INSIDEMBI Summer 2023 Edition

Introducing

In This Issue...

Cover Story The MBI Cares Mission 4

The MBI Cares Mission is this association’s efforts to tell our members’ stories – both in-house and as an overall charitable industry. Our companies take a lot of pride in the projects they construct, and the communities they support. We already have a robust recognition program full of accolades for projects and people. But it’s time we recognize the efforts that our members are engaged in, in the non-profit, charitable and philanthropic world.

EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS SERIES

BRINGS TOGETHER THOUGHT-LEADERS

BY CHAD KLEPPE PRESIDENT/CEO

May 4th – insert your favorite “May the Force Be with You” meme – was the first installment of MBI’s Executive Insights series. If you recall, this program is a product of the MBI Board of Director’s most recent strategic plan with an objective of offering those individuals occupying the “C-suite” within MBI’s member-companies an exclusive program focused on information sharing and thoughtleadership to be better enabled to navigate a challenging business environment. As a direct member service to the membership, the MBI Board of Directors sees this series as a unique way to enhance the value of the membership proposition.

During this opening session, representatives from the Des Moines-based think-tank Bâton Global drew upon its breadth of resources and research capabilities to expand upon current economic trends, while providing perspectives on the many challenges facing the Iowa commercial construction industry and those of us who operate in it.

To kick things off, Dr. Jeffrey Kappen took a look at global trends by touching on relations between the US and China; and Saudi Arabia and Iran. He then shared his perspective on developments with the War in Ukraine and its impacts internationally, nationally and regionally.

He also delved into global economic trends and the potential US debt crisis if Congress didn't increase the Treasury’s lending ceiling.

Dr. Kappen then shared with the group his insights on business analytics, taking into account trends and the high level impacts the construction industry is seeing with big data and supply chain management. He then led attendees into a discussion on “predictive analytics” applied to construction and the advent of new technologies related to AI.

The day closed with Dr. Kappen and his group touching on workforce trends and talent development and once he concluded his portion of the program, attendees were able to engage in an executive networking session.

The next session for Executive Insights is slated for September 12th. Already, information and subject matter is being developed to share with attendees. As you can see, the Executive Insights program is unlike anything previously offered by MBI and we are confident you will come away with better insights and perspectives that can be effectively applied to your decision-making process.

PROGRAM SPONSOR

Finally, much appreciation to Merchants Bonding Company who has so graciously agreed to serve as the headlining series sponsor. Their commitment makes MBI a stronger and more effective advocate of Iowa’s commercial construction industry.

THE

BY BEN HAMMES VICE PRESIDENT OF ASSOCIATION AFFAIRS AND MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

The MBI Cares Mission is this association’s efforts to tell our members’ stories – both in-house and as an overall charitable industry. Our companies take a lot of pride in the projects they construct, and the communities they support. We already have a robust recognition program full of accolades for projects and people. But it’s time we recognize the efforts that our members are engaged in in the non-profit, charitable and philanthropic world. The MBI Cares Mission allows for just that and includes two new programs.

First, we want you to share your company’s story with us. It's very simple! Think of your company efforts throughout the year that are worth highlighting. Perhaps you’ve done work with the local food banks, built a playground for the children’s miracle network, or established your own blood drive. All of these and more are great examples of what we’d like you to share with us in a quick 5 minutes. Already since launching last month, we’ve seen multiple submissions and the stories are incredible and inspiring for all of us. Just fill out the form on our website at www.MBI.Build/MBICares. Once compiled at the end of year, we’re confident we’re going to have a pretty incredible story to tell of your philanthropic achievements through our Annual Report and other ways.

Second, we are proud to announce that we are partnering with an organization named Construction Angels. Construction Angels’ mission is to provide immediate financial assistance and grief counseling to the children and spouse left behind when a construction worker has a fatality on the job site. The organization also offers scholarship opportunities to qualified applicants and surviving children of a fallen worker.

We are excited to bring Construction Angels to Iowa as the 23rd chapter in existence. We want to especially thank Connor Deering, CEO of CemenTech and MBI member, for bringing to us this opportunity to be there for our members and their employees at a time of unspeakable grief. Construction Angels is having an inaugural golf outing on Wednesday, September 13th at The Legacy Golf Club in Norwalk. If you’d like to play in the inaugural or sponsor the outing, please visit the website at www.constructionangels.us/iowa and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions about The MBI Cares Mission, please contact MBI’s Vice President of Association Affairs and Member Engagement, Ben Hammes at BHammes@MBI.Build.

HOW TO SUBMIT

• Visit our website at www.MBI.Build/MBICares.

• Fill out the online form highlighting your company’s efforts.

• At years end, MBI will create a compilation of all the philanthropic achievements members have done through out the community in our Annual Report.

RSVP For the MBI Breakfast Club

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Join MBI members for a coffee and pastry on us, while networking with colleagues and peers. Doors open at 7:30. We will provide a morning program that announces what's coming up for MBI followed by a presentation.

RSVP at www.MBI.Build/Events

T H E CL UB BREAKFAST

New Ways To Sponsor MBI Events

BY BEN HAMMES VICE PRESIDENT OF ASSOCIATION AFFAIRS AND MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

Over the years, we’ve laid out some pretty exclusive ways of sponsoring events that companies can take advantage of while looking for additional marketing opportunities. But there are several new opportunities this year that we wanted to highlight.

NEW GOLF SPONSORSHIPS

• Golf Ball Launcher Sponsorship – Get a chance to help each golfer shoot their ball out of a launcher 300-350 yards on a par 4!

• Trackman Sponsorship – Get a chance to run the Trackman Experience – a technology allowing golfers the chance to guess their driving distances on par 5 while winning prizes!

SPONSOR THE BREAKFAST CLUB

• Our newest networking Breakfast Club events have been a hit. We’ve maxed capacity at each event and these 90 minute sessions are an excellent chance to mix and mingle over a cup of coffee and presentation.

CU NIGHTLINE SPONSORSHIP

• Sponsor the Construction Update Report e-newsletter that is delivered to 1,400+ individuals every weekday.

BUILDING A SAFETY CHAMPION - FALL SERIES

• Sponsor this safety leadership course designed to equip organizations with educated, involved and committed safety champions.

We have specific data and audience analytics to share with anyone interested in these events. To craft a package that best suits you and your company, please reach out to Ben Hammes at BHammes@MBI.Build.

