CHC Attends the 2005 International Builders Show
The Concrete Homes Council (CHC) exhibited at the National Association for Home Builder’s International Builders Show held in Orlando, Florida, January 13-16, 2005. With 104, 922 attendees and more than 880, 000 net square fee of exhibits, it was the largest Builders Show yet and the world’s largest residential construction expo for the their consecutive year. This was the third year that the CHC has exhibited.
Concrete Paradise
By Wendy Shannon, Shannon & Company
I’ve traveled many times to the Florida Keys for rest and relaxation, but this time I was flying in to meet with the developer and the design architect of SeaSide Key West, a highend residential project constructed entirely of concrete. Towards the end of the 90-minute direct flight from Atlanta to Key West, I glanced down and actually caught a glimpse of these beautiful contemporary “conch” town homes gracing the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. As we landed, I prepared myself to visit what may be the last mixed-use residential development that will be built in this bit of paradise.
At the southernmost tip of the United States, only 90 miles from Cuba, Key West is the last in a chain of islands extending 150 miles southwest from Miami. These islands have long been a prime destination for travelers from around the world. Sport and flats fishing, reef and wreck diving, yachting and international boat racing attract thousands throughout the year and cultural opportunities abound. And with an average annual temperature of 77 degrees, which rarely varies more than 10 degrees in either direction, the weather is ideal.
After I exited the airport, I hailed a flamingo-pink taxi and headed for SeaSide. As we traveled up South Roosevelt Drive, I took in the view—clear blue water and graceful palm trees. Within minutes, we turned onto SeaSide Drive and passed through the entrance where I was greeted by SeaSide’s developer Robert “Bob” Butler and Steve Johnson, the project’s design architect. Both are with Key West SeaSide, LLC, a subsidiary of The Argonaut Group, a major development company known for creating outstanding communities throughout Florida. Butler was wearing a traditional suit and tie while Johnson donned shorts and sandals, Key West’s “official” corporate attire. I immediately sensed that this seemingly “odd couple” team would have a positive impact on the project.
Together the three of us explored this exclusive community, destined to be the largest planned development in the Keys. The town homes are clustered on roughly 16 acres of a 64-acre parcel that Butler acquired in 1986. Six acres within the development’s core area have been reserved as natural areas.
SeaSide Drive divides the northern and southern sections of the community. Each section has its own entry, swimming pool and pool house. The luxurious concrete pools are each approximately 1,200 square feet, six feet deep and surrounded with concrete decking finished with brick pavers. A community clubhouse is adjacent to the southern section’s pool and boasts an owner’s lounge, library, fully equipped exercise room and management office. While the project was still a work in progress during my visit, I could see a tropical paradise emerging replete with Caribbean influenced landscaping and extensive accent lighting.
“I think the four-story, fee simple town house overlooking the ocean will prove to be a most unique property in Key West,” explained Butler. Typically buyers interested in Key West properties can select an aged “conch” house or condominium with little yard space and even less room for parking. SeaSide’s contemporary “conch” town homes offer a fenced rear yard and a fully enclosed two-car garage, amenities virtually unheard of on the island. Residents will also have community retail within convenient walking distance. From many vantage points in the three- and four-story homes, residents will enjoy spectacular views of the ocean or the island.
Potential homeowners will be pleased with design functionality and quality of construction found in the SeaSide homes and they will find them as impressive as any gracing the cover of Architectural Digest. With open, flexible floor plans, private elevators, multiple decks, and high-end amenities galore, these homes are elegant and refined. Room heights add to the feeling of luxury with ceilings in living areas vaulting to 12 feet. Each kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line GE appliances, and the baths feature oversized whirlpool tubs, glass-enclosed showers and Kohler fixtures.
After touring SeaSide, we traveled the ten-minute drive towards the heart of Key West and dined on the porch of Louie’s Backyard, a local restaurant with fabulous regional cuisine. As we finished lunch, we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere prevalent throughout the Florida Keys, and further discussed the SeaSide project.
Butler explained that the opportunity to own a coastal town home on Key West is rare and, therefore, very appealing to many upper-end homebuyers. Large tracts of land suited for residential development is scarce, and what development there is, is carefully monitored. Much of the oceanfront land is owned by the federal government, which uses the property for Naval Air Stations. And strict evacuation ordinances exist on all the islands, adding further building constraints. A seasoned developer, Butler knew that if he ever had the chance to build along the coastline of Key West, it would be a prospect too good to pass up.
