NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE CONTRACTORS LICENSING AGENCIES
Newsletter Volume 8, Issue 1 Inside this Issue: NASCLA 2012 Mid Year Meeting . . . . . 2 NASCLA 2012 Mid Year Meeting Registration . . . . . . 3 News from NASCLA Members . . . . . . . 4-5 NASCLA Public Service Annoucement Contest . . . . . . . . . . 5 NASCLA 50th Annual Conference . . . . . . 6 NASCLA 2012 Contractor’s State Licensing Information Directory . . . . . . . . 7 NASCLA Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 8
January 2012
Happy New Year to all our members! I hope your holiday season was a joyous one for you and your family. This is a very special time for our association. We are celebrating our 50th Golden Year Anniversary! It is my privilege to serve as President during this remarkable milestone in NASCLA’s history. We have already had several exciting and productive meetings this year. I look forward to many more to come throughout the fiscal year. I’d like to share some of the work our committees have accomplished since we were last together in Savannah, Georgia. In October 2011, NASCLA’s Resources Committee held an onsite meeting where two national model programs were developed: Elderly Abuse Prevention and Disaster Response. These programs are structured to provide licensing agencies flexibility in adopting an array of strategies, communication tools and partnering activities. The best practices and toolbox items under each program provide a general outline and a means for agencies to customize their own unique solutions to better protect consumers within their own jurisdictions. Program information is currently being uploaded to NASCLA’s members-only website and is expected to officially launch in April, at the NASCLA 2012 Mid Year Meeting. The NASCLA Strategic Planning Meeting was held earlier the month. Our Executive Officers continued their work on the NASCLA Board of Directors Strategic Plan for 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Strategic Plan is a fluid and living document. It helps guide our management team and enables them to ensure that we accomplish the priorities that have been set forth by the NASCLA Board. The NASCLA Model Legislation Committee met and finished draft Model Legislation for PreLicensure Education and worked on Specialty Licensure language as well. In addition, they are working on back ground information necessary for a panel discussion on state Immigration Laws directly affecting state licensing programs which may be presented at an upcoming NASCLA Meeting. On the horizon we have the NASCLA 2012 Mid Year Meeting in Orlando, Florida scheduled for the end of April. This year, the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program Committee will be conducting another Job Occupational Analysis similar to the meeting held at the NASCLA 2011 Annual Conference. This meeting will be held concurrently with committee meetings; taking place on Wednesday, April 25th. NASCLA’s 50th Annual Conference which will be held at Sunriver Resort in Bend, Oregon. The General Sessions will run from Tuesday, October 2nd through Thursday, October 4th. The Conference will end Thursday evening with a special Farewell Dinner and Awards Banquet. I hope to see you all at these upcoming networking event opportunities! Please mark your calendars and save the first week of October 2012 for your association! NASCLA will be celebrating a milestone this year and hope to include many members that have been so dedicated to our mission since the formation of the association in 1962. I wish to thank all of our members in assisting us with our common goal in protecting the health, welfare and safety of the general public. I hope all of you have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012! Craig P. Smith, NASCLA President
NASCLA 2012 Mid Year Meeting The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) will be hosting its 2012 Mid-Year Meeting in Orlando, Florida at the DoubleTree Orlando Hotel at SeaWorld. The meeting is scheduled for April 24th-27th and is open to NASCLA’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Committee Members and State Members. The association would like to extend an invitation to you and your colleagues to join us in Orlando, Florida!
At-A-Glance Agenda Tuesday, April 24th 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Registration
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
NASCLA Fiscal Policies and Procedures Meeting
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
NASCLA Executive Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 25th 8:30 am
Registration
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
NASCLA Committee Meetings
Thursday, April 26th 8:30 am
Registration
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
NASCLA Committee Meetings
Friday, April 27th 8:30 am – 9:00 am
NASCLA Committee Chair Reports
9:00 am – 11:30 am
NASCLA Board Meeting
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
NASCLA Education Resources & Publications Board Meeting
Hotel Reservations | Deadline Date - March 26, 2012 Attendees are responsible for securing their own hotel reservations. Reservations may be made online by going to the DoubleTree Hotel Website or by phone at (407) 352-1100. Please refer to the NASCLA Mid Year Meeting when making your reservation by phone to ensure you receive the group rate of $119.00.
