GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
ON THE RISE
GBCA 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the Chairman
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Member Testimonials
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Our Foundation Who We Are
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Executive Committee
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Board of Directors
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Committees 8 Staff Professionals
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Member Companies
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Connections Partners 13 Events 14 Building on Success Labor 16 Education 17 Advocacy 18 Safety & Health
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Communications
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LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN The General Building Contractors Association has built a solid foundation for the future. Over the past few years, we have outlined our “Blueprint for Action” that has guided our organization toward positive change. We have begun gaining momentum in our transformation that will enable us to deliver unprecedented value. Now, we are on the rise — making great strides toward becoming an even stronger organization and advocate for the industry. After a relatively slow 2013, the local construction market forecast for the region in 2014 was optimistic. The economy continued to recover with positive indicators for non-residential construction. Inflation, interest rates, and unemployment were holding steady. Union man-hours continued on a slow but steady incline. And while the drop in energy prices created some volatility in the stock market, there were strong forecasts for growth. With the economic winds at our back, commercial construction in our area was fueled by the multi-family residential boom, which is expected to continue over the next several years. Growth occurred across all types of commercial construction. The office and warehouse sectors saw the most significant expansion, followed closely by education, hotels, and healthcare. There was pent-up demand for new construction and several landmark projects were announced or started throughout the year, including the new Comcast Innovation and Technology Center, Brandywine’s new FMC Tower, and Penn Medicine’s New Patient Tower Master Plan project. These and several other key developments have been a driving force for industry momentum. At the same time, GBCA embarked on various new initiatives that will be pillars of the construction landscape. Our programs to enhance dialogue around key safety issues, cultivate construction leaders of the future, and fortify the reputation of our industry only add to the great value our stakeholders have come to expect from our organization. Through these and other programs, we remain committed to offering education, professional development, safety, advocacy, marketing, and business development opportunities to help ensure that GBCA-affiliated organizations are the best-trained, highly skilled and most-trusted contractors in the region. Our collective work is paying dividends and with the unwavering support of our members, as well as the astute leadership of our Executive Committee and Board of Directors, we are on an upward trajectory to even greater success. This is not to say there won’t be more change on the road ahead, but we have the building blocks in place for a brighter future. We are energized. We are committed. We are on the rise — and together, we will reach new heights.
Mack Stulb Chairman of the Board
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MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
Michael G. Erickson C. Erickson & Sons, Inc.
“Being a member of GBCA means you have access to state-of-the-art resources across the board, from safety and education to advocacy and labor. By centralizing several disciplines, GBCA is an indispensable one-stopshop that provides construction professionals access to critical information that affects not only their own businesses, but also the industry. The Association brings contractors, suppliers, and service providers together as a united front to work toward a common goal of increasing the quality and professionalism of the construction industry. If you want to pick a professional association to be a part of, there’s no better organization than GBCA.”
Casey Kehoe Revolution Recovery
“As a new member, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the diverse opportunities the Association offers, and especially by its efforts to encourage networking. Over the past year, GBCA has given us a sense of community while opening doors for new business and professional development alike. It has a winning formula figured out for bringing a great mix of people together in an educational and fun environment that encourages relationship building in a relaxed manner. The GBCA staff and the other members have been extremely welcoming. We’re proud to be part of the GBCA family — and we’re not looking back.”
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ON THE RISE
Carl Mason Central Salvage Co., Inc.
“When we joined GBCA 28 years ago, we were initially looking for guidance on resolving unwarranted safety violations. After working with the Association’s team of safety experts to successfully dispute these incorrect citations, we knew it was an organization we needed to be a part of. I’ve served on the Labor Policy Committee for the past 12 years and can testify to GBCA’s masterful navigation of labor negotiations. GBCA has given me the opportunity to have a seat at the table to influence local policy and witness first-hand how the group is evolving to continually deliver more value to its members. Being affiliated with GBCA lends credibility to everything my business does, and I absolutely believe our success today is a direct result of being involved with the Association.”