MEMBER REFERRAL PROGRAM

BY ADAM DOBRASKA MEMBER SERVICES MANAGERMEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

MBI has a unique member referral program. This fun, incentivized program rewards the efforts of the member company and individual of the member company that provides the referral. A member can get more points if the company that they refer ends up becoming a member of MBI. As mentioned, this referral program is incentive-based, so it keeps current members motivated to keep growing the MBI membership. Our referral program is highlighted on our website in case anyone would like to take an in-depth look at how it is handled, and the specific referral form that members can fill out. The level of impact we have on the construction industry is limitless, and this starts with membership.

Any of our members are encouraged to utilize this program. The program itself is user-friendly. Members can make a referral by going to our website at MBI Member Referral Program - MBI. Once a referral is submitted, the company referring will be contacted by a member of our staff. The referrer will be updated each step of the way until the decision of the company that was referred has been made. We have a point system that we use during this process that differentiates between gaining 1 point for a successful Associate Member referral, compared to 3 points for a successful General Contractor referral. If the company you referred successfully joins MBI, you and your company are eligible for rewards.

The individual that refers the Associate Member company that successfully joins will receive a $50-dollar gift card each time they refer a company that ends up joining. The individual that refers the General Contractor Member that successfully joins will receive a $150-dollar gift card. The company with the most successful referrals will be able to choose between a 32-person suite from an Iowa Wild hockey game for the company, or $1,500 towards a company lunch provided by MBI.

The best place to send a potential member would be to the Membership Benefits pagewww.MBI.Build/memberbenefits, as this page provides the best details of everything that MBI has to offer in terms of services and resources. They will learn the most from this page as well as who MBI is as an organization. We have a wide range of memberships including general contractors, construction managers, developers, specialty and sub-contractors, suppliers, service providers, and design professionals. Many of our members are the product of a referral themselves, so this program is a great way to introduce quality potential members that are a vital part of the industry. The MBI Member Referral Program is not only an excellent way to grow our membership, but it also makes sure that members are rewarded for their efforts in a major way. Overall, we find this program to be a win-win situation for both us, as an association, and for the member. Specifically, this is a fun way to stay engaged, as well as to elevate the industry.

If you want to hear more about the MBI Member Referral Program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Adam DoBraska at ADoBraska@MBI.Build, or 515-777-5054.

DID YOU SEE THAT?

BY LUKE LONGMAN SAFETY CONSULTANT

This article is a quick overview of several considerations to weigh when deciding upon a specific job site security plan. As any task in the construction business, the cost versus value must first be weighed. This analysis should also include the unknown or hidden cost of liability regarding any injury or property damage to the job site, along with potential effect to brand image or recognition.

A strategy for determining a specific security plan should involve several primary objectives; deterrence, detection, delay, and a possible response. The plan can focus on deterrence, such as the placement of physical barriers like fencing, or eliminating from view any large equipment by parking in another area out of view etc. The site plan may also focus on detection, for example even being aware a trespasser is present during non-work hours at your site. Undetected theft does occur, and is not always noticed until it increases in severity and cost. After speaking with a local contractor, a low cost camera system was installed, and provided alerts to the interior of a site based on movement, and footage could be reviewed in real-time in order to formulate a response. Many options can be found with a simple online search, which may include the same features as found in a Tattletale system, which will notify a designated individual(s) about perimeter breaches for both interior and exterior. In addition, an advanced system can monitor for a rise in temperature for fire monitoring. The notification process is in place for the designated employee or superintendent to make a response decision for themselves or law enforcement etc.

The strategy discussion continues to delay a response; which includes discouraging potential trespassers and thieves not wanting to be recorded, as well as providing identifying information for these individuals.

Delaying a trespasser or thief in progress may provide additional time to update or alter the site’s security plan, or may provide information to provide to law enforcement to follow up on. For example, based on the presence and quality of the images, the personal identity of the individuals may become known (previous employees or citizens known to law enforcement) or identify vehicles involved.

Several of the above described objectives can be accomplished for little to no cost. Specifically, having a discussion with local law enforcement may result in awareness of the site and issues that are ongoing; resulting in an extra patrol or presence may be requested. Being familiar with neighboring properties and management may result in sharing information, such as surveillance video of the job site. Implementing a key control program for large equipment may be in order, requiring keys to be turned in to managers or superintendents at the end of a work shift. Last, fencing of an outer or inner perimeter may be a good option depending on the size of the job site, and the level of security desired based on recurring issues.

Lastly, as political and social agendas are constantly changing, a construction site can be by its design or location controversial; and elicit a response from any group in large numbers. The effects on timetables and property damage can be a significant challenge, and working with local law enforcement for their response to an uninvited group to a site should be considered in the initial planning stages. If additional resources are needed for the law enforcement response for a large event, such as a protest, potentially more than one jurisdiction may be involved, and a timetable for coordination is key.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Safety Consultant, Luke Longman at Luke@IowaCSSI.com.

Want to ELEVATE Safety on your respective job sites?

Reach out to Deputy Executive Director, Joe Melton at Joe@IowaCSSI.com

BY TOM FULCHER DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION BY TOM FULCHER SENIOR CONSULTANT FOR EDUCATION & TRAINING

located in

CEDAR RAPIDS

BLUEPRINT READING

Session 1 - July 19, 2023

Session 2 - July 19, 2023

Session 3 - July 20, 2023

ADVANCED BLUEPRINT READING

August 9, 2023

To register, visit www.mbi.build/events

Anyone who has attended one of MBI’s blueprint reading classes, either Blueprint Reading for Commercial Construction or Advanced Blueprint Reading, is familiar with and has a lasting impression of Brad Perkins.

Brad helped MBI develop these two programs and delivers them to members around the state frequently each year. Brad’s approach to teaching the basics of plans and specs while helping attendees engage in his workshop style courses has been a model of success for MBI over the past several years.

As a licensed professional mechanical engineer, Brad brings a lifetime of experiences that includes time at Black & Veatch, ACI Mechanical, and KJWW Engineering. This portion of his career included work on projects such as the Lungmen Nuclear Power Plant in Taiwan, Valley High School in West Des Moines, the Allied Insurance Building in Des Moines, and the State of Iowa Crime Lab in Ankeny.

