December 2009
Upcoming Events
January 13, 2009 11:30a.m. - 1:30p.m.
Pandemic Incidents
Prevention: Preparedness:Response
Maryland AGC
1301 York Road, Suite 202
Lutherville 21093
Cost $15 members $25 Non-members
Click here to register
January 28, 2010 6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.
AGC/ASA Joint Annual Dinner Meeting
Hayfields Country Club
700 Hayfields Road, Hunt Valley 21030
Cost $85 members $100 Non members
Click here to register
February 11, 2010 7:30a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Construction Quality Management for Contractors
Burkshire Marriott Conference Hotel
10 West Burke Avenue Towson MD 21204
Cost $195 per attendee
Click here to register
March 7, 2010 9:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.
How to Prepare a Successful Accident Prevention Plan
Maryland AGC
1301 York Road, Suite 202 Lutherville 21093
Cost $165 per attendee
Click here to register
March 17 - 20, 2009
AGC Annual Convention
The Orlando World Center Marriott
Orlando FL 32821
Visit www.agc.org for more information
Welcome New Members
P. Flanigan & Sons, Inc.
2444 Loch Raven Road
Baltimore MD 21218
Phone 410-467-5900 Fax 410-467-3127
Point of Contact: Pierce J. Flanigan, IV
www.pflanigan.com
Horton Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
7909 Philadelphia Road
Baltimore MD 21237
Phone 410-866-4900 Fax 410-866-4906
Point of Contact: Rodney L. Horton
www.hortonmechanical.com
Chill-Craft Company
2600 Cabover Drive Suite K
Hanover MD 21076
Phone 410-768-2257 Fax 410-768-0708
Point of Contact: John Tyssoski
www.Chill-Craft.com
Congratulations to Our Maryland AGC Safety Award Winners
Safety, Integrity, Responsibility – these are core values of AGC, and what better way to demonstrate the importance of our values than to recognize members who “walk the talk.” On December 8, the Chapter recognized six member companies for their excellent safety performance during 2008 and 2009 at our first annual Maryland AGC Safety Awards.
The Awards were the brainchild of our Safety Committee, chaired by Paul Day, safety director for Cianbro Corporation. The Committee set criteria for two awards – zero lost time accidents and an incident rate at least 25% below the average rate for the NAICS of the company applying for the award. Companies had to submit data from their OSHA logs for 2008 and 2009 through October to compete for the awards.
Four members were presented with a plaque and a certificate for achieving zero lost time accidents: BRYCON Corporation, CMC Sheet Metal, EEC, Incorporated, and Shade Construction Co. In addition, six member companies won a certificate for their exemplary performance in achieving an incident rate at least 25% below the average for their NAICS classification. The winners in that category were BRYCON Corporation (28% below), CMC Sheet Metal (86% below), EEC, Incorporated (100% below – no incidents), Horton Mechanical Contractors (32% below), Kimball Construction Company (53% below), and Stella May Contracting (41% below).
In presenting the awards, chapter President Champe McCulloch noted that every AGC member company recognized that they have both an economic and a moral obligation to ensure that their workers perform safely in a safe work environment. “Owners expect it and employees deserve nothing less,” McCulloch said. Paul Day announced that for 2010, the Safety Committee determined that there will be an additional award for the company that demonstrates the most improvement in their safety performance. “It takes management commitment and attention to detail to ensure a safe work environment,” Day noted. “A company that makes the commitment to improved safety should be recognized for their success, even if they have not yet achieved their final goal.”
Companies interested in participating in the Safety Committee should contact the chapter office. Maryland AGC Committees are open to any member and participation is welcomed.
Topping Out with Mahogany, Inc
Please join us for
The “Topping Out” of
The Queen Anne’s
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
11:00 am – 12:30 p.m.
