland continued. “We did that amount in two or three hours, basically placing 1,000 square feet of waterproofing per hour.” Arisco completed the underslab waterproofing in mid-December 2014. The waterproofing details are crucial to keep the groundwater out and the pool water in. Waterproofing is a meticulous process, and even if one small detail fails, it can have wide-scale implications. Think of a small tear in an umbrella wetting the entire person in a downpour. “It is important that all of these different applications are sequenced and installed correctly,” said Goss. In the mud mat phase, Arisco made sure that each bentonite polymer alloy sheet overlapped at the manufacturer’s marked lap line; that the sheet was properly tacked down and fastened at each corner; and that three-quarter inches of bentonite gel was applied around the rebar. “The overlapping, the fastening, and the rebar are all potential areas of weakness if the waterproofing is not properly installed,” said Goss. Working in a tight site was a constant. “It is a postage stamp,” said Frankland. “You enter the site via a temporary gravel road off of Woodward, pass the job trailers and the excavation is right there. Once the foundation walls are up, waterproofed and backfilled, the site will gain some space.”
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the polymer alloy protects the waterproofing from penetration. arisco coordinated its work in sections with amalio corp., the concrete contractor that installed the structural mat’s resteel after placement of the mud mat waterproofing sheets.
phasE II: cLIMBING thE WaLLs Once the entire foundation wall is poured, Arisco will waterproof the 18- to 30-foot-high foundation walls in five-foot lifts or increments. “After we waterproof five feet, that area will be backfilled,” said Goss. “We will then go another five feet and it will be backfilled, repeating this process until we get to the top of the wall.” The same woven sheet of bentonite polymer alloy is paired with a dimpled drain board to waterproof the exterior foundation walls. “Moisture from the ground will go through the dimples on the board, flow to the bottom drain and exit the sump,” said Goss. Frankland added, “The bentonite polymer alloy sheet is mechanically fastened to the concrete, the dimple board is glued to the sheet and then rigid insulation foam is then adhered to the board.”
phasE IIl: WatERpRoofING thE pENGUINs’ LIvING RooM Arisco will also be waterproofing the inside of the 25-foot-deep pool in the habitat area. “We will first have to sand blast and prep all the walls to get a good profile that will make our liquid-applied coating adhere to it,” said Goss. “We will be liquid applying the materials to cover about 17,000 square feet of both the pool floor and the walls.” The actual liquid is a two-part epoxy made by Tnemec. The habitat area will be quite challenging to waterproof. The structural frame and support structure for the shotcrete “icebergs” will be doweled into the wall. “We are going to have to waterproof around hundreds, if not thousands, of these dowels,” said Frankland. “Placed every 12 inches on center, there will be four dowels persquare-foot. The steel dowels come out of the Visit us online at www.cammagazineonline.com
wall almost two-and-a-half feet. They will be drilling into the wall almost six inches, so we have to make sure that the waterproofing is correct around each one of these dowels.”
phasE Iv: MakING thE vIp RooM WatERtIGht The last phase calls for minor waterproofing and shower pan installation beneath the small pools located in the two animal management rooms. Arisco will also waterproof the VIP Encounter room for guest-penguins “meetings” and will provide liquid-applied waterproofing in the sump tanks in the life safety room, a space containing the mechanical equipment that chills and filters the water for the health of the penguins. “The trickling filters actually raise and lower the height of the water in the pool,” said Goss. Arisco can add this exciting new penguin conservation center to their zoo portfolio. They already have established zoo credentials, having worked on the waterproofing for another aquatic animal, namely the group of beavers now in residence in the recently opened Jane and Frank Warchol Beaver Habitat. This master builder of an animal also has successful waterproofing strategies, including a transparent membrane over their eyes and flaps that close while swimming to keep water out of their nose and ears. Mother Nature has waterproofing down pat in the natural world, and Arisco Contracting Group has waterproofing installation in the built environment down to a science. Thanks to their expertise in this vital area, Arisco is among the talented members of the design and construction industry helping to bring this unique facility to the entire region. For more information on Arisco Contracting Group, please visit www.arisco.CO. CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 47
CO N CR E TE
CONCRETE MOISTURE MITIGATION USING DEHUMIDIFICATION BY DON SCHNELL, POLYGON U.S.
Residual moisture in concrete slabs has become an increasing problem in recent years. New formulations for flooring adhesives have been necessary to meet air pollution control laws that limit the use of solvents and compounds containing volatile organic compounds, or VOC. These formulas are less resistant to high pH in the presence of moisture, resulting in early flooring failures. The use of desiccant dehumidification to lower the humidity can successfully mitigate moisture problems in concrete slabs.
proper hydration or “cure,” the remaining water slowly exits the slab. Assuming there is a functioning and continuous vapor retarder under the concrete, the excess water will migrate to the top and escape into the atmosphere above. The rate at which this migration and evaporation occurs is a function of the density of the concrete, the vapor pressure of the air above the surface and the temperature of the slab. Tightly trowelled finishes, curing compounds and wind velocity also impact the speed at which slabs dry.
WatER aND coNcREtE
MoIstURE’s IMpact oN fLooRING faILURE
Concrete is made up of cement, aggregate and water. Moisture is necessary for the hydration of the cement in the concrete. To allow flow, placement and proper finishing of the concrete slab, additional water must be added. After the cement has consumed the water needed for 48 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
As the water migrates to the surface, it brings with it various compounds that raise the pH at the surface. The flooring system can create a barrier, trapping the moisture. This moisture, combined with the high pH, creates a very
aggressive condition for the adhesive. In the past, the solvent-containing formulations were capable of withstanding this environment. The new VOC compliant adhesives are less resistant to this high pH and re-emulsify in the presence of moisture. The result is adhesives oozing out between VCT tiles, blisters in sheet flooring and disbonded carpeting. Seamless floors and high performance gym floors are particularly susceptible to moisture problems as they form a continuous barrier, effectively holding the water under the flooring material.
