African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey Chapter Issue Joint Opposition Statement on Bill S-3414/A-5378

View Statement (PDF)

Stephen Straga

Stephen Straga, the founder of Straga Brothers Inc., passed away on March 1st, 2021, while resting peacefully at his home. He was 98. ABC was such an important part of his business. He was a charter member since the mid 1960's and was such an active member of our organization. In the early years, Stephen earned many green jackets by bringing in so many additional members. He genuinely believed in the merit-shop industry and instilled these beliefs in his sons. He was an honest, kind and caring man and will be missed by many. His legacy, Straga Brothers, continues on to this day and is still an active and committed member to the New Jersey Chapter of ABC. We pass our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this time.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Today we honor the dream. Thank you, Martin Luther King Jr. for all that you’ve done for our nation.

Happy New Year, ABC members!

Happy New Year, ABC members! We wish you a happy and safe holiday! #NewYears #ABCMeritShopProud

Share your photos

A nice CAT photo to close out 2020! Do you have any good shots on site? Share them below and you could be featured on our page! #ABCMeritShopProud

Diversity Builds America

Thank you to all of the diverse leaders, construction workers, apprentic-es and office workers for helping us build America! #ABCMeritShopProud

Safety Training

Are you interested in making safety a part of your company’s DNA? Our CORE program can help! Lean more here: https://www.abcnjc.org/Safety-Training/CORE-Program

Merry Christmas!

From all of us at ABC-NJ, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas! We hope you find some time to rest, relax and enjoy time with your close friends and family. Please stay safe, have fun, and let’s get ready to have the best year yet at ABC-NJ!

Save Jersey’s 2020 Right Women to Watch List

Join us in celebrating Samantha DeAlmeida as she was named to the Save Jersey’s 2020 Right Women to Watch List! Congratulations, Sam, keep up the great work!! Learn more

More ABC-NJ Safety Training Classes Coming in January

Last week we held a Lock-out/Tag-Out, Welding Safety, Bloodbourne Pathogens and HazCom educational class at our training facility where we awarded 30 certificates of completion! If you are interested in attending a January session, please contact Diane Blair at [email protected].

Apprentice Program

No idea where your life might be in the next couple of years? Do you want to move up the ladder, but you’re not sure how to do it? Let our apprenticeship program give you an entire new world of possibilities. Visit here to sign up: https://www.abcnjc.org/Apprenticeship

What does safety mean to you?

In the construction industry, no resource is greater than our employees, and ABC members take pride in sending their workers home safe every night. What does safety mean to you? #ABCMeritShopProud

ABC-NJ Team New Hires

Join us in welcoming Donna Dight, Daulton Sykora and Lisa Adams to the ABC-NJ team! Donna will serve as an Administrative Assistant, Daulton will serve as an Operations Assistant and Lisa will serve as Assistant Bookkeeper!

Merit-Shop Affiliation

According to unionstats.com, roughly 85% of the New Jersey construction workforce is merit-shop affiliated while 10 other states’ merit-shop affiliation is 95% or higher. #ABCMeritShopProud

ABC National Diversity Excellence Awards

The ABC National Diversity Excellence Awards recognize members that display exemplary diversity leadership in their company, workforce, supply chain and community with best-in-class recruitment policies, retention practices and training and mentoring programs.

To learn more, visit: http://diversity.abc.org/en-us/Diversity-Excellence-Awards

We help our members win work. #ABCMeritShopProud

Webinar: Utilizing Technology to Mitigate Risk During COVID-19 and Beyond

TOMORROW: As we navigate the increasing challenges our industry faces as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it is crucial to consider how to combat and mitigate the risk contractors face on today’s jobsite. Learn how contractors can employ innovative technology to lessen risk and increase profitability and certainty by joining a conversation featuring a member, a global insurance leader and leading technology providers who have been on the front lines supporting contractors during the pandemic.

Register Here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1118741396773748238

WIC Feature: Gail Straga

Meet Gail Straga, who has been a member of ABC since she began working for Straga Brothers back in 1984.

