by Jessica Gillette | May 8, 2024 | Mental Health, News
Anyone involved in construction for more than a few years knows our industry faces mental health and suicide issues to an exponential degree.
Sherrie Dickerson, ABC-VA Education Coordinator & Mental Health Advocate
But how do companies address the problem? How do we flip the script and create an environment where it’s okay to talk about your struggles? Enter: ABC-VA’s Education Coordinator, Sherrie Dickerson. Sherrie is a mental health advocate for her apprentices, instructors, team members, family, friends, and anyone who needs help. With continuous training in mental health, Sherrie is a brilliant resource for our members who want to create a safe, inclusive environment for their employees. We sat down with Sherrie for a wonderful conversation we know will inspire you to take the first step in implementing a mental health-first mentality.
What is your why behind your passion for mental health support in the construction industry?
My passion for mental health support in the construction industry stems from a deeply personal experience. I have a family member who works in the construction industry and has attempted suicide twice. While this is my biggest motivation in shedding light on the urgent need for better mental health resources, I also feel a call to help people and really be a rock for anyone who’s experiencing suicidal ideations. There are so many resources available for those who are struggling – we just need to educate companies and their leaders on how to recognize and address the problem head-on.
Tell me about the training programs you’re certified to teach.
I’m certified to teach several training programs aimed at addressing mental health issues in the construction industry. One such program is VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry, which educates individuals on recognizing signs, symptoms, and appropriate responses. It also provides guidance on postvention strategies for managers and supervisors. Additionally, I’m trained to provide Mental Health First Aid training, emphasizing de-escalation techniques, and highlighting what not to say in sensitive situations. Currently, I’m working towards certification in teaching the use of NARCAN, an overdose-reversal medication, to further support mental health initiatives.
Please note: VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry is a FREE training offered to our members. I will come to your office and provide a safe, open environment where your employees feel comfortable. Email me to schedule this training today!
What are 4 things companies can do right now to create a de-stigmatized environment where employees can say “hey, I’m not okay”?
1. Institute mandatory mental health breaks/check-ins. Require your employees to take at least two 10-minute mental health breaks during the day (if not more!), plus morning check-ins on the jobsite before work starts (supervisors should make everyone feel comfortable to either speak up or come to them one-on-one)
2. Book our VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry – FREE for ABC-VA members
3. Ensure mental health services are included in your health benefit package at a reasonable cost
4. Find someone in leadership passionate and willing to speak up about mental health – you most likely already have someone on your team (you can also create a special email address where employees can reach out for mental health support—this provides a different way to communicate for those who are uncomfortable reaching out face-to-face)
How do you think leadership impacts the mental health conversation at a company?
Without leadership buy-in, employees won’t feel like they’re in a safe space, period. Leaders who lead by example and advocate for mental health can greatly influence the overall atmosphere. Adopting an open and available approach to mental health discussions, along with a top-down mentality, can foster a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable addressing mental health concerns.
One of Sherrie’s antique window projects 😍
Sherrie, what are some things you do to be proactive in keeping mentally healthy?
1. I focus on things that are incredibly meaningful to me, like helping people. It gives me purpose and keeps my brain happy.
2. Creating antique windows is a passionate hobby of mine. It keeps my mental health in the green and allows for me to explore my feelings and creativity. It’s so soothing to work with my hands and create beautiful pieces of art that will make me smile, as well as others.
3. Mental health breaks! Life is tough, and we were not built to go-go-go and forget about ourselves. Taking intentional moments throughout the day to refocus, possibly meditate and do some breathing exercises, can make a huge difference.
Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share?
The construction industry has the second-highest suicide rate in the United States with men in construction committing suicide twice as much as the national average. We must all stop pretending like this isn’t a depressing threat. Whether you’re the boss, colleague, or the person struggling—be open to accepting help. A circle of support can be the difference between seeing your co-workers, staff, family, or friends the next day or never again.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please dial *988. While it will not make all your problems go away, it’s a fantastic resource to create a barrier between thought and action.
by Jessica Gillette | Mar 15, 2024 | News
Associated Builders & Contractors – Virginia Chapter (ABC-VA), is pleased to announce our 2023 Member of the Year: Mike Miller, CEO of RetroAIM! This honor is bestowed upon a member each year that shows commitment to not only ABC-VA, but to the industry, throughout their career.