Having developed many communities throughout Florida and beyond, Butler and Johnson recognized the challenges facing homeowners in that region and strived to build disaster-and insect-resistant, energy efficient and low maintenance town homes. To meet those goals, the team selected the time-honored material of concrete. From previous experience, they knew that concrete would yield rock-solid, environmentally responsible town homes of distinction and comfort. They were also confident that homebuyers would value the benefits of reduced ownership costs, insurance premiums, monthly utility bills and noise. “And we think that SeaSide residents will be particularly appreciative of the peace and quiet that concrete offers in a town home setting,” Johnson explained.
Once the team decided to use concrete, going with Outinord Universal, Inc.’s tunnelforming system was a given. In Key West, The Argonaut Group and/or its affiliates had already built four other phases of the SeaSide community, each time employing Outinord’s construction system. “We chose to go with Outinord tunnelforms for their ease of use, the speed with which we can pour concrete and the quality of the finished product it delivers,” said Butler.
In the early 1980’s, an Argonaut affiliate designed, developed and completed the Ocean Key Resort at the end of Duval Street, using conventional construction methods. The team quickly discovered that construction on an island, 150 miles from the mainland, was more than challenging. The remote location caused substantial time delays, consistently overrun budgets and incomplete subcontracts.
Shortly thereafter, the group began construction on the Ocean Walk Apartments complex and was determined to find a better way of building. Outinord provided specific time and output estimates that their tunnelform technology would deliver. Their estimates proved to be accurate, enabling the entire project to stay on schedule. “We delivered the first building in seven and one-half months, which was unheard of in Key West construction history,” stated Butler.
During the construction of Ocean Walk, Butler continued to see the benefits of using Outinord’s building system. The aggregates needed to make concrete were readily available on the islands, dramatically cutting down transportation costs of construction materials. And the opportunity to eliminate furring and drywall of the structural walls proved to be a significant savings. Argonaut has continued to use Outinord’s concrete forming system for every other construction project in the Keys and has plans to use the system in mainland projects, including a large-scale residential project in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Michael Taylor, president of Current Builders, Inc., of Pompano, Florida has managed SeaSide’s construction process. While this is their first project in the Keys, Current Builders are by no means strangers to construction in southern Florida or to Outinord’s tunnelforming system. They have also used the tunnelform concrete construction method to pour concrete shells in two other Florida projects, Heron Cove Apartments in Naples, Florida and Heron Pond Apartments in Lehigh Acres, Florida.
“Being able to pour walls and ceilings in one monolithic pour allows work to be scheduled in a very precise and timely manner,” stated Taylor. “This allows us to keep our subcontracted labor on pace and speed up the entire process.” Designed to cast load bearing walls and slab in a single pour, Outinord tunnelforms are especially well-suited to the construction of multiple residential dwellings. On the SeaSide project they were able to pour almost two units a day, on average. That’s roughly the equivalent of 5,000 square feet per day.
In addition to its cost-effectiveness, durability, and ease of transport, Outinord’s tunnelforming system readily accommodates door and window openings, plumbing, electric and built-in embeds. The finished product offers a superb concrete finish with perfect wall alignment and a structure that is dimensionally accurate to 1/32″ (1mm). The system is also flexible enough to adapt to any existing building plans and lends itself to inventive architectural design ideas.
For a short time, Butler and Johnson actually considered going with conventional masonry block with the SeaSide project, as they were assured that the costs would prove comparable to Outinord’s. However, as the project commenced, subcontractor bids and other costs exceeded the intended budget by nearly $8 million, or almost 50%. “We immediately changed the structural system to Outinord’s tunnelforming system,” said Butler. “The result has been reducing costs back to the original budget—and a better quality product.”
The entire SeaSide community contains 1,050 units, with completion of the last 96 units scheduled for December 2004. Of the 96 units priced to $1,750,000 ($600 per A/C sq. foot), only four units remain unsold. That’s quite an endorsement.