At Straga Brothers, Gail is the corporate Secretary and Treasurer, handling all Bookkeeping, A/P. A/R, Payroll including certified payroll, Change Orders, Contracts, Submittals, Accounting and General Business Operations. When she started her roll at Straga Brothers Gail was also raising her children and working full time. Fortunately for her, she was able to bring her children to work. To this day you may still find young children at the Straga Brothers office-- her grandchildren.

On her time off, when she gets a chance, Gail enjoys traveling with her husband, Dennis, and always looks forward to who will pop at their Shore house on summer weekends. Gail also finds it important to have one date night a week with her in-laws who she attributes the successful start to Straga Brothers.

Best Practices: 827% safer statistic

We’ve crunched the numbers-- and they’re huge. With our safety plan and training, your company could be 827% safer than the industry average. Interested in becoming a member and learning more? DM us and we’ll be happy to help!

Event: Election Day, Go Vote

Happy election day! If you haven’t voted already, we hope that you take the time to make your voice heard today. #GoVote #ElectionDay

Membership: Merit Shop Philosophy

Based on the merit shop philosophy, we help our members develop people, win work and deliver work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. #ABCmeritshopproud

ABC Keystone Chapter Visit

ABC New Jersey Chapter team wants to thank the ABC Keystone Chapter team and President Dave Sload for allowing our staff to visit their offices and amazing apprenticeship training facility. We thoroughly enjoyed our discussions about improving the merit-shop construction industry for all of our members throughout our great state.

2020 ABC-NJ Golf Outing at Little Mill Country Club in Marlton, New Jersey

Register now for the 2020 ABC-NJ Golf Outing. Come out and enjoy a day of golf with your peers in the merit-shop construction industry. The outing will take place on October 20th at Little Mill Country Club in Marlton! Registration and the driving range will open at 11 am, with the shot-gun start beginning at 12 pm!

Suzanne Farnoly Women in Construction Spotlight

Suzanne was hired as an Estimator and Material Sales Representative with American Asphalt in 2015. Year over year, she consistently meets or exceeds her sales goals. Suzanne is also an active participant in several industry related groups, including ABC, Builders League of South Jersey, Businesses Committed to South Jersey, ICSC and CAI. She is the President of the Board of Directors for Businesses Committed to South Jersey, and was on the 2019 Planning Committee for the ICSC Annual Conference & Expo in Philadelphia. In 2018, Suzanne was promoted to Solutions Division Manager, and was responsible for overseeing two estimators in the Parking Lot Maintenance Division. As American Asphalt continues to grow and change, Suzanne recently switched gears yet again and has returned to her Sales & Estimating role. Suzanne was featured in the 2019 South Jersey Biz 40 Under 40. In her freetime, Suzanne has been involved in fundraising efforts to bring awareness to Metavivor, a non-profit specifically dedicated to education and research for Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. Through her efforts, a mayoral proclamation was issued in Audubon, NJ to acknowledge the need for increased funding for Stage IV research.

ABC-NJ Endorses President Donald J. Trump For Re-Election

ABC-NJ joins ABC National in their support for President Donald J. Trump's re-election campaign. The President and his administration's continued support for fair and open competition, job creation, small businesses and expanded workforce development initiatives is the driving force behind ABC's support.

Read Full Press Release

ABC-NJ Endorses Claire Gustafson​ ​for New Jersey U.S. House of Representatives 1st Congressional District

Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey today announced the endorsement of Claire Gustafson (R-Collingswood) to represent the 1st Congressional District of New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Read Full Press Release

ABC-NJ Endorses David Richter for New Jersey U.S. House of Representatives 3rd Congressional District

Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey today announced the endorsement of David Richter (R-Toms River) to represent the 3rd Congressional District of New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Read Full Press Release

Join the National Safety Stand-Down: Sept 14-18

This week, September 14th through the 18th is National Safety Stand-Down Week, a week dedicated to the prevention of falls in construction. At Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey Chapter, we take safety very seriously and want to share the United States Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration resources to ensure the safety of all employees on the job site. You can view the resources by visiting https://www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown/resources.html.