ABC-VA proudly celebrates Mike Miller as its 2023 Member of the Year. His unwavering dedication has helped shape the organization’s trajectory since 2004. Throughout his tenure, Mike’s commitment to ABC-VA’s mission has been exemplified through multifaceted roles and impactful contributions.
As an active member of the Membership Committee, Mike has played a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant community within ABC-VA. His leadership qualities became increasingly evident during his tenure as the Leadership Chair from 2019 to 2020, where he spearheaded initiatives to cultivate emerging talent and nurture future leaders within the organization.
Elevating his involvement further, Mike’s appointment to the Board in 2021 marked a significant milestone, underscoring his deep-rooted commitment to advancing ABC-VA’s objectives. Mike assumed the role of the inaugural Inclusion, Diversity & Merit (IDM) Chair in 2022, pioneering efforts that led to the successful acquisition of the organization’s first grant—a testament to his visionary leadership and strategic expertise.
Beyond his individual contributions, Mike’s impact extends to the collective endeavors of ABC-VA. His steadfast support for the State PAC underscores his advocacy for legislative initiatives crucial to the construction industry’s prosperity. Moreover, Mike’s advocacy goes above and beyond, with multiple employees actively participating in committees and contributing to the federal PAC, amplifying ABC-VA’s advocacy efforts on a national scale.
Notably, Mike’s dedication extends beyond administrative duties to hands-on involvement in pivotal projects. Serving as the owners’ representative for the construction of the new ABC-VA Hampton Roads Training Facility in Chesapeake exemplifies his commitment to advancing the organization’s mission to proudly serve construction professionals.
Mike Miller’s indelible imprint on ABC-VA resonates through his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and transformative contributions. As our organization honors him as Member of the Year, Mike’s legacy stands as a source of inspiration, guiding ABC-VA towards a future defined by excellence, innovation, and sustained growth.
by Jessica Gillette | Mar 8, 2024 | Apprenticeship, News, Political Advocacy
On Jan. 17, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor published a proposed rule that would make significant and controversial revisions to the National Apprenticeship System, which will affect ABC members, chapters, apprentices and other industry stakeholders participating in government-registered apprenticeship programs.
While ABC supports government-registered apprenticeship programs and offers more than 450 such education programs across the country as part of its all-of-the-above approach to meet the workforce needs of the construction industry, the proposed rule implements dozens of burdensome and costly new recordkeeping requirements and reduces flexibility for GRAP sponsors and employers.
ABC is concerned this proposed rule will only exacerbate the construction industry’s workforce shortage, with over half a million new workers needed in 2024 alone, by discouraging ABC contractors, ABC chapter GRAP providers and other stakeholders from continued participation and future expansion of the GRAP system.
In short, the proposal will discourage participation by construction industry employers and GRAP providers and likely reduce the number of apprentices enrolled and graduating from GRAPs. Of note, DOL data suggests that, in FY2023, construction industry GRAPs had roughly 250,000 enrolled apprentices and graduated 45,000. Simply put, the current GRAP system is already unappealing to many construction industry stakeholders and is not attracting enough new apprentices or graduating enough skilled apprentices to meet industry workforce needs. This proposal will make the GRAP system even worse.
WHAT ISSUES WILL ARISE FROM THE NEW RULE?
Specifically, the rule proposes expansive new recordkeeping for employers and sponsors regarding employment decisions, apprenticeship agreements, records of apprentice performance and progress, wages and benefits and more. It also introduces a new mandate and related paperwork burdens requiring employers to verify that all journeyworkers involved in upskilling and supervising apprentices are qualified to do so. The rule provides little clarity on what would qualify as sufficient evidence to meet this requirement. Regardless of how this requirement is implemented, it will represent an onerous and costly new burden on employers that are required to verify undefined qualifications of the many journeyworkers frequently involved in on-the-job training of apprentices.
The proposal’s imposition of a new endpoint assessment requirement represents an unnecessarily prescriptive and burdensome change to existing GRAPs, which are already free to implement such assessments if sponsors and employers determine they are needed. The DOL should remove this requirement to prevent increasing administrative/recordkeeping costs, preserve flexibility and avoid a new impediment to apprentice recruitment/retention in GRAPs.
The rule has a concerning new obligation for GRAP providers to request information from employers regarding past labor law violations. The provision imposes new civil and criminal liability on employers and provides little clarity regarding the responsibility of sponsors to verify employer disclosures. The DOL should remove this overreaching requirement, and at a minimum must provide additional clarity to sponsors.