As I left Key West for home, I found myself enthralled with the wonders of concrete. Once again, it was proven to me that the beauty, longevity and overall quality of construction available with this time-honored material, is a worthy investment for developer, builder, homebuyer alike. There are very few places in the world like the Keys. There are even fewer places that can offer the serenity, security and stability to those seeking to their own luxury get-away. I learned that SeaSide Key West is such a place. And, as a potential homebuyer myself, I was glad to discover that a slice of paradise is within reach.
This article was reprinted from Concrete Homes Magazine.Concrete Not a Key Factor in Home Building Cost Increases
During the past year the cost of materials needed to build a single family home has escalated significantly. A July survey performed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates these increases at $5000 to $7000 per new home.
As the use of concrete has grown cement shortages have surfaced in a number of states. Some have concluded that concrete price increases are a principal contributor to the escalation in home material cost increases. In reality, despite shortage conditions concrete prices have increased modestly and are not an important factor in overall single family material cost increases. Material specifiers frequently have to choose between concrete and alternative building materials. This is an effort to provide specifiers accurate information about concrete cost increases as they relate to single family construction activity as represented in the NAHB report.
POINT 1:
Concrete accounts for a relatively small portion of overall construction costs for a new home. According to NAHB estimates, the average single family home built in 2003 was 2,347 square feet in size. Base on NAHB estimates, roughly 76 cubic yards of concrete is required to build the average single family home. While PCA calculations of cement and concrete usage per single family home are slightly higher, NAHB estimates have been used to maintain consistency between reports. Using NAHB concrete volume, at 2003 prices this translates into roughly $6,500 per home in concrete costs. Concrete costs represent slightly more than 4% of estimated overall home construction costs and less than two and one half percent of the price of a new home on the market estimated by the Bureau of Census at $274,200.
POINT 2:
Despite tight market conditions in some states, concrete price increases during 2004 have been modest.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the government’s authoritative source for producer price assessments, concrete prices stood only 4.6% higher than the year earlier levels reported at the time of the NAHB report. While price increases per cubic yard of concrete have continued since the time of the NAHB report, the increases per cubic yard of concrete have continued since the time of the NAHB report, the increases have lumber. Year-to-date through October, the producer price index for concrete has increased 8.4%
POINT 3:
Concrete price increases contributed a meager $283 of NAHB’s $5,000 to $7,000 total cost increase estimate.
By combining NAHB cement usage per single family home with BLS producer price indices as well as a base concrete price, 2004 concrete cost increases per single family home can be estimated. Using the same time frame as the NAHB study, concrete costs associated with the construction of a typical single family home has increased from $6,440 to $6,732 – a meager $283 increase per home, that accounts for only 5.7% of NAHB’s cost increase estimate. Since the NAHB report, tight market conditions have characterized the concrete industry – prompting further increases in the cost of concrete. Even when these subsequent increases are considered, concrete cost increases have resulted in roughly a $399 cost increase per single family home during 2004.
POINT 4:
Other materials account for a significant portion of material cost increases.
Among the largest building material components for single family construction is lumber, accounting for roughly one-third of the total material costs according to NAHB. On average, building a new single family home requires nearly 17,400 board feet of lumber 7,100 board feet of structural wood panels such as plywood.
During the past year lumber prices have increased 26.2% from year ago levels. Strong demand conditions originating from low mortgage rates and robust single family construction, tariffs on Canadian lumber restrictions against harvesting from federal lands have all contributed to the increase in lumber prices.
Combining lumber price increases with the board feet of lumber required to build a new home yields an estimate of total new home lumber costs. At 2003 prices, lumber costs for the average new home construction equaled $10,900. With lumber price escalation, the current cost now stands at roughly $14, 600, accounting for more than half of NAHB’s estimated $7,000 building material cost increase.
Aside from concrete and lumber, building a new home requires a multitude of other materials. Steel reinforcing bars, gypsum, copper tubing, plastic plumbing products have all recorded double-digit annual increases compared to year-ago levels. These building materials, as well as other construction products have contributed to the cost increase in single family construction.
POINT 5:
Over the past four years, concrete price increases have only kept pace with inflation.
Concrete prices stand only 11.1% higher than 2000 levels- a remarkable statement in price stability during a four-year period. In contrast, overall US inflation, which has been quite tame by historical standards, increased the consumer price index by 11.0% during the same four-year period. Discounting for inflation, concrete has experienced a real price increase of 0.1 % during the past four years.
