On Thursday, June 18th, the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors had their Annual Economic Forecast. Titled “Return of the Economist”, ABC's Chief Enonomist reviewed the last 5 months of the economy while focusing on the effects of the pandemic on both a state and national level.

Focusing on before and after the Covid-19 shutdowns, Basu noted that though construction has been hit hard by the shutdowns “As it turns out [is] holding up better then a lot of other segments of the economy”.  During his broadcast, Basu reviewed unemployment, growth in wages, US retail sales, consumers, interest rates, and property values among other items that effect the economy but especially during these changing times. While sharing June is going to be a hard month, he sees July and August 2020 as good signs for the US economy to start to rise as people start getting back to work and the country finds a new normal with Covid-19 and predicts another stimulus package from Congress in the upcoming months along with consumers taking advantage of low interest rates and getting out again. “We’re human beings and need human activities”. As far as looking ahead Basu said while these are treacherous times, he does see a “Bounce Back of an Awkward V” for the economy in the upcoming years as we look at a future prepared for what we have faced over the past 5 months.

Although the Economic Forecast is an annual event, this was the first year ABCRMC held the event virtually. Thank you to the generosity and commitment of sponsors, ABCRMC has uploaded the presentation online at abcrmc.org/general-events. 

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 69 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit abcrmc.org to learn more about ABC Rocky Mountain Chapter

Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter (ABCRMC) Chairman, Shane Fobes with Milender White, testified in front of the Colorado State Senate Transportation & Energy Committee yesterday at the Capitol in support of SB20-065 to limit mobile electronic devices while driving.
 
“The widespread epidemic of distracted driving effects our fleet of 35 vehicles and drivers,” said Fobes. “There is no easy button to solving distracted driving, but this bill would assist. It is important that we get our employees and loved one’s home safely. Unfortunately, the only consequence for distracted driving at this point is after a tragedy has occurred and something needs to be done.”
 
ABC staffer Sabrina Kosmas and lobbyists Jay Hicks and Stefan Stathopulos attended the hearing as well. ABCRMC’s Chairman spoke alongside more than 15 other supporters of the bill. The Senate Committee consisting of the following legislatures then voted unanimously in support of SB20-065: Kerry Donovan (D), Mike Foote (D), Dennis Hisey (R), Ray Scott (R) and Faith Winter (D). The bill will now continue to Senate Appropriations.
 
To learn more about how to get involved with ABC’s government affairs initiatives, visit www.abcrmc.org/advocacy.

​The ABC Rocky Mountain Chapter is pleased to announce four new members joining the chapter’s Board of Directors. Marc Hendrikson with Sunflower Bank, David Hite with CRS Insurance Brokerage, Ted Kuck with Kuck Mechanical, and Dave Pavelka with Kenny Electric began their three-year board terms on January 1st, 2020. Marc will be joining the Executive Committee as well, serving as the chapter’s Treasurer.
 
Dane Bechtholdt with Douglass Colony Group, Trip W. DeMuth with Faegre Baker Daniels, Aaron Eide with Flood and Peterson (Secretary), and Brent Greiner with Greiner Electric ended their board terms after years of dedication and service to the chapter.
 
The individuals who serve on the ABC Board of Directors volunteer a significant amount of time and resources to the chapter. Their leadership and vision allow the chapter to grow and succeed as the voice of commercial construction.
 
Below is the 2020 ABC Rocky Mountain Chapter Board of Directors:
 
Executive Committee
Chair: Shane Fobes, Milender White
Chair Elect: Kelly Eustace, Heating & Plumbing Engineers, Inc.
Treasurer: Marc Hendrikson, Sunflower Bank
Secretary: Alison Larsen, Phase 2 Company
Past Chair: David Brooke, Hensel Phelps
 
Board Members

Bart Dickson, Shaw Construction
Mark Griffin, Turner Construction Company
David Hite, CRS Insurance Brokerage
Ted Kuck, Kuck Mechanical
Scott Larson, Encore Electric, Inc.
Dave Pavelka, Kenny Electric
Jason Maxwell, White Construction Group
Mike Wenderfer, United Rentals
Josh Williams, Mortenson Construction 

​The Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter (ABCRMC) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Joanna Johnson as the organization’s new President and CEO effective January 1st, 2020. Johnson has almost 20 years of experience in operations and management. Prior to her promotion, she served as Senior Director of Operations was after 6 years as Director of Meetings and Events for the Chapter. During her tenure with ABC, Johnson has overseen several ABCRMC initiatives including the creation of the Chapter’s Young Professionals group, expanding the Excellence in Construction Awards, and restructuring to regional councils.
 