DEssIcaNt DEhUMIDIfIcatIoN as a MItIGatIoN soLUtIoN
For over a decade, desiccant dehumidification has been used to effectively remove unwanted moisture from slabs. This approach uses the drying equipment to lower the vapor pressure “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
CO N CR E TE
verify or control. Some of the obstacles to accelerated drying include: • Ability to keep doors and other openings closed as the various trades accomplish their work • Controlling other sources of ventilation • Other sources of moisture such as roof leaks, driving rain or poor vapor retarders under the slab • Equipment operating continuously There are remote monitoring systems available to monitor and record conditions in the space. These systems will alert the supplier when conditions stray out of acceptable range or if the drying equipment fails or is turned off. This monitoring equipment helps assure that good drying conditions are maintained to achieve timely results. Conditions are also recorded on line allowing good documentation.
soME sUccEssfUL appLIcatIoNs
1. A 400,000-square-foot library in Bolingbrook, IL was struggling to
in the air above the slab, causing the moisture to find its way out of the slab into the dry air. Vapor pressure acts much like air pressure and seeks equilibrium with its surrounding environment. Wet concrete has a high vapor pressure. By lowering the vapor pressure above the slab, the water wants to escape into that space and reach equilibrium. Best Practices have been developed that include measures to ensure that the right conditions are maintained. This includes making sure there are no other sources of ventilation or significant infiltration that would interfere with the drying effort and raise the vapor pressure in the space. Any openings in the building envelope allow moisture to rush in and active HVAC systems or other temporary climate control equipment must be configured to avoid introduction of outside or ‘makeup’ air. It is important to note that raising the air temperature in the space does not reduce vapor pressure; therefore, heaters alone will not significantly improve drying rates. Experienced drying experts can predict the approximate time required to dry a particular slab. However, the building is usually not under the control of the dehumidification supplier and there are various details that can be difficult to Visit us online at www.cammagazineonline.com
achieve 75 percent RH on their new slab. 60 days later, those levels were met with desiccant dehumidification. 2. This same process was used to lower the slab moisture in a large retail store being built in Andover, MA. The moisture in the concrete was lowered to under 90 percent RH in 21days. 3. In Atlanta, GA a 90,000-square-foot medical office building also faced a problem with high moisture content in the slabs, even after six months. Relative humidity was in the high 80s and low 90 percent range at the beginning of the drying process. All areas were dried to below 75 percent RH within five weeks using desiccant dehumidifiers. 4. Dozens of new drug store slabs have been dried using desiccant dehumidifiers. The target moisture for most of these has been 80 percent RH, or three pounds per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours, using the calcium chloride measurement method.
sERvIcEs fRoM poLyGoN
Polygon is a nation-wide supplier of temporary climate control equipment and water damage restoration services. Types of equipment supplied to the construction industry include desiccant dehumidifiers, refrigeration type dehumidifiers, cooling and heating equipment and humidifiers for hardwood stabilization in winter months. Portable generators are also available to power the equipment if necessary. Michigan contact is Eric Blaylock: Eric.blaylock@polygongroup.com, (800) 422-6379, Mobile 567-3773172, Web www.polygongroup.com. aBoUt thE aUthoR Donald J. Schnell is the Construction
Services Business Development Manager for the Eastern Region at Polygon U.S.
With
more
commercial
than
25
building
years
and
in
the
industrial
arenas, he has helped pioneer much of
the dehumidification technology used
today in construction drying applications, and is the author of several published
technical papers on the subject. In his role
at Polygon, Schnell oversees sales to the commercial construction market.
He
directs and supports the marketing efforts
of salespeople in 12 offices in the eastern
U.S. Schnell has been involved with the dehumidification and temporary climate
control business since 1990.
CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 49
THE CADILLAC OF REHABILITATIVE CARE: SHELBY NURSING CENTER OPENS NEW THERAPY GYM BY MARY E. KREMPOSKY ASSOCIATE EDITOR
50 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER LARK, INC.
“The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
HIGHLIGHT
Over four times the size of the average rehabilitation space, Shelby Nursing Center’s new facility is the “Cadillac” of rehabilitative care therapy gyms. In fact, this light-filled addition in Shelby Township actually houses a Cadillac to assist patients in properly entering and exiting a vehicle after an injury or surgery. Restoring mobility is the name of the game in this 9,225-square-foot facility, stocked with recumbent cross-trainers, WiiU stations, and an indoor walking track equipped with a patient lift. Welcome to the largest rehabilitative care therapy gym in Michigan, according to Beaumont Health System’s website. As a Beaumont affiliate and a Premier Health Care Management facility, Shelby Nursing Center opened the doors to its new healing space in January 2015. Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas, Inc. (FSP), Ferndale, designed and T.H. Marsh Construction Co., Royal Oak, built this rehab addition that is almost as large as a modest office building. The rehabilitative care therapy gym not only accommodates 100 residents and therapists at a time, but it also offers a wide range of treatment options. “This new space enables us to have a larger variety of equipment,” said the Center’s Senior PT, Clinical Team Leader Craig Miller. “This variety allows us to treat patients across the entire spectrum of care, ranging from those who function at a very low level to patients who function at a very high level.” The $4.5 million addition offers a full menu of services, including a dedicated speech therapy room, six mat tables and three patient lifts in an extensive private room, and an outdoor courtyard to strengthen walking abilities on varied surfaces, ranging from concrete, gravel and brick pavers to
t TOP The addition houses a full-scale kitchen and bedroom in its Activities of Daily Living area to help patients learn how to function in daily environments given the restrictions of their injury or surgery. A full-scale bathroom is also provided in a private area of the facility. t
LEFT
In this radius space, floor-to-ceiling windows, textured carpeting and a colorful swirl of ceiling soffits with varied lighting fixtures create a therapy gym with the look of a healthcare resort. t RIGHT As the largest short-term rehabilitative care therapy gym in Michigan, the facility even has an actual Cadillac available to assist staff in teaching patients how to properly enter and exit a motor vehicle after an injury or surgery. Visit us online at www.cammagazineonline.com
a wood deck. The addition also houses a full-scale kitchen, bedroom and bathroom in its Activities of Daily Living (ADL) area. “The ADL spaces help people learn how to function in daily environments given the restrictions of their injury or surgery,” said FSP President James T. Pappas, AIA. Add style to the addition’s noteworthy size and services, for what could have been a sterile, clinical space is as inviting as a spa. The interior doesn’t have a dull ceiling, floor or wall: Colorful soffits create a playful layering of ceiling levels; light fixtures of different shapes and sizes add their own unique stamp; textured carpeting and simulated wood bring the floor to life; and generous floor-toceiling windows invite in the light. “Introducing color, windows and natural light gives the space warmth and a more contemporary vibe,” said FSP Project Designer Linda L. Couch-Verdura.