DoubleTree Orlando Hotel at SeaWorld 10100 International Drive | Orlando, Florida 32821 | 800.327.0363 2
NASCLA 2012 Mid Year Meeting April 24-27, 2012 | Orlando, Florida Registration Form Complete & Return to: 23309 N. 17th Drive, Unit 110, Phoenix, AZ 85027 (623) 587-9354 | Fax: (623) 587-9625 | kirsten@nascla.org | www.nascla.org
Deadline: Monday, March 26, 2012 Registrant’s Name and Title Agency Mailing Address City, State, Zip Telephone
Fax
Email Spouse / Guest (Name and Relation)
Registration NASCLA Members (State Members, Business Members, Committee Members) Mid Year Meeting
Please check if you prefer vegetarian meals. *Please notify Kirsten Zacharias by April 2nd of any special dietary needs, food allergies, etc. for you and /or your guests.
Payment Type Check | Enclosed is the Registration Fee of $225.00 Enclosed is the Registration Form Only, Payment to Follow Please Charge the Following Credit Card $225.00 Credit Card Number ________________________________ Expiration Date _______/_______ Name on Card ________________________________________ NASCLA Registration Cancellation Policy Full registration fees will be refunded if a written cancellation notice is received 25 days prior to the start of the Mid Year Meeting. No refunds will be made after Friday, March 30, 2012. For QUESTIONS please contact Angie Whitaker, NASCLA Executive Director, or Kirsten Zacharias, NASCLA Program Coordinator. You may also visit our website at www.nascla.org. Phone: (623) 587-9354 | Fax: (623) 587-9625 angie@nascla.org | kirsten@nascla.org 3
News from NASCLA Members NASCLA Resources Committee Sets Framework for Two Model Programs By Margi Grein, NSCB Executive Officer and Chair of the NASCLA Resources Committee
As State Contractor Boards, it can be easy to overlook opportunities for enhanced outreach and engagement efforts, especially when faced with strained resources. To help guide the advancements of contractor boards across the nation, NASCLA’s Resources Committee was charged with identifying key issues facing the majority of contractor boards and developing model programs and best practice strategies to help boards take the initiative to address them. Similar to NASCLA’s mission, the Resources Committee is focused on promoting public protection by expanding resources and materials for regulatory agencies that provide value to NASCLA state members, enhancing their knowledge, performance, and productivity. To begin, the Resources Committee focused its efforts in late October on two prevalent issues: Senior abuse prevention and disaster response. Discussions on the two programs were extensive, thoughtful, and resulted in the framework for two model programs that the Committee hopes to launch in 2012. Participating states included Alabama, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and Oregon. For each topic that was discussed, the goals remained consistent: • Define the Board’s role; • Establish best practices and outreach/informational resources that are currently available; • Provide a framework that allows each state to customize a program relative to their individual needs; and • Identify potential partners in each program and how the board can work effectively with them to achieve common goals. The efforts discussed included proactive and reactive strategies for outreach and engagement, with the
understanding that each program will be dynamic as time and reflection help to continually shape the strategies within each respective framework. The Senior Abuse Prevention Program will encompass a clearinghouse of resources and strategies being used by other states, as well as ideas for innovative opportunities. The Disaster Response Program is structured in a more procedural format, providing states guidance on steps to take both before and after a disaster occurs. It is the Committee’s intent that all information be made available to NASCLA members on the website, which will not only serve as a portal for obtaining resources, but also act as a forum for discussion between the states. Each state will be encouraged to put forward their resources, best practices, and lessons learned so that we may all have the opportunity to develop successful and efficient programs in our respective areas. These efforts are only the beginning of what is to come from the Resources Committee, but we are very much looking forward to presenting on our progress at the upcoming meeting in April. We hope this ongoing collaboration and future input from all states will help to unite all contractor boards in consistent messaging tactics, outreach strategies, and opportunities for community engagement.
Left to Right: Margi Grein, Michael McDuff, John Sullivan and Jennifer Turner
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News from NASCLA Members Tennessee Celebrates 80th Year of Regulation! The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors celebrated 80 years of regulation at a reception held in their honor on November 29, 2011, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Board was established in 1931, with the first license issued on September 5, 1931. In attendance at the reception was John Lee of Rock City Construction Company, owner of Tennessee’s oldest active license, #2, who made a presentation on the history of the licensing Board. Other attendees, along with the current Contractor Board members and staff, were excited by a visit from prior members, as well as the former Executive Director, Phyllis Blevins who was also the 1986 NASCLA President. Many representatives from local Tennessee associations, including Associated General Contractors (AGC), Association of Building Contractors (ABC), Home Builders Association (HBA), and the Road Builders Association, also came to show their continued support. The turnout was a memorable reunion and we hope to do this again before another 80 years rolls around!
