VOL. 62 ISSUE10 OCTOBER2021 • GUAM CONTRACTORSʼ ASSOCIATION
THE YOUNG BUCKS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
12
16
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
OCTOBER
2021 8
S.A.M.E. UPDATE
10
SMALL BUSINESS NOTES
12
FEATURE STORY
16
FEATURE STORY
18
NAWIC NEWS
20
MEMBER BENEFITS
22
NEWSLINE
24
REPORTS/ INFORMATION
NOW ACCEPTING ONLINE PAYMENTS VIA PAYPAL
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO 2 | OCTOBER2021
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EDITORIALS
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
THEDIRECTORS
THEEDITORIALS
THETEAM
PRESIDENT James Martinez Guam Contractors’ Association
Guam Contractor’s Association (GCA) in conjunction with Adztech and Public Relations, Inc. publishes the Construction News Bulletin (CNB) monthly. Reproduction of materials appearing in this publication is strictly forbidden without written permission by GCA.
PUBLISHER: James Martinez
CHAIRMAN Bill Beery Tutujan Hill Group VICE CHAIRMAN Grace Jacot SET Pacific
While we always strive for accuracy, we will from time to time overlook mistakes. In order to help us improve the quality and accuracy of this publication, we ask that you take the time to look at the information provided and notify GCA or Adztech of any corrections as needed. Opinions and editorial content of this publication may not necessarily be those of the publisher, production team, staff, GCA members, GCA Board of Directors and advertisers.
SECRETARY/TREASURER John Sage Pacific Rim Constructors Inc. PAST CHAIRMAN Peter Errett Hawaiian Rock Products CONTRACTOR DIRECTORS: Don McCann Black Construction Corporation
For more information about advertising in the GCA Construction News Bulletin contact the advertising department at (671) 477-1239/2239 or email at adztech@teleguam.net.
Lucia Wood APTIM Joe Roberto East Island Tinting
Distributed to GCA members or can be obtained by stopping by the Guam Contractors’ Association office located at 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913
Hunter Groom Hensel Phelps Albert Smith SmithBridge Guam ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS: Jose Garcia First Hawaiian Bank
To find out more about how you can become a GCA member contact Guam Contractors’ Association at Tel: (671) 647-4840/41 Fax: (671) 647-4866 or Email: gca@teleguam.net. www.guamcontractors.org
Mark Cruz MidPac Far East Bill Bernardo Conwood
Postmaster. Send address changes to Guam Contractors’ Association, located at 506 Mariner Ave., Barrigada, Guam 96913
Camilo Lorenzo Matson Navigation
GCA
PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD: Geri Leon Guerrero AD SALES: Jaceth Duenas Keneisha Fortes PRODUCTION: Jason Davis Geri Leon Guerrero Christopher “Taco” Rowland PHOTOGRAPHY: Christopher “Taco” Rowland EDITOR: Adztech CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Pete Diaz R.D. Gibson Rodney “RJ” Ricarte Joanne Messier Rebecca Gale GCA STAFF: Desiree Lizama Elaine Gogue Francine Taitague Trevor Cruz COVER: The Young Professionals are here and are looking for like minded individuals. Do you have what it takes?