Brad graduated from the Iowa State University (ISU) Construction Engineering program in 1997 and currently is a Senior Lecturer at ISU where he delivers several different classes to the future of Iowa’s commercial construction industry.

If you would like to register for our next class in Cedar Rapids, please email Tom Fulcher at TFulcher@MBI.Build or visit www.MBI.Build/Events

MBI'S REVERSE JOB BOARD

BY ADAM DOBRASKA MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER - MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

MBI members have a new resource available! We plan to attract people to the construction industry by provideding a reverse job board. The reverse job board is also on IowaConstructionJobs.com. We have been marketing this new concept with entities such as chambers of commerce within and outside of the state, but mostly focused on marketing to the community colleges that would readily have students that are graduating or near graduation that would be in the market for a job within the industry. We hope to have a bank of applicants that members will be able to reach out to once they are in the system. People seeking employment opportunities in the trades will be able to upload their resume on the user-friendly job board, which will allow MBI member companies to view them based on what they are looking for and if they are a good fit. There is an approval process is in place for each application that I receive. Once we approve, the candidate will be uploaded in the bank of applicants. We are very excited that this is up and running, as we believe that this will be a vital resource for connecting people to the construction industry.

If you have family members that are seeking employment, and feel that the construction industry would be a great fit for them, please let them know about the reverse job board concept. They will be able to put their resume on display for many employers in the industry, which will likely result in meaningful employment in a rewarding career. The workforce shortage continues to be a struggle, and it is our duty to make sure that we are providing essential resources for our members to help them combat those struggles. We believe that the workforce is out there, and this will help connect them with amazing employers that could use their skillset.

For any questions regarding the MBI job board or reverse job board, please make sure to direct those to me at ADoBraska@MBI.Build

Legislative Summary

BY BEN HAMMES VICE PRESIDENT OF ASSOCIATION AFFAIRS AND MEMBER ENGAGMENT

The 2023 Legislative Session will be remembered as the “education session.” Right or wrong, many substantial reforms to the State of Iowa’s education system were enacted during the 2023 session. For MBI, we had a very quiet session. Which is a great thing! Here is the outcome of our policy priority agenda.

2023 POLICY PRIORITIES

Property Tax/Tax Reforms

Position: Iowa should take a holistic look at the property tax system in Iowa - both residential and commercial - while ensuring that local governments are property funded for their economic development needs. If TIF is addressed, reforms should be made to strengthen the tool rather than diminish its effectiveness.

FINAL OUTCOME: The Iowa Legislature passed a significant bi-partisan property tax reform bill. Some highlights include:

• Consolidate levies for cities

• Limit revenue growth for cities and counties

• Changes bond election dates to November every year

• Provides additional tax credits for seniors and military veterans

• Requires cities and counties to use excess growth to lower property taxes

• Increases spending threshold by 30% for cities and counties before bon elections must happen

Sales Tax for Sister Companies

Position: MBI supports legislation that would ensure continuity in treating controlled entity groups avoiding instances of being double taxed.

FINAL OUTCOME: We got our bill passed by the Iowa House, but fell short in the Iowa Senate. We will have to get it passed through the Iowa Senate next year to be sent to the Governor for her signature.

Economic Development Programs

Position: Support the State of iowa's efforts to build our communities with effective economic development tools while looking at ways to inject private investment into vertical public infrastructure needs.

FINAL OUTCOME: The Iowa Senate passed their version of the bill, but the Iowa House could not find the support to pass it.

RIIF Funding

Position: RIIF monies are needed for infrastructure purposes and should not be diverted for noninfrastructure related needs.

FINAL OUTCOME: The RIIF bill was very strong this year and committed resources to vertical infrastructure projects. Their remains a commitment to major maintenance, routine maintenance and a state demolition fund to offload state assets. Additionally, it creates a $6.5M Destination Iowa Fund to fund vertical infrastructure projects for communities with less than 20,000 people.

Outside of the MBI priorities, there were some good policy advancements for the business community at large. We played a small part in a lot of theses advancements, whether it was speaking in subcommittee or lending support to a number of issues.

Mark Your Calendars!

Construction Golf Classic & Smoker: Monday, August 14, 2023 (SOLD OUT)

Eastern Iowa Sporting Clay Builders' Classic: Thursday, September 14, 2023

Central Iowa Sporting Clay Builders' Classic: Thursday, October 5, 2023

To register for these events, please visit www.MBI.Build/Events | **Sponsorships are still available.

If you have any questions on the outcome of the session or how to sponsor an upcoming event, please contact Ben Hammes at BHammes@MBI.Build.

The Benefits of Using a Commercial Construction Leads Service

By: Sydney Paschall - ConstructConnect

When it comes to generating leads and finding more projects in the commercial construction industry, particularly in the preconstruction phase, there are many different routes one can choose to navigate. From a strategic standpoint, the plan you create and decide to implement entirely depends on your business goals and priorities. It is safe to assume that most priorities lie in the “increase market share, profit, and overall success” category.

As far as the different methods to grab a higher share of the bustling construction marketplace, a mix of different lead generation approaches can be a more dependable way to mitigate risk and keep your project pipeline full in times of market uncertainty and change.

The Importance of Lead Generation in Commercial Construction

Generating new leads is vitally important when it comes to growing your clientele, your revenue, and finding the right projects. Tactics like networking at trade shows, word of mouth, joining an association such as the Associated General Contractors of America, marketing and advertising your services, optimizing your company website for web searches, and referrals from customers are all very viable and workable ways to achieve and generate project leads.

Benefits of Using Construction Lead Generation Services

However, when we are talking about bona fide ways to ensure a steady flow of new leads, using a professional construction lead generation service can save you time by helping you quickly identify new opportunities that meet your business’ capabilities and needs and put you in touch with owners and general contractors looking for the trades you perform.

Why spend hours and hours cold calling and sending emails that might go unread or marked as spam when you could invest in a commercial construction lead generation service to produce the leads you are looking for? Let’s explore the benefits of using a lead service to locate better opportunities for your business.

Full Project Pipeline

Although this one may seem obvious, it is the most important. Not having enough construction leads to bid on can break a business. This is especially essential in times of market uncertainty or when the industry may be experiencing a lull. Lead generation services help connect those wanting and needing your trade or specialty to their specific projects.

Another huge benefit of using a construction lead generation service to keep your project pipeline full is that most lead generation software offers access to both public and private jobs, so you can search for those big-dollar private jobs you might not find on your own.

