April 2011 Newsletter by NASCLA

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE CONTRACTORS LICENSING AGENCIES

Newsletter Inside this Issue: NASCLA 2011 Mid Year Meeting Overview . . . . . . . . . . 2 NASCLA 2011 Mid Year Meeting Committee Overview . . . . . . . . 4-5 News from NASCLA Members . . . . . . . . . . . 5 New Laws Give California’s CSLB Unprecedented Authority and Expand Licensing Opportunities . . . . . . 6 NASCLA 49th Annual Conference . 7 NASCLA 49th Annual Conference Registration . . . . . . . 8

Volume 7, Issue 2 APRIL 2011 I hope this newsletter finds everyone well. It never ceases to amaze me how many accomplishments this organization and its members are able to achieve. These accomplishments would not be possible without the hard working members and staff that are dedicated to NASCLA and its goals. We had an excellent opportunity to review NASCLA’s goals as well as the entire strategic plan at our 2011 Mid Year Meeting in Seattle, Washington. We were privileged to have Michael Barrett there to facilitate this strategic plan work session with the Board of Directors and staff in the session. It is always gratifying to review what has been accomplished as well as create new projects and goals to accomplish in the next few years. I would like to thank those that attended the meeting and with your participation ensured a successful and productive meeting. With this being a working meeting, there was little spare time to get out and tour around beautiful Seattle. We were able to take a tour of the Marketplace on Friday afternoon which was a fantastic tour. Unfortunately, the rain set in but we were still able to enjoy the city. A very special thank you to our staff for such a great meeting, the accommodations and food were outstanding. The Program Committee and staff are doing a great job planning our 2011 Annual Conference being held August 23 through August 26, 2011, in Savannah, Georgia. I believe we are in store for a great educational conference as well as some outstanding southern hospitality. We are all aware of the financial and travel constraints that some of our member states are experiencing and we try to be mindful of those when planning meetings. We hope that one of the meetings you plan to attend this year will be the Annual Conference. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance to you.

Sponsorship Opportunities at NASCLA’s 2011 Annual Conference . 9

I would like to say a special thank you to Ms. Ginenne Lanese for all her outstanding hard work she have given NASCLA during her tenure. I truly hate to lose such an asset but do understand decisions that have to be made for ones future. I wish Ginenne the absolute best in her future endeavors and do not hesitate to contact us if we can ever be of any assistance to you!

NASCLA 2011 National Awards Nomination Opportunity . . . . . . 10

I hope everyone has a nice spring and look forward to seeing you at the Annual Conference in August!

NASCLA 2011 Contractor’s State Licensing Information Directory . . . . . . . . . 11

Sincerely,

Keith E. Warren NASCLA President

NASCLA 2011 Mid Year Meeting Overview The NASCLA 2011 Mid Year Meeting was held on March 16 – 18, 2011 at The W Hotel in Seattle, Washington. The meeting was a great success thanks to the hard work and dedication of NASCLA’s Executive Committee, Committee Members and Board of Directors! The Pre-Conference Meetings began on Tuesday, March 15th, with the NASCLA Model Legislation Committee Meeting. The NASCLA Fiscal Policies and Procedures Committee and the NASCLA Executive Committee also met on Tuesday to discuss NASCLA and NASCLA Publications, Inc. interim business and financial statements. On Wednesday, March 16th, NASCLA hosted its first 1-Day Strategic Planning Workshop. Similar to last years’ seminar the focus was on Strategic Planning which was facilitated a second time by Michael Barrett with Resonance, LLC. Over the past few months, Michael Barrett collaborated with the NASCLA Executive Committee to develop this strategy articulation workshop to begin the development of a new NASCLA 3-Year Strategic Plan. The Seminar included NASCLA State Members and the NASCLA Board of Directors. The workshop was filled with group discussions, brainstorming and roundtables. The workshop consisted of identifying issues and opportunities that the association is facing, and extract new ideas to strengthen the association and plan for the future. Right to Left: Angie Whitaker, Keith Warren, Kathy LeCroix, Junior Register and John Curl.

The entire day proved to be truly beneficial for all who attended. Michael Barrett was an excellent facilitator, but it was the participation and group interaction by the attendees that made the workshop truly successful. The workshop was paid for by the association to add benefit and value to all of our attendees. To view the new NASCLA 2011, 2012 and 2013 Strategic Plan, please visit our website at: http://www.nascla.org/membersonlynascla-strategic-plan. Thursday, March 17th, was a true working day for all NASCLA NASCLA Board Members working on the NASCLA Strategic Plan. Committee Members and others who participated in the seven committee meetings. Meetings ran throughout the day which provided the opportunity for our committee members to meet one-on-one with their respected committees. NASCLA Committee Meetings were open for all participants to attend.