Register Now For the South Golf Outing

Don’t miss out and register now for the 2020 ABC-NJ South Golf Outing on Tuesday, October 20th at Little Mill Country Club! Little Mill Country Club is located at 104 Bortons Road, Marlton, New Jersey 08503. You do not want to miss this day with friends, family, your employees and other industry peers. Registration will begin at 11:30 am and a shot-gun start at 12:30 pm. You can register by visiting https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eguy8q9hb331f5c0&oseq=&c=&ch=.

Share Photos/News With Us

Our members at ABC-NJ do extraordinary work and have a tremendous impact on their community. We would love to share this work and your company news throughout our membership! Please send us any photos, press releases, or company updates and let us help spread your message and grow your audience. You can send the photos and information to [email protected] to be featured on our Facebook and website.

You Don’t Need a College Education to Make a Good Living

The college education structure is not built for everyone and it is definitely not the only way to make a good, honest living. At ABC-NJ we offer a USDOL approved Registered Apprenticeship Program, where you can find your passion and earn while you learn!

"Real Men Wear Pink" - Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

Next month, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the American Cancer Society is looking for construction industry professionals interested in participating in their “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign. Help show your support by wearing a pink item throughout the month of October and by raising funds and awareness. Your participation in this campaign can help support those battling this disease, promote education and prevention methods and help fund innovative research. For questions, please contact Samantha DeAlmeida at [email protected].

ABC Launches Tech Alliance to Help Contractors Transform the Construction Process

Associated Builders and Contractors recently announced the implementation of its inaugural Tech Alliance. The Tech Alliance is a collection of 13 small businesses who work in the residential and commercial construction industry working to leverage technology solutions to help ABC members develop people, win and deliver work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they serve. Learn more: https://abc.org/News-Media/News-Releases/entryid/18084/abc-launches-tech-alliance-to-help-contractors-transform-the-construction-process

Interest-free Load Webinar (CornerstonePEO): Thur, Aug 20

On Thursday, August 20th from 4-5 pm our partner, CornerstonePEO, will host a webinar discussing the exclusive 10-month, interest-free loan of up to $7,500 to ABC NJ members who become clients of CornerstonePEO. The services include Payroll, HR, Worker's Compensation and Risk Management. Let CornerstonePEO take over your non-revenue sectors of business so you can focus on creating revenue and business for your company and employees! You can register for the webinar and learn more about the services CornerstonePEO is offering by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cornerstonepeo-erisa-loan-program-webinar-and-information-tickets-116442297045.

Recognizing ABC-NJ Member, Lisa Post

Today we are glad to recognize one of our members, an industry leader, Lisa Post. Lisa was ABC New Jersey's 2019 Woman of the Year. Lisa spent more than 30 years as Owner and President of Edward J. Post Company, Inc where she specialized in providing surety bond services to the construction industry. In her current role at BCA Insurance Group, she works as the Director of Surety.

She is a member of many professional organizations in addition to ABC New Jersey. Other organizations she is a member of include the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey, Philadelphia Surety Association, the Utility & Transportation Contractors Association, among others. Lisa has made a tremendous impact on our industry and has made many lifelong relationships along the way. She is an example of the amazing female leadership we have within our industry and we are proud to recognize her. commitment and accomplishments.

ABC-NJ Welcomes Samantha DeAlmeida to the Team

We are so excited to welcome Samantha DeAlmeida to the ABC-NJ team! Samantha is joining our team as Second Vice President and Government Affairs Liason. Her background includes being a public affairs professional with experience in issues advocacy, government affairs and strategic communications. She is recognized as one of New Jersey’s most influential young professionals, being named to Insider NJ’s 2019 Insider 100 Millennials, The Right Women to Watch and recently a nominee for the Monmouth County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s ATHENA award for women’s leadership. In her free time, Samantha is an avid equestrian and enjoys spending time with her horse Stella, a pony named Diva and her goat named Phil. Samantha resides in Brick, New Jersey. We are so grateful to have Samantha join our team here at ABC and help us continue to promote our mission and fight for our membership.

Craft Instructor NCCER Certification Class

ABC-NJ is offering you the opportunity to earn an NCCER Certification on August 5th & August 6th from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm! To register for the class, you must have experience at a journey or technician level in your area of expertise OR a minimum of three years experience as a certified teacher in a vocational/ technical construction or maintenance-related training program. After successful completion of the Instructor Certification Training Program, an individual will receive the following printed credentials when approved and processed by NCCER.