Not only will using a lead service keep your pipeline hearty, but you can also be more selective when searching for projects to ensure you are looking at just the ones that suit your business needs and have the potential to lead to future opportunities and repeat clients.

Expand Your Network

A huge advantage to using a lead generation service for finding construction projects is the ability and opportunity to grow your network. With a software solution such as ConstructConnect Project Intelligence, for example, you can discover bidding opportunities in different geographic regions and get the contact info to make new connections where you may be looking to grow your business.

Project lead services are a fantastic way to connect with architects, developers, contractors, subcontractors, and engineers you would never have originally been able to. Plus, with access to their contact information, you have everything you need to start building new relationships.

Project Data

Ranking almost as important as acquiring the projects themselves, the project data is where the real gold lies. With construction lead generation services, all the time and effort of identifying new opportunities and confirming the project details is done for you.

Why not save yourself the time of tracking down a certain architect, builder, or contractor when a lead software has it all right there for you? Find details such as bid dates, building use,sector, value, important documents like plans, specs, and addenda, and the contact information of stakeholders like the architect, builder, and construction manager—all at your fingertips and curated just for your specific searches.

Quality, Not Quantity

Speaking of customizable searches, when it comes to finding more projects and securing more leads, a huge aspect of this journey is finding leads that are the right fit for your business. The advanced search capabilities of lead generation services allow you to focus on projects that are the right size and scope for the work you do, which means you can focus more time on bidding and winning jobs.

Documentation and Communication

Another awesome perk of using a construction lead service is the fact that you receive a centralized management system for your entire team—your projects, your documents, and of course, your communications. Track and follow projects throughout the bidding lifecycle, connect with all bidders, contractors, and parties involved throughout the phases, and receive alerts when new details are added to a project, such as bid date changes or new documents. No more digging through emails, scouring old texts, or looking for that one document you just cannot seem to find.

Helpful Integrations

The last benefit we will explore is the fact that many construction lead generation services offer integration options so as not to interrupt your current processes (only improve them). Any lead generation service worth investing in will provide integrations with your current go-to-market tools and CRM systems. If you choose the right program, it will have capabilities to sync with your takeoff, project management, and other software tools.

How to Choose a Construction Lead Generation Service

When it comes to selecting the proper lead generation solution for your business, a few key factors include reputation, user experience, customer service, respectable sales associates, and longevity. Research the company’s history, read customer reviews, testimonials, and case studies, compare features with competitors, but most importantly, contact a sales representative, take a demo, and try out the interface and features for yourself. Ask questions, discover the full capabilities, and be certain that the company provides adequate training and ongoing support in times when you might require assistance.

YBUILDER Network Upcoming Activities and Committee Meetings

BY ADAM DOBRASKA MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER - MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Upcoming Events for YBUILDERS

September 7, 2023

Iowa vs. Iowa State Happy Hour & Bags Tournament

October 18, 2023

Executive Experience

Panel of Iowa’s Construction Leaders

December 2023

RoughRiders hockey game in Cedar Rapids

YBUILDER COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Thursday, August 3

Tuesday, October 24

The young professional’s network in the commercial building industry - aka YBUILDER Network - has started off the year on a great note! To name a few events and highlights so far would be the bowling happy hour in March, Earth Day clean up, happy hour in April, and the Iowa Cubs baseball game in June. The Membership Committee meeting in March, and the Programming Committee meeting in May have both provided great insight and ideas. The Programming Committee leads on-site at events, fosters member attendance, and helps identify social, community, and professional development opportunities. The Membership Committee serves as an ambassador for the YBUILDER Network, engages new members, and identifies new growth opportunities.

By joining the network, participants have access to a number of exclusive events and perks. We have expanded the types of events and meetings that are held to include educational, networking, and community-focused events.

The over all driving motivator for this group is to make a deeper impact and be a voice for the younger generation in the commercial construction industry. They can also utilize this group to connect with their peers during their professional development. Having an outlet like this can’t be said for every industry. We have a great roster full of fantastic ideas to help grow and expand the network. We encourage our younger members (22-35-year-olds) to join this growing network. Sign up by visiting www.MBI.Build/ybuilder.

For any questions regarding the YBUILDER Network and events, please make sure to direct those to Adam DoBraska at ADoBraska@MBI.Build.

Gallagher

4200 Corporate Drive, Suite 160 West Des Moines, IA 50266

Phone: (515) 457-8849

Fax: (515) 457-8964

www.ajg.com

Founded by Arthur J. Gallagher in Chicago in 1927, Gallagher has grown to be one of the leading insurance brokerage, risk management, and HR & benefits consulting companies in the world. With significant reach internationally, our organization employs over 43,000 people and our global network provides services in more than 130 countries.

Since 1927, we’ve been working together with our clients to find effective solutions to their challenges, and our expert advisors are an integral part of your local business community.

Our values are core to our culture. Passionate service, strategic innovation, and ethical behavior form the basis of how we do business — The Gallagher Way. All with one purpose: To help you face your future with confidence.

Master Builders of Iowa strives to be the essential resource for Iowa’s construction industry and a valuable component of that effort are those companies who support MBI’s programs and events. Through the exclusive “Essential Partners” recognition program, MBI strives to recognize our industry supporters, while adding value to those companies’ sponsorship dollars who take leadership roles in sponsoring MBI events and educational opportunities. The company listed has contributed over $5,000 in sponsorships to the Master Builders of Iowa this year. Essential Partners are an important part of MBI’s success and we couldn’t do it without them! For more information on becoming an MBI “Essential Partner,” please contact Chad Kleppe at CKleppe@MBI.Build / (515) 657-4382 or visit www.MBI.Build/essential-partners. MBI appreciates Gallagher’s gracious and continued support!

BY JOE MELTON VICE PRESIDENT OF INDUSTRY SERVICES

Who determines a competent person in construction? Pretty simple, the employer. The more profound question is, how? This question was the highlight of a letter of interpretation (LOI) in 2005 by Russell Swanson, Director Directorate of Construction, in response to a trainer questioning the legitimacy of another publicly advertised course at a fraction of the time than his course. The LOI determined that OSHA does not approve one course over another, but ultimately, it is the responsibility of the employer to determine a person competent. We see this determination in many LOI (Letter of Interpretations), and in the 1926 Construction Standards General Safety and Health Provisions Definitions we have included below.

