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February 28, 2013 

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The Latest News from CAM - The Construction Association of Michigan

CAM Inducts New Chairman and Three New Members to its Board of Directors

Construction Activity Index Update - Internal Business Conditions and Outlook Strengthen in December

CAM Labor Program Presents "Right to Work" Breakfast Symposium

CAM 62nd Annual Doubles Classic Tournament Recap

CAMSAFETY Tool Box Talk - Lockout / Tagout

AIA Michigan Searches for Executive Director

Detroit Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Event - April 5th

CAMTEC Class Offerings for March 2013

William E. Korte Passes Away

European Pheasant Hunt - A Few Spaces Remain

MISS DIG Damage Prevention Council Spring Excavation Safety Seminars

Mark Your Calendar for FUN! CAM's 2013 Social Outings

NewBoardCAM Inducts New Chairman and Three New Members to its Board of Directors 
  

At the 127th CAM Annual Meeting, held February 6th at MotorCity Casino Hotel, the association's new officers and directors who will serve on the 2013 Board of Directors were installed. CAM's New Chairman of the Board is Gregory Andrzejewski of PPG Industries. Greg has 38 years of experience in the construction industry, the last 19 of which have been as a sales representative at PPG Industries in Southfield, a supplier of commercial and industrial coatings. He is actively involved at CAM and has served on the CAM Golf Committee, the CAM Bowling Committee (previous Chairman and Vice Chairman), and the CAM Doubles Tournament Committee. Greg most recently served as Treasurer on CAM's 2012 Board of Directors.

 

CAM's newly elected Vice Chairmen are Kevin French of Poncraft Door Company and Kurt Von Koss of Beaver Tile and Stone. CAM's incoming Treasurer is Eric Steck of Amalio Corporation.

  

Each year three directors retire from CAM's Board, and three new directors are elected by the CAM Membership. The 2013 newly elected directors are: Joe Palazzolo of Detroit Spectrum Painters, Inc.; John Rieckhoff of the C.L. Rieckhoff Company; and Kevin Ryan of Farbman Group/Huntington Construction. Retiring after four years of service to CAM's Board are Vice Chairman James Brennan of Walbridge; Vice Chairman Don Purdie, Jr. of Detroit Elevator Company; and outgoing 2012 Chairman Frank Nehr, Jr., of Davis Iron Works, Inc.

 

 

The other current members of the CAM Board of Directors are: Larry Brinker, Jr. of The Brinker Group; Todd Hill of Venton, Inc.; Stephen Hohenshil of Glasco Corp.; Mary Marble of Marble Mechanical, LLC; and Donielle Wunderlich of the George W. Auch Company.

CAIFebConstruction Activity Index Update - Internal Business Conditions and Outlook Strengthen in December

Construction Activity Index  

 

In-house business conditions improved again in December 2012, according to the early January 2013 Construction Activity Index (CAI) survey of its membership by CAM. The all variables index, a composite measure of the five aspects of internal business conditions the survey queries, recorded its second increase in a row climbing to a level of 56 in December, it highest level since August 2012. This follows a substantial decline from August to October, related to the uncertainty of the election and the impending Fiscal Cliff event. That is when requests for bids published by CAM's News Department declined 46 percent; the projects bid index plunged 55 percent; and the project awards index sank 52 percent. With the Fiscal Cliff avoided and the election complete, respondents' opinions signified that in-house business conditions have started to show signs of picking-up in December. On the revenue side of contractors' operations, the projects bid index jumped to 53.6 in December from 36.8 in November, and the project awards index climbed to 48.2 from 36.8. The pick-up in activity was alsoaided by a lessening in wariness about costs as the material prices index declined to 73.2 in December from 81.6 in November and labor rates index fell to 55.4 from 61.9. Also, requests for bids published by CAM's News Department were 7.5 percent higher in December than one year earlier, and up 9.7 percent in January.

 

To read the complete CAI update, complete with charts, please click here. The monthly CAI update is provided by CAM's consulting economist, Hartland-based Don Wilson.

RighttoWorkCAM Labor Program Presents "Right to Work" Breakfast Symposium   

 

On Thursday, February 21, 2013, the CAM Labor Program held a "Right to Work" Breakfast Symposium at the VisTaTech Center in Livonia. Attended by over 230 people, the event was sponsored by the CAM Labor Relations Program, Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, and MUST (Management & Unions Serving Together). The symposium addressed the impact of the 'Freedom to Work' law on union construction.