TRADES ACADEMY B u i l d i n g
S k i l l s
F o r
A
L i f e t i m e
Guam Contractors Association
4 | OCTOBER2021
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PRESIDENT’S LETTER
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
PRESIDENT’S LETTER Careers in Construction Month Highlights Pathways into Industry As we celebrate Careers in Construction Month in the month of October, we must be mindful that while our economy is now in the longest expansion in history, it’s creating new challenges for the businesses that build Guam—specifically, finding skilled labor, which is impacting construction firms all of sizes. In Guam, construction unemployment as of June 2021 was at 11.4% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Guam Contractors Association estimates 8,000 construction workers need to be hired just this year to meet current construction backlog. According to the BLS, Local construction and extraction workers, which make up 19.4% or 8,900 employees (as of June 2021) of Guam's total private sector workforce and earn an average hourly wage of $17.80 compared to total private sector average hourly wage of $16.10 (BLS Report on June 2021). It should be noted that women working in construction make up 6.6% of the construction workforce, an increase of 1.1% over last year March 2020 (according to BLS Report as of June 2021) Our hope is to increase this number to 10% over the next year. In short, the construction industry is hiring, and the barriers to entry are minimal. There are numerous ways for people of all backgrounds and education levels to both join and excel in the construction field. Take craft professional, Leandra Ngiratereged for example, she’s a heavy equipment operator apprentice at Black Construction Corporation and mentions to us “The trades have opened up a lot of opportunities for me and most importantly in the fields where I want to pursue my career. In the future I plan to build me and my son our own house and my Trade/Profession in Heavy Equipment Operation is the first step towards my ultimate goal in life”. In offering advice to those who want to consider getting into the construction trades she says, “I would highly recommend the construction industry to others if it was something they wanted to do because it is a field which requires hard work and perseverance. Also, once you become a certified skilled worker it will highly benefit you because there will always be a need for skilled workers, which means job opportunities will always be there. I also want to be a prime example to my peers that construction is not a field for males only, I am a mother, and I am currently loving my field of work. Women are able to learn and love Heavy Equipment Operations as well” Eric Banjawan,” an electrical apprentice at Pacific Rim Land Development states “This profession has helped me a lot! Especially when I started attending classes at GCA Trades Academy. Not only did it widen my knowledge with electrical, but I also experienced hands on training that I could use as part of my everyday life”. His advice to aspiring young craft professions is “I recommend the construction industry as a viable career opportunity to others, simply because the now a day’s craftsmen are in demand. Not only do you get the salary you desire, but you also get to build your career and gain experience from others that you can pass on to the future generations. Whether you have a degree or not, you do not get left behind. They will help you achieve what you have planned for, for your future”. These are just some examples of the variety of pathways into the construction industry that have led people to professional success and job satisfaction. And there are many more to highlight during Careers in Construction Month in October. To cap off the Careers in Construction Month activities, GCA will be announcing the launching of our new Pre-apprenticeship program in collaboration with the Guam Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Council, designed for those people who wish to begin a career in the construction but don’t have any skill or knowledge of the industry or perhaps only a limited amount of skill and are seeking to pursue a career in construction. They will learn the basics of construction through our NCCER Core curriculum, “Introduction to Basic Construction Skills”. They will learn Construction Math, Basic Safety, Material Handling, Power and Hand Tools, Construction Drawings, Relationships and Social Skills and new to the Core curriculum, Build your Future in Construction which teaches the Overview of the Construction Industry, Benefits of a Career in Construction, Construction Craft Careers, and Starting Your Construction Career, The GCA Pre-apprenticeship Program requires an articulation agreement between the employer, employee and apprenticeship sponsor (GCA) that upon successful completion of the GCA Pre-apprenticeship Program, the employee shall then indenture in a full Registered Apprenticeship Program. Another Careers in Construction project we are launching in October is developing a short video series entitled “Walking in the Boots of a _________” it is a point of view (POV) video series where viewers feel they are actually working in the boots of a carpenter, electrician, heavy equipment operator, welder, and a host of other craft professions. We’ll be launching the first in a series of videos in late October and have it accessible on our YouTube page, website, and our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Guam Contractors Association
6 | OCTOBER2021
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S.A.M.E. UPDATE
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
Society of
NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2021
American Military Engineers
ANNOUNCMENTS SAME Century Book is now available. It’s the exclusive, official publication marking the first 100 years of the Society of American Military Engineers. To order visit: www.same.org/centurybook
SAVE THE DATE 30 OCT 2021 Driving Range Mixer Hosted by the Young Professionals. Torres Driving Range along Cross Island Road, Yona. Complimentary food, drinks, and golf balls, golf games, raffle, best costume. For details or questions, contact Steven Carbullido (steven.carbullido@ghd.com) or Joseph Claveria (jclaveria@brwncald.com) 11-13 NOV 2021 Charlie Corn Scholarship Golf Tournament Venue: STARTS Guam Golf Resort For more info or to register, visit: www.same.org/Guam/Golf or contact John Paul Dierking, (johnpauld@khlgassociates.com) 16-20 NOV 2021 ChST SAME’s Federal Small Business Conference (SBC) Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia. For more info visit: www.samesbc.org Upcoming October Meeting
MAIN PRESENTATION
Sustainable Development in the CNMI Presented by: Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, Director CNMI Office of Planning & Development Office of the Governor 21 OCT 2021
SEPTEMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING RECAP:
GUAM SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY - PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE Larry Gast, General Manager of the Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA) presented at our September General Membership Meeting discussing GSWA’s history and sharing construction photos of Cell 3 at Layon Landfill. PAST: Solid waste on Guam has had a turbulent past, including a history of noncompliance with the mandates of the Clean Water Act at the Ordot Landfill, lack of financial commitment by the Government of Guam to fund consent decree projects, lack of cooperation between the executive and legislative branches, and lack of tangible progress for completing consent decree projects. A Receiver was appointed by the District Court of Guam to assume the responsibilities and functions of solid waste management to bring the government into compliance. The GSWA was created as an autonomous, public agency to achieve GovGuam’s eventual resumption of all functions, responsibilities, and authority of solid waste management, operations and governance. PRESENT: As a consent decree project, the Layon Landfill was constructed to very high standards. It has a triple layer leachate system rather than the standard double layer system. In 2019, the District Court issued an order to partially end the Receivership. Administrative and managerial responsibility over the Guam Solid Waste Authority (GSWA)’s day-to-day operations was returned to the Government of Guam while the Receiver continues its technical work to complete the post-closure plan for the Ordot Dump. GSWA began constructing a new cell at Layon Landfill.