• NCCER blue wallet card
• Certificate

The class will take place at 135 Gaither Dr., Suite C, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 and require a $400 payment. After instructing with ABC-NJ for 2 years you will receive a $100 refund and after 3 years an additional $100 will be returned to you.

NEPA Rule Will Eliminate Unnecessary Delays, Reduce Costs for Construction Sector

ABC Vice President of Legislative & Political Affairs Kristen Swearingen has determined that the National Environmental Policy Act will eliminate unnecessary delays that cause expensive budget issues, reducing costs and speed up project approval times as the construction sector recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. The process will help streamline the process and help create and maintain a healthy workplace while spending public funds responsibly. Learn more: https://abc.org/News-Media/News-Releases/entryid/17905/nepa-rule-will-eliminate-unnecessary-delays-reduce-costs-for-construction-sector-says-abc

2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award

Does your small business plan to hire or have already hired veterans in 2020? Do you plan on retraining veterans who are already part of your workforce in 2020 as well? If so, your business may qualify for a HIRE Vets Medallion Award! There are two award categories, Gold and Platinum. To qualify for the Gold Award, you may need to ramp up basic veteran hiring and retention efforts. For the Platinum Award, you may need to hire and retain even more veterans while also meeting veteran integration assistance criteria such as starting a veteran resource group or leadership program. To learn more about the veteran integration assistance criteria, visit https://www.hirevets.gov/resources/examples-of-excellence?utm_campaign=hvmp_20200727_seg3sml&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery. To see which award your business may qualify for, visit https://www.hirevets.gov/?utm_campaign=hvmp_20200727_seg3sml&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#program-criteria-anchor.

House Approves ABC-supported Great American Outdoors Act

The ABC supported Great American Outdoor Act was recently passed by the United States House of Representatives after being drafted and passed by the United States Senate. The bill will help address the $20 billion deferred maintenance backlog in the Department of the Interior, $12 billion of which is accumulated by the National Park Service, creating or supporting more than 100,000 construction jobs. The Great American Outdoor Act will direct up to $9.5 billion in non-taxpayers funds over 5 years to improve infrastructure within the National Park Service bringing much-needed jobs to the construction industry. Learn more: https://abc.org/News-Media/Newsline/entryid/17938/house-approves-abc-supported-great-american-outdoors-act-which-would-create-100-000-construction-industry-jobs

ABC Election Update Series: RNC National Update

On Thursday, July 30th from 3-3:30 pm, the Republican National Committee is hosting a free, exclusive update as part of the ABC Election Update Series for all ABC Members! The discussion will feature Chris Carr, political director for Trump Victory, and Elliott Echols, national field director at the RNC. If you have any questions please email Melanie Pfeiffenberger, Director of Political Affairs, at [email protected]. If you are interested in joining the discussion, you can RSVP by visiting https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6081932483736118544.

State of New Jersey Legislative Update

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently signed two bills into law, relating to the construction industry as a whole. The first, S2085/A3785 requires State contracting units, including State colleges, to use an electronic pro-curement process for public works construction contracts when the project requires public advertisement. The second S973/A1408 requires the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to establish an apprenticeship men-toring program for women, minorities, and persons with disabilities. To view S2085/A3785, please visit https://legiscan.com/NJ/text/S2085/2020 and to view S973/A1408, please visit https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/S1000/973_I1.HTM.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration COVID Frequently Asked Questions

The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has updated its list of frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 by adding in ‘reporting of work-related, confirmed cases of COVID-19.’ If you want to see the full list of frequently asked questions, please visit https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/covid-19-faq.html. To visit the ‘reporting of work-related, confirmed cases of COVID-19’ question and answer, visit https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/covid-19-faq.html#reporting.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People Webcast Series

During these challenging times, many are looking for solutions to make sure they are staying on top of their game! Sign up for this 10-episode webcast series, to learn about how highly effective people navigate problems during challenging times. Each episode will be emailed directly to you each day for the next 10 business days. To sign up or learn more, please visit https://pages.franklincovey.com/7-habits-coach-change-uncertainty-webcast-series-sign-up.html.

