& CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS
October 2017
BUILDINGTOGETHER
GROWING OUR TEAM RESPONSIBLY
Many of you have probably taken note of increased efforts to expand the Elzinga & Volkers team. Recently, we have been attending recruitment fairs, promoting job openings at safety meetings and even hosted an open house for interested applicants on October 18th. Typically in the winter months contractors slow down, so why are we ramping up our hiring efforts now?
First, the current unemployment rate in Ottawa County is at its lowest rate since 2009, only 2.1%. Driving from Holland to Grand Haven there are no fewer than ten "Now Hiring" signs peppered accross the landscape. Finding the right candidate to fill each of our job openings is a process; not only do we require experience, dedication and skill we also require character that is hungry, humble and smart. Finding the right people to fill our open positions is not a matter of simply placing people where they are an adequate fit, it is instead an intricate puzzle that takes an exact fit. Secondly, our current backlog is such that we do not anticipate any seasonal slow down. With a backlog of numerous renovation projects,
work will continue throughout the winter months. With projects like the Boven Birth Center, Clark on Keller Lake, UMRC Kresge Center and the like, we have the largest backlog of renovation work in our company's history. Finally, we are in a busy market. West Michigan is blessed with a number of quality contractors, both prime and trade who are also looking to grow their staff. In order to recruit the best, we need to ramp up our efforts and put our best foot forward. If we want the best, we need to continue to be the best. All of that being said, do you know somebody who would add value to the Elzinga & Volkers team? If so, we want to meet them! We are in search of field managers, firestopping installers, interiors division laborers and more. For a complete list of the positions we are looking to fill, stop by and talk to Rachel Austin or Brian White. Thank you for all of your continued efforts to make Elzinga & Volkers an outstanding place to work. Our doors are always open if you have a question or recommendation. Thank you,
Mike Novakoski President / CEO
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE GREAT UPCOMING EVENTS!
Zeeland & Holland Christmas Parades Zeeland Magical Christmas Parade Monday, November 27 6:30 PM
Holland Parade of Lights Tuesday, November 28 6:30 PM
We need 3-4 families to volunteer for each of these parades. Volunteers will walk with the Wooden Shoes and pass out candy along the way. To volunteer, e-mail or call Kristen Hauck, kristenh@elzinga-volkers.com or 616.392.2383, ext. 451.
E&V Christmas Party Friday, December 8th Baker Lofts 6:00 pm Room Block Available Double Tree Holland $75.00 for EV Employees
Wedding Bells! WELCOME TO THE E&V FAMILY! Tyler Brandenburg Firestop
DeMarco Norris Laborer
101 Best and Brightest Committee Update The Diversity & Inclusion Committee Update: The Elzinga & Volkers team is always looking for ways to improve our operations and truly be Unmistakable in every facet of our business. According to a recent publication by the Mckinsely Report, ethnically diverse companies are 35% more likely to out perform the national industry median. That same report found that gender diverse companies are 15% more likely to have better financial returns. By employing well-qualified individuals with a variety of educational, religious, socio-economic and racial backgrounds (among others), we create an environment that breeds a variety of worldviews and insights which in return leads to a greater range of ideas. In an effort to encourage and support such an environment at E&V, the 101 Best and Brightest Diversity & Inclusion committee has developed the following initiatives: • Support a diverse group of local charities with missions that serve a versatile group of community members
Kelsie Oswald
Project Coordinator
• Use more diverse / minority owned trade contracting companies • Provide flexible work schedules to new parents
Learning and Growth Opportunties: Upcoming Learning Opportunities: • November Youniversity l MiOSHA Communicating with Customers Future Learning Opportunities: • Hands on Lift Training • Speaking Spanish • Health & Wellness
• Promote women to prominent positions within our management team • Actively seek qualified minority candidates • Take part in more education initatives; i.e. the Jump Start Program • Attend the 2017 International Women’s Conference • Encourage use of the E.A.P. program for the use of translators (free of charge) when needed As a committee, we are always looking for fresh ideas. If you have any suggestions please reach out to anyone on our committee. Committee members are: Norma Fynewever, Brandon Britton, Kelsey Juergens, Max Schmidt and John Parker
Upcoming Paid Holidays Enjoy paid time off to celebrate the holidays! » Thursday, November 23 » Friday, November 24 » Monday, December 25 » Monday, January 1 BUILDINGTOGETHER | October 2017
Happy Hunting, Deer Hunters! Page 2
WHAT WE’RE BUILDING RECENTLY AWARDED
Network180 Center Facility Med ExpressCrisis - Grand Rapids, MI - Grand Rapids, MI Expansion and Renovation Exterior Improvements Fast Stats
»» New construction will add approximately 20,000-SF of new program space, while approximately 12,000-SF of clinic and office space will be renovated. »» The value of the project is $7.5 million. »» We anticipate many opportunities for our self-perform trades. »» Construction will begin in April, 2018. »» Project Manager: Brett Lesiewicz »» Field Manager: Doug Eddy
GETTING STARTED
UMRC Benson Office Building - Chelsea, MI Renovation Fast Stats
»» Renovation of a 24,000-SF, 4-story building into staff office space that includes 48 offices, 8 conference rooms, a classroom and an employee breakroom. »» This is 1 of 3 projects currently underway for UMRC. »» Current budget for construction is $3.5 million. »» The project started this month and will run through June, 2018. »» Project Manager: Jordan Gougeon »» Assistant Project Manager: Matt Wintjes »» Field Manager: Jon Hegwer
UNDERWAY
Coldwater Board of Public Utilities - Coldwater, MI Renovation Fast Stats
»» This project consists of an 8,000-SF building renovation, construction of a self-contained storm water management system, new parking lot and landscaping. »» Construction costs for this project are just over $1.0 million. »» This project will wrap up in December. »» We are self-performing demolition, carpentry and interiors. »» Project Manager: Curt Hielke »» Field Manager: EJ Calloway
WRAPPING UP
Biomat Plasma Resources - Chula Vista, CA Renovations and Addition Fast Stats »» This 13,000-SF renovation transformed seven individual rental suites into one Biomat Center to be used for plasma donations. »» This project was just over $2.0 million and had a seven month construction schedule. »» Project Manager: Steve Null »» Field Manager: Jon Hegwer
BUILDINGTOGETHER | October 2017
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Thank you to all of the organizers of these recent recruitment events:
HALL PASS
Elzinga & Volkers - October 18th Open Interviews
West Michigan Works!
Michigan State University
MEET THE EMPLOYER IN MUSKEGON
CAREER FAIR
Carey Potratz met his daughter Danica at her school - Beach Elementary in Cedar Springs. They read a couple books in her classroom and then did a walk-a-thon from her school to the Cedar Springs high school football/track stadium and back to her school. Danica's class raised the most money for their walk-a-thon out of all the 2nd grade classes.
OAISD SITE VISIT @ WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY!
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY CAREER FAIR!
BUILDINGTOGETHER | October June 2016 2017
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