Queen Anne’s
A construction milestone celebrating
setting the final roof structure steel
Signing of the beam
A light lunch will be served
RSVP 410-822-1000, extension 5222
Lunch
December 14, 2009 – TW has played host recently to a series of “Lunch ’n Learn” monthly meetings in our
Community Foundation Wrangles Support—And That’s No Bull
Chaney Bull Roast Raises Nearly $19,000
Chaney Enterprises hosted nearly 500 guests during its Annual Bull Roast on October 3 at the Waldorf Elks Lodge, raising nearly $19,000 to benefit community support funds of the Community Foundation of Charles County.
"The Community Foundation is honored to help facilitate the Chaney Foundation giving through our Community Grants program. The Community Grants Program is the Community Foundation of Charles County's unrestricted grant program, where nonprofits are invited to apply for funding. We are excited to announce the kick-off of our second round of grants in January 2010,” said Gretchen Hardman, executive director of the Community Foundation of Charles County.
In addition to the great fall weather, the guests enjoyed ribs, burgers, hot dogs, and beef barbequed by the Chaney sales team and a few of their customers. Traditional side salads as well as outstanding oysters on the half-shell topped off the day’s feast. Beverages were donated by the Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
Guests took their chance on baskets of cheer, Blackjack and the Big Six wheel, a favorite of the Bull Roast, and danced to music provided by First Groove Sound Services. This year’s silent auction included items from Embellishments a la Maison, artist Linda DeCamp, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, Portrait Innovations, PNC Bank, Clark Machinery Co., Freedom Office Products, All-American Harley Davidson, David F.A. Taylor and Son, Inc., The Brick Companies, the Santana family, Best Western La Plata, Annapolis Marriott Waterfront and Chaney Enterprises.
More than 100 Chaney Enterprises employees and family members volunteered for the day, making sure this year’s Bull Roast was a success.
Chaney Enterprises also hosts the Babe and Dick Chaney Memorial Golf Tournament at Old South Country Club to benefit the American Cancer Society through the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County.
The Community Foundation of Charles County was established in 2005. Community Foundations are non-profit, charitable trusts that support local community causes. Their role is to manage donor funds and build endowments as well as make grants to charities and community groups, linking local donors with local needs. The first community foundation was created in 1914 by a banker in Cleveland. Since then community foundations have been rapidly growing all over the world.
Serving Maryland since 1962, we pride ourselves on outstanding people providing quality products through superior service. At Chaney Enterprises, we strive to provide superior, top-quality products as we employ a combination of land management and environmentally friendly practices unsurpassed in the industry.For information call 301-932-5665 or visit www.ChaneyEnterprises.com.
Congratulations Sterling Ruby
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
January 2009
Sterling Ruby
ATTAINS NATIONAL CERTIFICATION
Baltimore, Maryland Sterling Ruby with Stella May Contracting, Inc. has successfully completed the requirements for the nationally recognized Designated Design-Build Professional certification. The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) awarded designated status to
DBIA’s certification program seeks to recognize industry professionals who demonstrate a practical level of knowledge and hands-on experience in design-build project delivery. Through the examination, DBIA establishes a uniform measure of proficiency that practitioners, owners and clients can use in selecting qualified design-build professionals.
Successful completion of the exam as well as three years substantial design-build work experience is required to earn the Designated Design-Build Professional certification. Additionally, candidates must meet DBIA’s educational requirements, must have completed DBIA’s three core courses along with 18 elective credits related directly to project delivery, and must submit three letters of reference. Those who complete these requirements earn the right to display “DBIA” after their names, identifying them to design-build end-users and the community at-large as experienced professionals in design-build project delivery. To maintain the designated status individuals agree to earn a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education credit every two years.
The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) was founded in 1993 in response to the emergence of design-build and integrated project delivery as a significant force in the design and construction industry. From its headquarters in
You can contact
Building Upon A Tradition of Caring
Not surprising, this year the demand was at its greatest. Through our workplace giving campaign we were able to raise enough money to give these families a wonderful Christmas. In total we were able to help a total of eight children and four parents. Armed with wish lists and sales papers on Black Friday, three hours and eight carts later the shopping was finished. Then came the fun part, wrapping! All of the presents are stored in Kimball’s Workshop awaiting delivery to the families later in the month!