The proposal significantly reduces flexibility for sponsors and employers by eliminating competency-based and hybrid GRAPs, instead mandating rigid, multiyear, time-based standards. This change would shut out new sponsors and employers interested in these approaches, and may result in the deregistration of existing GRAPs utilizing these legitimate and tested models if sponsors and employers determine transitioning to a time-based model is not feasible.
Finally, at a time when the construction industry is constantly evolving to accommodate new technologies and innovations, the proposed rule instead makes the process of establishing new occupations as suitable for GRAPs more difficult through the new “suitability” test. I urge the DOL to lower paperwork requirements for suitability applications, shorten the approval timeline and enforce decision deadlines. The proposal’s new emphasis on preventing “splintering” is unnecessary, and the DOL should instead let industry determine whether new GRAPs are needed to meet the needs of the market.
CLOSING
As currently written, the proposed rule is a step backward for the GRAP system and will exacerbate the construction industry’s existing workforce development challenges. Tell the DOL to withdraw this proposed rule immediately and reconsider aspects of the rule that will increase costs and reduce GRAP participation. To guarantee access to high-quality, well-compensated careers in construction for as many Americans as possible, the DOL must instead focus on streamlining and modernizing GRAP regulations to ensure as many sponsors, employers and apprentices participate as possible. ABC National is urging ABC members to respond to its grassroots alert opposing this DOL proposal by March 18. Use the ABC Action App to connect with DOL and make your voice heard.
by Jessica Gillette | Mar 7, 2024 | News
Dulles, Virginia, March 7—Associated Builders and Contractors – Virginia (ABC-VA) today announced thirty-seven (37) member companies were named to Associated Builders and Contractors’ sixth annual Top Performers publication, which lists its contractor members that build the country’s most enduring, innovative, high-quality construction projects, ranked by work hours. ABC-VA now holds the record for most Top Performers.
To be eligible, ABC-VA Top Performers achieved Gold status or higher in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System, which makes the top-performing contractors more than six times safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average, according to ABC’s Safety Performance Report. The majority of the honorees also must earn ABC’s Accredited Quality Contractor credential, which recognizes commitment to corporate responsibility in quality, safety, talent management—including inclusion, diversity and equity—education and community relations.
“Business growth is never an accident. It results from a combination of tangibles and intangibles—including a robust culture, innovative tools, a commitment to total human health and a pragmatic appetite for risk. We congratulate these exceptional contractors for operating successfully in a merit shop environment, attracting and retaining top construction talent and setting the standard in business growth,” said Michael Bellaman, president and CEO of ABC.
Through STEP, AQC and other robust programs, ABC-VA’s Top Performers demonstrate they:
- Sustain and grow their businesses, financially and economically
- Offer market-competitive compensation, benefit and retirement packages
- Commit to world-class safety
- Commit to workforce development, education and creating career opportunities
- Commit to an inclusive and diverse work environment
- Develop opportunities for their employees to achieve their career dreams
- Cultivate committed leadership
ABC-VA’s 2024 Top Performers
| Balfour Beatty |
Etolin Strait Development Company |
Kwest Group, LLC |
Skanska Building, Inc. |
| Branch Builds |
Forrester Construction |
Lithko Contracting LLC |
Tecta America Zero Company |
| Brite Electric |
GovSolutions, Inc |
M.C. Dean, Inc. |
Telligent Masonry, LLC |
| Brothers Mechanical, Inc. |
Heartland Construction, Inc |
Mark Turner Construction, LLC |
TST Construction |
| Coakley & Williams Construction |
Helix Electric |
Power Design, Inc. |
VSC Fire & Security |
| ColonialWebb Contractors |
Henley Construction Co., Inc. |
Prospect Waterproofing Co. |
W.M. Jordan Company |
| Comfort Systems of Virginia, Inc. |
Hensel Phelps |
R. W. Murray Co. |
Warfel Construction Company |
| David Allen Company, Inc. |
Hoar Construction, LLC |
SAW Contracting |
Worth & Company, Inc. |
| Delaware Elevator, Inc. |
Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. |
Shapiro & Duncan, Inc. |
|
| Donohoe Construction Company |
JRC Mechanical, LLC |
|
|
The ABC Top Performers lists identify the Top 250 Performers, Top General Contractors, Top Trade Contractors, Top Electrical Contractors, Top Plumbing/HVAC Contractors, Top Specialty Contractors and Top Performers by Market, all of which have earned the elite Accredited Quality Contractor credential. The Top Performers with Special Designations hold one or more special designations. The Top Performers were ranked by the number of hours worked in 2021, as reported in their 2022 STEP applications. The rankings also include lists of top-performing companies in 18 market segments, such as government, health care, infrastructure, military, retail, religious, high tech, airport and sports complexes.
