Oregon/SW Washington News

Labor Compliance for Federal Government Contracts: Davis Bacon & More

Government contractors and contracting agencies are invited to attend an in-depth compliance assistance seminar provided by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Division, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in cooperation with the Associated General Contractors Oregon-Columbia and Washington Chapters. The DOL is the federal agency which enforces the Davis Bacon Act, Copeland Anti-Kickback Act, and many other federal statutes governing federal construction contracts.

These training sessions are being offered to construction professionals in Oregon and Washington. For Oregon contractors this session will be eligible for Oregon CCB continuing education credits.

Topics include:

• Davis Bacon overview

• Debarment

• Withholding criteria

• Certified payroll

• Timekeeping

• Subcontracting

• Apprentices and helpers

• Contracting agency functions

• Understanding wage determinations

• Site of work, laborers, mechanics, and truck drivers

• Contracts covered by both Davis Bacon and Service Contract Act

Click here for a Washington registration form

Tuesday, June 30, 2009
8:30 am–3 pm

AGC of Washington Education Foundation
AGC Building
1200 Westlake Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98109
McCormick & Schmick's, First Floor, Harborside Room

Cost: $125 (includes lunch and parking)

Pre-registration is required.

RSVP: www.constructionfoundation.org or Jen Odland, 206-284-4500 x 157

Urgent: Oregon Legislature Preparing to Pass $765 Million Tax Increase

June 8, 2009

It was the best of weeks, it was the worst of weeks…

Just a week after the Oregon Legislature passed an historic $300 million per year transportation funding package designed to get Oregonians back to work, legislators are now on the verge of increasing personal and corporate taxes permanently in a misguided attempt to solve the state’s budget problems.

Since the Oregon Legislature convened last January, AGC has been working on your behalf to find sound solutions to address the state’s budget deficit that will not harm business. Unfortunately, legislators have rejected our suggestions, as evidenced by new and unacceptable bills passed out of the Joint Ways and Means Committee on Friday evening.

The Legislature is now on the verge of passing – perhaps as early as tomorrow – two bills which will total $765 million in new, permanent personal and corporate tax increases. The proposals are contained in two bills, House Bill 3405-A (addressing corporate taxes) and House Bill 2649-A (addressing personal taxes).

We now need your help to ask legislators to oppose the Legislative Leadership’s tax package. Please call or email your legislators directly to voice your concerns about permanent and excessive increases in Oregon's business taxes and how they will affect your ability to keep your business viable in this difficult economic climate.

Find your legislator here.

Summary of Tax Bills

The 2009 Legislature's package of bills increasing personal and business taxes by $765 million over the next two years has advanced on a party-line vote to the floors of the Senate and House. A House vote is expected as soon as Tuesday, June 9. HB 2649-A raises personal income taxes by $504 million; HB 3405-A increases corporate and business taxes by $261 million.

Under HB 2649-A, the top personal income tax rate would be raised from 9 to 10.8 percent for households with incomes of between $250,000 and $500,000 (between $125,000 and $250,000 for single filers). For Oregonians with joint incomes of over $500,000 ($250,000 for single returns), the marginal rate would increase to 11.0 percent. Additionally, the deduction allowed on Oregon tax returns for federal income taxes paid would be phased down for joint incomes between $250,000 and $290,000 ($125,000 and $145,000 for single returns). There would no longer be a deduction for federal income taxes paid on joint tax returns showing income over $290,000 ($145,000 for single returns).

HB 3405-A increases the current 6.6 percent corporate income tax rate to 7.9 percent of corporate net income in excess of $250,000 for the 2009 and 2010 tax years. The tax rate is reduced to 7.6 percent of income over $250,000 for the 2011 and 2012 tax years. For the 2013 tax year and beyond, the corporate tax rate will be 7.6 percent on net income over $10 million.