Webinar: Changing Construction Perspectives

Tomorrow, July 23rd at 3:00 pm, there will be an information session to help assist ABC members on how the current COVID-19 pandemic is shifting the construction industry. The conversation will focus on the “new normal,” diving deeper into the best safety and educational practices, what the future will look like, and how to get ahead of the changing construction landscape. To learn more about the hour-long webinar and register for the session, please visit https://info.viewpoint.com/WBN2020-07-23NAOhShift...ChangingConstructionPerspectives.html.

ABC Fights for Merit Shop Workers

Every day, ABC works passionately to defend and improve your rights as merit-shop contractors and workers. Did you know that 87.4% of those in the U.S. construction industry are merit-ship contractors and workers just like you? We take pride in knowing that we work to support and advance the great safety and education within our great industry.

New Jersey in Stage 2 of the Re-Opening Plan

The state of New Jersey is currently in the second stage of the state's re-opening plan amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Outdoor dining and expanded retail are amongst the activities permitted. We will keep you updated with news on a possible move into the third phase of the re-opening plan and make sure to update you on any COVID-19 construction-related updates.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Extended Deadline

President Trump has signed legislation extending the ability to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan 5-weeks to a new deadline of August 8th. There is still $129 billion of PPP loan funding available for small businesses at this time. If you are interested in applying or want to learn more about how to apply for the loan, please visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program

ABC-NJ President Responds to New Jersey Wind Port Project Announcement

Today Governor Murphy announced New Jersey’s Offshore Wind Port, a $300-400 Million infrastructure project located in Salem County, NJ. In his announcement, Governor Murphy vowed that the project will be constructed with a union workforce. The project is being spearheaded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, whose CEO, Tim Sullivan, stated that the project “...will be built, every single piece of it, with union labor.”

Read More (PDF)

ABC-New Jersey Calls on Residents to Reject Project Labor Agreements

The New Jersey Legislature has pushed through new legislation that revis- es the definition of ‘public works projects’ to permit government-mandated PLAs on even more projects. This legislation now sits on Governor Murphy’s desk for him to sign into law. As a result, the majority of construction contractors and workers in New Jersey will be unable to compete for PLA projects, solely based on the fact that their workers are non-unionized, leav- ing close to 85% of New Jersey contractors unable to bid on work.

Read More (PDF)

ABC’s Virtual Legislative Day 2020 Event

Join ABC’s Government Affairs team for a virtual Legislative Day briefing with a call to action to make ABC’s collective voice heard on Capitol Hill. Along with updates on legislative hot topics, attendees will get an insider’s look at the 2020 elections—potentially the most interesting elections of our time.

The event is on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 from 8am to 10am PDT.

REGISTER ONLINE

ABCNJ Registered Apprenticeship Program Moved to Permanent Status

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) NJ Chapters Registered Apprenticeship Program was moved from Provisional status to Permanent status by the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) Office of Apprenticeship. This is the designation the USDOL gives to programs that have moved out of the probationary ‘startup’ stage. ABC NJ plans to start new sessions in September for all trades.

Read More (docx)

ABCNJ Offers Members STEP Safety Program

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) is a safety benchmarking and improvement tool that dramatically improves safety performance. Participating ABC member firms measure their safety processes and policies on 25 key components through a detailed questionnaire with the goal of implementing or enhancing safety programs that reduce jobsite incidents.

Read More (docx)

ABC Member Recognition

Each month, we will be taking a moment to recognize the amazing members of our team here at ABC NJ.

This month we want to thank Diane Blair for all of her hard work, dedication, and never wavering commitment to our organization and mission! Diane has been the ABC NJ Director of Operations for 3 years and keeps our organization running like a well-oiled machine! Beyond her day to day work, Diane manages our training classes and is the staff liaison for our Safety Committee. Most importantly, Diane makes sure all of our members feel at home as a member of ABC NJ. Diane is just as active in the community as she is with ABC NJ. She is a current member of the Mount Laurel Board of Education, currently serving as its President. She is a mother of two amazing sons and now a grandmother to two grandsons! Thank you for all that you do!