View the 2024 Top Performers lists at abc.org/topperformers.
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 23,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.
by Jessica Gillette | Feb 22, 2024 | News
RICHMOND, Virginia – The Virginia Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors – the Commonwealth’s leading trade association for merit shop contractors – applauds the efforts of Governor Youngkin, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, and JBG Smith to bring the Monumental Arena to Potomac Yards in Alexandria, Virginia.
The Arena project will bring as many as 4,000 lucrative jobs to the area and provide an entertainment venue for Virginians and the region to enjoy for decades to come.
ABC Virginia encourages legislators to help deliver this opportunity and support Chairman Torian and Majority Leader Surovell’s Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority and Financing Fund legislation.
Legislators and the public should not be persuaded by misguided demands from construction unions claiming the arena must be built under a controversial and anti-competitive union-only project labor agreement.
In reality, when mandated through political means, PLAs discourage competition from the vast majority of Virginia’s qualified nonunion contractors and their workforce who are not affiliated with unions. More than 94% of Virginia’s construction workforce does not belong to a union, and PLA discrimination is particularly harmful to the region’s nonunion minority and disadvantaged businesses and employees. Likewise, research has found that PLA requirements can subject nonunion workers to wage theft on almost a third of their paychecks by forcing them to pay dues and benefit contributions into union health and welfare plans they receive no benefit from unless they join a union and become vested.
The arena project will deliver quality, high-paying jobs and contracting opportunities for union and nonunion construction workers and companies alike without a controversial PLA requirement. Virginia dollars should be invested in a manner that benefits all and not just the union workforce that represents less than 6% of the Commonwealth’s construction industry.
ABC Virginia encourages legislators to approve this legislation and partner with the team of Monumental Sports and Entertainment and JBG Smith to deliver the benefits of this project to the region.
Learn more about controversial PLAs at www.BuildVALocal.com.
by Jessica Gillette | Nov 29, 2023 | Apprenticeship, News
The atmosphere was electric, the pipes were humming and the air was buzzing with HVAC brilliance as we hosted our highly anticipated 2023 In-House Craft Competition for ABC-VA’s Central Virginia region. On November 17, nine apprentices across three disciplines came together to put their skills to the ultimate test and compete for a spot in the National Craft Competition (NCC) in Kissimmee, FL, in March 2024.
Each apprentice demonstrated unparalleled skill, dedication and a passion for their craft. Their achievements not only reflect personal excellence but also elevate the standards of our industry. Congratulations to all winners and competitors. First place in each trade will compete in the 2024 NCC.
⚡ Electrical
1st Place – Jhonatan Silva, Electriforce
2nd Place – Mitchell Becraft, ColonialWebb
💦 Plumbing
1st Place – Thomas Carter, Remco
2nd Place – Maurice Clanton, ColonialWebb
3rd Place – Jason Hyer, Atlantic Constructors, Inc.
🔥 HVAC
1st Place – Gabriel Pena, Howell’s Heating and Air
2nd Place – Tyler Clarke, Atlantic Constructors, Inc.
3rd Place – Curtis Tinsley, Howell’s Heating and Air
A heartfelt thank you to all participants, judges and sponsors who contributed to the success of this event. Sponsors included Atlantic Constructors, Inc., Remco, Electriforce, ColonialWebb, Milwaukee, Torque Supply, White Cap and Synergy Technical Services. Your commitment to craftsmanship and innovation fuels the spirit of our industry.
As we celebrate these victories, we also look forward to the continued growth and success of our construction community. Congratulations to all the winners, and may your dedication inspire future generations!