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OUR FOUNDATION
Who We Are Since its founding in 1891, GBCA has been a powerful force in advancing the commercial, industrial, and institutional construction industry. We represent more than 300 member companies — general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and service providers — serving as an advocate and a resource to promote the best interests of members and the construction industry at large. Our work fosters positive, productive relationships among industry professionals, labor, and government, and empowers members with access to proven safety, education and training, business development, and marketing programs. The Philadelphia chapter of The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), GBCA’s reach spans well beyond City limits and includes southeastern Pennsylvania, northern Delaware, southern New Jersey, northern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore.
Goals
Member Categories
Promote industry. A strong, vibrant industry yields collective benefits for all stakeholders. To encourage economic and infrastructure investment, job creation, education, training, advocacy, and professional exchange, we promote dialogue and communication between members, adjacent industry groups, trade associations, elected officials, special interest groups, the media, and the general public.
Empower members. Delivering value for members is at the core of our mission. We provide tools and resources that enable members to improve and grow their businesses, and continually seek to offer new solutions that address the needs of a changing landscape.
Drive change. As the world around us evolves, GBCA recognizes the importance of embracing a forward-thinking, proactive approach to influence change that positively affects our stakeholders. We continually assess and update our standards and practices, focusing on opportunities that hold the greatest promise to yield results.
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Active Members General Contractors Associate Members Subcontractors & Specialty Contractors Affiliate Members Construction Suppliers & Services
GBCA membership is designed to serve both employees and owners of member companies. Membership in GBCA automatically includes enrollment in The Associated General Contractors of America. To learn more about membership benefits or for a membership application, contact the GBCA membership department at 215.568.7015 or visit GBCA.com.
Contractors Association is to serve our members as industry leaders in education, advocacy, safety, and networking opportunities to advance the commercial, industrial, and institutional construction industry.
MISSION
The purpose of the General Building
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
From left: Francis A. Pietrini, Mack Stulb, Patrick S. Pasquariello, III, Emily Bittenbender, James J. Dolente, Sr.
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Mack Stulb — Chairman of the Board LF Driscoll Company
Emily Bittenbender — Senior Vice Chairman Bittenbender Construction, LP
Stulb began his career 30 years ago with E. Clifford Durrell Builders as a Project Manager before joining LF Driscoll Co. as an Estimator, later moving on to Senior Estimator, Chief Estimator, and Vice President of Operations. In 2005, he was named President. Stulb has been involved in many significant projects throughout the Philadelphia region including One Liberty Place, Comcast Center, Barnes Museum, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Symphony House, Wachovia Center, Citizens Bank Park, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Abington Memorial Hospital, Inspira Health, Our Lady of Lourdes Health System, and AtlantiCare. In addition to serving as GBCA Chairman, he is Senior Vice Chairman of the Board at The Hill at Whitemarsh continuing care retirement community.
With a background in the design, construction, and renovation of public buildings and spaces, Bittenbender previously served as the City of Philadelphia’s first Capital Program Director, where she completed $454 million of capital projects in just three-and-a-half years. In 2000, she was named Vice President of Design & Construction for the $137 million National Constitution Center project, and in 2003 she founded Bittenbender Construction, LP — a woman-owned, general contracting company specializing in new construction and renovations of museums and historic sites, retail, higher education, and corporate fit out projects. In 2009 she launched Philadelphia Carpentry Systems, LP, a carpentry and exhibit installation company that is still in existence today. Among her many notable accomplishments, Emily was awarded The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Excellence Award for Small Business Person of the Year in 2011.
ON THE RISE
2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael K. Armento Torcon, Inc. Roger S. Ball Shoemaker Construction Co.