“Promoting Joanna was a natural decision by the Board of Directors,” said 2020 Chairman, Shane Fobes. “At the heart of our organization is relationships and trust among members with a common goal of promoting ABC values for the construction industry.  Joanna demonstrates ABC values, and we look forward to growing the chapter through the regional councils under her leadership.”
 
In her spare time, Joanna enjoys hiking, reading, and exploring Colorado with her husband, daughter, and puppy Violet.  The Chapter’s staff is excited to continue their hard work and accomplish even more in 2020 under Joanna’s leadership. To learn more about how to get involved with the exciting changes going on at ABCRMC, contact info@abcrmc.org or visit www.abcrmc.org today!

​ABC Rocky Mountain Chapter (ABC) is proud to announce its official partnership with Denver Public Schools (DPS) in an effort to encourage ABC contractor members to participate in CareerConnect. ABC and DPS hosted an informational session on Wednesday morning at CEC Early College with more than 15 members interested in becoming CareerConnect Business Partners. The event featured a welcome from ABC’s Denver Workforce Development Committee Chair, Brett Dickerson with Shaw Construction, and an introduction to CareerConnect from Brian McKinney, the External Partnerships Sr. Manager. Following the welcome was a panel featuring two students and an employer currently participating in CareerConnect, and a program overview presented by Monica Schultz, Work-Based Learning Sr. Manager. The session concluded with a tour of CEC Early College conducted by the CEC Pathway Director, Jaime Caldwell.
 
DPS CareerConnect partners with businesses and higher education institutions to help students in grades K-12 visualize what’s possible, chart a plan for their futures and expand their professional networks through experimental learning in the workplace. CareerConnect provides many opportunities for business partnerships and helps companies grow their industry’s talent pipelines while giving back to the community. Students can also get a head start on their personalized career paths through college coursework, high-value industry credentials, and modern youth apprenticeships in Colorado’s high opportunity industries such as construction.
 
To learn more about how to become a CareerConnect Partner, visit collegeandcareer.dpsk12.org/partner-with-careerconnect/. To learn more about ABCRMC’s Workforce Development initiatives, contact info@abcrmc.org or visit www.abcrmc.org/workforce. 

The Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter (ABCRMC) celebrated the18th annual Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards on Friday, October 25th at Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale, CO.  The event featured a cocktail reception courtesy of Alliance Construction Solutions and Hensel Phelps Construction Co., a plated dinner, and an awards presentation, followed by a Casino Night after party sponsored by Encore Electric. The event was brought to the ABC membership and guests thanks to this year’s Bald Eagle Sponsor, Spacecon Specialty Contractors and Golden Eagle Sponsor, Kuck Mechanical.
 
EIC honors the most innovative and outstanding quality merit shop construction projects produced by ABC member contractors. Safety, teamwork, and cooperation between general contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers are prerequisites for building excellence in any construction project and this event is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work of ABC members. The Rocky Mountain Chapter’s EIC Awards, modeled after ABC National’s EIC program, are the first step to compete at the national level. Merit and Excellence awards are presented within two categories, Specialty
Contractors and General Contractors, and are based upon the overall scores of the judges.  
 
PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARDS                                                                                                                       
General Contractor Project of the Year Winner
FCI Constructors, Inc.
St. Vrain Valley Schools Innovation Center
General Contractor Nominees
Hensel Phelps
50Fifty
Mortenson Construction
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center Project
Specialty Contractor Project of the Year Winner
MTech Mechanical
Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs
Specialty Contractor Nominees
Greiner Electric, LLC
Eating Recovery Center – Denver
Spacecon Specialty Contractors
United States Olympic Museum

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS                                                                                                                          
ABCer of the Year – Sarah Corwin, Blueprint Skilled Services
Young Professional of the Year – Darcy Wojciechowski, FCI Constructors
Excellence in Marketing – Marika Bacon, FCI Constructors
LEED Project – Hensel Phelps Construction Co. - 50Fifty
Design-Build Project – Alliance Construction Solutions - Edgewater Civic Center
Free-Enterprise Award – Hensel Phelps Construction Co. – 50Fifty

EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS                                                                                                            
Adolfson & Peterson Construction - University of Northern Colorado Campus Commons
Alliance Construction Solutions, LLC - Edgewater Civic Center
Elder Construction Inc. - Associates of Family Medicine Office Building
Encore Electric, Inc. - Gaylord of the Rockies Resort
FCI Constructors, Inc. - St. Vrain Valley Schools Innovation Center
Greiner Electric, LLC - Eating Recovery Center - Denver
Hensel Phelps Construction Co. - 50Fifty
Mortenson - Chatfield Storage Reallocation Project
Mortenson - Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
MTech Mechanical - Children's Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs
RK Steel - The Coloradan
Spacecon Specialty Contractors - United States Olympic Museum
 
MERIT AWARD WINNERS                                                                                                             
Alliance Construction Solutions, LLC - Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station
Crossland Construction Company, Inc.  - High Line Pointe Apartments
Crossland Construction Company, Inc.  - Baker School Apartments
dcb Construction Company, Inc. - Trinity Storage
Duro Electric Company - Frasier Meadows Medium Voltage Upgrade
Encore Electric, Inc. - Golden Water Treatment Facility
Encore Electric, Inc. - Colorado State University Translational Medicine Institute
Kuck Mechanical Contractors - JBS Scrubber Platform Replacement
Kuck Mechanical Contractors - Colorado State University - Nancy Richardson Design Center
Milender White - The Aliso
Mortenson - Woodward Drake Renovation Project
Mortenson - Mission Ballroom
RK Mechanical, Inc. - Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center
Shaw Construction - Aspen Police Department
 
JUDGES                                                                                                                                                                     
Kelly Hedlund, Armstrong World Industries
Jake Hallauer, Affinity Partners
Jennifer Jasinowski, Colorado Skills USA
Liz Newman, McCauley Constructors
Leif Rosenvold, KLOK Group
Cheryl Schuette, Colorado Home Building Academy
Joe Zanone, Zanone Project Management

Pictured left to right: General Contractor Project of the Year Winners: FCI Constructors, Inc. - Dale Hartman, Tom Darcy and Tony Seidling. Specialty Contractor Project of the Year Winners: MTech Mechanical - Derrick Cape, Molly Cape, Jacob Best and Julia Best.
View more event photos
 
About ABC
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at www.abcrmc.org.

On Wednesday, September 18th more than 14 members of the Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter (ABCRMC) volunteered at the 11th annual Construction Career Days of Southern Colorado (CCD). CCD hosts more than 600 high school students for a day-long event where they rotate through a variety of stations hosted by construction companies to learn more about the industry and career opportunities available to them. Students were able to explore design and engineering, experience a trade skill, discover project management, operate heavy equipment and more.
 
Most high school students lack the opportunity to be introduced to the possibility of a career in construction as more and more schools no longer offer vocational-tech or industrial art classes, which is why events like these are so important. ABC Members and staff were honored to volunteer as group leaders to interact with these students and walk them through the different activities and give them insight on how rewarding careers in construction can be. Encore Electric even had their Electrical Escape Trailer as one of the hands-on activities for kids.
 
ABC Member Companies who participated included Eaton Sales & Service, Encore Electric, Heating & Plumbing Engineers (HPE), Hensel Phelps, iiCON Construction Group, Millender White, RMG - Rocky Mountain Group, United Rentals and Wilscott.
 
To learn more about how to get involved with ABCRMC’s Workforce Development initiatives, contact info@abcrmc.org or visit www.abcrmc.org/workforce.
    
View more event photos.

​About ABC
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at www.abcrmc.org.

On Thursday, September 12th, more than 32 members of the Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter (ABCRMC) volunteered and hosted a Construction Day for more than 150 kids at the  Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club. ABC members hosted a variety of construction themed activities for the kids to expose them to the exciting opportunities within the construction industry. Volunteers also included our Young Professionals Committee which hosts annual volunteer days like this in order to give back to the community.
 
Younger kids, ranging in ages 6 to 12, participated in the following activities: birdhouse building hosted by Lowe’s, decorating hardhats and masonry mockups hosted by Mortenson Construction, building bridges with Adolfson & Peterson, and a blueprint challenge hosted by Horizon LLC. Teenagers between 13 to 18 years old were able to operate a mini excavator and scissor lift with Sunstate Equipment and did hands on challenges in Encore Electric’s escape trailer. Volunteers also fed the kids and staff dinner thanks to food & grills provided by Sunstate Equipment. Most of the kids who participated are underprivileged and rely heavily on the after-school childcare, meals, homework assistance, sporting leagues and personal developmental programs provided by the Boys & Girls Club, which gives these kids a safe place to grow and develop.
 
