2024 ANNUAL MAGAZINE AND MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 4 Membership is Our Strength By Tresa Folkman, President, ABC Utah CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 6 Ensuring ABC’s Merit Shop Philosophy Continues By Jason Coates, Chairman, ABC Utah NATIONAL CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 9 ABC: The Key to Unlocking Potential By Buddy Henley, 2024 Chairman, ABC National Board of Directors 12 2024 ABC Utah Officers & Board Members 15 Getting to Know Carl Tippets of Pentalon Construction 20 Become a Sponsor of the 2024 Royal Family KIDS Camp! 21 Be the Best. Build With the Best. Apply to Become an Accredited Quality Contractor! 22 Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the Workplace 26 Talent Ready Utah Pathways to Construction 28 ABC Utah 2024 Legislative Recap By Ashley Spatafore Mirabelli, Lobbyist, ABC Utah 30 Women in Construction 31 Measure. Strengthen. Build. Get More Out of Your Safety Program 32 2023 ABC Utah Events Photo Gallery 33 Download the ABC Action App Today! 34 ABC Utah Calendar of Events & Committee Meetings 35 Your ABC Membership Can Pay for Itself! 36 ABC Utah Membership 46 Important Resources ©2024 Associated Builders and Contractors of Utah (ABC Utah) |The newsLINK Group, LLC. All rights reserved. 2024 Annual Magazine and Member Directory is published once a year byThe newsLINK Group, LLC for ABC Utah and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances.The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of ABC Utah, its board of directors, or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. 2024 Annual Magazine and Member Directory is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of ABC Utah. While the 2024 Annual Magazine and Member Directory encourages a first-print policy, in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at (855) 747-4003. Cover Photo: ABC Utah’s 2023 Champion of the Year Award Winner, The Hyve Apartments by Carl Tippets 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As the president of Associated Builders and Contractors of Utah, I am honored to be part of such an incredible association. The real strength of our organization comes from our people — you, our members, are the heart and soul of everything we do. It’s your dedication that defines us as a community that embraces the Merit Shop Philosophy as well as open and fair competition. From my perspective, Merit Shop is about recognizing hard work, talent and commitment. It creates opportunities for everyone, no matter their background or where they come from, so everyone has a fair chance to succeed. Open and fair competition to me means that every contractor, big or small, gets a shot at the work they deserve. Using this philosophy, everyone is guaranteed the equity of opportunity, not the equity of outcome. The best part of leading the Utah Chapter is the relationships I’ve built with our members. I love the way you have welcomed me and allowed me to get to know you on a personal level. In my opinion, it’s not just about being a part of an association; it’s about joining a family of genuine professionals who are filled with integrity. Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do for Associated Builders and Contractors. ABC wouldn’t be doing as well as we are today without your generosity, commitment and support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, suggestions or feedback. I’d love to hear from you. MEMBERSHIP IS OUR STRENGTH Tresa Folkman, PRESIDENT, ABC UTAH 4
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CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE I am honored to be addressing all the members of the ABC Utah Chapter. It amazes me to see the support and level of commitment so many people have made over the years at ABC. When my company first joined ABC, I feel that I was not engaged and missed so many opportunities to meet people, exchange ideas and build relationships. I am reminded that in life and in our chosen paths, you get out of something no more than you put into it. This is characterized by the basic tenets of the ABC Merit Shop Philosophy. We believe that all people, contractors and companies should be treated fairly and should be rewarded based on their own efforts. I can say that by getting more involved and serving on a committee or two, my eyes and heart were open to the wonderful membership opportunity that ABC Utah creates and fosters. I have made many friendships and relationships that I will value for the rest of my life. I encourage all of you to please get more involved, volunteer for a committee, come to an event, break out and shake the hand of someone you don’t know yet and make a lasting connection. There are many opportunities to meet like-minded, intelligent people who care about the same issues that all of us must deal with in our industry. There are opportunities in safety, women in construction, government affairs, workforce development, emerging leaders and more. I implore you to go to a meeting and get involved in taking advantage of the networking opportunities. I am a firm believer that we are all a reflection of the people we surround ourselves with, and I am proud to be associated with the membership of ABC. With the current attack on Merit Shop Values, we need the support of the membership as a whole now more than ever. We all believe in free and open competition, yet it is currently under attack by the Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) included in the infrastructure spending bill. It will take the unity of the ABC membership both locally and nationally in order to fight this attack on Merit Shops. I am proud to be a part of this organization that continues to fight for all of our rights to competitively bid and succeed at all work in a free and open market. Please join me this year in getting involved and sharing our collective voice in ensuring ABC’s Merit Shop Philosophy continues to be at the forefront of free and open competition. I hope to, in some way, serve as chairman this year by honoring all of those before me and inspiring those of the future. ENSURING ABC’S MERIT SHOP PHILOSOPHY CONTINUES Jason Coates, CHAIRMAN, ABC UTAH 6