McKenzie brought his cost-estimating skills and logistical talents to the table, delivering this new therapeutic space under budget and on time. “We set the schedule a year in advance, and we finished one day ahead of schedule,” said T.H. Marsh Superintendent Jeff Cherny. T.H. Marsh’s savvy management saved money, manpower and materials on the Phase I addition and 5,000-square-foot renovation. “We actually did Phase I and Phase II of this five-phase project together using just a superintendent, an assistant superintendent and manpower,” said T.H. Marsh Vice President and Senior Project Manager Keith McKenzie. “In Phase II (a conversion of semiprivate rooms into 22 private ones in the Heather Manor wing), we were even able to save some of the existing materials, such as the carpeting and the conversion of existing wardrobes and dressers
A NEW IMAGE AND FOCUS In essence, FSP is rehabilitating the image of a rehab facility. “We are trying to achieve the feel of a health care resort, not only in the rehabilitation space, but in creating hotellike residential rooms,” said Pappas. “Our goal in all of our skilled care nursing projects is to create an environment that p doesn’t feel like the Existing spaces within Shelby Nursing Center have been transformed image people have of into an inviting waiting room for the new rehabilitative care addition. a nursing home.” FSP has clearly achieved its design goal in the into built-ins, crown molding, window treatments new Shelby addition as shown in a before and and light fixtures.” after “snapshot” of the former and the new rehab The project team’s efforts have produced an space. Before: A virtually windowless, 800enviable result. “Now that the word is out, the square-foot space with eight-foot-high ceilings. resident census in the facility has increased,” said After: Generous windows, attractive finishes, and McKenzie. “People want to come here.” a large volume space with 10- to 12-foot ceilings. CONTINUITY OF CARE Shelby’s Director of Facilities and Maintenance The addition’s success is rooted in the longScott Baker says it all: “It’s a remarkable standing relationship between Premier, FSP and transformation.” T.H. Marsh. The project team delivered the Premier Health Care has clearly reached its construction version of what is considered the gold marketing goal of creating a leading short-term standard in medicine: Continuity of care, defined rehabilitative care center. Originally, the addition as coordinated health care offered without was slated for the back of the building next to the disruption to a patient. now former rehab area. “The thinking became, if McKenzie even constructed the original Shelby you wanted to market yourself as the premier Nursing Center in 1991, and McKenzie and Koets therapy space in Michigan, then why not place it have been working together on the building for up front and make it visible,” said FSP Project almost two decades. Both FSP and T.H. Marsh Manager Kevin Koets. have worked on Premier’s other facilities, including FSP and T.H. Marsh worked collaboratively to Evergreen Health & Living Center, ShorePointe build this addition in the front southwest half of the Nursing Center and Woodward Hills Nursing 95,000-square-foot nursing center. As Center. construction manager, T.H. Marsh’s Keith CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 51
HIGHLIGHT
Because both firms know “the patient” well, they are proactive in strategically planning renovations, additions, and infrastructure improvements to Premier facilities. “As part of Premier’s team, we are constantly examining and forecasting the future for many of their buildings,” said McKenzie. At Shelby, the project team’s “continuity of care” set in motion installation of a new million BTU boiler to service current and future additions, as well as a new nurse call system set in place even before the beginning of Phase I. “The team’s cohesion helped us to meet our needs going forward,” said Baker. FSP and T.H. Marsh will be at work for the next year-and-a-half on the fivephase project that will redevelop Shelby’s entire 15-acre site and will renovate virtually every residential wing. “Phase III will renovate 32 beds of the Meadow View Manor wing from semi private to private,” said Koets. “Phase IV calls for construction of a 22,000-square-foot skilled nursing addition, and Phase V will involve expansion of an existing parking lot.”
p Rather than a large, open warehouse, each care area is an addition to the gym, but has its own space and tone. Shown above, the ADL kitchen is nestled in its own enclave, but works in harmony with the actual exercise space. Private zones, such as the mat table room whose entrance is shown in the background, are grouped in a more segregated area.