 

Michigan has become the 24th state in the union to have a law barring workers with unionized employers from having to pay union dues or a fee. These bills exempt police and fire, however it will impact all other union shops. The law becomes effective in the last week of March 2013.

 

The panelists included John Tesija, Esq., Partner, Novara Tesija, PC - Labor Counsel; Donald Scharg, Esq., Member, Bodman, PLC - Employer Counsel; Patrick Devlin, Secretery-Treasurer, Michigan Building Trades Council - Building Trades; and was moderated by James Statham, Esq., Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services.

 

More than 50 signatory contractors and representatives from all 15 building trades unions, seven construction associations, and many employers were in attendance.

 

Mr. Scharg presented the basic 'nuts & bolts' of the new law, followed by a presentation by Mr. Tesija addressing pension withdrawal liability and Freedom to Work grandfather issues. Mr. Devlin spoke on the legislative process and pointed out some flaws in the law that lawmakers are only now realizing; such as, that unions can unilaterally disclaim an employer's bargaining unit and thereby trigger withdrawal liability upon the Employer. All panelists agreed that the law is not a 'win' for the unions or their signatory contractors. The importance of contractors, unions, and employees working cooperatively to preserve market share was a common concern expressed throughout the morning.

 

After the presentations, Mr. Statham fielded dozens of questions from the audience. Overall, the event provided a very informative and balanced labor/management forum for the unionized construction industry that should assist bargaining parties as they move into the final weeks of negotiations prior to the effective date of the new law.   Mr. Baker, CAM Director of Labor Relations, indicated that program will be made available on the CAM website.

BowlingCAM 62nd Annual Doubles Classic Tournament Recap

 

 

Congratulations go out to Ron McAuliffe and Jeff Perrin, representing Clean Air Technology of Canton, for winning the 62nd Annual CAM Men's Doubles Classic with a score of 1440. This year Ron and Jeff beat a field of 360 and won the tournament by 87 pins.

 

This annual event was held on February 23rd at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park. Bowlers began checking in for lane assignments at 10:30 a.m.

 

Competition in this tournament was guided by each participant's highest USBC Average, as listed in the 2011-2012 Yearbook. Each team received a handicap of 100% of the difference from 400. The prize check ratio this year was 1-4, with low in the money at 1254. Each team was also given one deck of playing cards, compliments of the CAM Doubles Committee.

 

This year's tournament highlights included two High Games of 299. Each by Tom Joseph, bowling with Diversified Construction, and Scott McClue who bowls in the CAM Evening League at Astro Lanes in Madison Heights. Scott also rolled the Tournament High Series of 818 on games of 253-299-266. Close behind Scott was Paul Szumny, also with Clean Air Technology, with a 781 series and Tom Joseph's 780.

 

Tournament bowling began promptly at Noon and was followed by a buffet dinnerin the Thunderbowl dining hall. Later, Tournament Director Ron Mitzel, of The Mitzel Agency, began the awards ceremony and the door prize drawings. Mitzel expressed his deep thanks to all of the companies that donated a total of 88 door prizes to the event. The donated prizes are always a highlight of this tournament, and because of the support of the members that donate each year, help makes the tournament a success. At the conclusion of the day's events all registered bowlers were invited to stay and join a variety of card games. 

 

In addition to Tournament Director Ron Mitzel, the Doubles Classic Committee includes: Chairman, John Giannotta; Vice Chairman Greg Andrzejeski; Treasurer, Kevin Koehler; Secretary, Ron Riegel; and Larry Bowman; Roy Byczynski; Andy Privette; Tom Templin; and Roger Troke.

 

Top 10 Final Results: CAM 62nd Annual Men's Doubles Bowling Classic:

 

 

Place

Score

Prize Winners

Partners

1

1440

Ron McAuliffe

Jeff Perrin

2

1353

Tom Joseph

Kevin Chadwick

3

1352

Bruce Wright

Chris McMichael

4

1348

Thomas Talmadge

Roy Tierney

5

1337

Michael Gasiewski

Matt Reed

6

1327

Paul Rhodes

Michael Roland

7

1323

Ron Mitzel

Kevin Mitzel

8

1320

Terry Kandes

Charles Cassise

 

1320

Robert Kapanowski

Edward Kapanowski

10

1316

John Pretari

Jason Pretari

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
Mark your calendars for next year's tournament! The 63rd Annual CAM Men's Doubles Classic will again be held at Thunderbowl Lanes on February 22nd, 2014. See you there!