Layon Landfill Cell 3 Construction Aerial Photos. Left: Earthwork Preparation. Middle: Liner Installation. Right: Cell 3 complete and in use.
FUTURE: With the completion of Cell 3 at Layon Landfill, GSWA has the disposal capacity for the next 10 years at the estimated waste generation rates. COVID-19 has also disrupted the world’s transportation systems and many waste streams are difficult and expensive to ship off-island. GSWA is currently looking at the possibility of requiring all residents to have and maintain garbage collection and disposal to help combat illegal dumping. GSWA is currently reviewing the expansion of the following waste streams currently prohibited at the Layon Landfill:
• • • • • •
Contaminated Soils: Soils that are non-hazardous or remediated but still considered contaminated; has few disposal alternatives. Sand Blast Media: Material that is non-hazardous; has few disposal alternatives. Cut or Chipped Tires: Cutting into pieces would prevent migration to surface; shipping is expensive and not reliable. Treated or Painted Wood: Authorization could help combat illegal dumping of this material Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG): Once solidified and stabilized Asbestos Containing Materials: Highly regulated and difficult to dispose of on Guam.
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Website: www.same.org/Guam facebook.com/GuamContractors
Two-person Team, select ball (scramble), modified Peoria Handicap*
STARTS GOLF RESORT DEDEDO, GUAM TEAMS CAN CHOOSE ONE ORE MORE PLAY DATES
First prize = 2 x $350 Second prize = 2 x $300 Third prize = 2 x $250 Best gross score = 2 x $200
Thur, Nov 11 / Fri, Nov 12 / Sat, Nov 13
Opportunity to win great prizes on select par 3 as “hole-in-one” prizes
$125 per person/$250 per team (2) or $75 per person/$150 per Team (2) (Active Duty and Fed Gov Employees Only)
Each entrant receives a Ditty Bag, Boxed lunch, and on-course refreshments *Note: Peoria Handicapping systems “level the playing field” – favor the poorer player and disfavor the better player
(Each day is limited to the first 60 players to sign up)
Show time: 11:30 am
General Registration
Corporate Sponsorship Sponsorship Levels: Platinum: $2,000 Gold: $1,000 Silver: $500 Bronze: $300
For more Info or to Register Visit: www.same.org/Guam/Golf
42nd Annual 2021 CHARLIE CORN ALL GOLF COVID-19 RULES APPLY For more details, you may contact: JOHN PAUL ‘JP’ DIERKING johnpauld@khlgassociates.com Mobile: +1 671-482-5108
SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT
SMALL BUSINESS NOTES
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
join our SB Community! • The GCA Small Business Committee supports small business members of the association to ensure their voices are heard and needs are met within GCA capabilities. • Do you have an issue or concern that we might be able to assist with? • Do you have an idea or suggestion that may benefit our small business community?
L-R: James Martinez, Joe Roberto, Adam Baron, Bill Bernardo, Elaine Gogue, Theresa Crisostomo, Tom Roberto, Jaylene Kent, Gerardine Mendiola, Jane Ray, Philip Leddy, Ken Lujan.