VIEW ALL PHOTOS HERE
L to R: Thomas Carter (1st, Plumbing); Jhonatan Silva (1st, Electrical); Mitchell Becraft (2nd, Electrical); Jason Hyer (3rd, Plumbing); Maurice Clanton (2nd, Plumbing); Curtis Tinsley (3rd, HVAC); Gabriel Pena (1st, HVAC); Alexis Pack; Tyler Clarke (2nd, HVAC)
by Jessica Gillette | Nov 15, 2023 | Apprenticeship, News
The ABC-VA Hampton Roads region held its annual craft competitions for the Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing apprenticeship training programs on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at their training facility in Norfolk, VA. This year was the first time holding an in-house plumbing competition in Hampton Roads! ABC-VA stands with immense pride, applauding the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts exhibited by each competitor. Their relentless commitment and hard work paved the way for a competition year that will be remembered for its exceptional standards and remarkable achievements.
Four skilled competitors in Electrical and Plumbing, and three in HVAC showcased their expertise, competing for the chance to represent their craft at the ABC National Craft Championships in Kissimmee, Florida, in March 2024. The apprentices competed in a compilation of an assigned, hands-on project, as well as a written exam.
Top Performers: Congratulations to the outstanding winners:
-
- Electrical Competition: 🏅 Brent Coulter, Tri-Star Electric, Inc.
• Electrical Second Place: Anthony Rexach, J.C. Driskill, Inc.
• Electrical Third Place: Christian Stewart, REW Corporation
• Electrical Fourth Place: Noah Dulaney, Power Electric
- HVAC Competition: 🏅 Nicholas Rodriguez, ColonialWebb Contractors
• HVAC Second Place: Benjamin Stogsdill, CST Mechanical, Inc.
• HVAC Third Place: Hunter Corbitt, Thermo-Trol Systems
- Plumbing Competition: 🏅 Garrett Wallace, Southeastern Mechanical, Inc.
• Plumbing Second Place: Tyler Haskett, Southeastern Mechanical, Inc,
• Plumbing Third Place: Benjamin Stewart, ColonialWebb Contractors
• Plumbing Fourth Place: Trent Mayes, DAVCON, Inc.
Gratitude to Instructors and Judges: The entire competition is made possible by our dedicated instructors and judges. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the following:
- Instructors: [Electrical] Tim Cruise, Bill Johnson; [HVAC] Brian Gesick, Mike Gesick, Tom Gesick; [Plumbing] Bill Carley and Brandon Carley
- Judges: Zach Leitner, REW Corporation; Tim Cruise, Power Electric; Art Shauchuk, HVAC Graduate; Tom Gesick, MTS Refrigeration; Mike Gesick, MTS Refrigeration; Brandon Carley, Southeastern Mechanical, Inc.; Brian Ryder, Southeastern Mechanical, Inc.; Marshal Brown, Southeastern Mechanical, Inc.
Sponsors Make It Happen: A big shout-out to our generous sponsors: Ferguson, MTS Refrigeration, and Southeastern Mechanical, Inc., for contributing the materials that made these competitions possible. Your support fuels the future of craftsmanship!
Here’s to a future shaped by the skilled hands and innovative minds of these remarkable apprentices! Please reach out to Jamie Carrow, Member Services & Education Director, with any questions about our apprenticeship training programs.
by Jessica Gillette | May 3, 2023 | Construction Executive, News
The 2nd annual ABC Joint Tech Summit was held on Thursday, April 27, in Tysons, VA. This event, hosted by the ABC chapters of Chesapeake Shores, Greater Baltimore, Metro Washington and Virginia, brought together over 200 construction professionals to learn and talk about cutting-edge construction technology and safety. Construction Executive featured the event and summarized the full-day experience perfectly:
Read below or view the article on Construction Executive’s website.
At the 2023 ABC Joint Tech Summit in Tysons Corner, Virginia, on April 27, there was talk, of course, of various construction technologies, including AI, VR, autonomous vehicles, impairment detection, digital twins, blockchains and Spot the Robot Dog. All this different tech, however, was discussed for the same two reasons: safety and efficiency.
While some companies are just discovering the vast uses for and benefits of smart technology in construction, other companies are already well into adoption and implementation. Here is a breakdown of some of the contech showcased at the Joint Tech Summit, which was presented by four ABC chapters: Chesapeake Shores, Greater Baltimore, Metro Washington and Virginia.