On behalf of ABCRMC, we would like to thank the team over at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club and our incredible members from the following companies who volunteered their time and resources to make this inspiring event possible:
 
Adolfson & Peterson Construction
Colorado Homebuilding Academy
Encore Electric
FCI Constructors, Inc.
Hensel Phelps
Horizon LLC
Lowe's
Milender White
Mortenson Construction
RK Mechanical
Staff Zone
Sunstate Equipment Co., LLC
The Master's Apprentice
United Site Services
WillScot
 
To learn more about how to get involved with ABCRMC’s Workforce Development initiatives, contact info@abcrmc.org or visit www.abcrmc.org/workforce.

About ABC
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at www.abcrmc.org

The Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Rocky Mountain Chapter (ABCRMC) awarded U.S. Representative for Colorado’s 5th congressional district, Doug Lamborn, with the ABC Merit Shop Eagle Award yesterday at Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC). The ABC Merit Shop Eagle Award is given to congressional delegates that have an outstanding voting record on ABC’s core principal issues: defending free enterprise, open and fair competition, and the merit shop philosophy in which contracts and business should be rewarded to members based on their Merit.
 
The award was presented to the Congressman at the PPCC Center for Healthcare Education & Simulation which is a jobsite involving ABC Members Elder Construction and Encore Electric. PPCC is converting a semi-conductor plant into a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary learning environment. The 70,000-square-foot facility will house an interdisciplinary simulation lab for nursing, surgical technology, pharmacy technology, EMS, dental assisting and medical assisting programs. This project is addressing a tremendous problem as the Colorado nursing shortage is twice the national average and the only way to increase the number of nurses graduating is to increase facilities and faculty. ABC Members are proud to be part of the solution to this problem. Once complete, the facility will enable PPCC to graduate 43% more healthcare professionals.
 
Pictured below (left to right): Ryan McAllister, Project Developer with Elder Construction; Nicole Renner, Capital Projects Manager at Pikes Peak Community College; Mike Kosters, Senior Project Manager with Elder Construction; Congressman Doug Lamborn; Christopher Elder, President of Elder Construction; Sabrina Kosmas, ABCRMC’s Regional Director of Denver and Southern Colorado; Tyler Mitchell, Estimator with Encore Electric.

About ABC
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at www.abcrmc.org

The Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Rocky Mountain Chapter (ABCRMC) partnered with Colorado Homebuilding Academy (CHA) on Tuesday, July 30th to host a career fair with more than 34 jobseekers and 13 hiring companies in both the residential and commercial construction industries. All jobseekers are current students or recent graduates of CHA and had the opportunity to network with recruiters and employees from the hiring companies.
 
Companies that participated in the job fair included:                                                   
 
Adolfson and Peterson Construction*
ARMAC Construction*
Ascent Builders
Basement Finishing Colorado
Clay Dean Electric
Colorado Department of State*
Duro Electric*
Hensel Phelps*
Kenny Electric*
Kimbel Mechanical
Milender White*
South Valley Drywall
The Premier Group*

*ABC Rocky Mountain Chapter Members

“Walking out of the Colorado Homebuilding Academy Career Fair, not only did I leave with new networking connections, but I left with a sense of accomplishment because of all the potential candidates I spoke with. Each person I spoke with was prepared with questions and genuine interest in pursuing a career within the trades. It was truly an honor be a part of the ABC & CHA Career Fair and I look forward to participating again in the future!” said Alanna Raimondi, ABC Member and Duro Electric HR and Admin Assistant.
 
This joint venture career fair resulted from a recent partnership between ABCRMC and CHA in which both organizations recognized a mutual mission: to recruit skilled talent into the construction trades. The Academy is training skilled workers who are excellent candidates for the significant number of both residential and commercial construction industry jobs. Overall, the career fair was a tremendous success and both organizations look forward to collaborating again in the near future.
 
To learn more about how to get involved with ABCRMC’s workforce development initiatives, visit abcrmc.org/workforce or contact info@abcrmc.org.

About ABC
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 70 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at www.abcrmc.org