HELP US HELP YOU BY JOINING US AT OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS OR CONTACT: Lucia Wood (Chair) Theresa Crisostomo (Vice-Chair)
(671) 777-8425 lucia.wood@aptim.com (671) 588-5972 theresac@jwsguam.com
GUAM PTAC FREE Live Webinars 10/14 2021
How to Get 8(a) Certified The SBA's 8(a) Program was created to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal procurement market. The Guam PTAC will help you navigate the forms and requirements of the 8a program.
How to Get Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certified
10/21 2021
10/28 2021
10 | OCTOBER2021
WOSB is now an official SBA certification program. We will discuss the certification process as well as supporting document requirements.
The Guam Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is offering FREE webinars to the public for October 2021. Webinars run from 10am-11:30am and will be conducted via Zoom. Links to the live webinar and the webinar evaluation will be emailed to all registered attendees 15 minutes before the start of the webinar. Register at: guamptac.ecenterdirect.com For more information, contact the Guam PTAC at (671) 735-2552 or visit www.guamptac.com
SBA Mentor-Protégé Program The SBA Mentor-Protégé program is modeled after the 8(a) Mentor-Protégé Program. The Guam PTAC will update you on the eligibility requirements and how to apply.
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FREE Live Webinars Every Thursday!
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THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS By: R.D. Gibson
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
Sometimes it can be funny to see art depicting what artists thought the future would look like; art showing gadgets that took the technology at the time with some advanced, futuristic flair - brooms connected to retractable arms to get the area cleaned, or those same retractable arms in a beauty shop or barber shop cleaning up clients. There was once a time when we were told there would be flying cars. There was a movie where the characters put what looked like a pack of popcorn into the microwave and a very popular red and yellow fast food chain’s meal instantly appeared. Though Hanna-Barbera and the Jetsons promised us more, it is kind of difficult to really complain. Today, we have phones in our hands where we can literally see who is talking to us, or connect invisibly to cars powered by electricity, going to buildings powered by the energy of the sun, where vacuums sense the floor of the room and clean. The visionaries of all of these leaps of advances are part of the present, as well as the future of industries across the world. That future looks a bit brighter for the industry in Guam with the charter and conception of a new young professionals organization in Guam - the GCA Young Professionals. Phillip Leddy II of Guam Copier and Camilo Lorenzo of Matson, Inc. take the helm of this new organization under the Guam Contractors Association as Chair and Vice Chair respectively. This month-old organization - established on
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FEATURE STORY
September 1, 2021 to be exact - is currently taking its definitive baby steps in establishing itself, according to Vice Chair, Lorenzo. The idea of young professional organizations in construction is not novel. Across the United States of America there are similar young professional organizations, like TEXO Young Constructors Council in Texas, which has been around for nearly 10 years, as stated on their website. There’s a Young Constructors Association as part of the Associated General Contractors of America, which helps recent graduates with construction-related degrees connect with the AGC as they search for work, according to their website. There’s also the ABC (Association of Builders and Contractor) Young Professionals. Their website states the organization works to nurture and foster“the next generation of ABC leaders”, as well as create and maintain connections between “the best and brightest up-and-comers” in the industry. According to GCA YP Chair Leddy, “The GCA Young Professionals' vision is to positively impact the growth of the Constructions Industry through community awareness, driven by the future leaders for the construction industry.” Vice chair Lorenzo added they’re working on recruitment from the GCA Membership, and those interested members who meet eligibility will be part of the initial steering committee. The Chair and Vice chair confirmed the GCAYP is modeled after the ABC Young Professionals organizations across stateside communities.