ABC NJ Registered Apprenticeship Program Moved to Permanent Status

It’s official! The ABC NJ Registered Apprenticeship Program was moved from our “start-up” Provisional status to Permanent status by the USDOL.

We plan to start new sessions in September for all trades. If you have questions or need additional information about our apprenticeship program please email [email protected].

Governor Murphy announces multi-stage approach to re-opening

Today, Governor Murphy announced his multi-stage approach, outlining three stages in which businesses and activities can re-open. The state of New Jersey is now considered to be in Phase 1, which permits both essential and “non-essential” construction. The subsequent phases leading to our ‘New normal’ will be implemented based on their respective risk levels and the ability to implement safeguards.

ABC NJ Registered Apprenticeship Program Moved to Permanent Status

It’s official! The ABC NJ Registered Apprenticeship Program was moved from our “start-up” Provisional status to Permanent status by the USDOL.

We plan to start new sessions in September for all trades. If you have questions or need additional information about our apprenticeship program please email [email protected].

NJ Labor Department to Begin Making Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Payments

On April 29, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced that recipients of federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to the self-employed, independent contractors and others who are not usually eligible for unemployment insurance benefits will start being notified of their PUA eligibility today, and the Department will begin making payments Friday.

Read more

ABCNJ OFFERS SUPPORT OF GOVERNORS RESTART AND RECOVERY COMMISSION

Mt. Laurel, NJ - On Tuesday, Governor Phil Murphy announced the “Governor’s Restart and Re-covery Commission,” a board containing economists, academics, business leaders, labor leaders, health care experts, and more. This comes after the Governor announced “The Road Back: Restor-ing Economic Health Through Public Health,” his vision to get New Jersey’s economy running in a safe and effective manner. The Associated Builders and Contractors, New Jersey Chapter (ABCNJ) offers their support for the Commission. It is expected that an additional advisory committee will be formed, having larger subcommittees focusing in areas such as infrastructure, professional services, small business, STEM, social services, tourism and entertainment.

Download Full Press Release (PDF)

Sam Fiocchi, ABC NJ's New President

ABC NJ would like to announce Sam Fiocchi as our new President. ABC NJ is very excited to have Sam join our team. Sam was born and raised in Vineland, New Jersey and attended St. Augustine Preparatory School and Widener University. Sam had been a member of the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 2011 to 2013 for one term and NJ General Assemblyman in the 1st Legislative district from 2014-2016. He had been a member of the Vineland Zoning Board of Adjustment from 2009 to 2011 and presently is a member of the City of Vineland Planning Board. He also served on the transition team for Governor Chris Christie in 2010.

During his term in the Assembly, he served on the Human Services, Regulatory Oversight, and Telecommunications and Utilities committees.

Sam ran a family business for over 35 years and understands the needs of merit shop owners. He resides in Vineland. Sam has two children and two grandchildren. Sam is an avid lover of sports and a big Flyers fan.

ABC Helps to Author Strategy for Safe, Strong Recovery as Part of Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups

ABC's President and CEO Michael D. Bellaman today issued the following statement regarding the Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups:

“ABC is honored to be collaborating with the White House and other industry leaders as a member of the construction industry group for the Great American Economic Revival in order to continue to safely deliver and re-open construction projects that have been temporarily shut down due to COVID-19."

NJ Governor Murphy signs Executive Order on Non-Essential Construction projects

The physical operations of all non-essential construction projects shall cease at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10. “Essential construction projects” include the following:

