August 12, 2009

 
 
 
E-NEWS
 

Quote of the week

"I want to share something with you: The three little sentences that will get you through life. Number 1: Cover for me. Number 2: Oh, good idea, Boss! Number 3: It was like that when I got here."
                                                   - Matt Groening
 
 
 


 John KillinPresident's Corner 
 
Dear ABC Member;
 
We would like to pay tribute to a long time ABC member, Steve Alan Konell who recently passed away after a battle with cancer
 
ABC PNW will be making a donation in his honor to the American Cancer Society of America. If you would like to do the same the information is listed below.
 
American Cancer Society
0330 S.W. Curry St.
Portland, 97239
 
or to the Oregon Humane Society
P.O. Box 11364,
Portland, 97211-0364.
 
Please take a moment to read his obituary below.
 
- John 
 
 
Steve Alan Konell
Nov. 7, 1955-July 31, 2009

 
Former Welches resident Steve Alan Konell, 53, died Friday, July 31, at his home in Troutdale after a battle with cancer.
 
Steve was born Nov. 7, 1955, in Portland to Russell and LuRee Konell. Steve began his schooling at Lynch and Marysville grade schools. The family moved to Welches when Steve was 9 years old and he graduated from Sandy High School, where he played basketball and football. He then attended Clackamas Community College, studying forestry and playing basketball.
 
After college, Steve worked for Don Obrist Excavating for 10 years before starting Konell Construction. Since 1981, Steve had been the owner and president of the Sandy-based company, which is known for its environmentally friendly construction practices. Konell Construction has been involved with the construction of residential and commercial projects in the Sandy, Gresham and Troutdale areas. Its projects included the Sandy High School baseball fields, Sandy Historical Museum, Sandy Market Place, the Mount Hood Forest Service building, Mt. Hood Industrial Park, Wasson Brothers Winery, Suburban Ford and Chevrolet and Janz Berryland. The company has won many awards for green building, and its company motto was "Using the Past to Build the Future."
 
Under Steve, Konell also supported numerous organizations and events including Music in Meinig, Sandy High School, Sandy Kiwanis, Sandy Softball, the Sandy Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Sandy Future Farmers of America, the Special Olympics of Oregon, Oregon Food Bank, Union Gospel Mission and the YMCA. It also sponsored ski teams, moto-cross, golf tournaments and overseas missions.
 
Steve enjoyed nature and the outdoors and traveling. He had a passion for motorcycle racing, which he began at age 6, and for bow hunting, fishing, playing basketball, NASCAR, his Harley and snowmobiling. His theory was to forget the schedule because he had his own time frame and agenda. He was divorced.
 
Survivors include his son, Kyle Konell; daughter, Karha Konell; father, Russell Konell; mother, LuRee Vaughn; brothers, Jack Konell, Mitch Konell and Jeff Konell; and sister, Ronda Kapule.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 0330 S.W. Curry St., Portland, 97239; or to the Oregon Humane Society, P.O. Box 11364, Portland, 97211-0364. Sandy Funeral Home is handling arrangements

 
C. Herren E-Verify Deadline Set for September 8, 2009

 
E-Verify was originally scheduled to go into effect in January. Then June. And now the deadline has been set for September 8 - this time, the deadline appears to be final. 
 
On that date, federal contractors will be required to start using E-Verify, an Internet-based system that electronically verifies an employee's eligibility to work in the United States. Even if you're not a federal contractor, the government is recommending that all employers use E-Verify, and many states already have their own laws requiring employers to use it. Many employers, however, feel that E-Verify is flawed and supplies incorrect data too often. (One big company says it found mistakes a full 13 percent of the time.) There are also complaints that it's prone to fraud; there is no check on illegal immigrants who are using stolen Social Security numbers.
 
To make matters even worse, Homeland Security has started turbo- charging its audits of employers' records, and federal immigration agents have new guidelines for pursuing employers - not illegal workers - in their investigations.
 
For more information on E-Verify, click here to visit the Department of Homeland Security Webpage.
 
~Christina Herren
  Director of Finance and HR
2009 ABC Golf Tournament is One Week Away!

 
Registration for the 2009 ABC Golf Tournament today.
 
Join us August 19, 2009 7:30am at Langdon Farms for a day of fun, prizes and friendly competition.
 
Please click here to download a registration form.
 