This year, in addition to the families, we also provided support to the Fisher House. The Fisher House is a residential facility located in
The kind and caring Kimball Construction family once again came through to better the lives of those less fortunate. KCC continues its tradition of caring wherever a kind heart and generous donation may be needed. Don’t forget to visit
Chance Favors The Prepared MInd
Be Prepared: The motto of the Boy Scouts of
Are you prepared? Prepared to prevent disruptions to the operation of your business? “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” – Benjamin Franklin.
- Trips-and-falls & slips-and-falls
- Hostile fires
- Water line breaks
- Criminal activity
- Weather activity
What do all of the above have in common? They’re all events which can occur every day and they’re all events with outcomes that can be prevented. So, are you really prepared?
Following is a very basic list of actions you can take to prevent some of the most common accidents and claim losses. This is certainly not an all-inclusive list and there are many other preventative measures you may wish to consider.
· Establish a maintenance journal for each of your fleet vehicles to document all service work that is completed. Make sure that fluids; tires; brakes; operational lights; and windshield wipers are inspected by a licensed mechanic and tested at regular intervals.
· Conduct criminal background checks and motor vehicle record checks on all employee applicants and annually for all employees. Make sure you obtain appropriate information release authorizations before hand.
· Enforce all employee personal protective equipment requirements. Hard hats; gloves; safety shoes; safety glasses; hearing protection; etc.
· Conduct regular inspections of your premises to identify and correct any tripping or slipping hazards.
· Inspect gutters and downspouts to ensure there are no leaks or overflow. In winter months, check downspout runoff areas for potential ice patch accumulation.
· Inspect your basement; roof and attic areas on a monthly basis. Look for water penetration and, if found, act immediately. Contact your insurance carrier and have an inspection completed.
· Make sure that all of your employees know the location of your water main shut off valve and the location of mops and buckets. Immediately shutting off the water and conducting clean-up is critical to minimizing your damages and down time.
If you are the unfortunate victim of an accident or loss, your safety and the safety of others are tantamount. Notify any appropriate authorities such as police, paramedics, or the fire department if the circumstances warrant. You may wish to speak with your insurance broker or your insurance carrier for their specific loss prevention recommendations.
We thank Tim Carnevale with Engle-Hambright & Davies for this article. You can reach Tim on 800-545-7590 or tmcarnevale@ehd-ins.com
Denton Hall SMC's First Green Project by Chuck Cross
- Certifications from manufacturers certifying that wood used on projects are harvested from forests that are FSC accredited.
- Use of “Rapidly Renewable Materials” which includes materials made from plants that are typically harvested within a 10 year period or shorter cycle. Rapidly Renewable Materials include products made from bamboo, cotton, flax, jute, straw, sunflower seed hulls, vegetable oils, or wool.
- Use of “Regional Materials” includes materials extracted, harvested, or recovered as well as manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. This process helps to ensure that less fuel is consumed through shortened delivery of materials from the manufacturer to the job site.
Stella May’s role is to ensure that the vendors we use to provide materials for the project are purchased from manufacturers that are able to meet the criteria of LEED program.
For more news of Stella May Contracting visit www.stellamay.com
Karen Barbour, President, The Barbour Group, LLC Named one of Ernst & Young LLP’s 2009 Entrepreneurial Winning Women
Nine Winners Selected across the United States
Ms. Barbour participated in a strategic growth forum and also took part in a customized program that was designed to build and foster critical relationships, enhance leadership skills and expand business know‐how. She met with top CEOs of our nation and gained advice and guidance on how to develop products and services to offer clients. More than 1,300 leaders of the nation's most successful companies, along with investors and advisors gathered to share growth strategies and discuss current economic challenges. “This opportunity has opened doors wide to new communication and new ideas for The Barbour Group, LLC,” said
.