• Projects necessary for the delivery of health care services, including but not limited to hospitals, other health care facilities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
• Transportation projects, including roads, bridges, and mass transit facilities or physical infrastructure, including work done at airports or seaports.
• Utility projects, including those necessary for energy and electricity production and transmission, and any decommissioning of facilities used for electricity generation.
• Residential projects that are exclusively designated as affordable housing.
• Projects involving pre-K-12 schools, including but not limited to projects in Schools Development Authority districts, and projects involving higher education facilities.
• Projects already underway involving individual single-family homes, or an individual apartment unit where an individual already resides, with a construction crew of 5 or fewer individuals. This includes additions to single-family homes such as solar panels.
• Projects already underway involving a residential unit for which a tenant or buyer has already entered into a legally binding agreement to occupy the unit by a certain date, and construction is necessary to ensure the unit’s availability by that date.
• Projects involving facilities at which any one or more of the following takes place: the manufacture, distribution, storage, or servicing of goods or products that are sold by online retail businesses or essential retail businesses, as defined by Executive Order No. 107 (2020) and subsequent Administrative Orders adopted pursuant to that Order.
• Projects involving data centers or facilities that are critical to a business’s ability to function.
• Projects necessary for the delivery of essential social services, including homeless shelters.
• Any project necessary to support law enforcement agencies or first responder units in their response to the COVID-19 emergency.
• Any project that is ordered or contracted for by Federal, State, county, or municipal government, or any project that must be completed to meet a deadline established by the Federal government.
• Any work on a non-essential construction project that is required to physically secure the site of the project, ensure the structural integrity of any buildings on the site, abate any hazards that would exist on the site if the construction were to remain in its current condition, remediate a site, or otherwise ensure that the site and any buildings therein are appropriately protected and safe during the suspension of the project.
• Any emergency repairs necessary to ensure the health and safety of residents.

The Treasury Department has issued further information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program.

The website link is here:
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses

PPP Information Sheet

• Applications can be made for businesses starting April 3, 2020
• When calculating the amount of the loan eligible for forgiveness, not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs (i.e., rent, utilities and interest on mortgage obligations)
• Interest rate - fixed at .50%
• Loan due date - 2 years
• Interest payments are deferred for 6 months (This implies that interest is not part of the forgiveness and will need to be paid).
• It defines “Payroll Costs consistent with the Act but states that “Payroll Costs” will be capped at $100,000 annualized for each employee (as opposed to just the salary and wages portion of payroll costs being capped)

There is also a Lender Fact Sheet on the site that says: What Underwriting is Required?

• You will need to verify that a borrower was in operation on February 15, 2020.
• You will need to verify that a borrower had employees for whom the borrower paid salaries and payroll taxes.
• You will need to verify the dollar amount of average monthly payroll costs.

Updates and Clarifications to List of Businesses Permitted to Operate

On March 30, Governor Phil Murphy and Superintendent of the State Police Colonel Patrick Callahan announced an Administrative Order amending which businesses are permitted to operate and clarifying the ways in which some businesses may operate in accordance with Executive Order No. 107.

The Administrative Order clarifies that:

• Individual appointments to view real estate with realtors by individuals or families shall be considered essential retail business. Open houses are still considered impermissible gatherings.
• Car dealers may continue to conduct online sales or remote sales that are consistent with current law. In the event of such a sale, the car may be delivered to the purchaser or the purchaser can pick up the car curbside or in the dealership service lane.
• In accordance with the guidance released by the federal Department of Homeland Security, effective Tuesday, March 31, at 8:00 a.m., firearms retailers are permitted to operate – by appointment only and during limited hours – to conduct business which, under law, must be done in person. The NICS background check system will be up and running to process firearms purchases.
• Golf courses are considered recreational and entertainment businesses that must close to the public and to members associated with private golf clubs.

To read the governor’s press release, click here.

NJEDA COVID-19 Grant/Loan Program Eligibility Wizard Now Available

Recently, Governor Phil Murphy announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved a package of emergency assistance programs that will drive $75M of public and private funding to help small businesses and non-profits impacted by the COVID-19 Outbreak.

To help small businesses and nonprofits understand which programs they may qualify for, the NJEDA launched a new online “Eligibility Wizard”. By guiding users through a series of 25 easy-to-answer questions, the Eligibility Wizard provides information on which emergency assistance programs a business may want to consider for its specific needs and are encouraged to use this tool to help prepare in anticipation of emergency assistance programs officially launching.

The Eligibility Wizard can be found through the State’s COVID-19 Business Information Hub: https://cv.business.nj.gov or https://assistance.business.nj.gov/.

Easy to Understand CARES Act Information for Business and Nonprofits

Please see the below links for several helpful resource guides that businesses and nonprofits can use to understand the CARES Act.

• United States Senate CARES Act Summary
• United States Senate FAQ on CARES Act
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Checklist for Small Business Owners on the CARES Act: Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist