Shoptalk 2022! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  We are so excited for 2022! We hope you had a great holiday break and enjoyed the lovely snow last week.  We are really happy to be back at work and planning for a spectacular 2022!
Here are some of the items we are working on!

• The Construction Executive Summit is happening Thursday, February 3^rd.  Registration is open & sponsorships are available. We are planning for an in-person event – this year’s Summit will include all of the great content as well as a Supplier Expo and a Young Contractor Forum.  We are really excited about this event.  The Summit is a great opportunity for you to connect with the local leaders in the construction industry!  Register today!
• Have you considered hosting an intern in your business this summer?  Need some info on how to do this?  We have you covered with our next SWCA Webinar: Internship Essentials:  What you need to know to host and intern. Join us to learn what you need to know and what we can do to help you out!  Register here to get the Zoom invite.
• SWCA would LOVE your Feedback – please complete this member survey by Wednesday January 12^th to help us with our planning for 2022,
• We still have several auction items here at the SWCA office.  If you know that you won an item at the Holiday Party & Auction, but still have not redeemed your item, please contact Sherrie to coordinate a pick up time. 

• Last quarter, Clark County implemented concurrent reviews of permits throughout the county as well as a few other procedural changes. Do you have any feedback to offer to the County regarding these changes to operations?  Email Sherrie to discuss.
• Do you want to know what infrastructure projects might impact your business in Clark County?  Join us at the Clark County Utility Coordinating Commission meeting – the next meeting is on Wednesday January 5, lunch at 11:30, meeting starts at noon at the Pied Piper Pizza on Fourth Plain.  Contact Ellen with questions and she can get you put onto the list.
• SWCA is working with Partners in Careers to help develop our workforce for YOU.  Would you like to be part of the solution?  Give us a ring – we can get you in touch with PIC to help with their efforts!
• Battle Ground Public Schools is hosting an Industry Fair on Thursday February 17 from 5-7pm at Battle Ground High School.  This event will showcase careers and industries that are available to students in our community.  Want to be a part of the action and get to know some of these students?  Register to host a FREE table here .  If you have questions please contact Kevin Doyle - Career Guidance Specialist Battle Ground High School 360.885.6598 doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org.
• ESD 112 is hosting a Construction/Trades Panel on January 10^th from 4:30 – 5:15 pm via Zoom.  This will be part of a teacher workshop where they would like to get some industry knowledge out to the teachers.  Would you like to participate?  No preparation is necessary – you may be asked questions about your career in construction or where you feel the industry is going.  We would love to have an SWCA member participate! Email Ellen if you are interested.

• Volunteer with Parker, Smith, & Feek and the National Association of Women in Construction for the Santiam Canyon Shed Build.  This project is in support of the Santiam Canyon Wildfire survivors.  While supplies are welcomed, volunteers are most needed.  Contact Sherrie for more information on how you and your team can support this great effort.  Or sign up here to volunteer.
• Port of Vancouver USA recently awarded a $3000 grant to VPS Career & Tech Ed!  The kids are learning to build a shed/small building and fits the port’s mission of job creation, job training, and development.
• Clark County announces structural and personnel changes to the Community and Economic Development (CED) Department.  The CED Department was reorganized into two new departments last month.  Read the letter.
• Association of WA Business (AWB) is hosting several upcoming events & resources:
  • 2022 Legislative Session Preview webinar: Jan 6^th 10:00am register here
  • 2022 Legislative Day and Hill Climb: January 18^th & 19th must register