 

 

 

 

 

TBTCAMSAFETY Tool Box Talk - Lockout / Tagout   

 

Training is crucial to construction safety, and the cornerstone of that training is the CAMSAFETY Tool Box Talk. These short, job specific training sessions kick the day off to a safe start every time.

 

The CAMSAFETY Committee has developed a set of Tool Box Talks to help our members keep their employees safe on the job. As these documents develop, we will post them on the CAM website and in this E-Newsletter.

 

To read the latest installment - "Lockout / Tagout" - please click here.

AIAadAIA Michigan Searches for Executive Director   
 

AIA Michigan, a state-wide component organization of the American Institute of Architects, is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director of the organization. AIA Michigan, headquartered on Jefferson Avenue in downtown Detroit, has an annual operating budget of approximately $700,000 and serves more than 1,700 professional, associate and affiliate members. The Executive Director leads a small office staff and works collaboratively with both an active Board of Directors and an engaged membership body. 

  

"As the organization's ambassador to the broader business and civic community, our Executive Director advocates on behalf of our membership to advance our mission and the interests of the architecture profession," said Tamara E. L. Burns, AIA, President of AIA Michigan. "Our Executive Director must be assertive, dedicated and someone with proven leadership abilities who can serve and motivate our membership," she added.

 

The position description, an overview of the search process, and a number of other informational resource documents are all available for candidates' review on the AIA Michigan website by clicking here. Interested candidates must submit their letter of interest, resume, and question responses, all in digital formet, to the Search Committee Chair, Dennis M. King, at [email protected] not later than the close of business on Friday, March 1, 2013. All applications will be held in strict confidence.

TigersDetroit Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Event - April 5th 

 

Please join us for the next CAM Connect networking event: A Detroit Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Party on Friday, April 5th. 

 

This event will be held from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm at the exclusive CAM VIP Tent near Comerica Park in Detroit. Enjoy live TV coverage as the Tigers take on the New York Yankees; grilled hot dogs, beverages; and networking. 

 

We are looking for sponsors for this event. This is a great way to promote your company, product or service. Contact Gregg Montowski at CAM for sponsorship information (248) 972-1000.

 

This event is FREE to CAM Members - but you must register ahead of time to ensure adequate food and beverage supplies. Contact Mary Carabott at CAM to register (248) 972-1000. For more event information, please click here

CAMTECmarCAMTEC Class Offerings for March 2013    

 

CAMTEC, the Training and Education division of CAM, will offer the following lineup of classes and seminars in March 2013:

For a printer-friendly listing of CAMTEC Core Classes available January-June, please click here.

KorteWilliam E. Korte Passes Away        

  

Construction industry veteran, William E. Korte, passed away February 16, 2013 in Daytona, FL. In his lifetime, Mr. Korte was past president of the AGC-Detroit Chapter; president of the Maurice V. Rogers Company; a former CAM/Builders Exchange member; and served on numerous bargaining committees for the industry he loved. Late in his career, Mr. Korte and his son Bill joined Frank Rewold and Son, Inc., Rochester, where Mr. Korte stayed until his permanent retirement in Tennessee and Florida.

 

He is survived by his wife Jackie; sons Bill (Deborah), John (Pamela), Tim (Anette), and Terry (Barbara); 18 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many other family members through marriage. He is predeceased by wives Mary, Carol, and son Gary.

pheasantEuropean Pheasant Hunt - A Few Spaces Remain 

 

Only a few spaces remain for shooters in the upcoming CAM European Pheasant Hunt, which will take place on Friday, March 8, 2013 at Dunn Creek Outfitters in Laingsburg. Cost is $275 per shooter, and includes 12 and 20 gauge shotgun shells, dogs and birds, lunch, and birds processed for your freezer.