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OCTOBER2021 | 13
FEATURE STORY
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
Lorenzo continued that some of the advantages of membership in organizations like the GCA YP echo that of aforementioned established groups, like company representation and networking. He stated “young professionals will be at the forefront to take an active role in promoting and sustainability of the construction workforce.” They also intend to work closely with GCA and the GCA Trades Academy in any future efforts of the organization. Leddy emphasized organizations like the GCAYP are important as a means of not just bolstering industry knowledge, developing leaders, and networking, but having the island’s workforce be at the forefront for opportunities in the industry, and “reducing the dependency on imported labor.” He added that with the network within the Guam Contractors Association, it provides opportunities for recruitment and mentorship with the collective experiences and knowledge of industry officials for future leaders. The future seems so far away, doesn’t it? What with its high-rises in the sky and environmentally conscious developments. Maybe it will be the generation that builds the bridge to the next; a group to peak the interests of and mentor those who will see those apartments and shopping centers we grew up watching on Saturday morning cartoons. According to Leddy one of their goals is to “increase interest in the various craft professional trades and trades supporting the industry.” This goes hand-in-hand with what Lorenzo added about their
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planned outreach efforts, which include school outreach presentations, exploratory trade events, workshops, and job and industry fairs, which also leads to possible mentorships and internships for technical careers. The possibilities of this organization are endless. In the rapidly changing landscape of construction and trades, with advancing technology and a loud call to build a local workforce, it is important to pave the way, connect, and grow the talent of the island’s future. It’s more than a call to get involved; it’s a call to be part of the changes our island will see and experience. Currently the chair and vice chair share how they are preparing for the launch and recruitment of members with the Guam Contractors Association. As it stands, current Guam Contractors Association Members and Non-member individuals can contact Trevor Cruz at the Guam Contractors Association directly for more information regarding participating in the GCA Young Professional at trevor.cruz@guamcontractors.org, or at the Guam Contractor Association offices at 671.647.4840. Let’s be honest. It is a long way from now for the futuristic conveniences we saw on TV as children, or the depictions of what artists thought the future would like from yesteryear. The knowledge of mentors and the determination of young professionals together can only help make some of those a reality as we sail into what lies ahead for Guam. Best of luck to the young professionals and their respective visions for the island.
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Earning an 8A Grade By: R.D. Gibson
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
“Young, scrappy, and hungry” - theatre icon Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote and performed in his hit Broadway musical Hamilton about Alexander Hamilton. It became a clever phrase in one of the show’s most recognizable bops. T-shirts and memorabilia have the lyrics on them. Surely, it’s someone’s Instagram caption. The thing about being those three adjectives - or others like them - is living up to them; embodying them, personifying them. In this case, not politically and during the early stages of the birth of a nation, but at a time when the next steps for the industry are crucial, yet broad and full of potential. This month the Construction News Bulletin features and announces the start of the Guam Contractor Association Young Professionals organization; a new group of those under 40 looking to network with other young professionals, learn from mentors with critical, exceptional industry knowledge, and continue building the industry. In the spirit of young, scrappy, and hungry professionals, CNB spotlights Robert Salas II, President of Pacific Federal Management, Inc. (PFM), whose company just received their 8(a) Program Certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration. PFM, Inc. is a relatively young company Salas shared. “We are proud to have developed a team of passionate and talented individuals that are excited about growing an exciting new business on Guam,” he continued. He boasted excellent customer feedback, followed by repeat business and referrals, a testament to their efforts and services fueled by local talent, as well as several local and national awards. According to their website, PFM, Inc. has provided “federal management services in construction, landscape, and hardscape installation, and maintenance services for military, commercial, and civic clients throughout Guam and Micronesia” since 2017. Recently, they received their 8(a) Business Development Program Certification from the U.S. Small Business Administration. “As a company, growth and development has always been a defining aspect of our culture,” stated Salas. The 8(a) program allows for unique training and mentoring opportunities for small business participants, including working with a Business Opportunity Specialist, forming joint ventures with established businesses through a SBA Mentor-Protege program, while also getting management and technical assistance for business training, counseling, marketing, and high-level executive development.
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FEATURE STORY
According to the SBA website, “the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the 8(a) Business Development program” to help socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses. Salas stated, “As such, the opportunity to continue to develop the business and its talent in the right ways drove us to decide to participate in the 8(a) program.” He encourages local contractors who meet the eligibility requirements to participate. “The program provides several benefits,” which he thinks could give participants a better chance at growth and development. “I believe such growth within our local small businesses would only stimulate the island’s economy and encourage healthy competition benefiting all stakeholders,” he added, even giving local small businesses chances to compete for off-island contracts. He does admit the program takes time and resources, but builds good business habits. “Entrepreneurs often focus all attention to the operations and day-to-day needs of the small business,” he begins. “However, to ultimately grow we must continue to develop the other elements of the business also such as the accounting, financial reporting, and planning elements of the business.” On top of a list of upcoming developments and projects, Salas also shared how the PFM group’s intentions to learn as much as they can from the program and invest in their company and its employees, and “pursue larger and more complex projects while continuing to focus on our productivity and quality.” Additionally, he hopes to use their resources and experiences to give back to the community and “make our island proud!” We have already seen the beginnings of the scrappiness of Salas and PFM, Inc. The 8(a) program certification is another stepping stone, another chapter in the book, another catchy musical number in their company’s repertoire and portfolio - with no signs of stopping.