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE ABC: THE KEY TO UNLOCKING POTENTIAL Buddy Henley, 2024 CHAIRMAN, ABC NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Since 1950, ABC has helped construction executives like you develop skills, lead a healthy, safe and productive workforce, find support and expand your network to achieve sustained success for your company and your people. In the many years that I have been in the business of construction, I have recognized that success isn’t just about bricks and mortar — it’s about building connections, honing skills and navigating an ever-evolving landscape. This is where I feel my membership and involvement with ABC proves it’s more than just an organization — it’s a cornerstone for all construction enterprises looking to elevate their value proposition and expand their horizons. With ABC, I’ve found that all members get a key to unlocking the potential of their people and businesses. It’s the conduit to a community where professionals forge alliances, exchange ideas and foster collaboration — where industry leaders converge, sharing insights, experiences and innovations. Whether you are a startup, a mid-sized general contractor like me or an established giant in the construction industry, every member can find pathways toward excellence with ABC. Access to training and upskilling programs, certifications and workshops empowers individuals to master their craft, enhancing efficiency, health and safety on job sites across the country. I have utilized all of these, not only for myself but also for my team at Henley Construction, throughout the years. It’s about embracing the future with new innovative and technological advancements and sustainability efforts. Through ABC’s advocacy efforts, members stand unified, championing policies that bolster the industry and allow us to grow. ABC advocates for member priorities on key regulatory challenges, from project labor agreement mandates to prevailing wage, overtime, independent contractor and joint employer rules, as well as other government policies that threaten America’s foundation on fair and open competition. Through ABC PAC and the Free Enterprise Alliance, ABC members participate in the political process to defend the 9
Merit Shop Philosophy against anti-Merit Shop lawmakers and legislation like the Protecting the Right to Organize Act. As a member of ABC, you have access to eight strategic partners hand-selected to help members win and deliver work, as well as the Tech Alliance, made up of 15 firms that deliver value through technology webinars, beta testing and thought leadership. Tech and innovation have helped Henley Construction recruit the next generation of talent, and we make investments in the newest technologies. Because of our membership with ABC, we have access to these new, cutting-edge technologies that put us ahead of the competition and help us find better ways to do things more efficiently. I encourage you to take advantage of exclusive ABC member opportunities that will help you win work, including: • The STEP Safety Management System helps you measure, strengthen and build your health and safety program. • The Accredited Quality Contractor credential helps general and prime contractors, as well as subcontractors, recruit and retain employees, win work and demonstrate corporate citizenship. • Peer groups connect you with ABC members facing the same challenges you confront. • Awards programs honor outstanding construction projects, health and safety programs and commitment to inclusion, diversity and merit. • ABC’s Top Performers lists recognize members’ achievements in safety, quality, diversity, project excellence and special designations, ranked by work hours. I also personally feel that the value of ABC extends beyond the tangible perks: It’s about belonging to a community where everyone is invested in each other’s triumphs. It’s about celebrating milestones together and weathering challenges collectively. Whether staying abreast of regulatory changes, accessing industry insights or finding mentorship with seasoned professionals, ABC isn’t just a mere affiliation; it’s a partnership that comes with a commitment to growth and excellence. For me, standing shoulder to shoulder with ABC wasn’t just an option; it was a strategic decision to thrive in this ever-evolving industry. Thank you for being a member of ABC Utah. You are building the places where America works, lives, plays, heals, learns and prays. 10
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2024 ABC UTAH OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS JASON COATES CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Coates Electric & Instrumentation (801) 389-0827 jason_coates@coateselectric.com NATHAN GOODRICH CHAIR-ELECT Helix Electric (801) 280-2228 ngoodrich@helixelectric.com CRAIG MADSEN SECRETARY J&M Steel Solutions (801) 209-8500 cmadsen@j-msteel.com GARY PETERSEN TREASURER Adams & Petersen CPA (801) 776-5241 gary@apcpas.com TAYLER FOX GENERAL COUNSEL Denton Durham Jones Pinegar (801) 297-1238 tayler.fox@denton.com JACOB KAPP PAST CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Kapp Companies (801) 430-2295 jacob@kappcompanies.com 12
2024 RETURNING BOARD MEMBERS CHRIS REMKES R&O Construction (801) 835-8725 chrisr@randoco.com OLGA DE LA CRUZ Painter 1 of Greater Salt Lake (801) 815-0203 olga@painter1.com SAGE THORPE Whitaker Construction (435) 723-2921 sage@whitcon.com 2024 NEW BOARD MEMBERS DAVE THURGOOD Staker Parson Materials & Construction (801) 835-8725 dave.thurgood@stakerparson.com JARED BROOKS Big D Construction (801) 502-2528 jbrooks@big-d.com JASON CUSKELLEY Tyfoom (801) 906-3112 jason@tyfoom.com 2024 AD HOC BOARD MEMBERS RICK HIGGINS Mountain States Fence (801) 261-4224 rhiggins@msfence.com JOSHUA SCHLICHTE Gallagher Risk Management (801) 332-0098 joshua_schlichte@ajg.com MIKE SOWBY Sinc Constructors (801) 898-3514 mike@sinc-constructors.com 13
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GETTING TO KNOW Carl Tippets is the president and CEO of Pentalon Construction Inc. He founded and built the company from the ground up and takes pride in the fact that his company has played a role in building better communities through many thoughtful, unique and quality projects. The Hyve Apartments, located in Salt Lake City, is one such project. This multifamily unit offers residents an inspiring place to live and won ABC Utah’s 2023 Champion of the Year award, which is featured on the cover of this directory. Prior to Pentalon, Carl gained a comprehensive range of industry experience as a builder, contractor, project superintendent and manager. He maintains General Contractor Licenses in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington and Wyoming. We recently sat down with Carl and talked to him about his life, the industry and what membership in ABC Utah means to him. The following are excerpts of our conversation. We hope you enjoy getting to know him as much as we did! When and why did you decide to go into the construction industry? Working in the construction industry was a default decision — it’s the way I put myself through college while supporting my family financially. In hindsight, it was a great default decision that I’ve really enjoyed. If I had to go back, I would pick this path again. What prompted you to start Pentalon Construction in 1992? I was working for a developer as a builder. The developer was winding down their development side, so I decided to go out on my own as a thirdparty builder. That was probably one of the better decisions I’ve made. Where did the name of the company come from? When I went out on my own, my previous employers asked if they could be my partners. There were five of us, and we decided that Pentalon was a fit. Pentalon is Latin for five turkeys — you can’t take yourself too seriously, and the name fits us well. Your company has been creating and building for 40+ years; what do you think is the number one thing that has contributed to your company’s longevity? Good people. Being able to surround myself with quality people is the key to success. We have been fortunate at Pentalon because we created a culture that attracts people that you want to be associated with. Additionally, I think people perpetuate that culture and then attract more quality people. I have multiple people who have been with the company for over 20 years and 18 people who have been here for over 10 years, so we’ve got longevity in our favor as well. When did you join ABC Utah, and what are the benefits of membership? I joined ABC Utah in 1997. I remember feeling that I needed to get involved Carl Tippets of Pentalon Construction 15
and be involved in the industry as a whole. You can be involved in a company and be isolated by only being involved in that company — I think that’s almost at the point of being self-centered. Or you can be involved in an industry — that is a much bigger picture. Being a part of the bigger picture allows you to exert some control externally. Usually, we focus just on the internal controls we have in a company, but being part of an association, you can put some influence on the external controls. That’s a big factor in success. The ABC saying “Get into government or get out of business” applies to this — if you’re not speaking up, you’re not a part of the solution. I’m a firm believer in getting to know your neighborhood. And when you talk about the longevity of a company, it’s getting involved in the construction neighborhood. Being in an association allows you to get to know your neighbors. Through my membership in ABC Utah, I’ve been able to become acquainted with a lot of our competitors, whom I’d also call friends and collaborators. 16
What is one thing that members/ companies can do to get the most out of their membership? Be involved. I see way too many people/ companies who pay their dues and don’t participate. They typically last one or two years and say what’s the benefit of my dues? If you’re not involved, there is no benefit. What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your profession and how did you learn it? I’ve learned most of my lessons in life through the School of Hard Knocks. The biggest lesson I learned is that you have to empower people. I tried to do too much by myself in the beginning and recognized my limitations. I learned that we can be a better company by functioning as a company as opposed to a sole proprietorship. So, get people involved, empower people and let them put some creativity into their roles. This is one lesson that took me way too long to learn. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself earlier in your career? I think one of the problems in the industry today is too many people are entering this field of work and want to be immediately involved in leadership and management roles. Although that’s admirable, we still need tradesmen, someone who has come up through the trades, learned skills on the job and has a well-rounded perspective. I’m not trying to discount the education portion of it, but part of that education is understanding what the field does. If I were advising somebody, I would say, “Go learn the aspects of each job.” That’s a continuation of that education process. If you want to go out and do your own thing, that’s great, but get experience and a reallife perspective — something beyond just an academic perspective. What career accomplishment are you proudest of? The people are what I’m proudest of. I love who I get to work with, and the fact that I get to work with them is probably my biggest accomplishment. 17
Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on? I would say my favorite project would be building Pentalon as a company and the people I get to work with. What three pieces of advice would you pass on to someone new to the industry? 1. Educate yourself at every level, find perspective and work hard. 2. Love what you do because life is too short to spend time on a career you don’t love. 3. Dream of what you can do, don’t get stuck in the present, and always look forward. Any last thoughts? We are all pretty fortunate, no matter what circumstances we might find ourselves in — we are blessed that America is a great place to be and that construction is a great industry to be involved in. The rewards and satisfaction that can come from this line of work exceed most other career paths. 18
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BECOME A SPONSOR of the 2024 Royal Family KIDS Camp! The ABC Utah Chapter family is a proud supporter of the Royal Family KIDS, and we need your help to build a better future for some incredible children. Royal Family KIDS exists to provide opportunities for children in the foster care system within the greater Salt Lake City area to experience God’s love and grace through Christ-centered programs and activities. Each year, our chapter is proud to provide clothing, toys and fun things to do at the Royal Family KIDS Camp. We need your help to make this happen. Become a sponsor, donate or volunteer. Share the love! To get involved, please email Tresa Folkman at tresa@abcutah.org. Scan the QR code to donate today. 20
Apply to become an Accredited Quality Contractor! abc.org/aqc Presenting Sponsor When you choose to become an ACCREDITED QUALITY CONTRACTOR, you choose to be one of the best of Associated Builders and Contractors’ more than 23,000 member firms. The AQC credential provides national recognition to construction firms that demonstrate their commitment to corporate responsibility in quality, safety, craft and management education, talent management—including inclusion, diversity and merit—and community relations. APPLY BY OCT. 23, 2024. 21
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention IN THE WORKPLACE Nearly one in five adults has experienced some kind of mental health disorder. Research indicates that mental health conditions — such as depression, psychosis, substance use, anxiety, personality-, eating- and trauma-related disorders — can increase the risk of suicide. In fact, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 90% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and potentially treatable mental health condition. Suicide does not discriminate. Anyone can be affected, from teachers and food servers to emergency first responders, air traffic controllers and construction workers. When mental health issues are not dealt with, it affects a wide range of people — from families and friends to co-workers, as well. Many of us have been affected by the epidemic of suicide and have lost friends and loved ones. In 2022, 49,449 people committed suicide, or 5.7 suicides every hour. In 2023, the numbers surpassed 50,000 suicide deaths. Mental health officials say this is the highest rate of suicide that our nation has ever seen — a tragic reality of the world in which we live. According to the CDC, 53.3 construction workers out of 100,000 people commit suicide. These numbers are made even more sobering in stark contrast to the average suicide rate in the United States, which is just 12.93 individuals per 100,000 people. The suicide rate among construction workers is at least four times greater than the national average. That is heartbreaking. “This is a national tragedy, and we must end these unprecedented, unacceptable and devastating deaths among our colleagues,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development. “Construction workers work with tools every day, and we must equip these 7.7 million workers with the tools they need to prioritize mental health and protect their emotional well‑being. They will use them.” Indeed, the idea of skyrocketing numbers of suicide victims within the construction industry came to the attention of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) in 2016. The group, now known as the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), gathers support from unions, associations, contractors and mental health organizations across the nation. Some of the largest organizations in the construction industry support CIASP’s efforts, including the Associated Builders and Contractors, the National Association of Home Builders and The Associated General Contractors of America. “The risk factors for construction workers aren’t new,” said Michelle Walker, a CIASP board member who also serves as vice president of finance and administration at SSC Underground in Phoenix. “A stoic, independent, tough-guy mentality may keep workers from seeking help. Others may not offer help because they don’t feel comfortable intervening.” Men are twice as likely to die by suicide as women, and the demographics in the construction industry certainly play a role: Over 96% of construction workers are men. Other risk factors might involve chronic pain due to the physicality construction jobs demand, substance abuse and shift work that often disrupts sleep and time away from home. “It is time to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health issues with the goal of creating a zero-suicide industry,” said Sizemore. “Employers can build a resilient workforce by providing access to resources to improve total human health: physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual, financial, occupational and spiritual wellness.” 22