AUTONOMOUS MACHINES
The talk of the Tech Summit was Spot the Robot Dog from Boston Dynamics. Spot can walk, run, crawl, climb stairs and tortuous terrain, right itself from a fall, return to its charging port when its battery runs low and is compatible with a variety of add-ons, like 360 cameras. Spot is controlled via tablet and can be programmed to run on its own, allowing for increased worker and jobsite safety and productivity.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Even if you aren’t using ChatGPT to forge full-length documents, you probably still use artificial intelligence daily. If you’ve ever googled anything, you know the search engine will generate the rest of your search and offer suggestions; if you’ve ever typed an email, you know it will offer to fill in the rest of your sentence. That is generated by AI.
If you wear a smart watch, you have had your steps, heart rate, temperature, decibel exposure and overall health score monitored by AI. Beyond sending emails and reminding you to stand up every hour, simple, everyday AI such as ChatGPT and wearables are great tools to implement in construction.
For example, text-based AI is a great tool for organizing data: filing reports, ensuring those reports actually get completed and filed and that the data within them is consistent. AI of this nature can also help mitigate risk before it even exists by conducting a risk analysis and producing predictive analytics based on reports collected.
Wearable AI is also a great tool for directly monitoring and mitigating worker safety. In addition to performing a predictive analysis, wearables analyze physical scenarios, which can be anything from high heat exposure to falling to near-accidents. AI knows when a worker was, is and could be at risk and how to intercept, diminish or avoid that risk for optimal worker safety and jobsite efficiency.
VIRTUAL REALITY
There are more uses for virtual reality than playing video games—although some of them can feel very much like a video game. VR together with AI is being used in parts of the construction industry to run training scenarios. This allows for data to predict problems and generate solutions for trainees to test within a controlled environment. With tools like reality capture from OpenSpace, contractors can also surveil jobsites remotely when a virtual workspace is created from the digital capture of the real workspace, allowing work to be done whenever and from wherever, optimizing productivity and eliminating variable risk factors.
IMPAIRMENT DETECTION
One piece of tech drew more attention and questions than the others at the summit. As cannabis becomes legalized for recreational and medical use in more states, impairment detection was the popular product of the day. The DRUID app, founded by Impairment Science Inc., is a portable cognitive behavioral assessment tool that is run not unlike a concussion test: A worker takes an initial test to produce a baseline measurement of cognitive and motor functions. Then that baseline is measured against future testing. This simple, noninvasive, privacy-protecting product can not only mitigate safety risks by measuring physical impairment, but can also pinpoint potential mental health risks.
Impairment Science COO Chris Bensley also argued that in some states, DRUID might increase productivity and an employee candidate pool by negating the need for cumbersome drug-testing procedures.
Of course, there is even more contech to be talked about—and maybe even discovered—such as 3D printing, BIM, NFTs. Some of this technology has been around for years already, yet is only now starting to gain popularity within the industry. While some people fear a tech takeover, losing their jobs to robots and machines and computers, if the construction industry embraces it, technology might actually teach more than it takes. In the end, the technological revolution is not simply about specific technologies and their specifically designed purposes.
“It is about technology innovation that is happening across the globe,” said Tech Summit speaker Kris Lengieza, vice president of global partnerships and alliances for Procore, “and how we can put some of those things to work for us in our industry.”
Peter Rowland of Smartapp.com demonstrates his company’s smartboard technology..
by Jessica Gillette | Mar 17, 2023 | Apprenticeship, News
ABC Virginia today announced multiple member companies won national awards presented during the 33rd annual Excellence in Construction Awards during ABC Convention 2023 in Orlando, Florida, on March 16. Categories include the Excellence in Construction Awards, National Safety Excellence Awards and IDE (Inclusion, Diversity & Equity) Awards, with some members identifying with other chapters.
Excellence in Construction® (EIC) Awards
The EIC awards are the construction industry’s leading national competition that honors general and specialty contractors for world-class, safe and innovative construction projects from across the country.
Congratulations!
Hensel Phelps, Archer Hotel Tysons Corner—Eagle Winner
Hensel Phelps, Marriott International Headquarters Hotel and Office—Pyramid Winner
Harkins Builders, Inc., Brightview Columbia—Pyramid Winner, identifying with ABC Metro Washington
David Allen Company, Marriott HQ Hotel—Eagle Winner, identifying with ABC Metro Washington
Ruppert Landscape, A Washington DC Temple—Eagle Winner, identifying with ABC Metro Washington
National Safety Excellence Awards
The National Safety Excellence Award is given to members that have demonstrated remarkable achievements in leadership, safety and innovation. The awards were presented to 49 contractors across the country.