HB 3405-A also contains a new, permanent corporate minimum tax structure based on gross Oregon receipts as follows:

Additionally, the bill creates a new minimum tax for S-corporations at $150; imposes a new annual "entity tax" of $150 on partnerships, LLPs and LLCs; and increases Secretary of State Corporation Division annual filing fees from $50 to $100 for domestic corporations and to $275 for foreign corporations.

IMMEDIATELY CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS and urge them to reject both the $261 million tax increase on Oregon businesses and the $504 million hike on individuals and small businesses during the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Share what these permanent tax increases will do to your business and its employees.

Find your Legislator here.

WHEN CALLING OR EMAILING, YOU MAY USE THESE TALKING POINTS:

• Oregonians do not believe state government has adequately "tightened its belt"
  Only 25% of Oregonians agree that state government has done enough to save money in this recession by cutting non-essential services and cutting back on employee compensation and benefits. 58% of Oregonians disagree.
  
  The proposed $765 million in tax increases on individuals and businesses will be used to cover the tab for $250 million in pay raises for state employees. It will also be used to cover generous state employee health benefits that do not require workers to pay either a portion of their insurance premiums or a deductible. These types of pay increases and generous benefits fuel the perception of Oregonians that the state has not done enough to get its own house in order.
   

• Oregonians do not support higher taxes on businesses
  Only 48% of Oregonians support a temporary corporate tax increase during this recession. Even fewer – 44% of Oregonians – believe the legislature should levy a permanent corporate tax increase. Even fewer yet support tax hikes on Oregon businesses that are not profitable.
   

• Any tax increase passed by the legislature should be temporary
  The Legislature should not try to implement permanent tax reform in the middle of an economic crisis. Any legislation passed should be a temporary bridge to balance the budget, not a permanent change in the state tax code that will make Oregon among the top three taxing states in the country.
   

• Higher taxes = Job loss
  According to a statement from the Legislative Revenue Office, a static analysis of the proposed tax hikes will cost Oregonians 5,865 jobs.
  
  Oregon already has the second highest unemployment rate in the nation. Oregonians inherently understand that taxing businesses during a recession will worsen the problem. Oregon businesses believe that the legislature should be fighting for every single private sector job.
   

• Higher taxes = Loss of taxpayers
  Oregon already levies the highest taxes in the country on upper middle-income families. Over the past decade, Oregon's tri-county metro area has experienced a net outflow of over $1 billion in personal income to Clark County.
  
  Oregon's experience with tax hikes is particularly instructive. The net outflow of income was $338 million in the three years when Multnomah County levied its own income tax (2003-2005), and this only accounts for first-year income of taxpayers who crossed the border. There were 8.3% fewer affluent taxpayers in Multnomah County because of the tax increase, causing 13.5% less revenue than expected from these taxpayers
   

• Anti-business sentiment
  We also are very concerned about what appears to be an "anti-business" sentiment among some elected officials in Salem, and a tendency to pit big business against small business, and individual taxpayer against business taxpayers. For our state to be healthy, all sectors need to be successful, and we need to join together to make that happen. We hope legislators understand that we all want what is best for Oregon and a strong business community is the most important factor in economic recovery.

AGC staff are continuing to work on your behalf in Salem. If you have questions about these tax bills or need assistance in any way, please contact either Mike Salsgiver, 503-863-4101, or John Rakowitz, 503-317-1781.

Find your legislator here.

** Read more in last week's Legislative Update (password required).

May 22, 2009

AGC of Washington’s Build Washington Awards celebrate the innovation, quality, and safety expertise and community spirit of AGC members.

Sicklesteel Cranes, Inc. received the Safety Award for Subcontractors with over 100,000 hours and the Grand Award for Safety. Judy Schurke, director of Washington State L&I, presented the Grand Award in recognition of the company’s stellar safety record as well as efforts to improve safety industry-wide.

“Safety is one of the core fundamentals in our company,” said Thom Sicklesteel, president of Sicklesteel Cranes, Inc. “We believe that a safer company is a better company.” Steve Jouwsma, corporate safety director, added, “Unlike many contractors, we will have 1–2 crew members on different job site locations throughout Western Washington. This makes belief and participation in our safety program paramount.”

Sicklesteel’s relentless company-wide focus on safety begins with a driving desire to continually improve the company. However, it is not just inside the company that Sicklesteel improves worker safety.

Sicklesteel Cranes shared expertise in crane safety helping to improve safety records throughout the industry. A recognized leader in the creation and implementation of crane industry standards and regulations, Sicklesteel’s philosophy is to hold itself to these higher standards before they are adopted industry-wide. This keeps Sicklesteel on the leading edge of safety practices.

“Sicklesteel has been instrumental with regard to the crane safety issue for years,” said AGC Safety Director Mandi Kime. Sicklesteel Cranes, Inc. has found that safety does lead to success.

North Coast Water Systems Will Tap Into Stimulus Cash

Federal funds to be used to build Warrenton water tank, Wickiup Water District storage reservoir

The Daily Astorian
May 21, 2009

Federal stimulus money is going to help boost North Coast water systems.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski announced that the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department awarded federal recovery funds to 18 Oregon community water systems totaling $27.8 million to help construct and improve drinking water systems across the state.

"These funds will help communities across the state provide clean and safe drinking water while also creating more than 500 construction jobs for Oregonians," Kulongoski said. "These dollars will deliver projects from Warrenton to Elgin and Fern Valley to Portland to improve the public health of thousands of Oregonians while also investing in these local economies."

City of Warrenton gets $5.5 million
The city of Warrenton will receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to construct a new 3.5 million gallon covered water tank on Clatsop Plains that will replace its current 1.6-million gallon reservoir. City Manager Bob Maxfield said the stimulus package will consist of a $2.69 million loan at 3 percent interest, plus a grant for the balance of the $5.5 million reservoir project.

Maxfield explained that the present 1.6 gallon open reservoir loses about 200,000 gallons a day because it has to be flushed daily to keep chlorine at the recommended level.

"We're really excited to replace our reservoir with one that has double the capacity at 50 percent of the cost," Maxfield said. "We're pleased. This will help us keep water rates low."

Wickiup Water District $2.2 million
Signe Warner, the business manager for Wickiup Water District, said the district has been approved for a loan through the ARRA, Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund. The funds are for the Reservoir & Koppisch Road Project to provide for the construction of a new water storage reservoir facility along with replacement of more than 12,000 lineal feet of undersized distribution lines, according to the governor's announcement.

Fifty percent of the low-interest loan (3 percent) is forgivable, Warner said.

The community rejected a bond measure to help pay for water projects in the district Tuesday. And there is turmoil on the water district's board. All but one of the directors were voted out Tuesday. New directors will take their seats in July.

The newly elected Position 3 director for Wickiup Water District, Debbie Pike, said this morning - now that the community has been awarded stimulus money - when the new directors take office in July they will have to "regroup, be deliberate and think."

"I definitely think the community has spoken," she said. "The community wants some changes and wants to go in a different direction."

Warner said, "Some of (the new directors) are willing to forego the free money. I just don't understand that. This is a one-time deal. It's going to cost a lot more later on."

Other Clatsop and Tillamook County projects receiving awards include:
Falcon Cove Beach Water District $250,000 – Water StorageTank Project: Funding will allow district to meet critical water storage needs by construction a new concrete water storage tank that will augment its existing water storage capacity, and to install an emergency generator that will allow for pumping of source water during events of power grid failure.

Arch Cape Water District $1.2 million – Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and Distribution System Improvements: Project funding will allow the district to replace its existing pressure filter water treatment system with membrane filtration and UV disinfection in order to meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards and to replace more than 4,200 lineal feet of old leaking pipe.

City of Rockaway Beach $2.4 million – Jetty Creek Water Treatment Plant Improvements: Construct a new water treatment plant to replace the existing plant that no longer is able to provide drinking water that meets today's more stringent health standards. The project also will allow the city to replace several older pumps with new water and energy high efficiency pumps.