A THERAPEUTIC DESIGN The trust, knowledge and teamwork built up over the course of several decades were vital to the addition’s success. Under the owner’s vision, the project grew in the design phase from 2,500 square feet to 5,000, and then ballooned to 7,000 until culminating in the almost 10,000-square-foot addition. “The Center’s operations staff pushed for new programs,” said Pappas. “Their programming justified the expansion of the design.” The project team attended over 60 different meetings to design this everexpanding facility. “We were pricing as the architect was designing and working to meet the owner’s needs,” said McKenzie. T.H. Marsh’s valueengineering ideas reduced costs but satisfied the design vision. In the final design, the brick-clad addition “steps, jogs and shifts,” virtually breaking into a series of distinct subsections, said Koets. Added CouchVerdura, “When you look at the outside form, you can ‘read’ what is going on within the different areas of the building.” Behind those brick rectangles are the walking track and the Cadillac. A radius arc of tinted floor-to-ceiling windows, topped by a band of Beaumont burgundy metal panels, showcases the heart of the building: the actual exercise equipment zone or main gym. Brick gives way to burgundy metal panels at the entrance to the facility’s administrative area, as well. On the interior, the radius windows, a swirl of colorful soffits and textured 52 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
carpeting draw attention to the gym. The Cadillac zone and walking track peel away to the north, and to the east, the broad curving sweep of faux wood flooring and ceiling soffits form the border between the exercise area and the ADL kitchen and bedroom – two spaces nestled in their own enclave. “It is not designed like a big, open warehouse,” said Couch-Verdura. “Each of these spaces is an addition to the gym. This series of components work together, but each has their own look to give it interest.” In FSP’s design, ADL bathrooms, the mat table room and administrative and charting offices are segregated into more secluded, private zones.
WINTER AEROBICS In the Phase 1 renovation, FSP redesigned a nursing station and carved out an inviting waiting room and 10-foot-wide corridor leading into the new rehabilitative care addition. For T.H. Marsh, the toughest logistics involved renovating the nursing station area and charting room located at the nexus of several residential hallways. T.H. Marsh used an arsenal of strategies to work in an occupied nursing center, including constructing temporary walls and employing air handlers, HEPA filters and other dust control measures. T.H. Marsh sliced this core space into quadrants, working corner by corner and in four different phases to maintain resident services. As part of phasing, T.H. Marsh also sealed off the charting room for renovation and temporarily moved the nursing station into an adjoining dining room, added Cherny. T.H. Marsh and FSP transformed the nursing station itself with new countertops and artfully deceptive plastic laminate that simulated wood in one area and stainless steel in another. To speed the schedule, T.H. Marsh built the area’s new ceiling soffits in the shop out of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) versus drywall. “If you build MDF soffits in the shop, you can hang it in half-a-day as compared to building those radius soffits out of drywall in the field,” said McKenzie. Work was underway concurrently on the new addition. The addition is a “slab on grade, structural steel frame building with structural metal studs at the exterior walls with infill metal studs for the interior walls,” said Koets. “The addition has all low E, one-inch insulated glass for the glazing of exterior walls, complete with sun shades to combat glare.” But before going full throttle into construction, T.H. Marsh first had to build new replacement parking in the back of the site and relocate a water main that ran through the addition’s footprint. T.H. Marsh actually poured concrete footings in January 2014, working in some of the most brutal winter weather to ever hit Southeast Michigan. “We had to be ready for the steel in February,” said McKenzie. “We weren’t wasting money; we were controlling the money in terms of spending on winter conditions. Typically, when you do winter construction on this type of building, you will spend $50,000 to $75,000; we spent $10,000.” T.H. Marsh timed the renovation and addition perfectly. “While the addition footings were being done, we were renovating the existing interior,” said McKenzie. The addition steel rose, the building was enclosed, and finishing work could proceed. “We timed it so when the nursing station was ready to go as the last piece in the renovation, we were also in the final stages of the finishing work in the addition,” said McKenzie. “We then tied both spaces together.” The entire project was completed on December 5th, just in time to avoid another round in the ring with Old Man Winter.
POWERING UP Keeping the facility in operation while tying the addition into the existing building systems demanded close coordination. “The water, power, fire safety and other systems cannot go down, because we have lives to support,” said Baker “At one point, we did use generator power. We made sure that the building was supported with the appropriate power when the power was being transferred or tied into the new addition.” T.H. Marsh not only coordinated the tie-in, they also doubled the power source to the entire building to take into account the skilled nursing addition, said McKenzie. The newly installed building systems benefit the entire facility. “Our lighting “The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
HIGHLIGHT
controls in the whole building are now all Internet-based,” said Baker “Using this energy management system, I can set time schedules for controls and conserve the building’s energy usage.” The new addition boasts other sustainable systems, including “an Energy Star Durolast white roof,” said Koets. “The rooftop mechanical units are energy recovery units that reuse waste heat, leading to a reduction in energy usage for heating and cooling the building.” Energy-efficient LED lighting brightens the interior except for a few fluorescent fixtures. Material-wise, FSP used low VOC adhesives, sealants, carpeting and paint throughout the project.
