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| May 20, 2011- Volume 3 - 10 |
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 ABC SEEKS LEAN CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCED MEMBERS |
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Have you constructed or designed a project (or a portion of a project) using Lean Construction? If so, ABC of Michigan could use your help.
We are working on an article on Lean Construction and looking for members to interview for the piece. The interview would be done via phone or internet and consist of just a few questions. Click
here to email your contact information and our writer will call or email you.
Thank you, members, for your help with this and for all you do for ABC and the Merit Shop Construction Industry in Michigan!
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| MEMBERSHIP SURVEY |
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Last Week's Survey Results...
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ABC of Michigan wants to know...
When do you anticipate your company will recover from the economic downturn?
Click here to give your answer
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ABC PRAISES SENATE ACTION ON NEW TAX PLAN |
Construction contractors across Michigan are cheering today's action by the Michigan Senate to pass Gov. Rick Snyder's tax reform plan and move another step closer to rejuvenating jobs in the construction industry and other industries across the state. The tax reform is key to turning Michigan's economy around. More
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PARTICIPATE IN MIOSHA's "TAKE A STAND DAY" |
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Participate in MIOSHA's seventh annual "Take a Stand Day" for workplace safety and health on Wednesday, June 8, 2011.
On this day more than 125 professional field staff will visit Michigan high-hazard industries targeted by the MIOSHA Strategic Plan. More
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REPORT POTHOLES TO THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION |
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The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has posted a new educational video on its YouTube channel showing how potholes form and ways the public can notify MDOT about potholes on state trunklines. The video, "Reporting Potholes," is now playing at www.youtube.com/MichiganDOT. More
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President Barack Obama could be close to signing an Executive Order that would curtail freedom of speech rights for businesses and corporations doing work with the federal government. The Executive Order would force all American companies bidding for federal contracts to disclose their political spending in excess of $5,000, as well as personal contributions made by their officers and directors. More
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seen in Merit Minute!
Call ABC MI today to learn how you can advertise your company statewide using Merit Minute.
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230 N. Washington Square
Suite 202
Lansing, MI 48933
Ph. (517) 853-2545 Fax: (517) 853-2546 |
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About ABC of Michigan
Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan is a statewide trade association, working in partnership with four local chapters, dedicated to providing Michigan with high-quality, affordable, safe and on-time construction. ABC of Michigan is an equal opportunity organization that opposes all discrimination in the construction industry including discrimination based on union affiliation. A leading construction industry voice with state government, ABC provides many member services including legislative advocacy, networking opportunities, member benefits, legal updates, business development and educational opportunities.
| | ABC PRAISES SENATE ACTION ON NEW TAX PLAN |
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Construction contractors across Michigan are cheering today's action by the Michigan Senate to pass Gov. Rick Snyder's tax reform plan and move another step closer to rejuvenating jobs in the construction industry and other industries across the state. The tax reform is key to turning Michigan's economy around.
"With more than 82,000 jobs lost in our industry alone, our diverse membership is eager to see the new tax structure enacted," says Chris Fisher, president of ABC of Michigan. "We're pleased that our legislative leaders understand the role we play in creating jobs and are willing to support positive change. When our firms grow, the state budget is the beneficiary. We pay more in payroll taxes and there are more jobs for people in local communities."
The reform package will create a 6 percent flat tax on C-corporations and will exempt many small businesses. ABC says it will fix Michigan's long-broken tax system and help clear away uncertainty for businesses that have put hiring and expansions on hold.
"The current tax structure has discouraged growth by increasing taxes on Michigan construction firms," he stressed. "Companies have been hesitant to hire employees in recent years because of the negative climate and the uncertainty about future tax costs."
A statewide survey of ABC member firms showed unanimous support for the governor's plan, with 77 percent of contractors indicating it would allow them to save or protect jobs.
ABC of Michigan is a statewide trade association representing the commercial and industrial construction industries, dedicated to open competition, equal opportunity and accountability in publicly funded construction projects.
Click here to return to top of Merit Minute.
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| PARTICIPATE IN MIOSHA's "TAKE A STAND DAY" |
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Participate in MIOSHA's seventh annual "Take a Stand Day" for workplace safety and health on Wednesday, June 8, 2011.
On this day more than 125 professional field staff will visit Michigan high-hazard industries targeted by the MIOSHA Strategic Plan. MIOSHA safety and health professionals-including compliance staff, outreach consultants, managers, and supervisors, will be scheduled on "Take a Stand Day" to provide one-on-one consultations. There will be no CITATIONS or FINES for participating workplaces. However, participants must agree to correct all serious conditions.
To schedule a visit from MIOSHA field staff on "Take a Stand Day," please contact the Consultation Education & Training (CET) Division at (517) 322-1809 or (800) 866-4674, or visit our website at www.michigan.gov/mioshatasd.
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| REPORT POTHOLES TO THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION |
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The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has posted a new educational video on its YouTube channel showing how potholes form and ways the public can notify MDOT about potholes on state trunklines. The video, "Reporting Potholes," is now playing at www.youtube.com/MichiganDOT.
"The cycle of rising and falling temperatures this time of year causes more and more potholes on Michigan roadways," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "This video will give the public a better understanding of potholes and how they can alert MDOT crews to problem areas. Patching potholes is not a permanent fix, but it does give everyone a smoother and safer drive."
To report a pothole on state trunklines, go to the MDOT Web site at www.michigan.gov/mdot. Click on the "Report Potholes" icon in the bottom right corner of the page and fill out the online form, including all sections, with as much detailed information as possible. State trunkline highways typically carry M, I or US designations.
For up-to-date information on MDOT projects, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive.
Click here to return to top of Merit Minute.
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ABC ACTION ALERT
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President Barack Obama could be close to signing an Executive Order that would curtail freedom of speech rights for businesses and corporations doing work with the federal government. The Executive Order would force all American companies bidding for federal contracts to disclose their political spending in excess of $5,000, as well as personal contributions made by their officers and directors. It also attempts to silence the voices of the business community, while allowing unions to retain their influence in the political process by not requiring unions to disclose their substantial political spending.
On January 21, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (FEC). The Court's decision restored First Amendment free speech rights to all businesses and trade associations, which allows them to engage in independent expenditures advocating for the election or defeat of a federal candidate (express advocacy) and electioneering communications in connection with federal elections.
In response, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Rep. Chris Van Hollen and former Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Sen. Charles Schumer introduced the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act. Fortunately, this bill failed to pass Congress last year.
The President's draft Executive Order is an attempt to implement provisions of the DISCLOSE Act under the guise of federal regulations. Congress ensured our freedom of speech was protected by defeating this legislation. Don't let the President usurp the will of the people with an Executive Order.
TAKE ACTION by telling the President not to inject politics into the federal government contracting process. Political advocacy is protected by the first amendment and the federal government does not have the right to use this information in determining which companies are awarded taxpayer-funded projects.
Click here to return to top of Merit Minute.
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