Congratulations!
LEEBCOR Services—Excellence Winner
Hourigan—Pinnacle Winner
Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (IDE) Awards
The National Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Excellence Awards recognize members that display exemplary IDE leadership in their company, workforce, supply chain and community with best-in-class recruitment policies, retention practices and training and mentoring programs.
Congratulations!
Hensel Phelps—Excellence Winner, identifying with ABC Rocky Mountain
..
Excellence in Construction Eagle Award Winner – Archer Hotel Tysons Corner, Hensel Phelps by Jessica Gillette | Mar 7, 2023 | Apprenticeship, News
Dulles, Virginia, March 7—Associated Builders and Contractors – Virginia (ABC-VA) today announced forty-six (46) member companies were named to Associated Builders and Contractors’ fifth annual Top Performers publication, which lists its contractor members that build the country’s most enduring, innovative, high-quality construction projects, ranked by work hours. The ABC-VA Chapter now holds the record for most Top Performers.
To be eligible, ABC-VA Top Performers achieved Gold status or higher in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System, which makes the top-performing contractors more than six times safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average, according to ABC’s Safety Performance Report. The majority of the honorees also must earn ABC’s Accredited Quality Contractor credential, which recognizes commitment to corporate responsibility in quality, safety, talent management—including inclusion, diversity and equity—education and community relations.
“This year’s ABC Top Performers agree that culture is key,” said Michael Bellaman, president and CEO of ABC. “Not only is a strong corporate culture an essential component of a thriving and vibrant workplace, but it helps retain top talent, create safe and healthy jobsites and build better communities. We honor these top-performing contractors at ABC-VA that are placing the highest importance on investing in their people, health and safety, and innovation.”
Through STEP, AQC and other robust programs, ABC-VA’s Top Performers demonstrate they:
- Sustain and grow their businesses, financially and economically
- Offer market-competitive compensation, benefit and retirement packages
- Commit to world-class safety
- Commit to workforce development, education and creating career opportunities
- Commit to an inclusive and diverse work environment
- Develop opportunities for their employees to achieve their career dreams
- Cultivate committed leadership
ABC-VA’s 2023 Top Performers
|
ACECO, LLC
|
Allan Myers |
Balfour Beatty |
Branch Builds |
| Brite Electric |
Brothers Mechanical, Inc. |
Coakley & Williams Construction |
ColonialWebb Contractors |
| Comfort Systems of Virginia, Inc. |
DAVIS Construction |
Delaware Elevator, Inc. |
Donohoe Construction Company |
| Etolin Strait Development Group, LLC |
Forrester Construction |
GovSolutions, Inc. |
Heartland Construction, Inc. |
| Helix Electric |
Hensel Phelps |
Hoar Construction, LLC |
Hourigan |
| Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. |
Hudgins Contracting Corp. |
JRC Mechanical |
Kwest Group, LLC |
| LEEBCOR Services, LLC |
Lithko Contracting LLC |
M.C. Dean, Inc. |
MIG GOV, LLC |
| Miller & Long Co., Inc. |
Power Design, Inc. |
Prospect Waterproofing Co. |
REW Corporation |
| S.W. Funk Industrial Contractors, Inc. |
SAW Contracting, Inc. |
Scott-Long Construction, Inc. |
Shapiro & Duncan, Inc. |
| Skanska Building, Inc. |
Tazewell Contracting |
Tecta America Zero Company |
Telligent Masonry, LLC |
| TST Construction |
TST Roofing |
W.M. Jordan Company |
Warfel Construction Company |
| Watson Electrical Construction |
WCS Construction, LLC |
|
|
The ABC Top Performers lists identify the Top 250 Performers, Top General Contractors, Top Trade Contractors, Top Electrical Contractors, Top Plumbing/HVAC Contractors, Top Specialty Contractors and Top Performers by Market, all of which have earned the elite Accredited Quality Contractor credential. The Top Performers with Special Designations hold one or more special designations. The Top Performers were ranked by the number of hours worked in 2021, as reported in their 2022 STEP applications. The rankings also include lists of top-performing companies in 18 market segments, such as government, health care, infrastructure, military, retail, religious, high tech, airport and sports complexes.
View the 2023 Top Performers lists at abc.org/topperformers.
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 22,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.