The federal recovery dollars are part of $2 billion awarded nationwide by Environmental Protection Agency to fund drinking water infrastructure projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) sets the standards for the drinking water system improvements and determines eligible projects, while OECDD works with applicants across the state to develop financing packages and manage the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund.

Read original article in the Daily Astorian.

State Awards $27.8M for Safe Water

Two Green Nonprofits Celebrate a Shared Grand Opening

April 15, 2009

Vancouver Mayor Pollard and Clark County Commissioner Stuart officially welcome new ReStore and CREAM site at May 2 grand opening

Buoyed by a successful early start, Clark County Habitat ReStore and CREAM (Computer Reuse, Education and Marketing) will celebrate an official grand opening May 2, with City of Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard and Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart doing the honors of cutting the ribbon.

City and County officials will be joined by Chamber of Commerce representatives for the celebration at 8:15 a.m., at Habitat ReStore and CREAM’s shared site, 5000 East Fourth Plain Blvd.

The Habitat ReStore and CREAM are non-profit organizations with similar missions committed to providing opportunity and hope to hard-working Washington residents in need, while diverting salvageable materials from landfills to resale. All products sold at the Habitat ReStore and CREAM are the result of goodwill donations from individuals and businesses, aided by many dedicated volunteers. Already the community has shown tremendous support.

“In our first month, we nearly tripled our sales expectations and have already diverted 65 tons of material from landfills,” said Joe Connell, Habitat ReStore director. “Clearly we chose the right community in which to expand our mission. We’re thrilled at how Southwest Washington has already embraced our cause.”

Habitat ReStores raise funds to help Habitat for Humanity build homes by selling donated new and gently used building materials and household goods to the public at prices well below retail. CREAM provides families in need with computers refurbished from donated electronics. Proceeds from refurbished electronics sold at CREAM’s Thrift Store fund its Education Program.

“We’re excited to share retail space with the Habitat ReStore,” said Oso Martin, CREAM Executive director. “It benefits everyone. The local community gets access to low-cost household goods and refurbished electronics, so everyone is contributing to a sustainable way of life.”

Following the May 2 ribbon-cutting, the Habitat ReStore and CREAM will continue the festivities to show appreciation for the enthusiastic welcome received from local residents, businesses, and organizations. The free event will include live music, snacks, balloons for the kids, and drawings for prizes.

About the Clark County Habitat ReStore
The Clark County Habitat ReStore is a program of Habitat for Humanity. Selling donated new and gently used building materials and household goods, it helps local Habitat for Humanity affiliates build homes for families in need while keeping usable materials out of the waste stream. For more information, see www.clarkcountyrestore.org or call 360-213-1313.

About CREAM
(Computer Reuse, Education and Marketing) is a non-profit organization formed in 2008 to provide computers, education, job skills training and access to the Internet to those in need by reusing and marketing computers diverted from the waste stream . For more information, visit www.upgradeyourcommunity.org or call 360-735-0888.
 

Fallen Oregon Workers to Be Remembered April 28

May is National Electrical Safety Month

Tenth Annual Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Winners Selected

The Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Fund and Advanced American Construction, Inc. (AAC) of Portland have selected 12 students to receive $35,000 in scholarships for the 2009-2010 school year. To date, the Fund has awarded 119 scholarships, ranging from $5,000 to $1,000, and totaling $275,000. From a field of 56 applicants, the Selection Committee chose those that best demonstrated academic and extra-curricular excellence in the pursuit of careers in construction and construction-related fields. In his application, one of this year’s top scholarship recipients, Eric Nolan of Portland, Oregon said, “The Schweiger Memorial Scholarship has generously helped me in the past few years in achieving my college dream. It has made it possible to continue my education as well as given me amazing opportunities such as internships and helping me meet many amazing people. I am thankful for the chance that this scholarship has given me to continue my education.”