NASCLA 2011 PSA Contests During the NASCLA Residential Committee Meeting at the NASCLA 2011 Annual Conference the committee discussed the Public Service Announcements, “Hire a Licensed Contractor” and “Natural Disaster.” In an effort to get the word out, the NASCLA Staff has asked that the NASCLA State Members distribute these Public Service Announcements to their State Universities, Colleges or Community/ Technical Schools. The purpose of the NASCLA 2011 Hire a Licensed Contractor and the Natural Disaster PSA Video Contest is to stress the importance of hiring a licensed contractor and to emphasize that the hiring of an unlicensed contractor can be risky business. Hiring a Licensed Contractor is not only the law in most states but doing so also assures consumers that their rights are protected. Time is of the essence as colleges and schools have already started classes. The NASCLA Residential Committee has put a deadline date of Monday, January 30th, 2012, to receive all videos for final judgment. 5
NASCLA 50th Annual Conference SAVE THE DATE Sept 30th - Oct 4, 2012 Bend, Oregon Sunriver Resort 17600 Center Drive Sunriver, Oregon 97707 Phone: (800) 801-8765 www.sunriver-resort.com
Contribute your best, most creative session ideas for NASCLA’s 2012 Annual Conference to help attendees reach their full potential. Submit your idea or proposal regardless of session type, length, or topic.
The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) Annual Conference is the association’s premier annual event. NASCLA will be hosting its 50th Annual Conference on September 30 October 4, 2012 at Sunriver Resort, in Bend, Oregon. 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 Bend to experience the interactive sessions, presentations from top notch industry experts all while forming lasting relationships with other construction industry professionals.
We’re looking for cutting edge topics, the latest trends in the construction industry, specific solutions for state agencies, open discussion-based sessions, and any format you can think of…there’s no such thing as a crazy idea! Help shape the program for the 2012 Annual Conference by submitting your session ideas by Monday, April 2. Visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012sessionideas to submit your session idea today! If you have further questions, please contact Kirsten Zacharias, NASCLA Program Coordinator, at the NASCLA Office by phone at (623) 587-9354 or via email at kirsten@nascla.org.
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NASCLA 2012 Contractor’s State Licensing Information Directory
ASCLA is currently in the process of updating the NASCLA Contractors’ State Licensing Information Directory. The directory is expected to be released in March 2012.
The directory is a single source national reference guide for contractor regulation agencies and boards. In order to make the update as complete and accurate as possible, we are requesting all state licensing boards update and complete the registration requirements for contractors imposed in their states. State members encourage you to review the information that will be sent out next month including the summary. Please make any changes you deem necessary to properly reflect the current information on the laws and procedures affecting the regulation of contractors by your agency. The details of contractor regulation that we are seeking include the following (as applicable): ӹӹ Business and Trade Exam Requirements & Passing Score ӹӹ Experience Requirements ӹӹ Extent of Financial Screening (Financial Statements, Credit Checks, etc.) ӹӹ Bonding Requirements ӹӹ Recovery Fund Limits and Funding Method ӹӹ Examination, Application and Renewal Fees and Period Covered ӹӹ Reciprocity Agreements IF YOU NEED INFORMATION ON CONTRACTORS’ LICENSING IN OTHER STATES... YOU NEED A COPY OF THE CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSING INFORMATION DIRECTORY!
The 2012 edition identifies over 170 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 note will not be shipped until March 2012.
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 _________________________________________________________________ 7
Discover
NASCLA Calendar of Events
Important Dates! April 24-27, 2012 NASCLA Mid Year Meeting DoubleTree Orlando Hotel at SeaWorld Orlando, Florida
The Mid Year Meeting is designed as a planning oriented session for NASCLA’s Board of Directors, Committee Members and State Members.
May 22-23, 2012 NASCLA Budgeting Meeting The Montelucia Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona
September 30-October 4, 2012 NASCLA 2012 Annual Conference Sunriver Resort Bend, Oregon
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.
NASCLA’s Executive Committee, Fiscal Policies and Procedures Committee, NASCLA Educational Resources and Publications (NERP) Board of Directors and NASCLA Publications, Inc. (NPI) Board of Directors will meet to review the interim financials and prepare the NASCLA, NERP and NPI forecasted budgets for the fiscal year 2012/2013.
May 24, 2012 NASCLA Executive Commitee, NASCLA Educational Resources and Publications (NERP) Board of Directors and NASCLA Publications, Inc. (NPI) Board of Directors Business Meeting The Montelucia Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona
Bend, Oregon
June 28, 2012 NASCLA Executive Committee & NASCLA Board of Directors Conference Call
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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.
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
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