As an employer or a coworker, it is essential that you recognize the warning signs of a potential suicide. Those signs include: • Appearing sad or depressed. • Increased tardiness and absenteeism. • Talking about feeling trapped. • Expressing a desire to die. • Decreased productivity at work. • Isolating from others at work. • Extreme mood swings. • Increased use of drugs or alcohol. • Decreased self-confidence. • Feeling hopeless and helpless. • Sleeping too much or too little. • Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless. • Neglect of appearance or hygiene. • Withdrawing from family and friends. • A feeling of being a burden to others. • Decreased problem-solving ability. This begs the question: Have you empowered your employees to take action to help address mental health and prevent the tragedy of suicide? The CIASP developed a Suicide Prevention Integration Checklist to assist construction companies in building their mental health promotion and suicide prevention in the workplace. This checklist was designed for company leaders to evaluate who will be responsible for its implementation. Since every company operates differently and has unique needs and resources, some parts of the list might not apply in all situations. The Integration Checklist is broken down into five parts: 1. Corporate attention to and consideration of mental health 2. Resources in place for employees dealing with mental health issues 3. Readiness within the company to deal with suicidal employees 4. Building protective factors 5. Crisis response To download the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention for Construction Companies, please scan the QR code. https://www.nahb.org/-/media/NAHB/ advocacy/docs/legal-issues/constructionliability/trending-now/suicide-preventionanalysis-integration-checklist.pdf This checklist should not be considered a “one-and-done” portion of a company’s processes and procedures. It should be a fluid, ever-present, update-when-necessary segment that is reviewed, studied and trained frequently. Take action to determine who might be in need. All managers, supervisors 23
and even line employees must be aware of the company’s commitment to addressing risk factors and preventing suicide. CIASP wants to encourage construction industry employers to do whatever it takes to prevent possible suicides. Making suicide part of the company conversation allows people to get comfortable with the topic and be more likely to speak up if help is needed. CIASP asks that everyone STAND up to prevent suicide in the construction industry: Safe: Create a culture in which team members feel safe to ask for help or speak up if concerned about their fellow co‑workers. Training: Make suicide prevention training available to all team members so they can recognize the warning signs and be equipped to help those at risk. Awareness: Raise awareness by sharing the message of suicide prevention through organizational activities such as training, safety meetings, toolbox talks, team meetings, newsletters and social media posts. Normalizing: Normalize the topic of suicide prevention as a health and safety priority by talking about suicide, suicide prevention and mental health. Decreasing: Help decrease the risk of suicide in construction by ensuring all team members have access to an awareness of CIASP’s action plans, behavioral health benefits, screening tools, community crisis support, the suicide prevention lifeline and crisis text line. CIASP is not the only organization concerned with suicide prevention in the workplace. ABC National has developed a program to empower employers to help their employees. As stated on abc.org, “ABC members care about their employees. Not only do they want to send them home safe at the end of the shift, but they also want them to live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy the abundance life has to offer through their careers and beyond.” The Total Human Health Initiative encompasses multiple dimensions of health and is organized into four simple and easy-to-remember categories: Body, Heart, Mind and Soul. Total Human Health is focused on building a resilient workforce connected through relationships and engaged in performing construction work to a high standard of safety, quality and effectiveness. The workforce is our most important resource, with individuals who are highly skilled and ready to build the places where America lives, learns, works, heals, plays and prays. We cannot achieve anything without our workforce. The driving imperative behind Total Human Health in our labor-intensive industry is twofold: 1. Address the changing demographics of the workforce and the workforce shortage in the skilled trades. 2. Work to reduce the high suicide rate among construction workers. Employers should incorporate mental health protections to prevent suicide in the workplace. To help employers establish guidelines to create a healthy workplace, ABC has provided a toolkit for leaders to review and start making healthy changes. Scan the QR code to download the PDF. https://www.abc.org/Portals/1/ Total%20Human%20Health/Total%20 Human%20Health%20Initiative%20 Toolkit%20FINAL%2005082024.pdf There are also assessment tools that management teams can fill out to determine areas where improvement is needed. Scan the QR code to download the assessment tools. https://nationalconnections.abc.org/ Portals/10/Documents/ABC%20Total%20 Human%20Health%20Assessment-FINAL_ UPDATED_LOGO.pdf?ver=2021-10-20-133454710×tamp=1634751497771 Perhaps the easiest way to communicate the earnestness with which your company addresses suicide prevention is to make sure they see that you do. You can easily do this with posters strategically placed in breakrooms, Making suicide part of the company conversation allows people to get comfortable with the topic and be more likely to speak up if help is needed. 24
We can help you nd employee health plans that include mental health resources. CALL US TODAY! 