For more information on sponsorship/registration contact: Laurie Kendall -  503.726.5440, lkendall@abcpnw.org
Oregon Enhances E-Permitting Services
 
New software makes buying permits online even easier for contractors
 
You can view or update your subscriptions, password or e-mail address at any time on your User Profile Page. All you will need are your e-mail address and your password (if you selected one).
 
This service is provided to you at no charge by Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Building Codes Division. Visit us on the web at http://bcd.oregon.gov  


P.S. If you have any questions or problems e-mail
support@govdelivery.com for assistance. 
Call for Contractors Involved in LEED Projects
 
The ABC green  Council is calling for any contractor members involved in LEED projects. If you are involved in a LEED Project please contatc Cindy Regier,
cregier@abcpnw.org
The Ninth Annual CFMA Pitch N' Putt Golf Tournament is September 10, 2009

The tournament will be at Eagle Landing Golf Course. Proceeds go to the CFMA Portland Chapter. Registration includes 18 holes of golf, dinner, gifts and prizes. If you don't have a foursome, register individually and we will assemble a team for you.
 
Click here to register online. http://www.cfma-portland.org/  
 
If you have questions please contact Jim Grabski (503) 978-0800,
jim.grabski@jedunn-nw.com
 
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.
 
 
Upcoming Events
 
August
August 12- CPR Recertification - Sunbelt Rentals, 4-6:00pm
August 19- Annual Golf Tournament - Langdon Farms, 7:30am
 
September
September 12 CPR First Aid Class - Sunbelt Rentals, 8am-1:30pm
September 16 Forklift Recertification - Sunbelt Rentals, 4pm-6pm
 
Quick Links
 Northwest College of Construction -
 
STEP Program Application -
 http://www.abcpnw.org/Safety/STEP.aspx
 
 More about ABC at -
The ABC Green Council
Is having their next meeting
 Wednesday Sept. 16 at 
3:00pm.
 They're currently developing events and educational seminars.
 If you would like to attend please come by our offices at
3:00pm on Sept. 16th.  
 
ABC PNW
8625 SW Cascade Ave.
Suite 100
Beaverton, OR 97008
 
If you would like more information on the ABC Green Council please contact Cindy Regier: cregier@abcpnw.org   or visit our website www.abcpnw.org and click on the Green Council link.
 
 
Liberty Northwest logo
 
Preventing Strains and Sprains
 
These safety tips will help you apply general material-handling rules for your employees.
To use these tips in your safety meetings, just follow these three simple steps:
 
1. Identify a task involving material handling (lifting, pushing, carrying, setting down, etc.).
 
2. Break the task down into its most basic steps. What does the worker do?
(Example: lift a case from a truck bed, then turn and carry it inside a building and set it down.)
 
3. Next, apply the appropriate lifting principles as shown below:
Pre-Lift Tips
 
� Determine the weight of the load to be lifted or carried.
 
� Are you able to do it alone? Will you need help or mechanical assistance?
 
� Is the size/shape of the load any problem?
 
� Will you have to turn/change direction while carrying it?
 
� Is your route clear of obstructions and slip, trip or fall hazards?
Tips When Carrying
 
� Look ahead to ensure the way is clear.
 
� Set the load down if it gets too heavy or unstable.
� Avoid stairs if possible. If not, use a banister or wall to help you maintain balance.
 
� Have someone open doors, gates and such for you.
 
� Keep your shoulders, hips and feet pointing the same direction.
 
� Never twist at the waist.
Lifting From a Shelf, Desk and Such
 
� Pull the load close to your body and test it for weight.
 
� Shift its weight to your legs by keeping the load close.
 
� Avoid reaching and lifting at the same time.
Setting Loads Down
 
� Bend your knees, not your waist.
 
� First set down the corner/edge closest to you; don't put your fingers under the load.
Moving Carts, Hanging Loads
 
� Remember to push, not pull, whenever possible.
 
� Position the load so your legs supply the force.
 
� Use hands and arms for controlling and directing the load.
 
� Keep hands and fingers inside the load whenever possible.
 
� Watch for pinch or shear points on carts, dollies and hoists.
 
If you would like more information or have safety-related questions, contact your local Liberty Northwest loss prevention consultant or call our loss prevention consulting center at 866-761-2141.


Contact Information
 
Director of Member Services
Laurie Kendall
503.726.5440