The following scholarship awardees will be honored at the Tenth Annual Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Award Dinner and Silent Auction to be held Friday May 1, 2009, at the Governor Hotel in Portland, Oregon:

• Eric Nolan of Yamhill, Oregon is a junior at George Fox University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
  Scholarship Award: $5,000. Sponsored by Oregon Iron Works, Inc. of Clackamas, Oregon.
   

• Jessica Young of Amity, Oregon is a junior at Oregon State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering Management.
  Scholarship Award: $5,000
   

• Ryan Edwards of Amboy, Washington is a junior at Washington State University and plans to graduate next year with his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
  Scholarship Award: $3,000
   

• Marcus Miller of Pullman, Washington is a junior at Washington State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
  Scholarship Award: $3,000
   

• Jessica Hamilton of Portland, Oregon is a junior at the University of Portland in the Civil Engineering program.
  Scholarship Award: $3,000
   

• Lukas Paulsen of Issaquah, Washington is a junior at Washington State University and will receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management.
  Scholarship Award: $3,000
   

• Marty Flansburg of Washougal, Washington is a junior at the University of Portland, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
  Scholarship Award: $3,000
   

• Jessica Fuller of Kennewick, Washington is a junior, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in both Construction Management and Architecture at Washington State University.
  Scholarship Award: $2,000
   

• Jordan Peterson of West Linn, Oregon is a junior at Oregon State University and plans to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering Management.
  Scholarship Award: $2,000
   

• Jennifer Charpilloz of Corvallis, Oregon is sophomore at Oregon State University and will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering Management with a minor in Business.
  Scholarship Award: $2,000
   

• Megan O’Connor of Battle Ground, Washington is a junior attending Washington State University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a math minor.
  Scholarship Award: $2,000
   

• Anna Ignatenko of Portland, Oregon is a junior at Portland State University. She will graduate in the fall of 2010 with a degree in Accounting with a Spanish minor.
  Scholarship Award: $2,000

“I am always amazed at the quality of the students that apply. While it’s rewarding to review the accomplishments of these future members of the construction industry, the task of selecting the scholarship recipients from the great applications we receive gets harder every year!” says Dee Burch, President of Advanced American Construction, Inc.

Originally, the Scholarship Fund was formed in honor of Forrest L. Schweiger, who lost his life at the age of 26 in a construction-related accident. Forrest was an employee of Advanced American Diving Service, Inc. (AADS) and son of AADS co-founder, Konrad L. Schweiger. The Fund now commemorates the lives of both Forrest and his father, Konrad, who passed away unexpectedly in April 2002. The success and continuation of the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Fund is made possible with the generous financial contributions received from the customers, vendors, employees, and friends of Advanced American Construction, Inc.

Oregon Iron Works, Inc. (OIW) has been a big contributor to the Fund over the years. The Lower Monumental Dam Removable Spillway Weir was awarded a National AGC Build America award on March 6th, 2009. AAC was the general contractor on this project and OIW was the fabricator of this 2.5 million pound structure to improve fish passage on this Corps of Engineers project. This year, Oregon Iron is sponsoring Eric Nolan of Portland, Oregon who is a junior studying mechanical engineering at George Fox University. “We are glad to be a part of this great program honoring the great representatives of the construction industry, past and present,” says Corey Yraguen, OIW President. The Oregon-Columbia chapter of AGC is a significant contributor through the AGC Foundation.

This year’s selection committee for the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Fund recipients included Hal Pritchett, Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University; Jan Strombeck of Oregon State University; Dave Buelow of Wells Fargo Insurance Services; Mike McNulty of West Coast Bank; John Weisner of Coral Construction Company; Sue Clark of CNA Surety; Martin Dana of Northwest Pipe Company; Corey Yraguen of Oregon Iron Works; Cindy Schweiger; and Dee Burch, Jeff Harper, Tim Nelson, Kainan Bodenlos, Sam Barchus, Kyle Izatt and Jake Duyck of Advanced American Construction, Inc.