Concrete price stability has not been lost on material specifiers that must choose between concrete and alternative building materials and has contributed to the growth in concrete usage. During the past 18 months, prices for competing materials such as steel have increased dramatically. This improved competitive price position of concrete and has resulted in increased demand on concrete. This phenomenon is partially responsible for heightened demand for concrete and a contributor to the cement shortage conditions that have surfaced in some regions of the United States.
This article was reprinted from the Portland Cement Association’s The Monitor: Flash Report, January 11, 2005. PCA Contact: Ed Sullivan, Staff Vice President & Chief Economist, 847-972-9006.
CFA Board Update
Board meetings at the World of Concrete are always a busy affair with so many competing activities. The CFA board, however, tackled a host of initiatives and topics, several of which will result in additional member benefits and services. They are highlighted below.
CFA CONSIDERS SAFETY PROGRAM
A presentation on safety programs was made by Devon Dickson, president of Safety Services Company of Corona, California. Dickson’s company provides a wide variety of safety related materials and programs. Included are a series of tool box talk topics, customized safety manuals, and other related services. Safety Services is willing to develop custom topics specific to the poured wall foundation industry with information provided by members. Safety Services currently has over 250 Tailgate/Toolbox Safety Meeting topics developed. Under the program, they would send a package with four topics each month for use by participating companies. Spanish translations of the materials are available at no additional charge. The Toolbox portion of the program currently sells for $156 plus shipping per year but CFA members would receive a substantial discount if they participate in the program. Details of participation, billing, and actual discounts will be worked out with an AdHoc Safety Committee consisting of Mark Saldana, Mark Latorre, and Mark Markovich and Safety Services representatives.
RETAINING WALL PROGRAM
The board approved entering into an agreement with CEC engineers for development of a CFA interface for their on-line retaining wall program. The program, like the on-line foundation wall program, was developed; however, a user friendly interface – to allow CFA members to use the program online through a web browser – needs to be developed. When the system is in place, members will be able to go on-line and design the size, reinforcement, and other parameters for a retaining wall, similar to the way they can currently design foundation walls. If an engineer’s stamp is needed, CEC will provide it for a very reasonable fee in states they are registered.
NEW CFA POWERPOINT PRESENTATION
Management was given approval to develop a new CFA PowerPoint presentation for its members to use when making presentations to builders and owners. It will focus on the benefits of poured-in-place walls but will also address the reasons why poured-in-place walls are better than alternative methods of construction, most notably concrete masonry. The current presentation is somewhat outdated in its graphics. The presentation will be customizable by members so they can include photos of their own systems, processes, and projects if desired.
LOWER LEVEL LIVING BROCHURE UPDATE – FUTURE UPDATES COMING
The new Lower Level Living brochure has hit the market. It is the most “upscale” marketing piece produced to-date by the Association. It is an eight-page flyer with fold-out center pages so the entire piece measures 11” x 34” when fully opened. It takes the place of the older version. This should prove valuable for use in selling builders of the possibilities of converting that basement into relatively inexpensive additional living space.
The marketing committee is also working on a technical piece that will replace the tri-fold brochures.
WEB SITE – PROCEEDING
The board authorized a redesign of the CFA website. The existing site has had minor improvements but a total new look and navigation system is in order. As members, and the general public, begin to use cfawalls.org more we need to maintain a fresh appearance, up-to-date information and efficient organization.
New features of the site include a greatly expanded section for National Associates known as the Products and Services Directory, more seamless integration of the CFA database with the website and secure transactions. One of the more confusing aspects of interacting with our website has been the presence of two domains, cfawalls.org and secure.sauterbaty.com. This update will add a secure domain to cfawalls.org making it the exclusive site for CFA business and database reference. The new site should be up and running by the middle of the year.
Agreements – Changing the “Take It or Leave It” Format
Doug Staebler, Custom Concrete Company, Inc., Westfield, INIn previous articles, we looked at the growing use of Subcontractor agreements by builders. In addition to the typical clauses dealing with schedules, work defects, payment provisions, and other construction related matters, most of these agreements contain extremely potent indemnification clauses, which impose nearly unlimited liability on subcontractors. Most often, these agreements seem to be presented in a “take it, or leave it” format, and we often feel that we will jeopardize our chance to work for the customer if we refuse to sign the agreement as drafted. The reality is that there is usually significant opportunity to negotiate changes to the agreement, if the proper strategies are used. In this article, we will look at the key steps you can take to increase the chance of successfully securing the necessary changes to your customers’ agreements.