29 CFR 1926.32(f) states: "Competent person" means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions, which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

DUDE, IS MY

29 CFR 1926.32(l) states: "Qualified" means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project

Mr. Swanson highlights the following “Thus, successful completion of a course does not, alone, necessarily establish an individual as a "competent person" for a number of reasons. By its terms, the definition of a "competent person" compels the employer to select an employee based upon his or her capability to identify hazards. The course may not be sufficiently comprehensive with respect to the information needed to meet the knowledge requirement in the definition. Remember that the type and extent of the knowledge will vary with what is necessary to successfully perform the task required of the competent person in the standard. Also, the course may not adequately test the employee's understanding of the course material.”

WHERE CARD?

In short, the employer owns the responsibility and liability of determining the competent persons, because no one should know the hazards their employee will potentially be exposed to better than the employer who has bid, sourced, and contracted the work to be performed. This can be ascertained through hazard assessments, P-JHA’s, JHA’s, pre-construction discoveries, and general safety inspections.

A few talking points from the federal response in the LOI, is that the employer needs to ensure the competent person can adequately identify hazards, mitigate them, and are authorized to do so. If these three are not accurate for the person identified as the competent person, their training, education, and knowledge will be determined insufficient in accordance with the standard. We also see in the LOI that there is an expectation to adequately test and measure the employee’s understanding of the course material. While the LOI does not clarify that this assessment/test to be documented, the old adage of “if it’s not documented, how do you prove you did it?” may come into effect.

level of training required for a person to be the designated competent person. Unfortunately, the market does not always make that super clear and creative marketing can be misleading. An employer with the best intentions may select a training or training provider that does not adequately examine, test, or provide sufficient curriculum for their employees to be considered competent by the LOI and standard definitions above. CSSI has worked diligently in the last 18 months to enhance our training delivery quality through sourcing industryexperienced trainers, partnering with nationally accredited curriculum providers, and investing in equipment for more impactful hands-on competent, qualified, and supervisor-level training. Reach out to CSSI for assistance in guiding through selecting adequate training to ensure not only compliance with the minimum standard, but also providing topof-the-line training for the commercial construction industry.

For more information, contact Joe Melton at JMelton@MBI.Build or 515-298-1535.

MBI SCHOLARSHIPS

A Long History of Building FUTURE Industry Leaders

BY TOM FULCHER SENIOR CONSULTANT OF EDUCATION & TRAINING

Each Spring, members of the MBI Scholarship & Academic Advisory Committee converge on the campuses of the University of Northern Iowa, and Iowa State University in support of potential future leaders in our industry.

The purpose of these visits is to award scholarships to deserving students in the Construction Management program at UNI and the Construction Engineering program at ISU. To be considered for a scholarship, students are required to apply and participate in an interview with committee members.

Impressive Tidbit ---

The Master Builders of Iowa’s education and scholarship fund has been supporting students enrolled in construction engineering and construction management curriculums for over 70 years. Since 1950, there have been over 400 MBI scholarships awarded to students enrolled in either the Construction Engineering program at Iowa State University or the University of Northern Iowa’s Construction Management program.

Congratulations to the recipients and their respective schools!

For additional information about the MBI scholarship program or the Scholarship & Academic Advisory Committee, contact Tom Fulcher at TFulcher@MBI.Build.

Check out the MBI EDGE Podcast to hear first hand how a recipient of such scholarships has helped propel him to become the business owner he is today.

THE SCHOLARSHIP Season 1 | Episode 9

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY - CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA - CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Jaden Doebelin

Tanner Goodrich

Joseph Hovick

Savannah LaRocque

Clayton Livingston

Molly Stanhope

Kanner Bauer

Jake Dougherty

Ethan Lursen

Carter Miller

Ryan Nugent

Cole Shirk

Madisyn McCormick

SIOUX CITY CAREER DAY EVENT

BY ADAM DOBRASKA MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER - MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

On March 28th, the Sioux City Career Academy graciously welcomed MBI and CSSI to the academy! Brandon Black with CSSI taught a CPR certification class to 17 students. The 4-hour class was a mixture of hands on learning, and a presentation from Brandon. As an observer, it appears that many of the students took the class very seriously, and got a lot out of it. The students were accompanied by two of their own instructors, which was very helpful to have extra helping hands. Each student that completed the training was sent a CPR certification card shortly afterwards.

Once the CPR training concluded, we provided lunch for the students before heading over to a GC member for a site tour and Q & A with a few of their employees. The students met with a few W.A. Klinger employees in one of their meeting rooms, and they started the discussion by informing the students of the endless amount of opportunities they have in this industry. The employees gave a wonderful presentation, and answered numerous questions from the students that were in attendance. Due to the career focused academy, these students are already very interested in the industry as a whole, and asked thoughtful questions pertaining to construction.

Lastly, the employees gave the students a tour of their office and a tour of the construction yard behind the office. Many of the students found this to be very insightful, and we received a lot of great feedback from the instructors as well. Overall, we had a blast providing the students with CPR training, and getting to expose them to a GC in the Sioux City area. We hope that many of these students will continue to further their knowledge of the industry, and hopefully gain employment in construction as they start thinking about their future. At MBI, we care deeply about the impact that these Career Day events have on the future generation of workers. Also, it’s important that they received the educational CPR training, because it could be useful in whatever field they choose to go into. We look at this specific Career Day event as a blueprint for what we want to accomplish throughout the state. Taking this modeled approach to other areas and Career Academies in Iowa will be something we will consider in the future.

MBI-WORKS Timeline

RFP Release Date

June 12, 2023

Proposals Due

September 15, 2023 | 4:00 pm

Notifications of Awards

December 15, 2023

Funding Start Date

January 26, 2024

If It Flys, It Dies...

MBI-PAC Sporting Clay Builders' classic

Mark your calendars for this year's events.!

EASTERN IOWA SPORTING CLAY CENTRAL IOWA SPORTING CLAY

Thursday, September 14th

Highland Hideaway Hunting Preserve Riverside, IA

Thursday, October 5th

New Pioneer Gun Club Waukee, IA

Modern Companies, Inc. 500 Walford Rd. Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

Phone: (319) 841-1170

Fax: (319) 848-0500

www.moderncompaniesinc.com

Modern specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for commercial and industrial plumbing, piping, sheet metal, HVAC, refrigeration, compressed air and service needs. We offer a full range of services, from design and fabrication to installation and ongoing maintenance and repair.