801-270-6851 wtapeo.com kitchens, restrooms, hallways and other communal spaces. The message does not have to be grand in nature nor elaborate in design; post the following information: Help is within reach: • Visit www.preventconstructionsuicide.com. • National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. • Call or text 988. • Visit 988lifeline.org. • Crisis Text Line. • Text HOME to 741741. • Visit www.crisistextline.org. • Visit screening.mhanational.org for a free and confidential mental health screening. Something else to consider is suicide postvention. Postvention is described as the provision of crisis intervention and other support after a suicide has occurred to address and alleviate possible effects of suicide. The impact of traumatic events often leads people to react impulsively in ways that might cause further damage. It is vital to stabilize your workforce as soon as possible to facilitate a return to what will undoubtedly be a “new normal.” While suicides do not usually happen at work, this does not mean they cannot or that the construction industry is not suffering substantially. Implementing any — or all — of the suggestions outlined in this article can go a long way to making your business and the construction industry more prepared to prevent, or in the event of, a tragedy. As a provider of HR and Payroll Services, it’s critical that we encourage our construction clients, and all others in the construction field, to take mental health seriously. There are many employee benefits that can be added to a competitive benefits package, from an EAP plan to making sure that mental health benefits are part of your company’s health insurance. To download free informational posters for use in the workplace, please scan the QR code. https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/ posters 25
Talent Ready Utah Pathways to Construction An anticipated workforce shortage in the construction industry is prompting concern across the country as projected hiring needs far exceed typical demand levels, but Talent Ready Utah, a state program designed to further education and industry alignment among other economic development ventures, has a plan to bridge the gap in Utah. According to recent data from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), an estimated 501,000 additional construction workers will be required in 2024 just to keep pace with national demand. And in 2025, the industry will need nearly 454,000 new hires, assuming a potential slowdown in construction spending. Utah is facing a similar outsized demand statewide for skilled construction workers, with estimates indicating the need for over 19,000 new hires this year alone, according to Department of Workforce Services projections. This demand is expected to continue in the coming years, driven by the rapid population growth of the state’s towns and cities. A shortage of this magnitude could have ripple effects across society by delaying projects, driving prices up for both builders and buyers, potential economic slowdowns in affected areas, not to mention safety issues arising without enough skilled workers to build or repair needed infrastructure. The critical questions now being asked are: Where will the needed employees come from, and who will train them to meet industry standards? With its Utah Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (UEAC) program, Talent Ready Utah is working to help by creating a clear path for individuals to enter the skilled construction trades and partnering with statewide education and industry partners. Rachelle Ackley, director of K-12 Initiatives for Talent Ready Utah, says the program’s intention is to help connect and foster a bidirectional relationship between high school students who develop a career plan and employers that can help them fulfill that plan, thereby meeting workforce needs of businesses and individuals. “Within the UAEC program, we rely on industry and the Utah State Board of Education to help build the right training and curriculum to meet industry needs, and we need more industry leaders at the table connecting with students to show them the incredible career opportunities in construction fields,” Ackley said. The UAEC pathway program is paving the way for high school students interested in construction and related fields by offering a range of courses, including construction management, plumbing, electrical and more. This program equips students with credentials and skills to seamlessly join the workforce upon graduation, setting them on a path toward a successful career. But the UAEC program doesn’t stop there. Talent Ready Utah collaborates with postsecondary partners to provide high school students more opportunities to continue their education and develop skills beyond high school. Expanding these education pathways not only benefits students and supports higher education partners and programs but also ensures that employers have the space and resources to train current employees. “Our strength lies in our close collaboration with industry and education providers,” said Vic Hockett, associate commissioner of Talent Ready Utah. “By working closely with them, we ensure that our workforce programs are aligned with industry demands, setting us apart in preparing the best workforce for the state.” Geoff Landward, Utah commissioner of Higher Education, added that the best way for employers to take advantage of the UAEC program is to get involved. “The biggest need in workforce alignment is engagement from our employers. Being responsive to the voice of industry is what Talent Ready Utah was created to do. There are many opportunities for employers to engage with education providers and students to build mutually beneficial talent pipelines.” Talent Ready Utah meets industry demand through UAEC and many other programs. Its Utah Works Program provides adult learners with fast-track training. The Talent Ready Connections program establishes new apprenticeship programs, and the Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection Initiative creates youth apprenticeship programs. Talent Ready Utah also works closely with the Talent Board, the Utah Board of Higher Education and the state legislature to create targeted workforce development programs. Today is the day to get involved and build your talent pipeline. For information on how to get involved, reach out to Director Rachelle Ackley at rachelle.ackley@ushe.edu or visit talentready.ushe.edu. 26