To find out more about the Barbour Group visit them on the web at www.thebarbourgroup.com
Motor Oil Is a Slippery Slope
By Mark Powell, 
In every vehicle, motor oil undergoes thermal breakdown due to high operating temperature. When this occurs, the oil becomes less effective as a lubricant and needs to be changed. A good lubricant prevents various parts of the engine from rubbing together and wearing out.
However, choosing the best motor oil has gotten more complicated with the advent of synthetic motor oil. Consisting of artificially-synthesized compounds designed to produce the ideal lubricant, synthetic motor oils have become a popular subject of debate among mechanics, fleet managers and even the general public.
The main question revolves around whether or not the more expensive lubricant and its enhanced performance capabilities are the best choice for the vast majority of vehicles on the road today.
One of the most important things to remember is that the best resource for service intervals is the vehicle’s owners manual. Keep in mind that many manufacturers have extended intervals for fluid services based on more advanced fluid technology, as well as to be more environmentally friendly.
Also, don’t wait to find out that your vehicle’s warranty is voided because the manufacturer required one type of oil and you put in another. Information about the manufacturer’s lubrication recommendations can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Basically, conventional motor oils are derived from petroleum and synthetic oils are manufactured from chemicals, meaning that each has an impact on the environment in terms of creating pollution. While there is some evidence that synthetic oils last longer before they need to be drained and replaced and that they have lower viscosity, there is considerable debate over whether or not synthetics are worth more than three times the cost of petroleum.
There is little disagreement that synthetic motor oil or a synthetic blend is especially good for turbocharged and high output engines, where uninterrupted lubrication is very important. In addition, manufacturers for many European and high performance vehicles, such as BMW’s and Chevrolet Corvettes, require synthetic motor oil only.
According to information posted on Wikipedia, the Internet’s free encyclopedia, Historically, “synthetic lubricants were invented for high temperature gas turbine/jet engine applications where traditional mineral-derived lubricants provided inadequate performance. In the mid 1970s, synthetic motor oils were formulated and commercially applied for the first time in automotive applications.”
Today, the most common points of discussion regarding motor oil choices focus on the following:
- Synthetic oil versus conventional petroleum oil versus blends.
- Higher viscosity oil versus modern low viscosity (5W-20) oil and engine wear.
- Oil analysis and its use in vehicle maintenance by the average user.
- The myth about factory “break-in oil” and when to do the first oil change.
- Following the vehicle’s oil life monitor for Oil Change Interval versus changing oil based upon mileage or time criteria.
Proponents claim synthetic lubricants are more efficient, causing less wear and tear on internally lubricated components, reducing the incidence of oil oxidation and sludge formation and allowing for extended drain intervals. Synthetic lubricants are being used more frequently in today’s vehicles, not only in engines but in transmissions and differentials as well.
As the debate continues over petroleum-based versus synthetic, some interesting new alternatives derived from vegetable products also are being developed. For example, a pilot project at
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Mark Powell is Group Sales Manager for Enterprise Fleet Management in
NEWS RELEASE - Whiteford Taylor & Preston
CONTACT:
F.T. Silfies, Inc. is a Pennsylvania corporation that was founded in 1946 and has since grown to become a leader in the bulk cement transportation industry on the East Coast. Price Trucking, Inc. is a Maryland-based and family-owned trucking company that was acquired in August 2006 by Silfies. Price is headquartered in Aberdeen, Maryland.
Together, the companies specialize in transporting bulk cement and lime, both critical components for the concrete used in construction. They also transport related bulk commodities such as sand, flyash and newcem, as well as bag cement, brick, block and numerous other construction materials. The companies currently employ approximately 170 employees and are the mid-Atlantic region’s leading transporters of cement and other bulk materials.