WORKING TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL This well-designed and constructed facility passes the ultimate test. “The addition allows our physical and occupational therapists to do their job to the highest level,” said Baker. Just ask some of the 90-person staff of this rehabilitative care facility in operation seven days a weeks, 365 days a year. Three lifts, or patient handling devices, run on a shared track over the mat tables, “enabling us to safely transfer a patient from a wheelchair to the mat table and vice versa,” said Miller. “The patient lift over the walking track helps us place people in a better standing position, and helps us to do it more safely. This lift can also stabilize people who may lose their balance during activities.” The 50 x 20-foot walking track is designed to exact dimensions to assist staff in measuring a patient’s progress. The track has a cushioned surface, as well as perimeter and central handrails, added Koets. The ADL area offers patients the ability to practice daily living skills tailored to their own home environment. “Since we have more space,” said Miller, “they were able to design both a walk-in shower and a tub/shower combination with both fixed and removable shower heads. We also have a regular bed as opposed to a hospital bed. The added space gave us the ability to offer many options in order to simulate as much of a patient’s potential home environment as possible.” FSP and T.H. Marsh are still on the job working their magic. The former rehabilitation space is now being converted into a future recreational and entertainment space for residents. Thanks to Premier, FSP and T.H. Marsh, the Detroit metropolitan area has this state-of-the-art rehabilitative care therapy gym. Like a hip or knee replacement itself, this wonderful facility replaces the wornout rehabilitation space, enhancing the delivery of therapy and boosting the quality of life for patients, all in comfort, style and natural light. The following subcontractors contributed to the project: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Site work - Site Development, Madison Heights Asphalt Paving - Nagle Paving Company, Novi Landscape - Landscape Services, Inc., Clinton Township Concrete Foundations - Moretti Foundation Co., Inc., Woodhaven Site and Flatwork Concrete - Albanelli Cement Contractors, Inc., Livonia Masonry - Zimmerman Masonry, Howell Structural Steel - B & A Structural Steel LLC, Chesterfield Carpentry - BJ Construction Services, Clinton Township Roofing - Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal, Chesterfield Sealants - Service Always Complete, Brighton Frames, Doors, and Hardware - Architectural Hardware & Supply Co., Livonia Accordion Fire Door - Won-Door, Salt Lake City, Utah Storefront - Crystal Glass Inc., Wixom Acoustical Ceiling – Acoustech Ceiling, Garden City Flooring - SCI Floor Covering, Inc., Southfield Painting - Technical Specialties & Applications Inc., Pontiac Wall protection – WM. H. Scarlet, Southfield Specialties - Rayhaven Group, Southfield Plumbing - Patrick's Plumbing, South Lyon Fire Protection - Progressive Mechanical, Inc., Ferndale HVAC - Rene Vanasssche & Sons Co., Warren Controls - Controlled Temperature, Inc., Walled Lake Nurse Call & Security – Vanguard Fire & Security Systems, Inc., Wixom Electric - O'Donnell Electric LLC, Whitmore Lake
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CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 53
PRODUCTS
Larson Electronics Releases a 200 Watt Portable LED Work Light on an Adjustable Aluminum Frame Longtime leader in commercial and industrial grade lighting equipment, Larson Electronics, has announced the release of a 200 watt portable LED work light mounted to an adjustable aluminum frame. This portable LED unit produces 21,000 lumens of light while drawing only 200 watts of power. The WAL-TFM-200W-LED-100 from Larson Electronics is a versatile LED work light that produces 21,000 lumens of light while drawing only 200 watts. This portable work light provides 9,500 square feet of work area coverage with 21,000 lumens of light output. The LED light head on this unit produces a brilliant flood pattern of light that is ideal for illuminating enclosed areas such as warehouses or construction sites where a portable, reliable light source is needed. As this light head only carries an IP65 rating, it is not recommended for use in wet or damp environments. The aluminum body and the LED luminaires give the unit excellent durability and resistance to vibration and impacts. The housing is specially designed to dissipate heat which increases the efficiency and
lifespan of the luminaire. An acrylic lens protects the LED light assembly and the aluminum alloy body reduces weight compared to larger metal halide and high pressure sodium fixtures. The portable LED work light is comprised of a 16-inch light head that is mounted on a tubular frame pedestal fabricated from lightweight aluminum with a convenient carrying handle built into the top of the frame. The lamp can be easily adjusted 360° for precise beam positioning and locked in to place by loosening two hand screws located on either side of the light head and retightening them once the desired angle is found. This unit is an excellent energy efficient upgrade option for bulky and high maintenance cost fixtures. Included with this light is 100’ of SOOW cable terminated in an optional 5-15 straight blade plug, L5-15 twist lock plug, or an international schuko plug. Larson Electronics carries an extensive line of explosion proof lights, hazardous location lights, intrinsically safe lights, oil rig lights and explosion proof tank lights. You can view Larson Electronics’ entire line of explosion proof lighting at larsonelectronics.com. Larson Electronics can be reached directly by calling (800) 369-6671 or (214) 6166180 for international inquiries.
Hilti HDI, HDI-L and HDV Drop-In Anchors Drill. Drive. Done.
The new Hilti HDI, HDI-L and HDV Drop-In Anchors are taking productivity to the next level. These FM and UL approved drop-in anchors (3/8” and 1/2”) provide outstanding performance for applications such as anchoring sprinkler, HVAC, plumbing, electrical elements and suspended interior finishing elements. The HDI and HDI-L anchors have been redesigned with a new stepped plug, which requires less impact energy to fully set the anchor. This reduction allows these anchors to be installed with Hilti Cordless rotary hammers and an automatic setting tool with integrated stop bit. This eliminates the need for hand-setting tools and overhead hammering, giving the anchors best-inclass productivity with reliable setting behavior. When using these anchors, fewer tools and less steps are needed for installation which means saving up to 50 percent of the time it takes using traditional methods. When volume is a factor, the HDV Drop-In Anchor delivers outstanding performance with conventional installation. The HDV is designed to be used with the standard Hilti Hand Setting Tool and hammer and delivers Hilti quality at a value price. Download the Hilti Anchor Selector App (in the U.S.www.us.hilti.com/apps, or in Canada www.hilti.ca/apps) to easily select the correct Hilti anchor typically used for your application. For more information on the Hilti HDI, HDI-L or HDV Drop-In Anchors, please contact Hilti Customer Service. From the U.S. call Hilti, Inc., at (800) 879-8000 or visit www.us.hilti.com; from Canada call Hilti Canada Corporation at (800) 461-3028 or visit www.ca.hilti.com.