Specializing in heavy civil/marine and industrial construction since 1983, Advanced American Construction is a recognized leader in marine construction throughout the western United States. The Company recently relocated and consolidated its operations in its new facilities in northwest Portland.

For pictures and additional information on the Schweiger Memorial Scholarship Fund, please visit www.CallAAC.com. For award dinner tickets and donations, please contact Advanced American Construction, Inc. at 503-445-9000.

Bush Hog Off-Road Utility Vehicles Recalled Due to Loss of Speed Control; Cash Incentive Offered

Recall Alert, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

April 16, 2009, Alert #09-736

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Bush Hog Off-Road Utility Vehicles

Units: About 850 units

Manufacturer: Bush Hog LLC, of Selma, Ala.

Hazard: The utility vehicle’s throttle cable can lock in freezing temperatures. This can cause the engine not to return to idle when the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator pedal, posing a risk of loss of vehicle control and injury to the driver and passenger.

Incidents/Injuries: Bush Hog has received one report of an incident involving a frozen throttle cable on a utility vehicle. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes the Bush Hog Models TH4400 (Trail Hand) and 4430 4X4 Off-Road Utility Vehicles. “Bush Hog” is printed on the utility vehicle’s cargo bed tail gate and on each side of the cargo bed. Model “TH4400”or “4430” is printed on each side of the hood. The hood color is red, green, or mossy oak.

Sold by: Bush Hog dealerships nationwide from April 2008 to December 2008 for between $8,000 and $10,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled off-road utility vehicles and contact a Bush Hog dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair. All registered owners have been notified about this recall by mail. Bush Hog is issuing a $50 incentive check for retail customers that bring their machines in for the throttle cable replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Bush Hog LLC toll-free at (877) 873-0143 between 8 am and 4 pm CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s web site, www.bushhog.com

Oregon-Columbia Chapter Mourns Loss of Ken Greenhill, 1948–2009

It is with deep sadness to announce that Ken Greenhill, long-time AGC safety and loss control consultant passed away on April 10. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Friday, April 17 at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, with a reception to follow.

Ken joined the AGC staff in 1996 and was a major contributor to the safety efforts of AGC and the many members he served throughout the region. Among his many accomplishments and contributions to safety, he was a proud recipient of the GOSH Safety Professional of the Year award in 2003, and in 2008 was named recipient of the Juniper Award presented by the Central Oregon Safety and Health Association.

Kenneth W. Greenhill died Friday, April 10, 2009, in his home surrounded by family. Born in Big Spring, Texas, Ken moved to Oregon in 1972. A certified safety professional for Associated General Contractors, he loved his job and the people he worked with. His interests included motorcycle riding, snowmobiling and spending time with family. Ken is survived by his wife, Sue; son, Dennis; four daughters, Karalyn, Darci, Kimberly and Kara; eight grandchildren; one brother; six sisters; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
 

SIR Tom Crawford, Pioneer Waterproofing Company, 1937–2009

Tom Crawford was born in Portland in 1937, the oldest of four children for Geneieve and Loyal Crawford of Canby, Oregon. While in high school, Tom, worked on several local farms, which allowed him to buy his first farm. In 1958 Tom met Arlene Hall, an Oregon City girl whom he married. Before long they had three children, Mike, Karen, and Kevin, and eventually moved to Happy Valley. Tom's three children and six grandchildren all lived close by, which allowed them to visit often. This past August Tom and Arlene celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their home in Stafford. Tom had many interests including fishing, gold prospecting, and his greatest love of all: golf!

Tom will be forever known for his great sense of humor and colorful jokes. He had a large circle of friends that were very important to him. In retirement Tom and Arlene enjoyed their home in Palm Desert, Calif., where the warm weather fit their active lifestyle, and they had many snowbird friends.