The companies’ bankruptcy filings were precipitated by the current economic recession which has been particularly focused in the construction industry. With their successful emergence from bankruptcy, the companies are poised to remain the leading transporters of cement and related construction materials in the region.
The WTP team consisted of Brent Strickland, Dan Vorsteg and Cary Chasney.
With over 150 attorneys, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is dedicated to helping our clients achieve their business goals through strategic legal counsel. We serve our clients across the nation and around the globe from our base of six offices in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. For more information, please visit our website at www.wtplaw.com.
New Initiatives Aimed at Restricting Runoff from Construction Sites
Three key stormwater developments are in the works that will affect contractors nationwide. To ensure the construction industry’s voice is heard, AGC of America has created a Stormwater Task Force (made up of 17 AGC Environmental Network members) to respond to current rulemaking efforts and enforcement initiatives aimed at restricting construction site runoff.
First, EPA has finalized first-time effluent limitations guidelines for the “construction and development industry” that impose first-time, nationwide monitoring requirements and enforceable numeric turbidity limitations. Second, EPA has announced that it will propose and take final action by November 2012 on another first-time national rule that would include, at a minimum, new design or performance standards to control stormwater discharges from developed sites. Third, contractors everywhere can expect to see increased enforcement by EPA, including criminal and civil penalties for noncompliance, as well as more reporting and public oversight.
AGC has a very established working relationship with the U.S. EPA’s Office of Water and will be collaborating with senior staff from that office to hold joint educational programs on the new ELG rule. EPA has also invited AGC to provide suggestions and recommendations as it works to draft a new construction general permit that will include the new ELG requirements.
In addition, AGC will submit comments on the “industry questionnaire” regarding the post-construction rulemaking in advance of the December 29 deadline. AGC also plans to develop recommendations on potential ways to increase industry’s stormwater permit compliance and make better use of EPA’s enforcement efforts, in accordance with the newly released EPA Clean Water Act Enforcement Action Plan.
For more information, contact Leah Pilconis at
pilconisl@agc.orgor (703) 837-5332House Votes to Extend Expiring Tax Provisions
The U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday approved 241-181 a bill to extend certain expiring tax provisions in 2009 through 2010. Included in the bill, H.R. 4213, the Tax Extenders Act of 2009, are several provisions of benefit to the construction industry. In particular, the bill extends through 2010, 15-year straight-line cost recovery for qualified leasehold, restaurant, and retail improvements.
Lawmakers are expected to fix a drafting error in the bill that excluded new restaurant construction. The Senate is not expected to consider H.R. 4213 until the chamber suspends or concludes debate on health care legislation. Regardless of date of enactment, Congress will likely make the provisions effective on January 1, 2010. AGC sent a letter in support of H.R. 4213 to all Representatives.
Upcoming AGC Safety & Health Conference
The conference will be held from January 13-15, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nev. Join more than 150 industry professionals and participate in the development of regulatory and legislative activity on both a national and local level, assist in the development and creation of new safety training programs and products, and hear the latest initiatives from OSHA and other industry experts.
Don’t miss this opportunity. Click here for more information and to register. The hotel deadline is December 18th.
Remember to Call 811 Before You Dig!
Safety and utility damage prevention is a shared responsibility. Whether you are a facility owner/operator, locator, design professional, One–Call Center employee, excavator/contractor or other stakeholder, insuring the safety of those who work and live in the vicinity of existing underground facilities is a shared responsibility.
AGC of America, Locate Accurately/Dig Safely and the Common Ground Alliance are dedicated to shared responsibility in damage prevention and the promotion of best practices.
Did You Know AGC Offers Online Training?