54 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
Ergodyne Announces Gel Knee Pad Updates and Additions Ergodyne has announced a major refresh of their ProFlex® Gel Knee Pad Series, as well as the addition of two new models: the ProFlex® 344 Broad Cap Injected Gel Knee Pad with Articulating Straps and the ProFlex® 349 Broad Cap Lightweight Gel Knee Pad. "Our new enhancements and additions make a great knee pad line even better," said Andy Olson, senior product manager. "Workers who ‘stand’ on their knees all day will no doubt dig the benefits of our sturdier, more supportive designs." Ideal for any and all kneeling workers, especially those who move around frequently on their knees, select models are available at all authorized Ergodyne distributors. For more information, visit www.ergodyne.com or call (800) 225-8238 or (651) 642-9889.
“The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
PRODUCTS
Toro Introduces New Riding Trencher RT1200 Delivers Powerful Digging Performance and Increased Productivity The Toro Company is pleased to launch the RT1200, an all-new riding trencher designed with versatility and productivity in mind. The unit is now available through Toro’s experienced underground dealer network. The Toro® RT1200 offers a number of unique features to meet the needs of utility contractors. Built on a tool carrier chassis, its design is extremely versatile to allow contractors to select from tracks or tires and a variety of attachments – including a backhoe, 6-way backfill blade, rocksaw, vibratory plow, reel carrier and the Toroexclusive Heavy-Duty (HD) trencher drive. The Toro HD trencher drive consists of three major components – a flywheel, torsion shaft, and planetary gearset. The flywheel stores inertial energy, ensures efficient hydraulic system operation and keeps the chain consistently running in tough digging conditions, the torsion shaft absorbs shock loads, and the planetary gearset multiplies the hydrostatic motor torque for added digging power. Added up, the HD trencher drive technology ensures consistent, powerful trenching performance in the most demanding digging conditions. Trenching is not the only tough task where the RT1200 excels. When it comes to plowing, the
RT1200’s P105 Vibratory Plow features plowblade attitude adjustment, as well as plow steer and swing of up to 30 degrees to maintain plowing accuracy and provide enhanced maneuverability. Additionally, its Cummins 4.5 liter, 121 hp engine and 48 gallon (182 L) fuel tank provide high output with minimal downtime. A standard tilt frame allows the operator to tilt the machine at variable degrees in order to maintain trench angle, while optional load control allows the
operator to set the percentage of engine output dedicated to the ground drive to ensure the performance of the digging implement is maintained. For more information on Toro’s full line of trenchers, horizontal directional drills, vibratory plows, compact utility loaders, trench rollers and other products visit www.toro.com/underground. To find your closest authorized Toro Underground Utility Equipment dealer, visit www.toro.com/locator.
Metabo Introduces a New Line of Heavy Duty, Dustless Concrete Grinders The Safest, Most Powerful and Durable Grinders in Their Class Metabo Corporation, a leading international manufacturer of professional grade hand-held power tools and accessories, is pleased to introduce its new line of heavy duty, dustless concrete/renovation grinders. These new grinders feature a high torque gear ratio and a unique new dustless shroud system designed specifically for tough concrete applications. The RF14-115 (4.5”) hand-held concrete scarifier’s powerful 12.2 Amp motor drives a unique cutter head that contains 15 replaceable carbide star cutters designed for heavy duty renovation work such as plaster milling, old paint removal or roughing for final finishing. Additionally, its triple gear reduction results in a variable speed motor range of 800-2800 RPM, allowing for superior control of the tool and material removal rate. The RS14-125 (5”) concrete grinder features a 12.2 Amp motor and a variable speed motor range of 2000-7000 RPM. While its counterpart, the RS17-125 (5”), features an extremely powerful high torque 14.2 Amp motor that produces the industry’s highest removal rates. These hand-held grinders are designed for leveling uneven concrete, removing parting lines or removal of old coatings. Both the RS14 and RS17 incorporate an all new aluminum die-cast shroud that uses a patented airflow system to optimize dust extraction and features a spring hinge-mounted front flap for finishing flush to a wall. Additionally the shroud uses a long-lasting, replaceable floating brush skirt that enables the brush to better conform to the terrain of the working surface. Combined with the ergonomically-designed, five-position D-Handle, the shroud also provides a perfect counterbalance to the tools for exceptional handling. For more information, visit Metabo’s website at http://www.metabo.us/ or contact Jere Geib at Metabo (800) 638-2264 or jgeib@metabousa.com.