ABC Utah 2024 Legislative Recap By Ashley Spatafore Mirabelli, LOBBYIST, ABC UTAH We entered the 2024 legislative session without a proactive legislative agenda, but a role of making sure that nothing negative happened to our mission of providing good service for our clients and the general public. We ended the session with nearly a perfect score of not having anything negative happen while amending a number of other bills in a way that provided a net benefit for the construction sub-contractors. HB 534, Boards and Commissions Modifications, was the bill that dampened a perfect score but also was amended to make a bad situation roughly acceptable. The Utah Legislature began the session in unison with Gov. Cox to shrink state government by eliminating many boards and commissions while also shrinking the size of the remaining ones. To this end, at least three bills were introduced and passed, which did just that. These bills affected all state departments, divisions and offices. HB 534 originally combined the plumbers and electrician licensing boards, effectively eliminating one and reducing the size of the Construction Services Council by two, either the electrician or plumber not chairing the combined board and a public member. Through several meetings, we convinced the bill sponsor, Rep. Cal Musselman, to allow both a plumber and an electrician to serve on Construction Services. While not the ultimate positive result we would have wanted, it was the best result possible. Talent Ready Utah is continuing to move along making statutory changes in higher education in its goal of increasing the job and talent base of Utahns. Three bills were introduced and passed to assist in its mission. HB 346, Talent 28
bill, allows TRU to create talent advisory councils for talent initiatives. In this massive bill, the talent advisory councils begins on line 2329. While construction is not specifically named, this bill does provide the framework for a council if TRU and the industry believe it is important. Two bills were introduced that would have been harmful to the construction industry. HB 368, Apprenticeships on Public Works Requirements, and HB 458, Public Contracts Labor Amendments, were both introduced, but neither were ever heard in a committee hearing. As a matter of fact, HB 368 was substituted and became an entirely different bill when it was heard in a House committee. These bills were effectively kept at bay. AGC worked with Blue Stakes and sponsor Sen. Dan McCay to introduce SB 145, Utility Easements Amendments. This bill was a product of more than one year of work, countless meetings, a lot of angst and, in the end, very little controversy. The bill that passed requires utility operators to create a statewide association to manage requests to utility operators to mark utility facilities before excavation and excavators to provide notice to the association before beginning excavation. The bill also describes the process for an excavator to notify others of contact or damage to a utility facility. Three bills were introduced by others that we were initially unaware of, but were able to make amendments to either neuter the effect on our coalition or make amendments to benefit our members. SB 188, Professional Licensing Revisions, was a DOPL bill sponsored by Sen. Bramble to clean up some technical issues. We were successful in making two amendments to this section, as we had two necessary clarifications. Since The Builders Bid Service has terminated its operations, we amended the bill to eliminate them from the organizations providing training and inserting the American Subcontractors Association Utah Chapter. We were also able to clarify that UPHCA can provide training for HVAC as well. HB 483, Construction Trade Amendments, was introduced by a rural Utah contractor, allowing an increase in the amount of work a handyman can do without a license. The original bill increased the cost from $3,000 to $35,000, but we reduced that to $7,000 and changed language to provide more protection to our licensed plumbers and electricians. HB 518, State Construction Code Modifications, made modifications to the state construction code. Inside the bill were two provisions that we were successful in changing. First, we were able to redefine the language that E 100’s can lay electrical conduit. Also, the initial bill provided for a financial incentive for the use of mass timber in construction to the detriment of our concrete members. In the substitute, this provision was eliminated. HB 58, Licensing Amendments, broadened DOPL’s licensing discretion to accept similar education or experience from outside the state and to issue a limited supervised training permit. This bill has little to no impact on our members. There were two gravel pit bills introduced that were quite controversial. HB 502, Critical Infrastructure and Mining, was sponsored by Rep. Casey Snider, and the final bill changed dramatically from its first draft. It now requires the Division of Oil, Gas and Mining to study critical infrastructure materials operations that includes the location, size, production levels and the extent the current levels meet the standards of UDOT. The study will also include an inventory of potential new operations, while taking into consideration zoning, supply and future demand. SB 172, Protection Area Revisions, sponsored by Sen. Curt Bramble, would have granted vested rights for gravel pits — in addition to a host of other things, switched sponsors, was removed from multiple agendas, and was never actually heard. Hopefully, the proposed content of this bill will be assessed during the study in HB 502. Finally, the legislature passed SB 69, Income Tax Amendments, reducing the state income tax from 4.65% to 4.55%. Ready Utah Program Amendments, provided for some minor and technical changes to the program. SB 122, Youth Apprenticeship Governance Structure, created a youth governance study while establishing the entities charged for the study. The bill also provides for the increased staffing needed for this next step of Talent Ready Utah (TRU). The bill calls out relevant participating employers as determined by the Governor’s Office, USBE, Workforce Services and TRU. All recommendations are to be reported to the United Economic Opportunity Commission by May 1, 2025. SB 192, Higher Education Amendments, a major higher education 29