Left to Right: Joe Rogers and John Curl at the NASCLA Mid Year Meeting.

On Thursday afternoon the NASCLA Executive Director and Board Chairmen held a 2-Hour Interactive Roundtable Session where multiple states came together under one forum to network, share ideas and discuss current state programs and topics of interest such as; Budgetary Issues, Unlicensed Activity/ Underground Economy and Consumer Awareness. The session was moderated by Kevin Burke, Board Chairman of the Nevada State Contractors Board. The roundtable session was formatted and tailored from the responses that were received from our NASCLA State Members on “Top Challenges Your State Agency is Facing Today”.

On Friday, March 18th, the NASCLA Mid Year Meeting came to a close with the NASCLA and NASCLA Publications, Inc. Board of Directors Meetings. The NASCLA Committee Chairs reported on their accomplishments and goals to date. The NASCLA Board of Directors discussed the business, financials and special projects that the association has accomplished over the first half of the fiscal year.

Thank you all for participating in the NASCLA 2011 Mid Year Meeting in Seattle, Washington!

NASCLA 2011 Mid Year Meeting Committee Overview NASCLA Accredited Examination Program Committee & Submarketing Committee • The committee reviewed the occupational job analysis done in 2004. • A breakout session for SME’s to review the accredited exam will take place at the NASCLA 2011 Annual Conference in Savannah, GA. • NASCLA will have a short 30-minute session at the NASCLA 2011 Annual Conference on the Accredited Examination Program. NASCLA Education Committee • The committee discussed and reviewed the Education RFP’s. • The committee recommended moving forward with receiving a contract from the top RFP that was selected by the committee. NASCLA Membership Committee • • • •

The committee reviewed the NASCLA Membership Plan for 2011. NASCLA has recruited 70 new members since 2005. NASCLA has received 10 new members for FY 2010/2011. NASCLA membership marketing ideas were discussed. NASCLA Model Legislation Committee

• The NASCLA Model Legislation for Commercial Construction Licensing was reviewed and edited by the committee members. The modules are ready for final review. NASCLA Program Committee • The NASCLA 2011 Annual Conference will be held in Savannah, GA on August 23-26, 2011. • The committee reviewed the program agenda along with potential sessions, speakers and events for the NASCLA 2011 Annual Conference. • The NASCLA 2011 Annual Conference may be recorded and posted on the NASCLA website. The NASCLA Executive Committee will review the survey results at the NASCLA Budgeting Meeting in May 2011. • The NASCLA 2012 Mid Year Meeting location is still to be determined. • The NASCLA 2012 Annual Conference will be held on the Coast of Oregon, location is still to be determined. NASCLA Publications Committee • The committee reviewed and approved the new NPI Brochure developed by staff. • The committee reviewed and approved the new marketing piece on the NPI MiniBuk for the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management Publications developed by staff. • NASCLA Publications, Inc. books were reviewed by the committee members. • The committee reviewed the internal savings on shipping and FedEx rates that have been applied by staff.

NASCLA 2011 Mid Year Meeting Committee Overview NASCLA Residential Committee • The committee reviewed the ENVOC contract to update the NASCLA Contractors Disciplinary Database. This project is moving forward and will be launched around August 2011 at the NASCLA Annual Conference. • The committee is looking into adding a smartphone application to use with the NASCLA Contractors Disciplinary Database. • The committee reviewed two different public service announcements. NASCLA Resources Committee • • • •

This was the committee’s first physical meeting. The NASCLA Resources Committee changed its name from “Best Practices” to “Resources Committee.” The committee members will be working on completing the timeline and goals. The committee has completed the 1st survey that targeted 6 state agencies and focused on “Licensing” and “Public Information.”

Fiscal Year Calendar of Events 2010 / 2011 May 5, 2011 NASCLA Executive Committee & NPI Board of Directors Conference Call May 17-18, 2011 NASCLA 2011 Budgeting Meeting Westin Kierland Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona NASCLA’s Executive Committee, Fiscal Policies and Procedures Committee and NASCLA Publications, Inc. Board of Directors will meet to review the interim financials and prepare the NASCLA and NPI forecasted budgets for fiscal year 2011/2012. May 18-19, 2011 NASCLA 2011 Executive Committee Meeting Westin Kierland Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona

June 30, 2011 NASCLA Executive Committee & NASCLA Board of Directors Conference Call

August 23-26, 2011 NASCLA 49th Annual Conference Westin Savannah Harbor Hotel Savannah, Georgia NASCLA’s Annual Conference is a great opportunity for NASCLA members to come together to discuss current issues relevant to the regulation of contractors. The Conference also provides a forum for participants to interact and exchange information on current issues in the industry.

