Mark your calendars for the following webinars. Attendance is free to CISCA members, but you must register.

July 28 at 1:00 pm CT – Susan Silver – Maximizing your Marketing Department of One
September 22 at 1:00 pm CT – Matt Booth – A Positive Attitude in a Negative World

On June 1, President Biden called for an “all-of-government effort to expand contracting opportunities for underserved small businesses across the country.” Among other initiatives, the goal is to increase the share of contracts going to small, disadvantaged businesses (SDB) by 50 percent by 2026, which the administration calculates as an additional $100 billion to SDBs over the five-year period.

Paced by sharp rises in marijuana positivity rates, the positive drug test rate for U.S. workers continued at a historically high level in 2020, according to an annual analysis conducted by lab services provider Quest Diagnostics.

Construction employment decreased from February 2020 – the last month prior to the pandemic – to April 2021 in 107, or 30 percent, of the nation’s metro areas, and was stagnant in another 34, according to an analysis by AGC of government employment data released recently. Association officials said that construction employment in many parts of the country was being undermined by pandemic-induced project delays, materials price spikes and shortages, and difficulties finding labor.

The industry has recognized labor shortages for some time. Contractors continue to try a variety of often, outside-the-box approaches to bring in quality workers to add to or replace members of their crews.

A majority of construction business owners and managers don't focus on what counts most: their numbers. Business owners and managers spend their time getting jobs built and then hope the bottom-line numbers work out.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has posted updated and expanded technical assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing questions arising under the federal equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws. The EEOC also posted a new resource for job applicants and employees, explaining how federal employment discrimination laws protect workers during the pandemic. These publications are provided to help employees and employers understand their rights and responsibilities at work during the pandemic.

National Safety Month is an annual observance to help keep each other safe from the workplace to anyplace. Organized by the National Safety Council (NSC), this year marks the 25th anniversary of National Safety Month.

CISCA is the global premier authority for the interior construction, acoustical ceilings and acoustical treatment industry, fostering professional development and exchanges for and between association members and industry professionals. Be sure to visit our website often as new material is posted regularly.

Construction firms and other employers in California must train employees in Valley Fever risks and control measures. Training on Valley Fever is required per California Labor Code AB 203, Section 6709. SOURCE: SAFETY COMPLIANCE COMPANY