James J. Dolente, Sr. — Vice Chairman Madison Concrete Construction Dolente founded Madison Concrete Construction in 1969 and now serves as the company’s Chairman of the Board. He is a longtime supporter of several industry associations and charitable organizations, and served as former President of the Concrete Contractors Association, a board member for the American Society of Concrete Contractors, chairman of the Burn Foundation, and board member at White Horse Retirement Village. Patrick S. Pasquariello, III — Treasurer P. Agnes, Inc. Grandson of the founder of P. Agnes, Inc., Pasquariello has been a hands-on learner throughout his career, starting with grassroots training that immersed him into every phase of the design and construction process. His carpentry apprenticeship, coupled with his formal engineering and management training, prepared him for his role as Principal at his family’s company, where he provides executive management oversight for every phase of the construction process. He is responsible for the project team on all cost-related matters, ensures timely resolution of problems, takes a proactive role to improve productivity, and enhances good relationships. In addition to his roles with GBCA, which also include serving as Chairman of the Labor Policy Committee, Pasquariello also serves on the Board of Directors of Academic Properties, Inc. Francis A. Pietrini — Past Chairman B. Pietrini & Sons Pietrini began his career in 1960 at his father’s business, which became B. Pietrini & Sons, and since 1972 has served as the company’s President. Notable projects completed during his tenure include Citizens Bank Ballpark, Philadelphia International Airport’s Terminal 1 and Hanger, The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, 10 Rittenhouse, Proton Therapy for Penn Medicine, Commerce II, National Museum of American Jewish History, and Curtis Music Center. He previously served as President of the Pennsylvania Concrete Contractors and is now President of the New Jersey Concrete Contractors Association. He also is a member of the Carpenter’s Company, the American Society of Concrete Contractors, American Concrete Pumping Association, and The Associated General Contractors of America. He was GBCA’s Board Chairman from 2010-2011 and served on the Labor Policy Committee for more than 20 years.
G. Christopher Beck Turner Construction Company Joseph P. Clearkin James J. Clearkin, Inc. William A. Cobb, Jr.* Haverstick-Borthwick Company Charles W. Cook R. S. Cook and Associates, Inc. Michael G. Erickson C. Erickson & Sons, Inc. Michael M. Gerardi C. H. Schwertner & Son, Inc. B. Scott Holloway Josam Company Vicki W. Lee Old Philadelphia Associates, Inc. Frank T. Lutter Frank T. Lutter, Inc. Craig Melograno Philadelphia D & M, Inc. David E. Panichi* T. N. Ward Company Stephen W. Pouppirt* Clemens Construction, Inc. Philip F. Radomski* Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Inc. Judith A. Ritter Ritter Contracting, Inc. Nicholas K. Sabia D.M. Sabia & Co, Inc. Mark Spadaccino Dale Construction Company, Inc. Michael A. Stepnowski* Stepnowski Brothers, Inc. Gregory C. Stewart Gilbane Building Company James A. Viner HSC Builders & Construction Managers George S. Young George Young Company
DIRECTORS EMERITUS James J. Clearkin, Jr.* James X. Clemens* *Past Chairman
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COMMITTEES
Our strong and active committee system has contributed to the long-term success of GBCA. The committees capitalize on the participants’ unique knowledge, expertise, and capabilities, which help to support the GBCA program agenda. In addition to the GBCA committees, several Association members serve on The Associated General Contractors of America committees and represent contractor, subcontractor, and service provider points of view on various industry subjects.
Executive Committee — Serves as the pulse of the Association, directing and monitoring the policies and finances of the organization. Affiliate Member Council — Promotes the expertise of GBCA supplier and service companies by hosting business forums, exchanges, and networking opportunities. AIA/GBCA Joint Committee — Works with members of the American Institute of Architects Philadelphia Chapter on issues of mutual interest. Associate Member Executive Committee — Promotes the interests of subcontractor members and works to support their business objectives. Construction Leadership Council — Established to fulfill the need to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the construction industry. The CLC is a conduit for participants to network, exchange ideas about work and the industry, serve local communities, continue professional development, and develop leadership skills.
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Education Committee — Helps establish the program agenda and course curricula available to eligible GBCA member employees and works to facilitate professional development opportunities and student involvement. Government Affairs Committee — Monitors and addresses legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters, keeping GBCA in the forefront of topical and emerging issues that impact the industry on local, state, and national levels. Labor Policy Committee — Sets labor policy for the Association and works to ensure a stable and productive relationship between management and affiliated labor unions. Membership Committee — Supports Association membership development activities by helping to identify and recruit new member companies. Safety Committee — Promotes workplace safety and supports the efforts of contractor members to maintain accident-free job sites.