Before we begin, it’s important to understand certain realities that we must overcome to achieve the desired outcome. In most cases, the builder, or the person you are dealing with has not read the agreement, and has very little idea about what is in the agreement. It was probably provided by an insurance company, or the home office, with instructions to get it signed by every subcontractor. There is usually very little awareness of what is in the agreement, or how it affects subcontractors, and there will be little interest or willingness to get involved making changes to the agreement due to other more pressing tasks or responsibilities. Additionally, most other subcontractors have signed the agreement without expressing any objections to the agreement.
Given these factors, here are ten tactics that will help you negotiate the changes you need:
1. NEGOTIATE IN PERSON
If at all possible, avoid discussing this matter by telephone. Our objective is to convey key issues and concerns, and to gain a willingness to work together. This is difficult to do by telephone, but in person meetings will create a far better opportunity to work together with your customer.
2. UNDERSCORE YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE PROJECT
Explain that you intend to honor the agreement completely, and accordingly, want to make sure the agreement is workable. Your competitors may have no intention of complying with the agreement, and not be around long enough to back up what they agree to. Your customer should be glad to see that you will be around to back up your commitments and stand behind your work.
3. EXPLAIN THE REASONS BEHIND REQUESTED CHANGES
The person you are dealing with probably does not understand the issues involved. It may be necessary to explain the issues involved, and how unintended consequences could result from the proposed agreement.
4. DON’T OVER-NEGOTIATE
Pick the three or four most important items. There is usually a limit to how many changes you can secure. Focus on the most important issues, the ones that could create the most severe problems in your business.
5. LET ROUTINE THINGS SORT THEMSELVES OUT IN THE FIELD
In general, most construction details work themselves out as they occur in the field. In many instances, contractual provisions are not followed in the field. Ultimately, your ability to create a long-term customer will depend on finding workable solutions in the field, regardless of what is in the contract.
6. OFFER PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS
It is essential to offer the solution. Your chances of success are greatly reduced if its up to the customer to draft modifications or otherwise find the solution. If at all possible, propose a draft containing alternative language in the form of an addendum that can be agreed upon, and simply added to the original agreement.
7. REDUCE OR ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR AN ATTORNEY
Your customer is probably not interested in using his attorney to draft alternative agreements to address your concerns. Your chances are much better if you can provide the solution that does not require additional involvement of your customer’s attorney.
8. BE AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS PROPOSED CHANGES
It may be necessary to explain proposed modifications to an attorney, insurance agent, or home office personnel. If so, be prepared, and offer a clear concise reason for the proposed changes.
9. EXPLAIN THAT OTHERS HAVE AGREED TO THE SAME CHANGES
It’s amazing how much easier it is to get cooperation from customers, if they think others are doing the same thing. Explain that other customers have agreed to essentially similar changes. This is especially helpful if the other builder is a large, well known builder.
10. BE PREPARED
It is important to understand the issues involved. You will likely see the same clauses and issues in most of these agreements. Designate someone in your organization to learn about these agreements, and be able to discuss them intelligently with customers. Get training on the important issues from your attorney. Have substitute language or addendums prepared ahead of time ready for use when the need arises.
Following these key strategies will greatly increase your chances of securing important changes to the agreement. Most builders, at some level, will appreciate your concerns, and your commitment to abide by the agreement you are signing. The effort you take to secure these changes could save you some day from litigation that could threaten the survival of your business.
W.O.C. 2005 Wrap-up
Like most of you, I have had some experience with the World of Concrete shows. I’ll date myself by admitting that I attended my first in Dallas 1981, and later in Atlanta 1989. So with a perspective that spans 24 years, I can tell you they just keep getting more and more amazing.
This year’s show was no exception. It looked to me like attendance was an all-time high, the exhibitors had the proper gleam in their eyes, and the aisles were full of great gadgets, equipment and innovative ideas.
I have always said that a person only has to come home with one good idea to pay for the trip, (some heavy gamblers may need two or three ideas) I always come home with several.