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NAWIC NEWS
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
Hafa Adai Guam, I am Joanne Messier and this year’s President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). As I humbly contemplate the year ahead, I cannot help but think of the ladies who will be giving more than other members of our organization through the office they have assumed. Please allow me to introduce you to them. The three Directors on our board are Dr. Jaylene Kent, Doyon Morato and Nadia Holms. Dr. Kent is joint owner of Isla Coatings and Roofing and was the founding President for our Guam Chapter of NAWIC . Doyon Morato is the Operations Manager for Northwind Guam. Nadia Holms is an Environmental Engineer with ECC Construction company. Our directors are essential to the organization as they keep us grounded in what is important to the chapter membership. Next we have our President-Elect, Lucia Wood. Lucia is a Project Manager for Aptim and will be my close second in the year ahead. Ann Marie Pelobello is our Vice President and founding President -Elect. She will be sure every role on the board is fulfilled. Crystal Cruz is a Special Inspector for AmOrient and our current Treasurer, responsible for the fiduciary . Peggy Denney is our Secretary and the administrator of iRecycle Guam. Selina Ashland is our Immediate Past President and the General Manager of Island Equipment Guam. With these ladies I hope to strengthen the connection between our local chapter and other organizations on Guam that empower women and the Construction Industry. The pandemic forced us to re-structure and cancel many of our regular annual events, such as Block Kids, Hard Hats Huge Hearts Community outreach, Annual Leadership Conference, and our Belles, Bubbles and Baskets Scholarship Fundraiser. Stayed tuned to hear about how we are going forward with these events! We all look forward to the upcoming year and re-connecting with everyone.
JOIN NAWIC GUAM CHAPTER 381 TODAY! Want to know more about NAWIC Guam or join our organization? Contact us at nawicguam@gmail.com or DM us on Facebook (Nawic Guam) or Instagram (@nawicguam). www.nawic.org 18 | OCTOBER2021
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FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE CONTACT:
Tel: (671) 898-5661 | Email: greenwaste@pacificunlimitedguam.com
MEMBER BENEFITS
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
Open Enrollment Right Around Corner By Rodney “RJ” Ricarte The Guam Contractors Association Employee Health Insurance Benefit open season enrollment is right around the corner. The TakeCare team works everyday to bring GCA member employees the highest quality and most affordable health insurance coverage on island. All of us at TakeCare appreciate the opportunity to be your health insurance carrier. We know choosing health insurance for your employees can be challenging. As Guam's leading healthcare provider for almost 50 years, our commitment to the Guam Contractors Association only grows and our commitment to its members and employees has never been stronger.
Quality Providers for Your Health Care Needs
TakeCare members have access to an extensive list of participating providers, both on and off island. TakeCare’s growing network of contracted providers in Guam include Guam Regional Medical City and Seventh-day Adventist Clinic; in Saipan; and in countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and New Zealand. Plus an excellent network of medical specialist, practitioners and facilities in the Continental U.S. and Hawaii through the MultiPlan network, which has more than 1.2 million providers for our members to choose and utilize for their services.
Preferred Access to the FHP Health Center
TakeCare members have preferred access to the FHP Health Center. FHP features a roster of highly trained, credentialed, well-known and respected community-based physicians and professional staff. In addition, the center’s modern technology and equipment supports medical services and expertise provided to its patients at its exceptional Centers of Care. These centers include: Urgent Care, Full Service Radiology (MRI, CT Scan, Digital Mammography and X-Ray)-Certified by the American College of Radiology, Primary Care (Pediatrics, Adult Medicine, and Women's Health), Occupational Health, Home Health and Hospice, a Cancer Center (Hematology/Oncology), as well as Dental and Vision Centers. In addition, FHP offers a convenient in-house full-service pharmacy, owned and operated by MegaDrug, and full service laboratory owned and operated by Diagnostic Laboratory Services (DLS).