To learn more, please get in touch with Tresa Folkman at tresa@abcutah.org or Shannon Mickles at shannon.mickles@stakerparson.com. Women in Construction ABC Utah is honored to support the Women in Construction branch. This organization is reshaping the industry and strives to mentor, educate and advocate for women in every aspect of building. There is NO COST to join — your ABC Utah membership automatically makes you a member — and the benefits are invaluable. JOIN US! Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday at the ABC Utah Offices at no cost. Quarterly “Lunch and Learns” are held on-site by a hosting company at a cost of $25. SPONSOR AN EVENT! Is your company interested in hosting a quarterly event? We always want to learn more about our members and what makes their companies so successful. 30
Get More Out of Your Safety Program MEASURE. STRENGTHEN. BUILD. Take a STEP forward on your safety journey today. Visit abc.org/step. Top-performing ABC members actively build health and safety into their culture, creating industry-leading, holistic safety programs to protect their workers and deliver for their clients. Take charge of your safety performance though ABC’s STEP Safety Management System. MEASURE your performance on key components. STRENGTHEN and expand best practices. BUILD your safety culture. Lower your incident rates and create safer jobsites to return employees home to families and loved ones every day. DOES YOUR COMPANY HAVE A PROVEN SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM? Map your journey at abc.org/topperformers. 1 2 3 TOP PERFORMERTM
2023 ABC Utah EVENTS PHOTO GALLERY The annual Quarterly New Member Luncheon was filled with interesting and engaging conversations. We would love for more members to come and show their support and network with our newest members. The annual Emerging Leaders program holds monthly classes and covers a wide variety of topics. This program is especially great for those who have the drive and motivation to be a leader one day. Attendees are mentored by our members and benefit from the knowledge and wisdom that is shared. Do you have an employee that could benefit from this program? If so, sign them up today! The Safety Committee Meeting had a special guest of honor — the one and only Thurl Bailey! Attendees were uplifted, inspired and had a lot of fun. 32
The annual ABC Golf Tournament was a blast! We had fun on and off the green. We hope you’ll join us for one of our upcoming events! 33
CALENDAR OF EVENTS & COMMITTEE MEETINGS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING First Wednesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. ABC Utah Offices SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING First Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. ABC Utah Offices WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE MEETING Third Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. ABC Utah Offices LIGHT THE LAMP PANEL SERIES Fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. ABC Utah Offices EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION/ STEP SAFETY AWARDS CEREMONY May 29, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. Rose Wagner Theater ABC 42ND ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT July 12, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. Wasatch Mountain Golf Course ABC HOLIDAY KICKOFF PARTY TBD — Watch for more information. For more information on any of these events, please email Tresa Folkman at tresa@abcutah.org. 34
Your ABC Membership Can Pay for Itself! Learn more at abc.org/join or contact us at members@abc.org. ABC members saved more than $31 million in 2023 with ABC’s discount programs! When you join Associated Builders and Contractors, you become part of the nation’s leading association for merit shop construction and construction-related firms. Your Discounts Offset the Membership Fee Every business is different, but every contractor has expenses. Here’s how much a contractor with less than 20 employees can expect to save in one year with just a few of the ABC member business discounts. EXAMPLE OF COMPANY SAVINGS Product or Service Quantity Savings ABC Fuel Program 10 trucks $2,500 Verizon Wireless Service 7 cell phones $1,505 FedEx Shipping 2 envelopes/week $1,080 Aramark Apparel Rental 8 rentals/week $850 Total Savings for Year: $4,435 Saving You Money* Tap into exclusive discounts for ABC members and save on business services and products you’re already purchasing. ABC Fuel Program – Great savings on seven different brands Verizon Wireless – Save up to 22% on mobile phone plans FedEx – Save 50% on overnight delivery services Nissan – Save an average of $1,500 per vehicle Enterprise – Save up to 15% on vehicle expenses Aramark – Save 20% on safety apparel and workwear Hotel Engine – Save an average of 26% across all major brands Procore – Save 15% on construction management software And More! – See all the programs at abc.org/discounts * Vendors and discounts subject to change Building Your Business Take advantage of great resources and programs to grow your business. FindContractors.com – Lists your business on ABC’s online member database with powerful search tools Accredited Quality Contractor – Shows prospective clients that you have achieved a high level of corporate responsibility STEP Safety Management System – Improves your company’s safety practices and can lower your workers’ compensation insurance rates Excellence in Construction© Awards – Showcases your company’s best projects Networking Events – Connects you with contractors and leaders in the construction field Peer Groups – Share experiences with contractors from across the country Keeping You Informed ABC helps you stay current with the information you need to make better business decisions. Construction Executive – The magazine for the business of construction Newsline – Weekly electronic newsletter for merit shop contractors Chapter Newsletters – Stay up to date with area news, events and opportunities Legal Resources – Get guidance on labor and construction legal issues Construction Economic Update – Get the latest reports and analysis on backlog, employment, materials prices and more
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