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E-NEWS
January 28, 2009

Groucho Marx Quote of the Week 

 
"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."
 
- Groucho Marx



 
Depressed Business Man
Space is Limited! Come Learn About the "Employee Free Choice Act"
 
With the results of the November elections, passage of the Employee Free Choice Act 
(EFCA) has become more likely. President Obama continues to promise he will sign EFCA into law. This will affect your business from forced contracts and mandatory arbitration to the elimination of secret ballots. Bottom line - The way you work with your employees will change
 
The best thing you can do is get informed.
 
Join the Employee Free Choice Act Workshop 
(Hosted by ABC) 
Thursday, February 12, 2009
8:00am, ABC Offices
8625 SW Cascade Ave., Ste. 100
Beaverton, OR 97008
 
Space is limited. Please contact Laurie Kendall at 503.598.0522 or lkendall@abcpnw.org  to reserve your spot. Workshop is FREE to ABC members.
 John KillinPresident's Corner 
 
Obama Taps Liebman To Head NLRB
 
 
President Barack Obama has designated longtime National Labor Relations Board member Wilma Liebman, who previously served on the legal staffs of two unions and dissented from the board's rulings in controversial matters such as the Dana Corp./Metaldyne case, to serve as NLRB chairwoman.
 
"The paybacks from the election have started.  Score is one to nothing, favor of the union and it is still serving. Wilma Liebman is the most liberal person that has served on the board since I started practice. Given the fact that there are three vacancies in the 5 person board, we can expect a very liberal pro union board that will reverse most of the Bush board precedents and also erode long standing principles as well.  Unfortunately we do not have an Oregon or Washington Senator to lobby [on this appointment]." - As said by Tom Triplet an attorney with Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt...
 
This is not a time to throw your hands up and walk away. Now more than ever, we have to find a common voice to make sure the merit philosophy is heard so your businesses have a fighting chance.

John Killin
New ABC Green Council - Volunteers Needed!
 
ABC is requesting members volunteer to be a part of the new Associated Builders and Contractors Green Council. This council is to advance ABC members' abilities to support their customers and thrive in the green building industry.
We will achieve this by...
    -   Providing education and resources for our members and chapters.
    -   Advocating for smart energy policies and legislation that supports our members.
    -   Establishing partnerships and working with construction owners to champion green initiatives that are inclusive for our members. 
    -   Developing and communication the best practices to our members and chapters to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and promote eco-friendly culture throughout the association.
For more information or to sign up please contact Cindy Regier at (503)598.0522 or cregier@abcpnw.org.

2009 STEP Applications Now Available  
 
ABC's Safety Training & Evaluation Program (STEP) is written by contractors, for contractors, as a tool to evaluate current safety management practices and to establish benchmarks that allow a company to measure the effectiveness of its' safety management programs, policies and procedures.

The STEP Program:
  • Provides firms with an organized approach to analyze and further develop safety and loss prevention programs
  • Provides a valid, objective method to measure safety program improvements
  • Provides firms with safety performance recognition that can be used as an important business development tool with clients

To view and download an application visit our website. Completed applications are due in March.

2009 ABC-PNW "Events-at-a-Glance" Calendar Available
 
Want to check out what's coming down the road at ABC this year? You can view and download our Events Calendar now. Dates are subject to change, so be sure to check our website for updates!
 
Visit our Newsroom to view the calendar.
Northwest College of Construction

ABC members
get 50% off
their tuition
at the
Northwest
College
of
Construction.
For more information
Visit their web page at
www.nwcoc.com.
SAFETY TIP
 
Preventing Accidents While Tarping Loads 
 
 
Accident prevention tips:
 
· Tarps should be stored out of the weather to decrease the chances of becoming wet or icy.
 
 · Never lift a tarp. Have a forklift place the tarp on top of the load. If this is not an option, use a ladder for support as you roll the tarp to the top of the load.
 
 · Always use a ladder to access the load.
 
 · When possible, all tarping should be performed by two workers, especially if the
tarps are wet.
 
· Never walk on a load; always crawl. The wrapping material around the product can be very slippery and have unmarked holes.
 
 · Always wear the proper footwear. It should have adequate tread to provide
traction. Leather-soled boots or shoes are not acceptable.
 
· If at all possible, do not tarp in windy conditions.
 
Safety Tip brought to you by Liberty Northwest Insurance

Liberty Northwest logo
Upcoming Events
 
January
 
January 28-29 - Oregon Sustainable Building Expo - Oregon Convention Center 
 
February 
 
February 12 - Employee Free Choice Act Workshop - ABC Offices, 8:00am 
February 18 - First Aid Recertification - Sunbelt Rentals, 4-6pm 
 
March
 
March 14 - CPR/First Aid Class at Sunbelt Rentals, 8:00am - 1:30pm
March 18 - Aerial Lift Recertification - Sunbelt Rentals, 4:00 - 6:00pm
March 19 - ABC Connections - Macadams Bar and Grill, 4:00 - 6:00pm
Quick Links
Northwest College of Construction - www.nwcoc.com
 
Contact Information
Director of Member Services
Laurie Kendall
503.598.0522