By far, the best part is getting to spend time with all of you, getting to know you better, and getting the opportunity to discuss our ideas, problems, failures and most of all… our victories. If a contractor can’t sit down and talk to two or three people in the same business, and not come away with a few good ideas, he just isn’t paying attention. I enjoyed working the booth for just that reason. The CFA party at the Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas was a great event by anyone’s standard. The overwhelming attendance challenged the hall capacity and made finding a seat and carrying on a conversation a bit tricky, but illustrated the success of our organization. Most attendees loved it, but some had constructive complaints. For those that didn’t like the format, the crowd, or the German food, we apologize – we will find a bigger, quieter room next year. My hat goes off to the CFA staff – I don’t know how you could do a better job at planning these events given that you must make decisions a year in advance. Thanks for all of your hard work.
We had full intention of thanking our many sponsors at the Party. Unfortunately the Banners arrived after most of the guests, and we could never get you to hear us on the P.A system.
Terry Lavy, CFA President, Lavy Concrete Construction Inc. terry@lavyconcrete.comEducate Your Builders
NAHB UNIVERSITY OF HOUSING UNVEILS CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS COURSE
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is a powerful force in the business of home building. Most home builders in the United States belong and participate in their association and most of the members of CFA work with builders who are part of the NAHB. The NAHB, like the CFA, provides its members with a host of benefits including networking opportunities, publications, and educational opportunities. Among the educational offering are seminars in Foundation Drainage and Waterproofing, and Concrete Housing with Removable, Reusable Forms. These courses were offered at the recent meeting of the NAHB in Orlando, Florida, thanks to the participation of the CFA and CHC in the Building Systems Council of the NAHB. Brent Anderson presented a well attended and received seminar on foundation drainage and waterproofing and I presented the course on concrete homes.
The real opportunity for the CFA and its members to educate builders about concrete foundations, however, is through the new course offered through the NAHB University of Housing. The course is called “Cast-in-Place Concrete Foundations.” The University of Housing is the primary source of the educational needs for NAHB members who are seeking to obtain continuing education. A course listed in their catalog gives the us access to the builders, as well as an excellent opportunity to educate them about foundations.
The pilot was offered in Kalamazoo, Michigan in mid-December and is ready for presentation through your local HBA. The half-day course, developed for the builder audience, covers a broad range of topics including soils, excavation, footings, foundation walls, concrete basics, waterproofing, backfilling, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The course must be sponsored by a local HBA and taught by an HBA approved instructor. We suggest you contact your local HBA and make them aware of the existence of the course.
We are encouraging anyone who wants to teach the course to complete the NAHB training process. In order to qualify as an instructor you must take a day-long “Train the Trainer” course offered by the NAHB and you must take the Foundation Course itself. Eight CFA members have completed the “Trainer” course and an additional ten will take it at the Regional Meeting in Minneapolis this April. Most of these “instructors” will take the “Foundation Course” in Minneapolis during the same period, thus completing their requirements to qualify. If you are interested in teaching the seminar, contact the CFA at 866-232-9255 or esauter@cfawalls.org and we will put you in touch with NAHB personnel.
Ed Sauter, Executive Director, CFA esauter@cfawalls.orgNAWIC Invites Nominations for 11th Annual Crystal Vision Awards Program
Celebrating the achievements of individuals with vision who helped to promote, expand and encourage to role of women in the construction industry.
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is accepting nominations for its 11th annual Crystal Vision and Crystal Achievement Awards. The Crystal Vision Awards Program recognizes individuals for their outstanding achievement in advancing the role of women in the construction industry. Winners will be recognized at the Association’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and Convention, September 7-10, 2005, in Grapevine, Texas. The awards are given annually. The Crystal Vision Award goes to a nonmember of NAWIC, and the Crystal Achievement Award goes to a member of the Association.
“This award identifies and honors the men and women who see beyond the invisible barriers that impede the progress of women, especially in nontraditional fields,” says Susan Levy, found of the Crystal Vision Award and past NAWIC national president. “Nominees must demonstrate the courage to act on their vision by gradually breaking down those barriers through policy change, setting precedent and taking risks.”
Nominees for the Crystal Vision Awards may represent any of the various construction fields and include contractors, architects, engineers, suppliers, labor organizers, and trade association and government personnel. NAWIC also invites nominees from al employment levels including owners, executives, managers and agency chiefs. The NAWIC Office must receive the nominations on or before February 28, 2005.