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CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 55
PRODUCTS
Larson Electronics releases a New 240 Watt LED Portable Work Area Light Tower
MCP Supply Announces Repair Solution for Landscape / Hardscape Paver and Brick Migration MCP Supply offers a paver project repair solution for shifting pavers and believes installers will appreciate customer satisfaction in the “doing it right the first time” approach with this innovative 10-inch paver edging spike. Here is a precision-engineered product that gives customers both a great repair solution for shifting pavers. Most paver installers try to minimize costly future repairs on any project to avoid those dreaded customer call-backs. This product is innovatively designed to lock paver edging tight against the pavers. This EdgeTite™ 10-inch spike is a great way to offer customers the most effective solution against the natural forces of frost heaving and changing temperatures in this industry. MCP Supply is a successful technology and sourcing company that focuses on innovative products that make a difference by improving the construction industry wherever possible. Located in south central PA, MCP Supply currently has distribution hubs located in South Carolina, Illinois and at its headquarters in Lewisberry, PA. Contact MCP Supply or visit their website at www.mcpsupply.com. You can also contact Michael Pastal at (717) 440-1680 or at mpastal@mcpsupply.com 56 CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015
With over 40 years as a leader in the industrial and commercial lighting industry, Larson Electronics continues its commitment to providing high-grade lighting equipment to specialty markets with the release of a 240 watt work area light tower. The WAL-4XWP60E-MCE released by Larson Electronics is a 240 watt portable LED light tower that produces 21,600 lumens of bright light with a lifespan of 50,000 hours. This portable work light draws two amps and operates on 120-277 volts AC. This rugged light tower is rated for outdoors and is applicable for industrial manufacturing, machine visioning, boating, and similar applications requiring bright and portable illumination. This portable work tower is built for demanding outdoor conditions requiring wide flood LED light illumination. This tower is equipped with four of our LEDWP-600E light heads, with each light assembly consisting of forty-five LEDs paired with angled boards and precision reflectors to produce a wide light distribution over powering that of a 500 watt quartz flood light. These lights are constructed of three angled boards that help provide a wider spread. Instead of the light shining forward, the center board is concentrated to go straight out while the boards on the sides are 45° offset. The LED lamp assembly is protected by a shatterproof polycarbonate lens which is secured to the housing with a waterproof seal. Each light can be rotated and tilted independently of one another allowing operators to maximize beam coverage. The cart that these high powered lights are mounted to is fabricated from aluminum with stainless steel fasteners and features two caster wheels for easy transportation. The cart and the lamp assembly are attached to the mounting bar with adjustable trunnion brackets which allow adjustment of the lamp stem both vertically and horizontally through a full range of positions. The light tower can operate on any voltage ranging from 120V to 277V without any modifications. The ability to sense and adjust input current provides protection against voltage spikes and drops that can occur in electrical systems which would otherwise result in burning up or premature LED failure. This 240 watt area work light unit includes 50’ of SOOW cord terminated in a 5-15 weatherproof straight blade plug, L5-15 twist-lock plug, L6-15 twist-lock plug, or a 2 prong schuko plug. Larson Electronics carries an extensive line of explosion proof LED lights, LED work lights, light towers, intrinsically safe LED lights, portable work lights and industrial grade LED area lights. You can view Larson Electronics’ entire line of industrial grade lighting by visiting them on the Web at Larsonelectronics.com. You can also call (800) 3696671 to learn more about all of Larson Electronics’ lighting products, or call (214) 616-6180 for international inquiries. “The Voice Of The Construction Industry”®
PEOPLE/CORPORATE NEWS
After 37 years working at Clark Construction Company, Lansing, Ken Lawless, executive vice president, has announced his retirement in February 2015. In his time at Clark Construction, Lawless had a very distinguished and productive career. In 1978, Lawless joined the company as an on-site project manager, working in the field. As Lawless climbed the Lawless professional ladder, a number of projects under his direction won State and National awards for exceptional management. Among the many highlights of his career, Lawless received the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame Distinguished Constructor Award in November 2014. The Distinguished Constructor Award was established in 2003 to formally recognize the significant achievements made by those who have dedicated their talents to the construction industry with integrity and professionalism. Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. (HRC), Bloomfield Hills, announced the promotions of Thomas LaCross, PE, and Robert DeFrain, PE, to senior associates; and Bradley Shepler, PE, DeFrain Shepler LaCross CCCA, LEED AP BD+C, Karyn Stickel, PE, CFM, and Colleen Hill-Stramsak, PE, PTOE, to associates. As senior associate, LaCross will manage HRC’s Special Projects and Industrial Facilities Design Departments, where he will continue to lead design Hill-Stramsak Stickel and construction administration for major infrastructure improvement projects and industrial facilities. As senior associate, DeFrain will continue to serve as HRC’s Construction Department Head, where he oversees significant Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and municipal projects. As associate, Shepler will continue to provide a wide array of civil engineering services to municipal clients and governmental agencies, including hydraulic modeling, innovative stormwater solutions, and management and design of road and infrastructure improvement projects with an emphasis on sustainable design. In her role as associate, Stickel will head HRC’s new Asset Management Department designed to assist clients in managing their infrastructure as well as to meet the needs of the Stormwater, Asset Management, and Wastewater (SAW) Grant Program. As associate, Hill-Stramsak will continue to manage HRC’s Traffic Engineering Department and oversee municipal and private sector traffic engineering and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) services.
White Construction, a construction management/general contracting firm based in Detroit, is proud to announce that Ronald McClelland, senior project manager, and Darryl Young, project manager, have re-joined the firm. McClelland re-joins White Construction with over 30 years of construction Young McClelland industry experience. Young’s career in the construction industry spans over 22 years. White Construction was founded in 1989 by W. Bernard White. Visit us online at www.cammagazineonline.com
Grand Rapids-based Triangle Associates has recently hired six new associated and promoted one. The firm has appointed Gary Gozmanian as senior Nichols Snow Gozmanian project manager; Mike Nichols, Mike Snow and Donald (Skip) Baker as construction superintendents; Kyle Harrison as estimator; and Kim Mudrak as project administrator. Rick Van Til was Harrison Mudrak Baker promoted to marketing/client relations manager. Also, Triangle Associates recently announced the reorganization of the company structure to better position the firm for significant growth and create better avenues for personal and professional growth for its team members. Triangle’s senior management team has been divided into Market Segment Leaders and Group Managers. Market Van Til Segment Leaders and their responsibilities are: James Connor, vice president – Education, Municipal/Civic, Business Development; Brent Gibson, LEED AP, vice president – Commercial, Retail, Multi-Family; Paul Lemley, senior vice president – National Accounts; and Jeff Scott, senior vice president – Industrial, Infrastructure, Construction Strategies and Logistics. New Group Managers and their areas of supervision are: Dustin Hemmes, LEED AP - field operations manager; and John Brondsema – national accounts general superintendent.