Technology to Help You Live a Healthier Life
TakeCare's wellness programs and MyTakeCare, our online member portal, are conveniently available. Members have access to valuable health and wellness resources, can complete a Health Check, view claims activity, print a member card, review benefits and eligibility information, as well as manage personal health within MyTakeCare health calendar. In addition, TakeCare offers a mobile app to display your ID card, our network of providers, TakeCare wellness programs, fitness schedule, Affinity Rewards, and wellness partners. It also helps you manage your wellness and fitness incentives while tracking your fitness progress through biometrics! Everything above relates to TakeCare’s commitment to the key elements of living a balanced lifestyle: 1.) Being Active;
2.) Eating Right; 3.) Relaxing & Unwinding; and 4.) Staying Socially Connected.
Thank you for your continued confidence in TakeCare. We will be providing more information about open enrollment in the coming days.
Rodney “RJ” Ricarte is the TakeCare account executive for GCA. He can be contacted at (671) 487-7121 or rodney.ricarte@takecareasia.com.
20 | OCTOBER2021
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As Guam’s leading healthcare provider for close to 50 years, our commitment to our island only grows and our commitment to your health? It’s never been stronger.
Quality Providers for Your Health Care Needs TakeCare members have access to an extensive list of participating providers, both on and off island. TakeCare’s growing network of contracted providers in Guam includes Guam Regional Medical City and Guam Seventh-day Adventist Clinic, Saipan, and in countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and New Zealand. Plus an excellent network of medical specialist, practitioners and facilities in the Continental US &
Adult Medicine, and Women’s Health), Occupational Health, Home Health and Hospice, a Cancer Center (Hematology/Oncology), as well as Dental and Vision Centers. In addition, FHP offers a convenient in-house full-service pharmacy, owned and operated by MegaDrug, and full service laboratory owned and operated by Diagnostic Laboratory Services (DLS).
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TakeCare members have preferential access to the FHP Health Center. FHP features a roster of highly trained, credentialed, well-known and respected community-based physicians and professional staff. In addition, the center’s modern technology and equipment supports medical services and expertise provided to its patients at its exceptional Centers of Care. These centers include Urgent Care, Full Service Radiology (MRI, CT Scan, Digital Mammography and X-Ray)-Certified by the American College of Radiology, Primary Care (Pediatrics,
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NEWSLINE
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
NEWSLINE OSHA Sends COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard to OMB for Review On Oct. 12, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration sent a COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard rulemaking to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget for review, which will apply to employers with 100 or more employees as required by President Biden’s Path Out of the Pandemic COVID-19 Action Plan. The review at OIRA is usually the final step in the process before a rule is officially published in the federal register.
Background: On Sept. 27, ABC, a steering committee member of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition, sent a letter to James Frederick, acting assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, voicing concerns related to OSHA’s forthcoming COVID-19 vaccination and testing Emergency Temporary Standard, which will apply to employers with 100 or more employees as required by President Biden’s Path Out of the Pandemic COVID-19 Action Plan.
At this time, neither OIRA nor DOL have made the contents of the ETS public. Generally, OIRA allows organizations to request meetings to discuss concerns about the rulemaking before it is issued. ABC will request a meeting to discuss our concerns, however it is unclear if OIRA will hold meetings on this ETS.
In an ABC press release on the CISC letter, Ben Brubeck, ABC vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs, stated, “Because OSHA’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing ETS is expected to be the most far-reaching standard ever issued by the agency, it is imperative that OSHA listen to input from the construction industry, which employs 7.4 million individuals. Despite the efforts of a range of stakeholders, vaccine hesitancy remains an ongoing, complicated reality in countless industries. How the ETS is crafted will have significant, lasting impacts by driving workers away from larger firms and disrupting construction projects without raising the vaccination rate. “Our key areas of concern are workforce shortages that would be exacerbated by the ETS, employer and employee obligations for vaccinations and testing, paperwork burdens, recordability of adverse
When the ETS is published in the federal register as an interim final rule, it will be effective immediately in states where OSHA has direct jurisdiction. The public will have an opportunity to submit comments on the ETS after it is published. The comments will then be used by OSHA to draft a final rule, which OSHA is expected to issue six months after the ETS is published in the federal register. ABC will submit comments to express any concerns. ABC will also provide further details as soon as the COVID-19 vaccination and testing ETS is published in the federal register.