Pioneer Masonry Restoration Company was a Seattle-based company that needed to open an Oregon office. The company recruited Tom from a local paint company to run the new office in 1965. It began as a small company with just two customers: Bell Telephone and US National Bank, and Pioneer maintained the exteriors of both company's buildings throughout the state. After working for the company for 10 years, Tom purchased the Oregon branch in 1975. He then changed the name to Pioneer Waterproofing Company. Under his leadership the company grew from eight employees to over 120 today. Tom firmly believed that it was people who made the company successful. He always felt a strong sense of loyalty to his employees and, in return, they have been very loyal to Pioneer. Pioneer has many employees with 25 to 30 years at the company as well as father-son teams and brothers working together.

After a four-year battle with cancer, Tom died at his Stafford home surrounded by his family. He loved this new home because it was across the street from a farm he lived on and overlooked a golf course. In his final days he was able to sit in a chair and enjoy the pastoral views, people golfing, and gorgeous sunsets. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Arlene; and daughter, Karen. Both took such good care of him and were able to keep him at home until his passing. Also surviving are his son, Mike, who now owns Pioneer Waterproofing and Kevin, who is a remodeling contractor and owns West Coast Bridge Lift. He is further survived by his daughter in-law, Libby, and grandchildren, Sara, Kate and Thomas; daughter in-law, Jean, and grandchildren, Shawn, Brent and Kylie; brother, Paul Crawford of Canby; and sister, Margaret Odegard of Happy Valley.

Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort knowing that Tom finally found a way to escape the "Tax Man" and will now enjoy unlimited golf! A service to celebrate Tom's life will be held from 4 to 7 pm Monday, May 4, 2009, at OMSI, 1945 S.E. Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214 (across from Pioneer's office). In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Tom's honor to the Oregon Food Bank, P.O. Box 55370, Portland, OR 97238.

Tom was recognized in 2007 with an Oregon-Columbia Chapter SIR Award, which recognizes skill, integrity, and responsibility in the construction industry.

Safety Conference Coming to Eastern Oregon

Blue Mountain conference aims to improve workplace safety culture

June 10, Blue Mountain Conference Center, LaGrande

The latest workplace safety and health information will be showcased at the third annual Blue Mountain Occupational Safety and Health Conference. Scheduled for June 10, 2009 at the Blue Mountain Conference Center, 404 12th St. in La Grande, the event will highlight safety leadership and employee involvement.

Oregon’s Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), a division of the Department of Consumer & Business Services, encourages workers and employers to attend this event to help improve safety and health performance. Transforming the workplace safety culture is a major step in reducing injuries and accidents, and decreasing workers’ compensation costs.

Some of the topics featured at this year’s conference include:

• Key elements of accident investigation

• Safety leadership

• Hazard identification

• Exhibits showcasing the latest in safety and health products and services

For some companies, managing safety and health can become more challenging in the current economic climate.

“Unfortunately, some employers can lose sight of the fundamentals of workplace health and safety when times are tight,” said Michael Wood, Oregon OSHA’s administrator and conference speaker. “The Blue Mountain conferences, and others like it, are one way to avoid that dangerous oversight. It’s a cost-effective way to improve your efforts and results. And it’s a valuable way to make connections with others in the area that have faced some of the same challenges.”

Registration fee for the event is $50, which includes lunch. For more information about the conference or to register, call Oregon OSHA's Conference Section, 503-378-3272 or (888) 292-5247, then option one or visit the Conferences Web page at www.orosha.org/conferences.

The conference is a joint effort of the Oregon SHARP Alliance (Safety and Health Recognition Program), Oregon OSHA, and a coalition of employers and employees from northeast Oregon.

Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer & Business Services, enforces the state's workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, visit www.orosha.org.

Cascadia Region Green Building Council 2009 Educational Offerings Now Available

Are you seeking training and networking opportunities in green building, including LEED and the Living Building Challenge? The Cascadia Chapter of UGSBC and CaGBC has released its 2009 Programming Guide: a "catalog" of pertinent workshops, cutting-edge online courses, transformational lectures, and premier conferences for all building professionals – from architects to realtors. These opportunities are offered throughout our bioregion – Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. Visit www.cascadiagbc.org for more information.