ALL NOMINEES MUST MEET AT LEAST THREE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
1. Be in a position of authority to influence and/or make decisions beneficial to women in the construction industry.
2. Empower women I construction through company policy, legislation or organizational structure.
3. Actively promote the inclusion and/or advancement of women in construction.
4. Demonstrate leadership on behalf of women in construction.
5. Break barriers with a “first” for women in construction.
6. Act as a role model and/or mentor for women.
A panel of industry experts will select winners based on the award criteria. They are Doug Curtis, director of chapter development, Associated Builders & Contractors; Mike Holland, executive vice president, American Council for Construction Education; and Norbert W. Young, Jr., FAIA, president, McGraw-Hill Construction.
Award winners receive a complementary trip Grapevine, Texas, to accept their awards during the Crystal Vision Awards Gala held in their honor. Video portraits will also highlight the achievements of the two winners and their contributions to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.
An online copy of the application is available www.nawic.org. Applications should be sent upon completion to:
NAWIC, Attn: Crystal Vision Awards, 327 South Adams Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76104-1081.
Companies and organizations can support the importance of recognizing excellence in the construction industry by sponsoring the 2005 Crystal Vision Awards Program. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, please contact the NAWIC Office for more details. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Founded in Fort Worth, Texas in 1955, NAWIC is an international association serving approximately 5,500 members in 184 chapters across the United States and Canada. NAWIC also has international affiliates in Australia, New Zealand, south Africa and the United Kingdom. For more information, please contact Marketing Communication Director Kara Roberson at 817-877-5551.
PCA has a New Tech Brief
The Portland Cement Association recently published a tech brief, Technology Brief: Concrete Basements, to inform the building industry and consumers of the value in having a concrete basement. IS313-Concrete Basements describes why basements are built with concrete, what quality construction practices to look for, and the various types of cement based systems available to build with.
The brief is designed in a single page format and written in a non-technical style. Sold in packs of 50. For more information contact CFA at 866-CFA-WALLS (232-9255).
Form-A-Drain: A Century of Innovations
Through innovation and creative product design, CertainTeed Corporation has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Company, its slogan “Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed” quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American manufacturer of vinyl and fiber cement siding; vinyl and composite decking, railing, and fencing; vinyl windows; residential, commercial and mechanical insulation; residential and commercial roofing; pipe and foundation systems.
Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, CertainTeed is a Saint-Gobain company with approximately 7,000 employees and 40 manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. The company had sales of approximately $2.3 billion in 2003. www.certainteed.com.
CERTAINTEED AND THE CFA
Certainteed is a world-class building materials supplier, and a strong believer in the importance and value of professional organizations such as CFA. As the manufacturer of the innovative FORM-A-DRAIN foundation forming/drainage system, which also provides for radon reduction, we are committed to bringing products to CFA members that make them more efficient and profitable. With Form-a-Drain, builders and contractors now have a revolutionary way to design a superior foundation system into their homes.
CertainTeed’s pioneering efforts have helped to establish Form-a-Drain as a nationally accepted foundation forming system, and a clear alternative to conventional techniques. Our entire organization, including Engineering, Research and Development, Manufacturing, Customer Service, and your local, knowledgeable Territory Manager, act as a team to service CFA member needs, with the focused goal of providing the best foundation forming systems available today.
CertainTeed recognizes CFA as the voice of the poured concrete wall industry in North America, and is proud of our association with this organization and of the commitment and vision of its members. We are a dedicated supporter of CFA professional development activities that help contractor members succeed and prosper. We’ve supported CFA through participation at the summer and winter meetings, as well as by working closely with many CFA members on various initiatives, including having Form-a-Drainspecs programmed into the Autocrete program. We are currently supporting a CFA new member prospecting initiative at the World of Concrete.
CertainTeed takes great pride in our contributions to the concrete foundations industry, and in our support of CFA. We consider our accomplishments of the past, including development of the innovative Form-a-Drain system, as a prelude to bold achievements in the future. At CertainTeed, we pledge to always stand by our slogan – Quality Made Certain – Satisfaction Guaranteed, as we continue to design and manufacture the most advanced, high-performance foundation forming systems available.