STAFF GBCA’s team of dedicated professionals leverages its expertise in diverse functional areas to deliver on the Association’s mission on a daily basis.
Donald Ashton, WSO-CSM
Benjamin J. Connors, Esq.
Vilma Lajara
Director, Safety Services
Director, Government Relations
Executive Assistant
Ashton’s 30-plus year career has spanned the fields of safety, loss control, and risk management — specializing in marine and commercial construction. In addition to his credentials within the World Safety Organization, he is also certified to instruct OSHA 10 and 30 courses.
Connors brings experience working for the Philadelphia Division of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s legal unit, the (NJ) Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigration Policy, and former Congressman Rob Andrews to his role at GBCA. He is responsible for representing and connecting GBCA members with local, state, and federal government.
Lajara has more than 11 years of experience as an executive assistant in the petroleum and construction industries. Prior to working at GBCA, she served as Executive Assistant to the CEO, CFO & COO at Orleans Homebuilders corporate office, where she also held positions in marketing, providing direct support on all advertising and social media networking.
Roseann Rotz
Michelle Versace
Melissa Wyatt
Administrative Assistant
Director, Finance and Administration
Director, Communications and Marketing
Prior to GBCA, Versace worked at American Water and ARAMARK. She is responsible for the Association’s financial functions and human resources.
Wyatt previously served as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Dranoff Properties and prior to that, she worked for O’Neill Properties, Independence Blue Cross, and WHYY, Inc. She manages GBCA’s branding, advertising, marketing, events, and public relations.
For over 25 years, Rotz has supported almost every aspect of GBCA operations including Labor, Safety, Education, Administration, Executive Communications, and Government Affairs.
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MEMBERS ACTIVE MEMBERS
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
B. Pietrini & Sons, Inc.
A. B. and S. Masonry Corporation
Bittenbender Construction, LP
A.T. Chadwick Co., Inc.
C. Erickson & Sons, Inc.
Abbonizio Recycling Corporation
C.H. Schwertner & Son, Inc.
Acoustics Plus, Inc.
Clemens Construction, Inc.
Advanced Specialty Contractors
Commercial Construction, Inc.
American Furniture Installation
Component Assembly Systems, Inc.
Amquip Crane Rental, LLC
CRB Builders, LLC
Anthony Biddle Contractors, Inc.
Dale Construction, LLC
Armor Masonry Restoration, Inc.
E.P. Guidi, Inc.
Bayshore Rebar, Inc.
Frank T. Lutter, Inc.
Belcher Roofing Corporation
Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Inc.
Beletz Brothers Glass Co., Inc.
Gilbane Building Company
Bencardino Excavating, Inc.
Hagen Construction, Inc.
Buckley & Company, Inc.
Haverstick-Borthwick Company
Burns Mechanical (PPL Energy Services)
HSC Builders & Construction Managers
C. Abbonizzio Contractors, Inc.
J. Mann-R. Finley, Inc.
Carr & Duff, Inc.
James J. Clearkin, Inc.
Case Foundation Company
Josam Company
CDP Construction, LLC
L. F. Driscoll Company, LLC
Central Metals, Inc.
LaMarra Construction
Central Salvage Company, Inc.
Lorenzon Brothers Co.
Charles H. MacDonald Electric, Inc.
Madison Concrete Construction
Chesco Coring & Cutting, Inc.
Murphy Quigley Company, Inc.
CJ Drilling, Inc.
Northwood Construction Company, Inc.
Commerce Construction Corporation
Nurminen Construction Corporation
Commercial Flooring Systems
P. Agnes, Inc.
Concrete Cutting Systems, Inc.
Philadelphia D & M
Connelly Construction Corp.
PJ Dick
Copeland Surveying, Inc.
R.S. Cook & Associates, Inc.
Corporate Piping, Inc.
Shoemaker Construction Co.
CR Meyer
Stepnowski Brothers, Inc.
Crawford Caulking Company
T.N. Ward Company
Dan Lepore & Sons, Co.
Torcon, Inc.
D’Andrea Brothers Concrete Co., Inc.