 

To reserve your space, please contact Gregg Montowski at CAM (248) 972-1000. 

missdigMISS DIG Damage Prevention Council Spring Excavation Safety Seminars   

  

The MISS DIG Damage Prevention Council, a cooperative effort of the state's regional Damage Prevention Association, invites Michigan excavators, landscapers, untility personnel, utility locators, and municipal workers to join them for the Spring 2013 round of excavation safety meetings. The Council hopes that you will take advantage of these FREE quarterly meetings.

 

  • Digging Dangers 23: The Seven Deadly Sins - In the process of avoiding underground excavation accidents, there are seven sins that can be deadly. These sins can be committed by anyone in the process - excavators, locators, and utilitiy companies alike. Understanding these sins and knowing how to avoid them can save lives and prevent damages.
  • Trench Safety - Representatives from Allen Trench Safety will share important and valuable information regarding excavation and trench safety, as well as a variety of MIOSHA standards. *Allen Trench Safety will not  be present at the Port Huron, Gaylord, Traverse City or Mason meetings.
  • MISS DIG & Legislative Updates - Last year the Michigan Damage Prevention Board introduced a new "MISS DIG Law" to the state legislature. That bill did not pass in 2012, but will be reintroduced in 2013. What will this new law mean for you?

Following the presentation, an open forum / round table discussion will take place to allow all attendees the opportunity to ask questions and receive updates on area projects, issues and industry trends. These events are free of charge; coffee and donuts will be provided. Please bring your co-workers and your questions.

  

2013 Spring Workshop Schedule:

March 1 - 8:30 am - Best Western Hospitality Inn - 2282 Water St., Port Huron

March 1 - 8:30 am - DTE Energy - 444 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids

March 5 - 8:30 am - DTE Energy - 8001 Haggarty Rd., Belleville

March 6 - 8:30 am - DTE Energy - 15600 19-Mile Rd., Clinton Township

March 8 - 8:30 am - Holiday Inn - 3600 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor

March 11 - 8:30 am - Quality Inn - 137 West Street, Gaylord

March 12 - 8:30 am - Traverse City Elks Lodge - 625 Bay St., Traverse City

March 14 - 8:00 am - Consumers Energy Training Center - 3249 Gordonville Rd., Midland

March 18 - 8:30 am - Country Inn & Suites - 3506 O'Neil Rd., Jackson

March 20 - 8:00 am - Ingham County Fairground Community Center - 700 E. Ash St., Mason

March 26 - 8:30 am - Consumers Energy - 1030 Featherstone Rd., Pontiac

March 27 - 8:30 am - Monroe City Hall - 120 E. First St., Monroe

March 28 - 8:30 am - Walli's Restaurant - 1341 S. Center Rd., Burton

 

To register for one of the meetings above, please provide your name, company and additional attendees to Donna Schmeichel at MISS DIG or call 248-217-7971.

socialkitchenMark Your Calendar for FUN! CAM's 2013 Social Outings 

  

  • March 8 - CAM European Pheasant Hunt at Dunn Creek Outfitters, Laingsburg 
  • April 5 - CAM Connect at Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Party, Detroit
  • May 21 - CAM Sporting Clays at Detroit Gun Club, Walled Lake
  • June 18 - CAM Golf Outing at Bay Pointe Golf Club, West Bloomfield
  • July 16 - CAM Golf Outing at the Links of Novi, Novi
  • July 30 - CAM Connect at Tigers Baseball Game (Tigers vs Washington Nationals), Detroit
  • August 13 - CAM Golf Outing at Fieldstone Golf Club, Auburn Hills
  • August 17 - CAM Connect at the CAM Headquarters Dream Cruise Party, Bloomfield Hills
  • Mid-September - CAM Golf Outing at Wabeek Country Club, Bloomfield Hills
  • September 19 - Boy Scouts Building Connections Fundraising Event at Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Belle Isle
  • September 24 - CAM Sporting Clays at Hunters Creek, Metamora

Specific times and details to be forthcoming. In the meantime, save the date!

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MAY 2013
- Roofing
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Advertising Deadline Mar. 29
 
JUNE 2013
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NOVEMBER 2013
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- Demolition
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and information contact Cathy Jones at 248-972-1115 or email at [email protected]

 

 

The Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) encourages you to forward this E-Newsletter to others and share the latest happenings at CAM.  CAM is committed to providing service, information and assistance to the construction industry. CAM exists to foster growth in the construction industry and encourage networking between its members and their public.

 Gregg Montowski
Construction Association of Michigan