Architects, Engineers and Professional Technical Resource Center Created

The Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs Architects, Engineers and Professional Technical (AEPT) Resource Center was created to advance opportunities for minority/women/emerging small businesses (MWESBs) by working to reduce industry barriers, promoting networking / communication, establishing / promoting the business case, and defining a process or standards for contracting similar to those used in the construction industry.

The resource center covers four broad areas:

• A contact list of AEPT small businesses, indicating certifications held (DSB, MBE, WBE, ESB)

• Information about procurement procedures and contracting opportunities with government agencies

• Professional development resources

• Important cooperative agreements and public agency support programs for AEPT firms

If you are a certified company and you are not listed, please contact Mayra Arreola, 503-249-7744 to make sure your information is included.

Visit www.oame.org/aept
 

OR-OSHA Construction Inspections on the Increase – Scheduled and Random

We have heard recently through our excellent working relationship with OR-OSHA, that as a direct result of the recent spike in crane accidents around the nation and the change in the administration in the White House, OR-OSHA will be increasing emphasis on both scheduled and random inspections for the construction industry.

Through the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 654 and the Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 437, OR-OSHA is permitted many opportunities to conduct inspections of workplaces. These rules set out the specifics of how OR-OSHA selects workplaces for inspections.

We urge members to be well prepared, and understand your rights and responsibilities if you are slated for an OR-OSHA inspection. In some instances, some employers can avoid a Random Construction inspection. The links below (especially Program Directive 248) outline the specifics. Should you have any question about an OR-OSHA inspection, contact one of the AGC Safety & Loss Control Consultants directly or through the AGC office at 503-682-3363.

Links:

• Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 654 (The Oregon Safe Employment Act) requires employers to provide each employee a place of employment that is free from recognized hazards.

• Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 437 – Division 1 General Administrative Rules

• Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 437 – Division 3 – Construction

• OR-OSHA Program Directives 247 Inspection Criteria: Construction and Logging Safety Inspections

• OR-OSHA Program Directives 248 Inspection Criteria: Criteria for Random Construction Inspections

 

Employer Alert: COBRA Coverage Expanded by Congress

The following information has been provided by HR Answers, AGC’s select business partner and service provider for HR Advice.

Continued health coverage under COBRA has been expanded for displaced, eligible employees as part of the Stimulus Bill signed into law on February 17. The law becomes effective March 1, 2009, but is retroactive to cover employees who were involuntarily terminated beginning September 1, 2008. The $21 billion portion of the bill expanding COBRA continuation rights will cover employees who are involuntarily terminated prior to December 31, 2009, unless such termination was due to “gross misconduct” as defined by COBRA.

The new law requires employers with 20 or more employees to contact eligible former employees who previously declined COBRA coverage and offer them a new 60-day period to determine whether they want to elect COBRA coverage. This new COBRA election notice will offer coverage at a reduced health premium as the employer initially subsidizes the expense of the COBRA premium. The good news for employers is that reimbursement for the COBRA premium subsidy is available as an offset or credit on the periodically filed Form 941. This credit can be sought once the premium is paid, as there is no advance credit for anticipated or scheduled COBRA premium expenses.

The initial subsidy by the employer will be 65 percent of the employee’s COBRA premium. Under the new law, the subsidy must be offered until:

• Nine months from the date on which the employer began providing the subsidy;

• The date that the former employee is eligible for alternate health coverage;

• The date on which the COBRA coverage period expires; or,

• The date on which the individual fails to pay his or her 35 percent portion of the health care insurance premium.

• It’s important that employers take steps now since the law will be effective and retroactive so quickly. A proactive step for employers is to contact their health insurance broker or provider, or outside COBRA service provider, to confirm that the new COBRA requirements are being met.

For the full text of this alert, click here.