Turner Construction Company
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D’Angelo Bros., Inc. D.M. Sabia & Co., Inc. Degol Carpet Dougherty Electric, Inc. Duggan and Marcon, Inc. Dzwil Contracting, Co., LP Eastern Gunite Co., Inc. EDA Contractors Inc. Eureka Metal & Glass Service, Inc. Falasca Mechanical Fire Protection Industries, Inc. Five Star Builders, Inc. Foundation Structures, Inc. General Asphalt Paving Company Gentile Concrete George Young Company Geppert Bros., Inc. Graboyes Commercial Window Company H.T. Sweeney & Son Inc. Harsco Infrastructure Healy Long & Jevin, Inc. Henkel & Son Herman Goldner Company, Inc. HMS Interiors, Inc. Jenkintown Building Services Joseph Dugan, Inc. Joseph S. Smith Roofing, Inc. L. Cruz Development, LLC Limbach Company, LLC L-M Service Co., Inc. Lor-Mar Mechanical Services, Inc. M. Cohen and Sons, Inc. M. Cramer & Associates, Inc. M. Schnoll & Sons, Inc.
Mara Restoration, Inc.
Shelly Electric Co., Inc.
Matrix SME
Siemens Industry, Inc.
MBA Enterprises Hagen Construction, LLC
Silas Bolef Company
McGoldrick Electric, Inc.
Steadfast Entities, LLC
McGregor Industries, Inc.
Structural Maintenance Systems, Inc.
McKinney Drilling Company
Superior Scaffold Services, Inc.
Meco Constructors, Inc.
The Berlin Steel Company
Mega Construction Co.
Torrado Construction Co., Inc.
Metal Alliance, Inc.
Tower Maintenance Service Co.
Michael J. Kiska Construction
Unified Professional Services, LLC
National Glass & Metal Company, Inc.
Union Electric Contracting Co.
Northstar Contracting Group
United States Roofing Corporation
Old Philadelphia Associates, Inc.
Universal Concrete Products
Oliver Fire Protection & Security
Van Hawk Painting Co.
PA Fly New
Window Repairs & Restoration, LLC
Pembroke Construction Philadelphia Carpentry Systems PMC Mechanical Contractors, Inc. Precision Door Co., Inc. Quinn Construction, Inc. R. A. Kennedy & Sons, Inc. R. Ganter Contractors, Inc. R. R. Pucci & Associates, Inc. Revolution Recovery, LLC Ritter Contracting, Inc. Robert Slater, Inc. Roma Steel Erection, Inc. Roman Mosaic & Tile Company Safespan Scaffolding, LLC Safeway Services, LLC Sailing Roofers, Inc. Schlosser Steel Inc. Schnabel Foundation Co.
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MEMBERS
AFFILIATE MEMBERS Action Supply, Co., Inc.
Grabber Construction Products
Schnabel Engineering
Advanced Disposal Solutions, Inc.
Horizon Health Ventures, LLC
Schneider Electric
American Floors, Inc.
Jacoby Donner, P.C.
Sierra Investment Partners, Inc.
American Industrial Supply
Keating Environmental Management, Inc.
South Jersey Mechanical Contractors Association
Klein and Hoffman
Spruce Law Group, LLC
Krando Metal Products
Steven Kempf Building Material Company
Ammos Glass Art AON, Inc. ARC Document Solutions Ballard Spahr, LLP Berkowitz & Associates P.C. Black & Gerngross P.C. Cantor Fitzgerald Wealth Partners CBIZ MHM, LLC Chubb Group Insurance Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP ClarkDietrich Building Systems
Liberty Mutual Surety M & T Bank M & T Insurance Agency MacIntosh Engineering Madison Risk Group, LLC Marsh USA, Inc. Maxwell Systems, Inc.
Susanin Widman & Brennan, P.C. Tague Lumber, Inc. TD Bank Textura Corporation The Bancorp Bank The Franklin Residences The Garris Agency The Graham Company
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern PA
Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman P.C.
MechoShade Systems, Inc.
The Shepherd Agency, LLC
Med-Tex Services, Inc.
The Stoll Agency, Inc.
