This year it is free to enter the Excellence Awards! Participants will be limited to three projects each and entries will be vetted by a panel of judges like always. Finalists will be notified by September 4 that they have won an award; however, the big reveal of “Excellence” or “Merit” and “Chairman’s Award” will be announced on the live-streamed event on October 22.  The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7.

The U.S. DOL announced $4.1 million in grants available to community organizations to recruit, mentor, train and retain more women in quality apprenticeship programs, and to help those women pursue successful careers in manufacturing, infrastructure, cybersecurity, healthcare and other industries.

Thank you to all the golfers and sponsors who turned out on the most beautiful day of the season for this year’s golf tournament. We welcomed 146 golfers and 12 generous sponsors. A fun day was had by all!

The Associated Builders and Contractors NH/VT Chapter’s Young Professionals Group (ABC YPG) recently hosted their Annual Charity Bowling Tournament at Yankee Lanes in Manchester, NH, selling out all 34 lanes with nearly 200 people in attendance.

In recent news, the US Department Of Labor issued new regulations on overtime exemptions. The Rule change is the first in 16 years and will take effect on January 1, 2020.  

In August, estimated not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates fell in New Hampshire, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. New Hampshire’s estimated construction unemployment rate dropped by -.1% to land at 2.6%. Vermont’s unemployment rate increased by .3% to rest at 2.5% which is still significantly lower than the national average.

Our country’s ongoing opioid crisis has many faces. It is one that affects us all, some more personally than others – people who work in construction at a higher rate than some other industries. 70%+ of employers are impacted, but fewer than 20% feel prepared to deal with it. Fortunately, there are resources. Please join us next Tuesday, December 17, to get resources that can help you, your company and maybe even your loved ones deal with this issue.  

In November, estimated not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates increased nationally and in 38 states, fell in 11 states and were unchanged in one state (Washington) on a year-over-year basis.  

The Associated Builders and Contractors NH/VT Chapter’s Young Professionals Group (ABC YPG) Leadership Committee has elected their 2020 Officers and Directors.  

The New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) announces new Board of Directors leadership. The board was inducted at the association’s annual meeting on January 30th. A sold out crowd came out to the event to support the new board and celebrate membership growth in the association and a prosperous year for the industry.