22 | OCTOBER2021
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reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine, cost of paid time off for vaccinations and adverse reactions, and availability of testing kits. The COVID-19 pandemic has already created and accelerated a host of challenges for the construction industry, including a skilled workforce shortage, rising material costs, supply chain disruptions, jobsite shut-downs, additional health and safety protocols and new government regulations. The forthcoming ETS only adds to this long list of concerns. ABC continues to encourage construction industry stakeholders to implement effective COVID-19 safety plans and to get vaccinated, because ensuring healthy and safe work environments for employees is a top priority of ABC and its members. ABC is philosophically opposed to federal mandates that undermine the desired policy outcome. ABC plans to be fully engaged in the forthcoming OSHA ETS rule and is evaluating legal options on compliance.” On Sept. 24, ABC, as a steering committee member of the Coalition for Workplace Safety, also sent a letter to OSHA Acting Assistant Secretary James Frederick, stating that OSHA should consider questions and seek written input from stakeholders before issuing any ETS. To do otherwise invites avoidable implementation challenges and costs that would undermine achieving the goals of the ETS.
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NEWSLINE
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
ABC Spreads the Word About Suicide Prevention Month According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, construction occupations have the highest rate of suicide, as well as the highest number of suicides, across all occupational groups. To combat these statistics and spread awareness, Greg Sizemore, ABC’s vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development and chair of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, traveled to five ABC chapters across the country to speak about what ABC chapters and members can do to help those who may be struggling. He was also
interviewed in various trade publications and news outlets, such as the Marietta Daily Journal, For Construction Pros and Workwear Guru. In addition, ABC created a variety of digital assets for its members to use online and on their social media channels, including: • Nine social media graphics from the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention available on Flickr • Social media language
Between the media coverage, in-person presentations and leveraging ABC’s social media network, ABC reached more than 35,000 people on this topic. For more information on suicide prevention and resources for help, visit preventconstructionsuicide.com.
24 | OCTOBER2021 3 2
A/C & Refrigeration Mechanic HVAC & Refrigeration Technician Field Supervisor Construction Supervisor
37
5 2
Crane Operator
Total Non-Construction H-2B Workers
8
Pipefitter
5
Elevator Installer Technician
www.guamcontractors.org TOTAL Construction H-2B Workers
Total OTHER Construction
11
HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanic
2
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
1683
85
18
31
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
25
Camp Cook
5
Construction Equipment Mechanic
5
Other Construction Occupations
Employers Workplace Monthly Report Statistics
Automotive Mechanic
Other Non-Construction Occupations
GUAM DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Alien Labor Processing Certification Division
77 22 109
Plumber Sheetmetal Worker Heavy Equip. Operator
27
Welder Total Common Const.
1720
1713 2 2 3
4657 1718
Total H-2B Employers U.S. Const. Workers Total U.S. Workers
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Total U.S. Workers
Total U.S. Workers Grand Total Hin H2 companies 2B Workers
US Workers vs. H-2B
1720
6 28
Non-Construction
Grand Total H-2B Workers
22
Construction
Employers By Industry
Total by Nationality
Philippines Korea Australia New Zealand
Workers by Nationality
1598
2
Camp Cook
104
25
Structural Steelworker
Electrician
181
693
358
Reinforcing Metalworker
Carpenter
Cement Mason
Common Construction Occupations
MONTH ENDING: September 2021
1.56%
4.82%
1.38%
6.82%
11.33%
6.51%
0.13%
22.40%
Welder
Camp Cook
Heavy Equip. Operator Electrician
Sheetmetal Worker
Reinforcing Metalworker Structural Steelworker Plumber
Carpenter
Cement Mason
Australia
New Zealand
Korea
Philippines
New Zealand 0.17%
Prepared By: Jessie Cruz Contact information: Greg Massey, ALPCD Administrator P.O. Box 9970 Tamuning, Guam 96931 (671)475-8005/8003
43.37%
1.69%
Common Construction Occupations
Philippines 99.59%
Australia 0.12%
Korea 0.12%
H-2B Population by Nationality
REPORTS/ INFORMATION CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
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