Microsol Resources
Thornton Tomasetti, Inc.
Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council
Trauner Consulting Services, Inc.
Colony Hardware Conner Strong & Buckelew Construction Risk Partners Cozen O’Connor Davis, Bucco & Ardizzi Dilworth Paxson, LLP Drexel University Construction Management Program Duane Morris, LLP ECBM Insurance Brokers & Consultants Engle-Hambright/EHD Excel Document Solutions, Inc. Fineman Krekstein & Harris Firstrust Bank Fizzano Bros. Concrete Products, Inc. Gallagher McIntyre George F. Kempf Supply Co., Inc. Geo-Technology Associates, Inc.
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Kreischer Miller
ON THE RISE
ModSpace NRI/National Reprographics, Inc. O’Donnell & Naccarato, Inc. Parker McCay P.A. Philadelphia Group Philadelphia University Construction Management Programs PMA Companies Post & Schell, P.C. ProBuild Company, LLC Ramla Benaissa Architects, LLC
The Safegard Group, Inc.
Travelers Bond & Financial Products United Rentals, Inc. USI Insurance Services Verizon Wireless Villanova University-Office of Continuing Studies Vimco, Inc. Vistacom, Inc. Wells Fargo Insurance Services Wharton Surety Consultants, LLC Williamson Bentz, Jr., Inc.
Re-Steel Supply Co., Inc.
Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades
Richard Gabriel Associates
Willis Of Pennsylvania
Richard S. Burns and Company, Inc.
Zimolong, LLC
Rosenberg & Parker, Inc.
CONNECTIONS
GBCA PARTNERS Where possible, GBCA strategically partners with complementary organizations to best serve member interests. By working collaboratively, GBCA has been able to further strengthen its offerings, including programming, networking opportunities, and discounts for shared products and services, such as event attendance costs.
Industry Alliances
University & Education Alliances
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EVENTS
Annual Business Meeting GBCA’s Annual Business Meeting is one of the premier business events in the Philadelphia region. In January 2014, the flagship event was hosted at the Union League where Association members came together for education and inspiration for the year ahead.
CONNECTING THE CONSTRUCTION COMMUNITY GBCA sponsors numerous events each year, including four signature gatherings, designed for networking and business development opportunities among members and industry influencers. By connecting the construction community, the Association is building a stronger, more collaborative industry.
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Urban Outfitters Hard Hat Tour
Phillies Day at the Ballpark
GBCA organized an exclusive hard hat tour that gave members a sneak peek of the new Urban Outfitters headquarters in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard in April 2014.
GBCA’s Construction Leadership Council hosted a day at the ballpark in May 2014 where members networked, enjoyed cocktails and lunch, and even had the chance to meet Phillies great Von Hayes.
Golf Outing
Construction Excellence Awards
Holiday Open House
On June 2, 2014, more than 125 golfers gathered at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club for the annual GBCA golf outing. Proceeds from the event help support Northern Children’s Services in Philadelphia.
The 17th Annual Construction Excellence Awards honored 10 outstanding achievements in construction, safety, and diversity. Designed to raise awareness of quality workmanship, this GBCA award has become a highly coveted industry accolade.
In December 2014, GBCA hosted its annual Holiday Open House at headquarters in conjunction with the Construction Leadership Council’s Toy Drive.
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BUILDING ON SUCCESS
LABOR GBCA maintains collaborative relationships with general presidents and business managers of the various building trades, other trade associations, and negotiating teams to discuss critical issues, help ensure productive relationships, and facilitate business opportunities. We also administer five trade agreements in counties across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.
Collective Bargaining
Data Tracking
With an extensive knowledge base and an expansive network of labor policy experts, GBCA plays a crucial role in labor negotiations. The GBCA Labor Policy Committee provides guidance and opinions throughout the year, and manages six contractorbased teams that are responsible for leading negotiations with our affiliated trades: Carpenters, Laborers, Cement Masons, Operating Engineers, Rodsetters, and Drywall Finishers.
GBCA tracks industry man-hours across trades and monitors national and regional labor developments. In addition, GBCA maintains an industry-wide wage and benefit database. This information is a valuable resource to all of our industry stakeholders.