News from NASCLA Members Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors The Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors recently developed and implemented a quality assurance program as a follow-up measure for consumer complaints. The purpose of the program is to receive feedback from both the contractor and consumer regarding the complaint process currently in place. A survey questionnaire was developed and is sent after the complaint process is complete. The questionnaires are for cases where it has been determined by the Board there is probable cause and no probable cause. This tool is used to gauge possible improvements to the practices currently in place and will be beneficial when the office undergoes routine state audits. For More Information Contact: Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and, Refrigeration Contractors Lisa Milliman , Executive Secretary (334) 241-0840 Lisa.Milliman@hacr.alabama.gov Kathy LeCroix, Executive Director Kathy.LeCroix@hacr.alabama.gov http://www.hacr.alabama.gov

We Want To Hear From You Submit your article today to be included in the next NASCLA Newsletter. Submitting an article puts your name and agency/company in front of your peers, establishes you as a resource, and enables you to exchange best practices and new innovations with your colleagues. All articles must be submitted electronically in MS Microsoft Word or Rich Text Format. Please include pictures (if applicable) and author contact information. Submit To: Angie Whitaker | angie@nascla.org or Kirsten Zacharias | kirsten@nascla.org Please Note: We will not accept articles that are intended for advertising.

New Laws Give California’s Contractors State License Board Unprecedented Authority and Expand Licensing Opportunities Recent legislation in California has given the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) a valuable resource to combat the underground economy. Another new law will soon allow Limited Liability Companies to apply for a California contractor license. CSLB-sponsored Senate Bill 1254 (Mark Leno, D-San Francisco) enables the board’s peace officers or enforcement representatives to issue an immediate “stop work” order to any contractor that does not have a valid Certificate of Workers’ Compensation or Certification of Self-Insurance, or a statement on file with CSLB certifying he or she has no employees and is not required to obtain or maintain workers’ compensation coverage. Failure of the licensee or his/her employees to observe the stop order is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. A CSLB-issued stop order takes effect immediately when served. Employees affected by the work stoppage are entitled to up to 10 days pay for time lost. The stop order can be appealed by written request for a hearing within 20 days of its issuance. The law requires the stoppage to be affirmed or denied immediately following the hearing, and all parties notified within 24 hours. The law enables CSLB to increase its number of peace officers on staff from three to twelve, upon approval by the Department of Consumer Affairs (CSLB is one of many regulatory boards that make up the department). CSLB currently has two peace officers on staff and is in the process of hiring three more, pending background checks. Staff training for peace officers and enforcement representatives who issue the stop orders was conducted in February. Hearing officers from the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement have also received training.

“This is one of the most important new enforcement tools we’ve received in a generation,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “It will go a long way in protecting consumers and helping to keep the playing field level for our licensees who follow the law.” CSLB issued its first two stop orders on March 29, 2011. One was to a licensee in Sacramento County who was observed working with three employees; the other was to a non-licensee with one employee working in Marin County. Senate Bill 392 (Dean Florez, D-Shafter) requires CSLB to establish a process for the issuance of contractor licenses to limited liability companies (LLC) beginning no later than January 1, 2012. As a condition of licensure, the LLC will be required to maintain liability insurance of between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000 and post a $100,000 surety bond in addition to the $12,500 bond already required of all licensees. CSLB Staff is developing the procedures, applications, and the technological programming changes necessary to implement the new law. It’s hoped that CSLB will be able to accept and process LLC applications by the January 1, 2012 deadline.

CSLB investigators a “Stop Order” on a job site in Sacramento County on March 29, 2011.

NASCLA 49th Annual Conference The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) Annual Conference is the association’s premier annual event. NASCLA will be hosting its 49th Annual Conference on August 23-26, 2011 at the Westin Savannah Hotel, in Savannah Georgia. The conference draws more than 100 attendees including regulators, construction industry representatives and decision makers from more than 40 state licensing boards, testing companies and industry associations from across the United States. This Annual Conference is fast becoming a must attend event for all who are involved in the regulation of the construction industry. Each year the association’s Program Committee and Staff exceed expectations with quality programming and exceptional speakers in outstanding locations. NASCLA invites you to join us in Savannah to experience the interactive sessions, presentations from top notch industry experts all while forming lasting relationships with other construction industry professionals.

