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230 N. Washington Sq.
Suite 202
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: (517) 853-2545
Fax: (517) 853-2546
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ABC of Michigan Works on Skilled Trades Education at National Governors Association Conference
This week, ABC of Michigan was part of the conversation at the National Governors Association (NGA) conference on skilled trades education. ABC of Michigan President Chris Fisher was invited by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's staff to help provide the construction industry's perspective on career training and workforce development.
As the only business representative from Michigan, ABC was selected due to its continuing efforts to support vocational and Career and Technical Education opportunities for Michigan students. ABC of Michigan has been a leader in working to modify Michigan's graduation requirements to provide students with greater flexibility to pursue CTE opportunities. ABC of Michigan's chapter craft training opportunities also provide employers with a highly-skilled and career-ready workforce.
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, chair of the NGA, has made workforce development partnerships a primary initiative of her tenure as chair. ABC of Michigan's involvement in this conference benefits the construction industry because, despite the nation's growing shortage of skilled construction craft professionals, construction training does not appear to be included in Gov. Fallin's initiative.
ABC's Mike Glavin notes that "simple research into data provided by the federal government's CareerOneStop shows that 7 out of the top 10 fastest growing occupations that require a high school degree for entry are in the construction industry. The fastest growing occupation that requires some post-secondary training is also in construction. Without a significant focus on creating robust construction training programs, there will be a shortfall of skilled craftspeople to fill this demand."
For more information on ABC's commitment to a well-trained workforce, contact ABC of Michigan President Chris Fisher.
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Linda Vos-Graham Inducted Into Michigan Construction Hall of Fame
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Linda Vos-Graham
President
Vos Glass
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On October 24, the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame inducted five new members. ABC Western Michigan Chapter member Linda Vos-Graham was honored as one of the first women to be inducted.
Under Vos-Graham, president of Vos Glass, Inc., of Grand Rapids, her company has doubled in size, employing nearly 60 people and has annual sales in excess of $10 million. Vos Glass, Inc. is a frequent provider of glass features for West Michigan's most outstanding building projects, including an art installation for Grand Rapids' 2013 ArtPrize and the glass for notable local buildings including the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and the Van Andel Institute.
The Grand Rapids Business Journal has twice named Vos-Graham one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan. Vos-Graham leads both her company and her industry, as the founding president of the Michigan Glass Association and the first female president of the American Subcontractors Association of Michigan. As president of the Michigan Glass Association, Vos-Graham worked to enact legislation banning insurance companies from restricting customer choice for auto glass repair.
Vos-Graham thanked ABC for the nomination and the selection board for the honor, noted that her accomplishments would not have been possible without successful collaboration with others, and encouraged others to become involved in the rewarding, competitive world of construction: "I hope that seeing a woman on the Hall of Fame wall with such other distinguished construction professionals inspires others, particularly other women, to consider the profession. I believe they will find it as interesting and rewarding as I do."
Michigan Construction Hall of Fame inductees are chosen based on nominees' technical, managerial and leadership achievements within construction and related industries, as well as service to the profession and community.
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Workers Compensation Premiums Expected to Drop
Michigan should see a 21 percent drop in overall workers compensation insurance premiums since a 2011 law was authored by State Rep. Brad Jacobsen (R-Oxford).
The legislation was passed at the time to clarify the definitions of "personal injury" and other terms in Michigan's 100-year-old workers compensation law. "Some had feared that passage of the legislation would lower the standard of care for injured workers, but quite the opposite has happened," Jacobsen said. "Michigan has maintained a very high standard of care for those who are hurt while at work."
Jacobsen stated that the law is having a positive impact on job providers, and that he is "pleased to be able to see the measurable change the law has made since being implemented."
The premiums for workers' compensation are expected to continue to decrease at a rate of 8.3 percent in 2014 for a total of 21 percent.
Statistics were provided by Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
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Federal Legislative Update: Controversial NLRB Appointee and Extension for OSHA Silica Rule Comments
OSHA Silica Rule Comment Deadline Extension
On Oct. 25, OSHA announced that the deadline for public comment on OSHA's proposed crystalline silica rulemaking, was extended to Jan. 27, 2014. More than 25 business organizations, including ABC, the Construction Industry Safety Coalition and others in the industry, requested additional time for stakeholders to appropriately analyze OSHA's proposal, develop useful data and provide meaningful feedback. In addition, OSHA extended the deadline to submit notices of intention to appear at public hearings, to Dec. 12, and postponed the public hearings to March 18, 2014. Read more about this rulemaking and how it will affect ABC members here.
US Senate Confirms Griffin for NLRB General Counsel
In a 55-44 vote, the U.S. Senate Oct. 29 confirmed Richard Griffin to serve a four-year term as the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) general counsel, despite opposition from Senate Republicans and the ABC-led Coalition for a Democratic Workplace (CDW). CDW opposed Griffin's nomination on the grounds that he accepted the unlawful 2012 appointment and then failed to show restraint in the wake of subsequent legal challenges. The coalition argued that Griffin's actions in turn "imposed and continue to impose real costs and additional layers of litigation on employers and other parties involved in NLRB actions."
Griffin, former general counsel of the International Union of Operating Engineers and controversially "recess" appointed NLRB member, will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting unfair labor practice cases against employers and unions, supervising the board's field offices and issuing enforcement policies on a range of workplace labor issues.
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New Toolkit for ABC Members
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Editor's Note: Correction
In the October 24, 2013 Merit Minute sent to subscribers, the story on Dan Vos Construction Company's Michigan Contractor of the Year award inadvertently referred to Dan Vos Contruction Company as a subcontractor rather than as a contractor, and failed to note that the award was for 2013-2014. We apologize for these errors.
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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.
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