Shoptalk with Sherrie on 02/14/2022

Happy Valentine’s Day – whether you celebrate this holiday or not – we hope you are able to enjoy a bit of extra sweetness and chocolate today.
Here are some of the items we are working on!

• ATTENTION CONTRACTORS: Public comments are still being heard & your voice is needed!  The WA State Building Code Council has released the CR-102 for public comment on changes to the state energy code which would ban the use of natural gas in new & retrofit commercial buildings. The new code requires “Energy from renewable energy resources harvested at the building site” Renewable Energy Resources is defined as “Energy derived from solar radiation, wind, waves, tides, biogas, biomass or extracted from hot fluid or steam heated within the earth.” Don’t wait to submit your comments: WSBCC will only accept comment until their next meeting.
• Attention Members in our Retro Program – the first educational meeting for our L&I Retro program will be on February 23 from 9-11 on Zoom.  Check out our Event for information on the speakers and the Zoom link.  Want to know how you can possibly earn a rebate on your L&I payments by running a safe job site?  Give us a call in the office to see if you qualify – we can pass on all of the details.
• The Construction Executive Summit is happening Thursday March 24.  Registration is open & sponsorships are STILL available. We are planning for an in-person event – this year’s Summit will include three keynote speakers, 12 breakout sessions and meals as well as a Supplier Expo and a Young Contractor Forum.
• Know any high schoolers interested in a career in the trades?  Invite them to the Young Contractors Forum at the Summit – this is a great opportunity for them to meet construction professionals and ask questions about how they can get started.  Students: Register here to attend. This event is free and sponsored by Parker, Smith & Feek.
• Do you want to nominate another member for a Construction Champion Award – we recognize outstanding members for their projects or their contributions to our community every year.  Email Ellen if you would like to nominate someone!
• We love our members and want to share your company SWAG!  SWCA is hosting a table at the Battle Ground High School Career and Industry Fair on Thursday February 17 – let us know if you would like to contribute SWAG to this event. We would love to share your logo with the high school kids!  Contact Ellen and we can arrange pickup!

 
 
SWCA in the Community

• SWCA is proud to partner with Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF) to help women-owned businesses that offer childcare services to our communities.  The current need is for the addition of a perimeter fence at a Vancouver facility.  Think you can help support this need through time or materials? Contact Sherrie for details.
• Did you know the SWCA is the Volunteer Chair for Dozer Day?  We need your help – we need volunteers and equipment operators for the event.  Dozer Day is coming on May 14 & 15 this year at the Clark County Fairgrounds.  This is the most amazing day for our young construction professionals to get in the driver’s seat of the big equipment.  Check out the new website where you can volunteer or email Ellen and she can help you out.
• The Clark County Utility Coordinating Commission is sponsoring a Contractor Lunch at the DoubleTree Hotel in Vancouver on March 2 at 11:30. We would love for you to join us to get an introduction to the 811 program and new features you can take advantage of.  Contact Ellen with questions and she can get you put onto the list.

 
 
Notable WA State Legislation from our friends at AWB:

• Prevailing wage in the private sector: House Bill 1776, sponsored by Rep. Mike Sells, D-Everett, has passed the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee and is in the Rules Committee. AWB opposes the bill, which would expand prevailing wage rules to the private sector for the first time.
• Unemployment Insurance relief: Senate Bill 5873, sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, passed the Senate Ways & Means Committee last week. It is now before the Senate Rules Committee. AWB supports the bill, which provides employers with some relief for skyrocketing Unemployment Insurance rates by decreasing the socialization tax and making other changes
• Omnibus tax reform: Senate Bill 5769, sponsored by Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, would provide property tax relief and would eliminate the manufacturing B&O tax, capital gains tax and long-term care tax.

 
Member News

• The CREDC has extended the application period for their Business Accelerator Program to March 3, 2022.  Know any entrepreneurs who would like some help to launch their business ideas.  Check out this program!
• The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce is bringing the Women Who Mean Business Symposium back on March 8, 2022.  Register here.
• Did You Know?  Rocksolid Community Teen Center wants to bring awareness and encourage teens to start thinking now about the construction trades! Would you like to be a guest speaker and share your story about how you got started in this industry? Maybe you are a business owner...how did your path lead you to where you are today? We were all teenagers at one point in our lives, how can you make a difference? Call them for more information 360-885-2181
• Want to attend the Rocksolid Community Teen Center Fundraiser - "Lucky Shamrock" Auction on March 12th at ilani. They are still in need of basket items, table sponsors, and guests! go to our website for more information www.rocksolid-teen.com.
• Find an intern or apprentice through the Washington Workforce Portal. Create an organization account to get started.
• Looking for projects by the City of Vancouver?  Register in just a few simple steps for free access to current projects. Even join MRSC Rosters, used by more than 600 WA Public Agencies for easy access to additional projects!
• Did you know? OAME offers microloans to MWVESB $500 TO $50K.  They also have office space available. Contact Jorge for more info. 503.249.7744 jorge@oame.org
• The following members have renewed their support of SWCA for 2022 in January:

Associate	Supplier	Contractor	Contractor Plus
On Line Support, Inc	Peterson Cat	Trademark Plumbing LLC	Prairie Electric, Inc.
Parker Smith & Feek	Jim West Commercial Real Estate | Wise Move	Nutter Corporation	Russell & Sons Plumbing, Inc
We Plan It, LLC	Capital One Spark Business	DeWitt Construction Inc	Hydro Tech Fire Protection, Inc.
Key Bank		Union Corner Constr., Inc.	North 40 Fencing & Farm Services
The Schlotfeldt Law Firm, PLLC		North Fork Landscape, Inc	Olson Engineering
Port of Vancouver		Quail Homes	Thompson Bros. Excavating, Inc.
Barbieri & Associates, Inc.		GRO Outdoor Living	Patriot Fire Protection, Inc.
Learning Avenues Child Care Center		M & C Construction LLC	Groat Bros., Inc.
Massie & Company, PLLC		RSV Building Solutions/RSV Contractor Services
You Move Me		Schmid & Sons, Inc.
Your Party & Event Center
SGA Engineering
Columbia Credit Union
Mainstream Housing, Inc.
Port of Camas - Washougal

Don’t Forget!
Thirsty Thursday sponsored by Diversified Benefits Management is happening soon! Our theme this month is Bring Your Buddy! Join us on March 3, 2022 at the Main Event Downtown Vancouver. Choose your Buddy (aka a non-member) for a chance to win a special prize and register here. 
 
Have a great week!
Sherrie