Westin Savannah Harbor

A Glimpse into the 2011 Annual Conference General Sessions *please note, this is subject to change

Public Relations Best Practices Presented by: Rick Lopes, Chief, Public Affairs Office, Contractors State License Board California CSLB has successfully used a number of different PR tools to conduct outreach to the public. The areas include: Disaster Response; Social Media; Video Production & Distribution; Proactive Media Outreach; and Reactive Media Outreach. These tools have returned high benefits for relatively low costs and can be replicated by regulatory agencies around the country. Contractor Discipline: The Nevada Way Presented by: Louis Ling, Board Counsel, Nevada State Contractors Board Presentation of Nevada’s unique disciplinary process, including exploration of current investigator hearing and past hearings processes. Green Building Presented by: Bill Dexter, AEC Risk Manager, Construction Systems Analyst With the advent of increased attention and requirements to promote and enforce sustainable design and renewable energy, building professionals will be facing a tsunami of complaints stemming from failed expectations and unfulfilled promises of energy savings. This session will address methods and practices to bring expectations into alignment with the performance of the finished product. Attendees will also gain the latest techniques to deal with customer complaints.

23309 North 17th Drive, Suite 110, Phoenix, Arizona 85027 Phone: (623) 587-9354 | Fax: (623) 587-9625 | Email: Kirsten@nascla.org www.nascla.org/main-annual-conference-page

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Please complete and remit to NASCLA at the address, email or fax listed above Deadline Date: Friday, July 29, 2011 Registrants Name

Title

Agency/Company Mailing Address City

State

Phone

Fax

Zip

Registration Type

Registration Fee Includes: Meeting Materials, Breakfast, Luncheons, Reception and Closing Banquet NASCLA Member | $495

Conference Sponsor | $495

Non-Member | $595

Conference Sponsor | Waived Registration

Spouse / Guest

Name: ________________________________________ Relation: _____________________

Guest Registration Only

Please identify all meals & events your spouse/guest will be attending Meal/Event

Fee

Quantity

Total

All Meals & Events

$210

____

Tuesday, August 23rd Opening Reception

$40

____

Wednesday, August 24th Breakfast Wednesday, August 24th Lunch

$25 $45

____ ____

$ $

Thursday, August 25th Breakfast Thursday, August 25th Excursion/Dinner

$25 $85

____ ____

$ $

Friday, August 26th Breakfast Friday, August 26th Luncheon Banquet

$25 $65

____ ____

$ $

Hotel Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for securing their own hotel reservations. Reservations may be made by contacting The Westin Savannah Harbor Hotel. Please refer to NASCLA Annual Conference when making your reservation to ensure your rate of $139.00 per night. Rervations must be made by July 25, 2011 to guarentee the group rate.

The Westin Savannah Harbor Hotel | One Resort Drive, Savannah, GA 31421 | Phone: (800) 937-8461 NASCLA Registration Cancelation Policy: Full registration fees will be refunded if a written cancellation notice is received 25 days prior to the start of the Annual Conference. No refunds will be accepted after Thursday, July 28, 2011.

Sponsorship Opportunities at NASCLA’s 2011 Annual Conference As a NASCLA Annual Conference Sponsor, you have the opportunity to put your company’s products and services in front of the people that use them most! Make the most of your marketing money! The NASCLA 2011 Annual Conference will help reach an influential audience of leaders in the construction industry.

Attendees Include:

• Executive Directors from contractor state licensing agencies • Representatives from construction firms • Contractor trade associations • Others who are affiliated with the construction industry All Sponsorship Opportunities Include: Audio/Visual Recognition during Events & Recognition during General Sessions

Diamond Sponsor: $7,500 • • • • • • • • • •

Large Logo Banner in Main Meeting Area Vendor Booth Display Full Page Ad in Program Agenda Audio/Visual Recognition During Events Recognition During General Sessions Recognition During Closing Luncheon (6) Tickets to Closing Luncheon NASCLA Website Recognition (3) Conference Registrations Recognition Plaque

Platinum Sponsor: $5,000 • • • • • • • • • •

Medium Logo Banner in Main Meeting Room Vendor Booth Display 1/2 Page Ad in Program Agenda Audio/Visual Recognition During Events Recognition During General Sessions Recognition During Closing Luncheon (4) Tickets to Closing Luncheon NASCLA Website Recognition (2) Conference Registrations Recognition Plaque

Gold Sponsor: $2,500 • • • • • • • • •

Medium Logo Banner in Main Meeting Room 1/3 Page Ad in Program Agenda Audio/Visual Recognition During Events Recognition During General Sessions Recognition During Closing Luncheon (2) Tickets to Closing Luncheon NASCLA Website Recognition (1) Conference Registration Recognition Plaque

