| Quick Links | |
|
|
Contact ABC | |
230 N. Washington Sq.
Suite 202
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 853-2545
Fax: (517) 853-2546
|
|
Register Today for the 2013 ABC of Michigan State Legislative Day!
Look for the 2013 ABC of Michigan State Legislative Day Registration flyer that's hitting your mailbox this week! The conference is just over a month away - don't miss the opportunity to participate this year.
One-on-one meetings have been scheduled with your legislators in their Lansing offices during the conference on April 24, 2013. You are the voice of our industry to your legislator. In these meetings you will have their ear and their attention; we can't afford to waste this opportunity. This is when it is crucial for ABC members to do their part by coming to Lansing and standing up for the Merit Shop.
As we all know, what happens in Lansing has a major impact on our businesses. Over the past 2 years ABC passed the most comprehensive anti-union-only PLA law in the nation, twice. It was these same legislator/constituent meetings that made a crucial difference in garnering the needed votes to eliminate PLAs in Michigan.
2013 presents an excellent opportunity for us to repeal Prevailing Wage so it is critical that we meet with our legislators now to "hold their feet to the fire" as they prepare to vote on this legislation. The House Republicans even stated that Prevailing Wage repeal is a top priority for them this year.
Great things happen when ABC members pull in the same direction and fight together on behalf of the free enterprise philosophy of the Merit Shop. The best way to do this is by attending the 2013 ABC of Michigan State Legislative and Lobby Day to help us change the business climate in the state.
This is also an excellent opportunity for you to send key staff to help them understand the importance of ABC and the legislative process to your business. This year we are offering a special table price for members desiring to bring several employees or colleagues. In addition we have sponsorship opportunities available to allow you to showcase your company to the membership across the state and to allow us to offer conference registration at a discounted rate.
We are counting on you to help us take a stand and make a difference! SPONSOR OR REGISTER TODAY!
|
|
|
ABC Pushes Improved Graduation Standards for Michigan Students
Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan (ABC)joined Representatives Joel Johnson (R-Clare), Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan), Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton), and Peter Pettalia (R-Presque Isle) at the Jackson Area Career Center to announce a bi-partisan effort to amend Michigan's high school graduation requirements to be more flexible to include career-ready skilled trades and vocational training educational options.
"Improving the Michigan Merit Curriculum to better include options for vocational training and other career paths is a key element to the success of Michigan's students and future workforce," stated Chris Fisher, president of ABC. "Currently, Michigan's education system does a great job at preparing students for college, but lacks in providing the same and equally important opportunities for rigorous vocational, skilled trades, and technical training. Michigan needs to do better."
House Bills 4465 and 4466 would allow for certain skilled trades classes and more opportunities for a personalized curriculum developed by the student, parents, teacher and school district to meet the student's specific needs.
"As the demand for highly paid and skilled construction workers increases in Michigan, part of ABC's mission is to train tomorrow's workforce to be skilled, motivated, and successful craft professionals," explained Fisher. "This legislation finally removes the one-size-fits-all approach by allowing students to pursue career opportunities in the building and construction trades that lead to good jobs Michigan employers are eager to fill." |
|
| Snyder: Michigan Ranks No. 4 for Major New Corporate Facilities and Expansions | |
Site Selection magazine has named Michigan the No. 4 state for major new corporate facilities and expansions in 2012, Gov. Rick Snyder announced.
"Once again, the nation is taking notice of the bold reforms now driving Michigan forward. More companies are choosing to grow their futures in Michigan and that is reinforcing our well-earned reputation as America's comeback state," Snyder said. "The best way to boost our state's economy and improve the quality of life for all is to create an environment that encourages business investment, job growth and innovation."
Site Selection(www.siteselection.com), a global business publication, verified 337 projects in Michigan that met capital investment, job-creation or size standards as part of its annual Governor's Cup ranking. This year, Michigan finished behind first-place Texas, second-place Ohio and third-place Pennsylvania. Rounding out the top 10 were Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.
Major new corporate projects for Michigan in 2012 included expansions by leading automotive suppliers MAHLE (Farmington Hills), Brose (New Boston, Auburn Hills and Warren), and Dart Container's headquarters expansion (Mason); General Motors' new innovation center (Warren), Magna Sealing and Glass Systems (Holland Charter Township) and Hark Orchids' new propagation facility (Kalamazoo), the company's first global expansion outside of Germany.
"This recognition sends a message around the world that Michigan's highly competitive business climate and tremendous workforce capabilities make our state a top location for new corporate expansions," said Michigan Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Michael A. Finney. "In the last two years, we have greatly improved Michigan's business climate and infrastructure, making it easier for businesses to find new paths to prosperity, and our changes are paying off."
Site Selection awards the Governor's Cup each year to the governor of the state with the highest number of qualified capital investment projects the previous calendar year. The publication's proprietary New Plant database is populated with private-sector projects that meet one or more of these criteria: an investment of at least $1 million, creation of 50 or more new jobs or construction of new space of at least 20,000 square feet.
Site Selection magazine provides expansion planning information to 44,000 executives of fast-growing firms in 117 countries. The Governor's Cup rankings are available online at http://www.siteselection.com/issues/2013/mar/cover.cfm. |
|
|
|
|
Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan is a statewide trade association, working in partnership with three 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. |
|
|
|