Master Builders of Iowa strives to be the essential resource for Iowa’s construction industry and a valuable component of that effort are those companies who support MBI’s programs and events. Through the exclusive “Essential Partners” recognition program, MBI strives to recognize our industry supporters, while adding value to those companies’ sponsorship dollars who take leadership roles in sponsoring MBI events and educational opportunities. The company listed has contributed over $5,000 in sponsorships to the Master Builders of Iowa this year. Essential Partners are an important part of MBI’s success and we couldn’t do it without them! For more information on becoming an MBI “Essential Partner,” please contact Chad Kleppe at CKleppe@MBI.Build / (515) 657-4382 or visit www.MBI.Build/essential-partners. MBI appreciates Modern Companies, Inc.'s gracious and continued support!

A High Performing Leadership Series

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER

Featuring: Ethan Cowles Alan Feirer Joe Melton Larry Cormicle

To register, visit www.MBI.Build/Events

The MBI EDGE is a podcast where we explore the background of interesting individuals and how they intersect with our building industry in Iowa. We will bring to you topics that will Educate, Develop, Grow and Enhance you and your company.

FOLLOW US

YOUR HOSTS

EXCUSES DON'T CUT IT

BY KIM HODNE DIRECTOR OF COMPLIANCE & INSPECTION SERVICES

Talk is cheap, good intentions fall flat and worn out justifications are just that, worn out. The following is not a beat down or harsh criticism, but rather a one-sided conversation reflecting a truth. This truth is something we are all aware of, but all too often ignore because it can be inconvenient to the task at hand. It’s not a slogan, theme or tired cliché. Yes, the original phrase that has launched thousands of well-intended campaigns and generated millions of dollars in t-shirts, hats, stickers, coffee mugs, the list goes on. All of this for two simple words, “Safety First”. We’ve all heard it and spoke it many times, so often that it has lost it’s meaning, almost to the point of white noise. There have been many newer versions of the theme to continue the sentiment such as “Safety Starts with Me”, “Zero Tolerance”, “Accidents Hurt, Safety Doesn’t”, you get the idea. These are all well meaning and promoted with the best of intentions, a renewed focus on safety, relay a message or launch a company initiative/program. The company rolls it out and leadership speaks to the troops how important safety is and that it’s the number one concern, our core value. I believe that, it is a core value for many companies and leadership wants their employee’s to be safe and go home at night without injury. They write safety manuals, send people to safety training, spend money on safety equipment and still the needle barely moves closer to zero, how can that be.

The biggest challenge to a company’s safety success is its workforce. I have found the finger pointing goes both ways as to why safety isn’t reaching the desired goals. Leadership may say workers won’t/ don’t comply on a consistent basis and the workers will say leadership is really

more focused on production schedules. Both have a kernel of truth. I acknowledge that to have a successful safety program all parties have to have the same focus and commitment. This only leads back to the same approach of slogans, incentives and stand-downs with lunch served. So how can we change the outcome and actually move the needle. It can be done, not easy, but I have seen a flip in the paradigm.

Let me explain a little further. Although it’s not the wave of a wand or magic pill, it is a little easier than one might think. I found this key while working as safety director at a shipyard in SE Alaska where they had never had a safety department and weren’t that interested in adhering to a bunch of dumb rules made up down in Washington by people who have never done the work. Fair enough, not as though I’d never heard that justification or excuse before. So, my work was laid-out for me, no where to go but up. I spent the first six months or so just learning the yard and the 242 employee’s working in it. There were machine shops with all the press breaks, drill presses and even a forty-five-foot lathe for turning propeller shafts. There was also a carpenter shop with all the tools that needed guarding, weld shops with all its hazards of flash, fumes and smoke. Not to mention all these trades were working on ships either pier side or on the dry dock, crawling through double bottom tanks or other confined spaces or in a crowded engine room. I had people everywhere. Did

I mention working over the water, on the water in a skiff or a hundred feet in the air in a boom-lift? I thought I had landed in OZ. After these first few months of observation and slowly introducing the crew to what it meant to work under safety rules, and the jeers of “Safety First” every time I walked into a shop or onboard a vessel, it came to me, the approach I needed to employ with this workforce. After a long conversations with the owner and GM, who gave me their full support, I was allowed to launch my approach to safety, and it wasn’t another Safety-First speech. It was at our monthly “All Hands” meeting including management and staff. I was still the new guy and had only briefly spoken to the group on three previous meetings. I started by informing them that we were changing the philosophy on safety and how it would be moving forward. I let them know there was no longer a monthly safety award for the person deemed most safe working that month, with fifty dollars and a dinner certificate. There were a few groans, umm’s and that’s BS from the crowd as expected. But it got better. I next told them that there would be no tolerance for working unsafe. I further explained that working safe was a condition of employment. It’s not on top of or added to the work, it’s part of the work.

And so was born my way of “Safety Always”. It’s not first or last or anywhere in between, it’s always with no excuses or exceptions. Of course, all eyes shot over to the owner hoping for a reprieve from this crazy new guy, but all they got was a short pep talk of support for this approach to safety. He told them it makes complete sense to make safety a part of how we work and not an afterthought or a burden to slow down work or make it harder. A large part of the success was engaging in conversations with the crew in the shops and on the ships, they would ask questions for direction or clarity. The important thing is I would listen and problem solve with them on the spot, but always stayed on message and never caved to production. I had my battles for sure, the production manager and I would have words several times per week, but I never backed down and was never unreasonable, although it was tough to convince them of that. The number one thing I had going for me was the support of senior management, they knew it would take some time and money would have to be spent on equipment and training, but they believed in the end result, a safe, highly trained and productive workforce.

The true test for everyone’s effort came two years later when we won the bid for an Office of Naval Research new vessel construction. This was a one hundred ninety-two-foot ship which had icebreaking capability, was a catamaran, and could land on a beach to offload a tank. It was one-of-akind, very high tech with a lot of moving parts. It was a challenge for all involved, but we were up to the task. By the time of this project we were well into the Safety Always philosophy, all were onboard and those that couldn’t or wouldn’t were gone. We as a workforce put five hundred and twenty thousand man-hours building that ship without having a single lost time injury or a recordable accident. We did have a few bumps, bruises and band-aids, but nothing serious throughout the job.