Silver Sponsor: $1,000 • • • • • •

Small Logo Banner in Main Meeting Room 1/4 Page Ad in Program Agenda Audio/Visual Recognition During Events Recognition During General Sessions NASCLA Website Recognition Recognition Certificate

Bronze Sponsor: $500 • • • •

Small Logo Banner in Main Meeting Room 1/4 Page Ad in Program Agenda Audio/Visual Recognition During Events NASCLA Website Recognition

Become a sponsor today! For more information, please visit the NASCLA website at www.nascla.org, or contact Kirsten Zacharias, NASCLA Program Coordinator, by phone at (623) 587-9354 or via email at kirsten@nascla.org

NASCLA 2011 National Awards Nomination Opportunity! Whether it is a new home for a family or a commercial business, construction is present in our lives. Think of the home you live in, your work place, and the charities you donate to; those buildings, those places were built by hard working people. It is not just the people that built the building with their own two hands, but the people “behind the scenes,” as well as the state agencies that protect the safety and welfare of all. Let’s honor those people, the construction related associations and the state licensing agencies by nominating them for one of NASCLA’s 2011 National Awards. The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) will be presenting the 7th Annual Community Service in Contracting and Innovation in Regulation Awards at the 2011 Annual Conference. These prestigious awards honor those that accomplish tremendous charitable projects within their communities, and the excellence in regulation of the construction industry. The Community Service in Contracting Award recognizes the positive impact that contractors and construction related associations have on their communities. NASCLA wants to honor those who have unselfishly contributed their time, labor and materials to charities. So many times these people and associations go unnoticed, now is the time for their deserved recognition! The Innovation in Regulation Award is presented to a public sector contractor licensing agency. This award is designed to recognize a state licensing agency for their innovation, creativity and excellence in the regulation of the contracting /construction industry. NASCLA looks forward to seeing if your state will have the honor of receiving this year’s award. In order to nominate for the Community Service in Contracting Award or the Innovation in Regulation Award, please submit a statement to the NASCLA office that describes the reason(s) your nominee deserves to receive this award. Be specific, but please keep statements to a maximum of 750 words. All nomination forms must be submitted to the NASCLA office by July 22, 2011 and accompanied by five (5) digital photos. NASCLA will manage the nomination process, and the NASCLA 2011 Awards Selection Committee will review and score all nominations. The award recipients will be announced on August 26, 2011 at NASCLA’s 49th Annual Conference Banquet.

Dawn Bellis, General Counsel for the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, accepting the NASCLA 2010 Innovation In Regulation Award from Angie Whitaker, NASCLA Executive Director.

For more information or to download the 2011 National Awards Nominations forms, please go to the NASCLA Annual Conference website at http://www.nascla.org/national-awards or contact the NASCLA office by phone at (623) 587-9354.

NASCLA 2011 Contractor’s State Licensing Information Directory

ASCLA has realeased the 2011 Contractor’s State Licensing Information Directory. It is available for purchase on the NASCLA Bookstore website at: http://www.nascla.org/contractors-state-licensinginformation-directory. The NASCLA Contractor’s State Licensing Information Directory is a summary of contractor licensing requirements of the 50 states identifying more than 180 state agencies that regulate the construction industry. The directory summaries the pre-qualification, licensing, examination and bonding requirements. Information regarding reciprocity, license classifications, incorporating requirements and fees is also included.

IF YOU NEED INFORMATION ON CONTRACTORS’ LICENSING IN OTHER STATES, YOU NEED A COPY OF THE CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSING INFORMATION DIRECTORY The 2011 edition identifies over 180 state agencies that regulate the construction industry. The directory summarizes the pre-qualification, licensing, examination and bonding requirements. Information regarding reciprocity, license classifications, incorporating and fees is also included.

PLEASE SEND ________ book(s) at $40.00 each

SHIPPING: $12.00 (S&H) for the first book ($6.00 for each additional book) $ __________

$ __________ TOTAL

$ __________

SHIP TO: Name ______________________________ Firm ____________________________

Address_________________________________ City ________________ State ______ Zip ___________________ Business Phone ___________________________________

METHOD OF PAYMENT: Check enclosed to NASCLA

Visa

MasterCard

American Express

Card # _______________________________________ Expiration Date ______ / ______ Signature _________________________________________________________________

Discover

The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) was founded in 1962 as a nonprofit corporation. Its membership is comprised of states that have enacted laws regulating the business of contracting.

NASCLA is dedicated to the mutual

assistance of its member states in striving for the better regulation of the construction industry to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public.

National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies 23309 North 17th Drive, Building 1, Unit 110 Phoenix, Arizona 85027 Phone: 623.587.9354 Fax: 623.587.9625 info@nascla.org www.nascla.org