Conflict Resolution GBCA actively works to resolve labor disputes. Through GBCA’s Labor Policy Committee, members meet with representatives of the trades to address critical industry matters such as competitive solutions and worker eligibility programs. When necessary, the Labor Policy Committee meets to discuss jurisdictional disputes and develop solutions that support and reinforce the right to award work to the most economic and efficient contractor.
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IAP & Financial Guarantee Administration GBCA provides administrative oversight for the Association’s Industry Advancement Program (IAP) and its financial guarantee for payment of fringe benefit funds. The IAP is administered solely by GBCA and used specifically for the advancement of the local construction industry. The IAP provides the resources that enable GBCA to carry out much-needed industry-wide programs that benefit the construction industry and GBCA members. IAP-funded activities benefit many segments of the construction industry, and the public sector has also benefited from GBCA’s involvement in labor and industry relations, safety, education, advocacy, market development, and research.
EDUCATION The future of the industry depends on a well-educated workforce. Since the early 1960s, thousands of member companies have attended GBCA education programs for personal and professional enrichment. While GBCA is committed to continue offering programs the industry has come to rely on, it is also innovating to introduce new, impactful opportunities. Courses are tailored to accommodate individuals from the newest estimator to the most seasoned project manager, and are available for a nominal fee or, on occasion, at no cost to eligible employees. GBCA has strategic alliances with nine educational institutions and sponsors college-level programs. Coursework subjects include pre-construction management, building materials and systems, building codes, estimating, scheduling, and Building Information Modeling (BIM).
ACE Mentor Program
Supervisory Training Program (STP) GBCA is a proud supporter of The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)’s Supervisory Training Program (STP) at the Carpenters JAC facility in Northeast Philadelphia. The program is geared toward field personnel who want to become supervisors or superintendents. Upon completion of the required classes, students receive certification from AGC and GBCA. Excellence is achieved through training, and can often be what sets one firm’s performance apart from another.
Apprentice Training GBCA is heavily invested in apprentice training, believing the apprenticeship system leads to a highly skilled workforce that promotes safe, quality work delivered on-schedule and on budget, which owners value. GBCA member companies and Industry Advancement Program contributors are involved in the administration, financing, and management of various apprenticeship programs throughout the region.
GBCA is actively involved in the ACE Mentor Program of Eastern Pennsylvania, which provides opportunities for local high school students to learn more about careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. Under the mentorship of experienced professionals from leading industry firms, students work in teams to pursue a range of informative activities, including field trips to active construction sites, discussions with project managers, tours of company offices, and more. Students can also apply for scholarships to attend college through ACE-sponsored programs.
Drexel University Construction Management Advisory Committee GBCA has a seat on the Drexel University Construction Management Advisory Committee, one of the leading bodies of its kind. The advisory committee’s work keeps the Drexel Construction Management Program up-todate on issues that affect the industry and promotes the hiring of construction management graduates.
Seminars & Forums GBCA is committed to keeping members up-to-date on the latest industry trends and opportunities. Seminars, forums, and workshops are continuously scheduled throughout the year on subjects pertaining to business opportunities, education, legal issues, and technical matters, among others.
High School Outreach To fulfill the objective of inspiring promising young men and women to pursue careers in construction, GBCA maintains relationships with area high schools, including the Charter High School for Architecture + Design (CHAD) and Mercy Vocational High School (MVHS).
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ADVOCACY GBCA is the industry’s direct connection to government officials and policymakers. Keeping members informed about legislative and regulatory developments that affect the industry is one of the Association’s top priorities, and we frequently engage in advocacy on their behalf. We monitor, initiate, and influence legislation on local, state, and national levels and serve on boards, commissions, and other bodies to advance industry objectives and goals. GBCA is a strong voice for the region’s contractors and viewed by many as a thought leader on commercial, industrial, and institutional construction issues.
Regional GBCA facilitates meetings with elected officials and political candidates to provide these individuals with information and perspectives about the commercial building and construction industry. GBCA raises and distributes contributions through its Political Action Committee (PAC) in support of legislators and candidates who are receptive to working with contractors and engaging in issues that affect the industry.