Yes, it can be done, you set the bar and stay on message. You help problem solve, answer questions, provide the equipment and training. Most important, you hold them accountable, no excuses, from the project manager who’s screaming it’s not in the budget down to the laborer who wears pull on boots because he can’t tie his shoes. It’s a commitment of performance not platitudes.

"Safety Always". It’s how we work. It’s a condition of employment. And it takes time with a consistent effort, never backing down or making an exception even once. Safety Always doesn’t care about titles or position, only that it is adhered to across the board. If this sounds like just another slogan fest or a short-lived campaign then you’ve missed the point. It’s not an initiative, it’s a way of working. It’s an expectation and condition of working. No longer an outlier, or something that has to be constantly said or reminded. And the only way to get there is to start. Change the paradigm. It can be done, but it takes the guts and the will to see it through. If you would like an expanded conversation on how we can make this approach work for you and your company give me a call. It is possible and I’ve done it, so can you.

For more information, please contact Kim Hodne at Kim@IowaCSSI.com or (907) 202-6299.

CONSTR WEEK

Combining to Better Serve You

White Cap / Stetson Building Products

2205 Bell Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50321

Phone: (515) 243-6286

Fax: (515) 243-0363

www.WhiteCap.com

White Cap is a one-stop-shop providing concrete accessories and chemicals, tools and equipment, building materials and fasteners, erosion and waterproofing and safety products to professional contractors.

From hard-to-find products to technical expertise to jobsite training, White Cap supports professional contractors in non-residential, residential and infrastructure end markets with everything they need to keep their projects moving on time, on budget, and as safely as possible. As the leading North American distributor for professional contractors, the White Cap family consists of multiple brands in the U.S. and Canada. White Cap operates more than 450 branches across North America with more than 9,000 employees supporting approximately 200,000 customers across 15 construction trades.

Master Builders of Iowa strives to be the essential resource for Iowa’s construction industry and a valuable component of that effort are those companies who support MBI’s programs and events. Through the exclusive “Essential Partners” recognition program, MBI strives to recognize our industry supporters, while adding value to those companies’ sponsorship dollars who take leadership roles in sponsoring MBI events and educational opportunities. The company listed has contributed over $5,000 in sponsorships to the Master Builders of Iowa this year. Essential Partners are an important part of MBI’s success and we couldn’t do it without them! For more information on becoming an MBI “Essential Partner,” please contact Chad Kleppe at CKleppe@MBI.Build / (515) 657-4382 or visit www.MBI.Build/essential-partners. MBI appreciates White Cap/Stetson Building Products’ gracious and continued support!

A leadership development program designed to introduce attendees to several facets of the commercial industry while providing them with fundamental information and resources.

To register, visit www.mbi.build/cornerstone-academy

Class Dates

September 21& 22

October 26 & 27

November 16 & 17

December 7 & 8

January 11 & 12

"The MBI Cornerstone Academy was a great forum for professional growth, networking, and creating industry relationships. I recommend this program to anyone trying to further their industry community reach."

- Mike Norris, A.J. Allen Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

WORD SEARCH

Calendar of Events

July

July 19

Blueprint Reading - Session 1: General Construction/ Civil/Project Delivery Methods

This session will provide the participant with an introduction to the life cycle of a construction project from project conception, through design, construction, and project closeout. Participants will learn about project delivery methods, such as the traditional Design-BidBuild, as well as alternative delivery methods, including Design-Build and Construction Management. Roles of the various parties in each delivery method will be discussed: owner, architect, engineer, contractor, and subcontractor.

Cedar Rapids, IA

July 19

Blueprint Reading - Session 2: Architectural/ Structural

This session will focus on the reading and use of architectural and structural plans and specifications including standard symbols, plan organization, specification organization; use of standard architectural scales; architectural plan views, details, elevations, and sections; use of architectural schedules, notes, and symbols; structural foundation plans; and plan reading for structural building systems, including precast concrete, structural steel, site cast concrete, and masonry.

Cedar Rapids, IA

July 20

Blueprint Reading - Session 3: Plumbing/Mechanical/ Electrical

This session will focus on the reading and use of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans and specifications including standard symbols, plan organization, specification organization; mechanical systems, equipment, ductwork, and schedules; plumbing systems, equipment, piping, and schedules; electrical systems, equipment, wiring, conduit, one-line diagrams, and schedules; electrical site plans; and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical details.

Cedar Rapids, IA

August

August 1

MBI Breakfast Club

Join MBI members at the MBI Headquarters for a cup of coffee and a pastry and spend some time networking with colleagues at our new MBI Breakfast Club. Beginning at 7:30am, we'll gather for some light networking and then lead into a morning program that will include a few announcements on what's coming up for MBI followed by a presentation that is of relevance to the membership.

West Des Moines, IA - MBI Members ONLY

August 9

Advanced Blueprint Reading

This course will be delivered at an intermediate to advanced level so familiarity with commercial plans, specs, and the RSMeans manual is necessary for the attendee to capture the greatest value. In the morning, we will dive into an extensive concrete take-off activity, and in the afternoon we will participate in an extensive interior finishes take-off activity. Though past attendance of MBI’s Blueprint Reading for Commercial Construction series is recommended but not required, we do suggest that attendees have a medium to high level of understanding of blueprint reading.

Cedar Rapids, IA

August 14

MBI-PAC Construction Golf Classic & Smoker

For many years, the Smoker has brought together construction leaders from throughout the state of Iowa, and provided a unique opportunity to mix business with a fun-filled day of golf. We're excited to announce we will be hosting this years Golf event at Glen Oaks County Club in West Des Moines

August 29-30

Building a Safety Champion - Fall Class

Designed to help enhance the safety culture within a company by empowering managers and safety leaders, Building a Safety Champion is MBI’s newest leadership development program. This program will attract those individuals who are not only safety conscious for themselves and every member of their team, but who are also in a position to create fundamental changes with their company. The curriculum for this program will guide attendees through subject matter that will enhance and change their approach to individual and company-wide safety practices.

• September 19-20

• October 18-19

West Des Moines, IA

September 6

(MBI LIVE)

Procore

For Administrative Teams

The power behind Procore lies in setting the system up on the back end, to control and automate its features to work the way your company needs, instead of forcing your staff to work the way Procore does. Usually, your Procore rep will get you going with basic, standard, controls to get you up and running but that’s just a start point. The Administrative tools in Procore can be overwhelming in scope but this class will show you how to work with key features of those tools to make life easier for all your Procore users.

