Shoptalk with Sherrie on 02/22/2022

Want a chance to WIN a $150 gift card?!  Bring a NEW non-member to next week’s Thirsty Thursday & be entered to win!  We have exciting new programs coming & are looking for new members to share in the excitement!  You can register you & your guest here.  Thank you to Diversified Benefits Management for their sponsorship & Main Event for their support!
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.
• Our next Thirsty Thursday is on for March 3^rd at the Main Event Downtown – all of the networking and camaraderie you have come to expect is back.  This event is sponsored by Diversified Benefits Management and the theme is Bring your Buddy – bring a new member prospect to the event and they get a FREE water bottle and you get entered in a drawing to WIN a $150 gift card.  Make sure you register for the event – and register your buddy too!
• The Construction Executive Summit is happening on Thursday March 24, just 3 days after the mask mandate ends!  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!
• AWB could use your help! You can help address the workforce shortage by letting us know it takes to get hired in your industry. Please take a few minutes to answer the following survey about the non-degree credentials that are helpful — or required — in your workplace.  
  The AWB Institute is working in partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to compile the information into a resource that will guide program development, evaluation for equity and improved outcomes for high school students. Take the Survey
• Check out our latest Member Spotlight on Fisher Construction Group – want us to spotlight your company – drop Ellen a note.  Read our Spotlight here and learn all about this world class innovative company in our community!  Thanks for sharing your story Kevin!

 
 
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.  Thank you to SWCA member Fenceworks NW for supporting these efforts by helping a facility in need of a fence!
• 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(CCUCC) 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.

Member News

• The Construction Center of Excellence needs your feedback on how to respond to the demand for CDL drivers and the training requirements.  March 2, 7:30 – 9:00 am on Zoom.  Register here to join the conversation.
• Integrity Safety has a new Member2Member Deal – members can receive 15% off of all of their online safety training – Check it out!
• 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

 
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