CORPORATE NEWS The Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) has awarded Luke Landscape Company the 2014 “Grand Award” in Top Commercial Landscape Project for their work on Clark Construction’s Dart Container expansion. This award was presented during the 2015 Great Lakes Trade Exposition. Surrounding the new Dart Container corporate headquarters in Mason, the winning landscape includes a serene garden and pond for employees to enjoy on breaks or during special occasions. This is part of the $60 million Dart Container expansion project, which consists of a 144,000-square-foot corporate headquarters and a 500,000-square-foot warehouse. The prestigious MNLA Industry Awards Program recognizes companies who have shown outstanding landscape designs, installations, and management efforts. The program is intended to boost quality landscape awareness throughout Michigan. G2 Consulting, Troy, a nationally recognized leader in geotechnical, environmental and construction engineering services, recently reported that the company completed a record 2,700 projects in 2014 leading the firm to its third consecutive record year of revenue growth. Revenues for the company grew by 50 percent in 2014 following growth of 31 percent in 2012 and 20 percent in 2013. G2 has completed projects in infrastructure, healthcare, telecommunications, alternative energy, waste water and educational facilities. The company is currently involved with or has recently concluded projects for the M1-Rail; I-96 reconstruction in Wayne County; the I-94 / Sargent Road interchange in Jackson County, MI; reconstruction of the I-75 & University Drive interchange; First Solar projects in Texas and Colorado; and major healthcare projects in Rochester, MI and Seattle, WA.
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WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN DETROIT
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CALENDAR/AD INDEX
APRIL CONSTRUCTION CALENDAR CAM Social Outings 2015 April 6 .............Tigers v. Twins - Opening Day Tailgate Party May 15 ...........CAM Spring Sporting Clays June 16 ..........CAM Golf Outing – Baypointe Golf Club July 14 ...........CAM Golf Outing – Links of Novi August 4 ........Tigers v. Royals - CAM Connect at Comerica Park August 15 .......Cruise Into CAM at the Woodward Dream Cruise August 18 .......CAM Golf Outing – Fieldstone Golf Club September 17 ..Boy Scouts Building Connections September 22 ..CAM Fall Sporting Clays September 22 ..CAM Fall Sporting Clays September 28 ..CAM Golf Outing-Indianwood Country Club For more information, visit www.cam-online.com.
April 15-17 MGP Conference 2015 Providence Biltmore Hotel, Providence, Rhode Island A gathering of experts on former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) sites, this conference provides a forum for MGP site owners, consultants and contractors to share experiences and ideas. It is designed to stimulate knowledge exchange with strong technical presentations and experienced technical panels who will explore the key issues of MGP site management based on lessons learned. The conference schedule will consist of a day of workshops and two-and-a-half days of exhibits, poster presentations, and engaging technical sessions. Please visit: http://www.mgpconference.com
May 5 The Engineering Society of Detroit Conference – Energy Efficiency Suburban Collection Showcase, Novi In its 18th year, this conference – the only one of its kind in Michigan – is designed to educate small-to-large commercial and industrial businesses on energy technology, products and services that will assist them in successful energy management. The event draws close to 800 people every year. For more information, contact Leslie Smith, CMP, at 248-353-0735, ext. 152 or lsmith@esd.org.
During the months of April and May, CAMTEC - the training and Education Center of CAM - will be offering the following courses at our Bloomfield Hills location. For more information, or to register online, go to www.cam-online.com and click the Safety & Education tab, then CAMTEC Classes; or view Calendar of Events for class information, as well.
AD INDEX ARC/Dunn Blue ....................................................................15 Ace Cutting Equipment.........................................................15 Aluminum Supply Company/Marshall Sales...........................53 Amalio Corporation...............................................................41 Arisco ..................................................................................47 Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union Local #2 .................6 Brinker Group.......................................................................17 Building Point Midwest .........................................................11 CAM Comp ..........................................................................23 CAM Newsroom ...................................................................19 C.F.C.U ..................................................................................3 Connelly Crane Rental Corp. ..................................................9 Detroit Carpentry JATC.........................................................35 Detroit Dismantling ...............................................................25
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Doeren Mayhew ...................................................................21 Executive Vehicle Sales, Inc. .................................................21 Facca, Richter & Pregler, P.C. ...............................................30 G2 Consulting ......................................................................21 GBM Recycled Concrete ......................................................44 GRS Stohler ...........................................................................5 Jackson Associates..............................................................37 Jeffers Crane Service, Inc. ......................................................6 J.J. Curran Crane .................................................................58 Kem-Tec ..............................................................................29 Mason Contractors Association ...........................................IFC MasonPro, Inc. .....................................................................29 McCoig Materials..................................................................31 Michielutti Brothers...............................................................58
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters (MRCC) ................BC North American Dismantling .................................................15 Oakland Insurance ...............................................................25 Oakland Metal Sales, Inc. .....................................................10 Plante Moran .......................................................................27 Ronald B. Rich .....................................................................21 SMRCA................................................................................41 Sani-Vac ..............................................................................31 Scaffolding, Inc.....................................................................37 Spartan Specialties...............................................................43 Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton, P.C. .....................................37 Valenti, Trobec, Chandler, Inc./ Griffin, Smalley & Wilkerson .....7 Woods Construction, Inc. .....................................................37 Zervos Group .......................................................................31
CAM MAGAZINE APRIL 2015 59
M Michigan n Region nal Coun ncil of
C Carpente ers rs and Millwr M Millwrights
Ser rvi ving ng the Co ommunity ommunity ty t y B Building a Stro rong ger Michig gan M Michael Jackso on E xecutive Secreta tar ry/ y y/Treasurer
B Bart Nickerso on President
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