ONLINE TRAINING: OSHA 10- and 30-Hour Programs
AGC offers online training and education programs covering a variety of core safety issues and job responsibilities in the construction industry. These programs cover the 10- and 30-hours of training required by OSHA for workers covered by OSHA 29 CFR 1926. Programs are available 24/7 and provide working professionals the opportunity to continue their career development in off-hours and at their own pace. Once enrolled, participants have six months to successfully complete the program. Upon completion, a temporary printable certificate is provided until cards are mailed from OSHA and the Department of Labor.
ONLINE TRAINING: HAZWOPER 8-, 24- and 40-Hour Programs
AGC offers online training and education programs covering a variety of core safety issues and job responsibilities in the construction industry. The HAZWOPER 8-, 24- and 40-Hour courses cover the requirements for employees visiting an Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Operation as mandated by OSHA under 29 CFR 1910.120. Programs are available 24/7 and provide working professionals the opportunity to continue their career development in off-hours and at their own pace. Once enrolled, participants have six months to successfully complete the program. Upon completion, a temporary printable certificate is provided until cards are mailed from OSHA and the Department of Labor.
For further information visit www.agc.org/ed_online
New Online Course Offering
AGC is now offering DOT 60/60 Supervisor Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training, a new online course featuring Bill Judge, nationally known DOT drug law expert. This new course is designed to help you meet the DOT training requirements for supervisors of covered safety-sensitive employees as described in 49 CFR Part 40.
The training materials address reasonable suspicion as a performance issue, and as something in reality they are already doing. What supervisors need to know is what to look for and what to do if someone seems unfit for duty. Using the Four Steps of Constructive Confrontation and Documentation developed by the U.S. Navy and in practice nationally over the last fourteen years, supervisors can now take action knowing they are protecting everyone.
Supervisors will know not only how and when to do reasonable suspicion/cause testing, but why they need to do it.
COST: $59
Includes online course material and DOT Supervisor Handbook
This course is available for purchase through the AGC bookstore.
Collective Bargaining Webinar Series in 2010
Collective bargaining Chapter staff and members should mark their calendars for AGC of America’s first-ever web-based collective bargaining workshop. The webinar will be conducted in three 90-minute sessions on February 16, 18, and 23, 2010, starting at 2:00 p.m. ET.
The agenda is still under development, but it will likely cover the law of collective bargaining, preparing for bargaining, using data for bargaining advantage, costing out contract terms, and more. Attorney Mike Boldt of Ice Miller and Executive Director Bob Gasperow of the Construction Labor Research Council will be among the presenters. We are currently seeking a chapter staff or contractor member with substantial construction-industry bargaining experience and good public speaking skills to add to the faculty.
If you would like to volunteer or to recommend someone, please contact Denise Gold at goldd@agc.org at your earliest opportunity.
Did You Know.........
Why do people kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas?
In ancient myth, when the son of the Norse goddess Frigga was killed by an arrow made of mistletoe and then brought back to life, she blessed the mistletoe and bestowed a kiss on all who passed beneath it. In the 18th century, the legend was adopted as a promise to marry. At Christmas a lady standing under a mistletoe may not refuse a kiss. If she does, she cannot expect to marry the following year. So it is told.
December, 26 was traditionally known as St. Stephen's Day, after the first Christian martyr. It is now more commonly known as Boxing Day. This expression came about because money was collected in alms-boxes placed in churches during the festive season. This money was then distributed to the poor and needy after Christmas. It is thought the Boxing Day was first observed in the Middle Ages. It found renewed popularity in the 19th Century when the lords and ladies of England presented gifts in boxes to their servants on December, 26 in appreciation of the work they had done over the Christmas celebrations. If December, 26 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, Boxing Day takes place on the Monday.
The figure of Father Christmas (Santa Claus) is based on the patron saint of children, Saint Nicholas (270-310AD), who became one of the youngest bishops ever at age 17. At age 30 he became the Bishop of Myra, a port town on the Mediterranean Sea, that is part of modern-day Turkey. He hailed from a rich home and became well known for supporting the needy. He would often be seen, clad in red and white bishop's robes and riding on a donkey, handing out gifts to children.