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Shoptalk with Sherrie – March 21, 2023


Registration is open for our Policy Builders Breakfast. Come listen to state and local elected officials and get an update about policies that affect the construction industry. Breakfast will be included and there will be time for questions at the end. Register here.
Here are some of the items we are working on this week:

• RSVP for March 30^th for our next member open house at our SWCA office. RSVP here.
• Register: April 26^th for our Policy Builders Breakfast at the AC hotel Marriot on the Vancouver Waterfront.
• SWCA will have a table at the Washougal High School Industry Fair on March 29^th. If you are hiring or want us to represent you, please email christine@swca.org so we can get your name out there!
• SWCA  is in the planning stages of this year’s educator externship. If you know an educator that would like to participate or if you would like to host a tour, contact sherrie@swca.org.
• SWCA Classic Cup presented by CalPortland registration opens soon.

• SWCA will help to push the legislation SB 5726: Concerning Prevailing Wage and Sick Leave – Up for public hearing on 3/22.

• SB 5088: Public Hearing – Adding references to contractor registration and licensing laws in workers’ compensation, public works, and prevailing wage status. HHR D and Virtual JLOB – 3/21 @10:30am. Remote testimony is available.  
• SHB 1658 - Public Hearing - Authorizing public high school students to earn elective credit for paid work experience. SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 3/22 @ 1:30pm. Remote testimony is available.

• SB 5726: Concerning Prevailing Wage and Sick Leave – Up for public hearing on 3/22.

• SB 5088: Public Hearing – Adding references to contractor registration and licensing laws in workers’ compensation, public works, and prevailing wage status. HHR D and Virtual JLOB – 3/21 @10:30am. Remote testimony is available.  
• SHB 1658 - Public Hearing - Authorizing public high school students to earn elective credit for paid work experience. SHR 1 and Virtual J.A. Cherberg - 3/22 @ 1:30pm. Remote testimony is available.

• HB 1589: Last week, the Senate Energy Committee heard HB 1589, which prohibits the state’s largest natural gas utility from providing its commercial and residential customers from using natural gas. Key testimony can be heard here.
• ESHB 1050:  Apprenticeship Utilization – Expanding apprenticeship utilization requirements. Comments: WCIC Opposes - would require a new apprenticeship threshold for subcontractors of $200K for projects. Industry trying to move from $200K to 2,000 hrs. worked.

• Interested in providing feedback or have another bill that you’d like us to track?  Email Sherrie.

• North Lewis Country Industrial Access Transportation Study: These open houses will help to address the current conflicts between freight traffic and multimodal travelers near the Harrison Avenue interchange at I-5. If you have input, concerns, or preferences, join one of their open houses to voice your opinion. More info here.

• Clark County to host March 28 Information Session on Comprehensive Plan Update. Clark County Community Planning has scheduled two virtual public information sessions for   Tuesday, March 28 at 1:30 pm and 2:45 pm. Details on how to join the meeting here.

• AWB will be hosting its spring meeting May 9-11 at the Vancouver Hilton. Come together with Washington employers and gain new insights into the economic and policy issues that impact businesses. More here.

• Welcome to our membership Center Pointe Signs!

• The BIAs event, Nothing But Networking Event will be hosted and sponsored by Digs. It is free to go and everyone is welcome to come! More info here.

• Save the Date for BIA’s Workforce Development Dinner Meeting.  April 20, 2023.

• The Vancouver Chamber Business After Hours,  will be hosted by Evergreen Habitat for Humanity on April 11 from 5 – 7 pm. Register here.

• The DJC is hosting a Builder Breakfast series on March 23^rd 2023. They will dive deep into the opportunities and obstacles facing leaders in the PNW building industries. Read more here.