National Local GBCA maintains working relationships with Philadelphia’s City Council, the Mayor, and various City agencies. GBCA also regularly attends Council sessions, as well as hearings, announcements, and special events.
State GBCA participates in government relations activities through the General Contractors Association of Pennsylvania (GCAP), along with the Master Builders’ Association of Western PA, and the Keystone Contractors Association. This statewide coalition engages state legislators with commercial, industrial, and institutional contractors across the state.
Welcoming Benjamin J. Connors, Esq. In 2014, GBCA renewed its commitment to member advocacy, spearheaded by the Association’s new Director of Government Relations, Benjamin J. Connors, Esq. Connors brings valuable experience working on the political scene in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and the United States Capitol, and is dedicated to representing the best interests of GBCA members among policymakers.
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GBCA supports the legislative efforts of The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). AGC’s Legislative Action Committee sets legislative priorities and serves as a regulatory clearinghouse to ensure that AGC members have a voice in determining AGC’s policy agenda. AGC works with its chapters to solve the most vexing legislative problems facing the industry.
SAFETY & HEALTH Improving OSHA Relationships Promoting safety and health is a priority for GBCA. The Association is committed to providing safety-related programs, training, and best practices that support members in keeping work sites safe and accident free.
Alliances GBCA maintains mutually beneficial alliances with area safety organizations, including the MidAtlantic Construction Safety Council (MACSC), the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections, and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Region III and Philadelphia Area offices. These relationships enable GBCA to influence, and help ensure members adhere to, changing safety regulations. GBCA is also an active participant on the AGC Safety Committee, following trends and discussions that impact the construction industry.
Action Whenever possible, GBCA participates in safetyrelated policy discussions, and regularly updates members about the latest developments regarding safety and health issues that affect their businesses.
In order to establish a venue for members to develop a dialogue with OSHA outside of the compliance realm, the program “Eggs with OSHA” was created. Additionally, the GBCA Safety department helps members to prepare for OSHA inspections or resolve OSHA violations. GBCA initiated the “Eggs with OSHA” program in 2014. A result of member requests for improved relations with OSHA, GBCA instituted this breakfast meeting program to foster better communication between members and Administration officials about regulatory issues and their implications. The program has been highly effective as members have a better understanding of OSHA rules and regulations. Relationships in the compliance realm have visibly improved. Members gave the event an approval rating higher than 95% and OSHA is fully supportive with officials from state, regional, and federal offices participating in the initiative.
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COMMUNICATIONS GBCA continues to enhance the image and reputation of the Association, its member companies, and the industry through a variety of communications efforts. Driving awareness among local leaders, industry partners — including architects, engineers, building owners, and other entities with whom contractors work — and the general public, GBCA’s multi-faceted communications help ensure members stay top of mind among stakeholders and decision-makers.
Construction Today® Magazine
Social Media
Construction Today is an award-winning trade magazine published by GBCA and distributed quarterly to an estimated 20,000 industry professionals, developers, building owners, and government officials. Articles are contributed by GBCA members and guest columnists on news and trends affecting the industry, best practices, and other timely information.
With a presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, GBCA is active on social media to communicate with industry stakeholders.
To receive a complimentary subscription, advertise with the magazine, or submit a story for publication, visit gbca.com/press-room/publications.
News-at-a-Glance The Association’s monthly e-newsletter keeps members up-to-date on a wide range of newsworthy stories and is supplemented by issue-specific emails that highlight news and events.
Going Mobile To keep up with members on the go, GBCA.com was optimized for mobile viewing, enabling visitors to access the website and its resources any time, anywhere.
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Advertising Building on the momentum established in 2013 with the launch of GBCA’s branding campaign, the Association refreshed its ads featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Business Journal, Region’s Business and on KYW News Radio.
THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS FOR YOUR STEADFAST SUPPORT.
We are energized. We are committed. We are on the rise — together.
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GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION 36 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 PHONE 215.568.7015 | FAX 215.568.3115 | gbca.com
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ON THE RISE