Make Your Voice Heard With The ABC Action App
Don’t stay silent, stand up and make your voice heard! All ABC members have access to our ABC Action App! This app is a powerful tool to help keep you engaged, informed and let your voice be heard by directly engaging with key decision-makers, affecting our industry every day. Within the app, you are able to end messages to your elected officials with just one click, receive grassroots and legislative alerts, view federal representatives’ voting records on key ABC issues, access detailed contact information for your federal representatives, find information on state construction environments and elected officials, stay up-to-date with ABC’s core issues at the federal level, and browse the latest tweets from ABC, DOL, NLRB, OSHA, EEOC and more. Download and use the ABC Action app today. http://abc.org/Politics-Policy/ABC-Action-App.
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. If you are interested in the class or have any questions, please email Nicole Field at nfield@abcnjc.org.
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
Download the Action App Today
Don’t stay silent, stand up and make your voice heard! All ABC members have access to our ABC Action App! This app is a powerful tool to help keep you engaged, informed and let your voice be heard by directly engaging with key decision-makers, affecting our industry every day. Within the app, you are able to end messages to your elected officials with just one click, receive grassroots and legislative alerts, view federal representatives’ voting records on key ABC issues, access detailed contact information for your federal representatives, find information on state construction environments and elected officials, stay up-to-date with ABC’s core issues at the federal level, and browse the latest tweets from ABC, DOL, NLRB, OSHA, EEOC and more. Download and use the ABC Action app today. http://abc.org/Politics-Policy/ABC-Action-App
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 pfeiffenberger@abc.org. 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.
Meet Nicole Field
We want to introduce you to another one of our amazing team members, Nicole Field! Nicole is currently an Edu-cation Coordinator for ABC-NJ. Nicole’s passion for the construction industry is remarkable and her commitment is ever apparent through her dedication through construction education, allowing individuals in the trades to grow and develop their skills.
Nicole takes great pride in the teaching process, making it a priority to provide encouragement by assuring our Training Unit is a positive and safe learning environment.
Nicole graduated from Strayer University in 2015 with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Nicole had previously worked for over 10 years in healthcare, followed by seven years in the Construction Education industry college of trades and technical schools. Nicole successfully became an NCCER Master Trainer focusing her efforts on guiding the ABC-NJ instructors, which are qualified journeymen, on how to teach apprentices using various teaching skills and how to adapt their teaching tactics depending on the apprentices learning style.
You can find Nicole rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles, out deep sea fishing, and taking hikes with her black lab Roxy.
Download the Action App Today
Don’t stay silent, stand up and make your voice heard! All ABC members have access to our ABC Action App! This app is a powerful tool to help keep you engaged, informed and let your voice be heard by directly engaging with key decision-makers, affecting our industry every day. Within the app, you are able to end messages to your elected officials with just one click, receive grassroots and legislative alerts, view federal representatives’ voting records on key ABC issues, access detailed contact information for your federal representatives, find information on state construction environments and elected officials, stay up-to-date with ABC’s core issues at the federal level, and browse the latest tweets from ABC, DOL, NLRB, OSHA, EEOC and more. Download and use the ABC Action app today. http://abc.org/Politics-Policy/ABC-Action-App.
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.
Make your voice heard!
Don’t stay silent, stand up and make your voice heard! All ABC members have access to our ABC Action App! This app is a powerful tool to help keep you engaged, informed and let your voice be heard by directly engaging with the key decision-makers affecting our industry every day. Download and use the ABC Action app today. http://abc.org/Politics-Policy/ABC-Action-App
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
Robert Risnychok Associated Builders & Contractors Past Presidents Memorial Scholarship
The Robet Risnychok ABC Past Presidents Memorial Scholarship is now available for 2020 high school seniors and college stduents to apply for.
Download Application (doc)
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)
2020 ABC-NJ Excellence in Construction Awards
ABC-NJ is pleased to announce the 2020 Excellence in Construction Awards Competition. The competition is an opportunity to have your project(s) join other Merit Shop projects and be recognized by ABC-NJ as the “Best of the Best”. For more information and to apply, download the application (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 training@abcnjc.org.
North Golf Outing Postponed
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ABC NJ North Golf Outing has been POSTPONED. The event, originally scheduled for June 25th at Forsgate County Club, will be rescheduled at a later date. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Lynn Bradley at lbradley@abcnjc.org.
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 training@abcnjc.org.
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 members are hosting a COVID-19 Safety Stand-down on Thursday, April 23
Join ABC members across the country and stand down for safety! ABC members are hosting a COVID-19 Safety Stand-down on Thursday, April 23. We believe having a stand-down is a vital opportunity for employers and workers in construction to ensure their behavior keeps them safe and slows the spread of the virus.
Find out more at http://ow.ly/Mw9w50zfnOr #COVID19SafetyStandDown #ABCMeritShopProud
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
Download Executive Order No. 122 (PDF)
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.