Online Training

September 12

Fire Protection & Prevention

In this webinar, our CSSI authorized Fall Protection trainers will discuss the multiple layers of training requirements from authorized users to competent persons. They will discuss best practices for effective training and the ANSI standard requirements for persons performing, supervising, and certifying fall protection activities and systems. Chris will discuss options and upcoming opportunities organizations can utilize to help expand their employee's knowledge and competency.

MBI Members-ONLY webinar

September 13

(MBI LIVE) Procore Meetings Management

Meetings and tracking agenda items are the life blood of any Procore project but all too often, we default back to emails, Teams/Zoom, and phone meetings that are difficult to coordinate, track, and follow up on. Procore’s Meetings tool enables you to manage all aspects of your project meetings from agenda distribution to post-meeting approval of minutes. You can use customizable meeting templates and categories to streamline the entire process.

Online Training

September 14

MBI-PAC Sporting Clay Builder's Classic

MBI hosts two Sporting Clay shoots every year in an effort to bring together industry colleagues for a day of construction camaraderie while demonstrating your skills with a shotgun. The format is typically teams of 5 that compete against others while shooting on 12-15 stations and seeing how many out of 100 clay pigeons you can hit with 100 targets

Riverside, IA (Highland Hideaway Hunting Preserve)

For additional information or to register for any of these events, visit www.MBI.Build/Events

September

September 18-19

Project Managers and Project Supervisors - Fall Class

Success of a construction team, project or company often boils down to a few keey components that, if carefully combined, can lead to great accomplishments where everybody wins. Employees, companies and customers can all win with the proper combination of teamwork, leadership, communications, accountability, personal responsibility, budgeting and quality control on every project, every day. This integrative leadership program will challenge members of the project team to understand project budgets, elevate individual and team performance, understand customer dynamics, and even have a little bit of fun in the process.

• October 16 & 17

West Des Moines

September 20

(MBI LIVE) Procore Invoice Management

With Procore's Invoicing tool, you can invoice, collect, review, and approve your construction project’s billings. Invoices that once took days to complete, can be processed in a few minutes using Procore's Invoice features. This class is designed to show you how to efficiently invoice sub-contractors and owners, quickly and easily. Note that Invoicing requires 'Admin' permission on the Commitments and/or Prime Contracts tool to use.

Online Training

September 21-22

Conerstone Academy

This construction leadership development program is designed to introduce attendees to several facets of the commercial construction industry, while providing them with a wealth of caluable information and priceless resources. A solid understanding of the topics included in this program are vital to the success of every commercial construction company, therefore also critical for the success of the employees who are part of these firms. This is an excellent opportunity to see a detailed overview of many important aspects of the commercial construction industry, as well as receive fundamental information.

• October 16 & 27

• November 16 & 17

• December 7 & 8

• January 11 & 12

West Des Moines

September 26

Regional Meetings

Regional Membership Meetings are luncheon and breakfast meetings for the membership held annually in different locations around the state. These meetings are held to have face time with the membership to introduce new initiatives, services and provide important membership updates and reports.

There is no charge to attend. For members of MBI only.

Septermber 26 | Sioux City

September 28 | Cedar Rapids

October 10 | Davenport

October 10 | Iowa City

September 27

October 12 | Des Moines

October 12 | Ames

October 17 | Dubuque

October 17 | Waterloo

Strategies for Successful Onboarding and HR Processes

In this workshop, we will be hands-on in helping you discover how to attract, hire, on-board and develop your most precious assets – your people. We will help you find ways to get “right people” into “right seats”.

We will help you discover the importance of culture, vision and purpose as a “retention” tool. We will walk through a simple talent assessment tool to help you know where to spend your development resources. We will teach you 5 management and 5 leadership practices and what the differences are between leaders and managers.

Finally, we will work through some simple tools and concepts to help you build a better leadership team that is coachable, open, honest and vulnerable

West Des Moines, IA

October

October 3

MBI Breakfast Club

Join MBI members at the MBI Headquarters for a cup of coffee and a pastry and spend some time networking with colleagues at our new MBI Breakfast Club. Beginning at 7:30am, we'll gather for some light networking and then lead into a morning program that will include a few announcements on what's coming up for MBI followed by a presentation that is of relevance to the membership.

West Des Moines, IA - MBI Members ONLY

October 5

MBI-PAC Sporting Clay Builder's Classic

MBI hosts two Sporting Clay shoots every year in an effort to bring together industry colleagues for a day of construction camaraderie while demonstrating your skills with a shotgun. The format is typically teams of 5 that compete against others while shooting on 12-15 stations and seeing how many out of 100 clay pigeons you can hit with 100 targets

Waukee, IA (New Pioneer Gun Club)

October 13

Blueprint Reading - Session 1: General Construction/ Civil/Project Delivery Methods

This session will provide the participant with an introduction to the life cycle of a construction project from project conception, through design, construction, and project closeout. Participants will learn about project delivery methods, such as the traditional Design-Bid-Build, as well as alternative delivery methods, including Design-Build and Construction Management. Roles of the various parties in each delivery method will be discussed: owner, architect, engineer, contractor, and subcontractor.

West Des Moines, IA

October 13

Blueprint Reading - Session 2: Architectural/Structural

This session will focus on the reading and use of architectural and structural plans and specifications including standard symbols, plan organization, specification organization; use of standard architectural scales; architectural plan views, details, elevations, and sections; use of architectural schedules, notes, and symbols; structural foundation plans; and plan reading for structural building systems, including precast concrete, structural steel, site cast concrete, and masonry.

West Des Moines, IA

October 20

Blueprint Reading - Session 3: Plumbing/Mechanical/ Electrical

This session will focus on the reading and use of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans and specifications including standard symbols, plan organization, specification organization; mechanical systems, equipment, ductwork, and schedules; plumbing systems, equipment, piping, and schedules; electrical systems, equipment, wiring, conduit, one-line diagrams, and schedules; electrical site plans; and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical details.

West Des Moines, IA

September 26 | Sioux City

September 28 | Cedar Rapids

October 10 | Davenport

October 10 | Iowa City

October 12 | Des Moines

October 12 | Ames

October 17 | Dubuque

October